TWI467523B - Simultaneous light collection and illumination on an active display - Google Patents

Description

Simultaneous collection and illumination in an active display

This invention relates to microelectromechanical systems (MEMS).

The present application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 61/093,686, filed on Sep. 2, 2008, and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/941,851, filed on Nov. 16, 2007. This application is related to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/207,270, filed on Sep. 9, 2008.

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) include micromechanical components, actuators, and electronics. The micromechanical elements can be formed using deposition, etching, and/or other micromachining processes that etch away portions of the substrate and/or deposited material layers or add layers to form electrical and electromechanical devices. One type of MEMS device is called an Interferometric Modulator ("IMOD"). As used herein, the terms "interference modulator", "interferometric modulator" or "IMOD" refer to a device that selectively absorbs and/or reflects light using the principle of optical interference. In some embodiments, the interference modulator can include a pair of conductive plates, one or both of which can be fully or partially transparent and/or reflective and capable of relative motion upon application of an appropriate electrical signal. In a particular embodiment, one plate may comprise a fixed layer deposited on the substrate and the other plate may comprise a metal film separated from the fixed layer by an air gap. As described in more detail herein, the position of one plate relative to the other can change the optical interference of light incident on the interferometric modulator.

The IMODs can be arranged in an addressable array to form an active display. Similarly, other MEMS and non-MEMS technologies such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs), light-emitting diodes (LEDs) (including organic LEDs (OLEDs)), electrophoresis, and field emission displays (FED) are used for television and computer monitoring. Active display such as a cellular, cellular phone or personal digital assistant (PDA) screen. Such devices have a wide range of applications, and it is beneficial to utilize and/or modify the characteristics of such devices in the art such that their features can be improved in the process of improving existing products and forming new products that have not yet been developed. of.

In one embodiment, a display device includes: an active display pixel array having a front display surface facing the viewer and a rear display surface; at least one collection film adjacent to one of the front display surface or the rear display surface The collecting film has a front collecting film surface, a rear collecting film surface, at least one edge, and a plurality of light turning features, wherein the light turning feature is configured to collect the front or back collecting film surface and the collecting film surface Light redirecting between the edges; and a photovoltaic device disposed on the edge of the collection film and guided to receive light that is transmitted laterally through the collection film from the light turning feature.

In another embodiment, a display device includes a display pixel array. At least one collection film is disposed adjacent to the array of display pixels. The collection film has a plurality of light turning features, wherein the light turning features are configured to redirect light between the front collection film surface or the rear collection film surface and the edge of the collection film. At least one photovoltaic device is disposed on an edge of the collection film, wherein the photovoltaic device is directed to receive light that is transmitted laterally through the collection film from the light turning feature. At least one light source is disposed on an edge, wherein the light source emits light that traverses the collection film to be diverted by the light turning feature toward the array of display pixels.

In another embodiment, a display device includes a member for displaying an image on a display pixel array, a member for converting light energy into an alternative form of energy, and a member for self-injecting light onto the display surface. The upper direction turns to a member along the display surface facing the lateral direction of the member that converts the light energy into an alternative form of energy.

In another embodiment, a method of collecting light and displaying images includes actively displaying an image in an image area, collecting light from the image area, diverting light from the image area to at least one edge of the image area, and converting the light into Current.

In another embodiment, a method of fabricating a display device includes operatively coupling a collection film to a display surface or a rear display surface prior to an active display pixel array. The collection membrane has a front collection membrane surface, a rear collection membrane surface, at least one edge, and a plurality of light turning features. The method also includes aligning the photovoltaic device with the edge of the collection film such that the light turning feature redirects ambient light from the front collection film surface to the photovoltaic device at the edge of the collection film for conversion to electrical energy.

The following embodiments are directed to certain specific embodiments of the invention. However, the invention can be embodied in a multitude of different ways. In this description, reference is made to the drawings, in which like reference As will be apparent from the description below, embodiments can be implemented in any device configured to programmatically display an image, whether the image is a moving image (eg, video) or a fixed image (eg, a still image), and regardless of Whether it is a text image or a graphic image. More particularly, contemplated embodiments can be implemented in or associated with a variety of electronic devices, such as, but not limited to, mobile phones, wireless devices, personal data assistants (PDAs), handheld or portable computers, GPS receiver/navigator, camera, MP3 player, camcorder, game console, watch, clock, calculator, TV monitor, flat panel display, computer monitor, car display (eg, odometer display, etc.) ), a cockpit controller and/or display, a camera field of view display (eg, a rear view camera display in a vehicle), an electronic photo, an electronic billboard or signage, a projector, a building structure, a package, and an aesthetic structure (eg, one The image on the piece of jewelry shows)).

Certain embodiments of the present invention are directed to a collection film coupled to a photovoltaic device for collecting light passing through an active display area and converting the light into electrical energy. A collection film disposed above or below the array of display pixels has a light turning feature that redirects some of the light received on the active display area and directs the light to the collection film with at least one photovoltaic device positioned edge. In some embodiments, a light source, such as an LED, is also placed at the edge of the same film and emits light that is redirected by the light turning features to illuminate the display.

Although the embodiment of Figures 8-20 can use a collection film and photovoltaic device in conjunction with a variety of display techniques, Figures 1 through 7E illustrate an interference modulator (IMOD) display technique useful with the embodiments of Figures 8-20.

An embodiment of an interference modulator display including an interferometric MEMS display element is illustrated in FIG. In such devices, the pixels are in a bright or dark state. In the bright ("on" or "on" state), the display element reflects most of the incident visible light to the user. When in a dark ("off" or "off" state), the display element reflects very little incident visible light to the user. Depending on the embodiment, the light reflection properties of the "on" and "off" states can be reversed. MEMS pixels can be configured to primarily reflect selected colors, allowing for color display in addition to black and white.

1 is an isometric view depicting two adjacent pixels in a series of pixels of a visual display, where each pixel includes a MEMS interferometric modulator. In some embodiments, the interference modulator display includes a column/row array of such interference modulators. Each of the interference modulators includes a pair of reflective layers that are positioned at a variable and controllable distance from each other to form a resonant optical gap having at least one variable size. In an embodiment, one of the reflective layers is moveable between two positions. In a first position, referred to herein as a relaxed position, the active reflective layer is positioned at a relatively large distance from the fixed partially reflective layer. In a second position, referred to herein as the actuated position, the active reflective layer is positioned more closely adjacent to the partially reflective layer. Depending on the position of the active reflective layer, the incident light reflected from the two layers interferes constructively or destructively, resulting in a fully reflective or non-reflective state for each pixel.

The depicted portion of the pixel array of Figure 1 includes two adjacent interferometric modulators 12a and 12b. In the left interfering modulator 12a, the active reflective layer 14a is illustrated in a relaxed position at a predetermined distance from the optical stack 16a comprising the partially reflective layer. In the right interfering modulator 12b, the active reflective layer 14b is illustrated as being in an actuated position adjacent to the optical stack 16b.

Optical stacks 16a and 16b (collectively referred to as optical stacks 16) as referred to herein typically comprise a plurality of fused layers, which may include electrode layers such as indium tin oxide (ITO), partially reflective layers such as chrome, and transparent Dielectric. The optical stack 16 is thus electrically conductive, partially transparent, and partially reflective, and can be fabricated, for example, by depositing one or more of the above layers on a transparent substrate 20. The partially reflective layer can be formed from a variety of materials that are partially reflective, such as various metals, semiconductors, and dielectrics. The partially reflective layer can be formed from one or more layers of material, and each of the layers can be formed from a single material or combination of materials.

In some embodiments, the layers of optical stack 16 are patterned into parallel strips and may form column electrodes in a display device as described further below. The movable reflective layers 14a, 14b may be formed as a series of parallel strips deposited on the pillars 18 and deposited on the top of the intervening sacrificial material between the pillars 18 or a plurality of deposited metal layers (with the electrodes of the columns 16a, 16b being positive) cross). When the sacrificial material is etched away, the active reflective layers 14a, 14b are separated from the optical stacks 16a, 16b by defined gaps 19. Highly conductive and reflective materials such as aluminum can be used for the reflective layer 14, and such strips can form row electrodes in display devices.

As illustrated by pixel 12a in Figure 1, in the absence of an applied voltage, gap 19 remains between active reflective layer 14a and optical stack 16a, and active reflective layer 14a is in a mechanically relaxed state. However, when a potential difference is applied to the selected column and row, the capacitor formed at the intersection of the column and the row electrode at the corresponding pixel becomes charged, and the electrostatic force pulls the electrodes together. If the voltage is sufficiently high, the active reflective layer 14 deforms and is forced against the optical stack 16. A dielectric layer (not illustrated in this figure) within optical stack 16 prevents shorting and controls the spacing between layers 14 and 16, as illustrated by pixel 12b to the right in FIG. This behavior is the same regardless of the polarity of the applied potential difference. In this manner, the column/row actuation of the controllable reflection versus non-reflective pixel state is similar in many respects to the column/row actuation used in conventional LCD and other display technologies.

2 through 5B illustrate an exemplary process and system for using an array of interferometric modulators in a display application.

2 is a system block diagram illustrating one embodiment of an electronic device in accordance with aspects of the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment, the electronic device includes a processor 21, which can be any general purpose single or multi-chip microprocessor, such as an ARM, , , , , Pro, 8051 , , Or any dedicated microprocessor, such as a digital signal processor, microcontroller, or programmable gate array. As is known in the art, processor 21 can be configured to execute one or more software modules. In addition to executing the operating system, the processor can be configured to execute one or more software applications, including a web browser, a phone application, an email program, or any other software application.

In an embodiment, processor 21 is also configured to communicate with array driver 22. In one embodiment, array driver 22 includes a column drive circuit 24 and a row drive circuit 26 that provide signals to display array or panel 30. The cross section of the array illustrated in Figure 1 is illustrated by line 1-1 in Figure 2. For MEMS interferometric modulators, the column/row actuation protocol can utilize the hysteresis properties of such devices illustrated in FIG. A potential difference of, for example, 10 volts may be required to deform the active layer from a relaxed state to an actuated state. However, as the voltage decreases from the value, the active layer maintains its state as the voltage drops back below 10 volts. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, the active layer is completely relaxed until the voltage drops below 2 volts. Thus, in the example illustrated in Figure 3 there is a voltage window of about 3V to 7V, in which the device is stable in the relaxed or actuated state. This is referred to herein as a "hysteresis window" or "stability window." For a display array having the hysteresis characteristic of FIG. 3, a column/row actuation protocol can be designed such that during column gating, the pixel to be actuated in the gating column is exposed to a voltage difference of about 10 volts and is to be relaxed. The pixels are exposed to a voltage difference close to zero volts. After gating, the pixel is exposed to a steady state voltage difference of about 5 volts such that it remains in the column gating to be in any state. After writing, each pixel experiences a potential difference within a "stability window" of 3 to 7 volts in this example. This feature allows the pixel design illustrated in Figure 1 to be stable in a pre-existing state of actuation or relaxation under the same applied voltage conditions. Since each pixel of the interferometric modulator (whether in an actuated or relaxed state) is essentially a capacitor formed by a fixed and moving reflective layer, this steady state can be maintained in the hysteresis window with little power dissipation. Under the voltage inside. If the applied potential is fixed, essentially no current flows into the pixel.

In a typical application, a display frame can be formed by ascertaining a set of row electrodes based on a desired set of actuated pixels in the first column. A column pulse is then applied to the first column of electrodes to actuate the pixels corresponding to the determined row line. The asserted set of row electrodes is then changed to correspond to the desired set of actuated pixels in the second column. A pulse is then applied to the second column of electrodes to actuate the appropriate pixels in column 2 in accordance with the determined row electrodes. The first column of pixels is unaffected by the second column of pulses and remains in the state it was set during the first column of pulses. This can be repeated for the entire series to generate a frame. In general, the new display data is renewed and/or updated by continuously repeating the process under a desired number of frames per second. A wide variety of protocols for driving columns and row electrodes of pixel arrays to produce display frames are also well known and can be used in conjunction with the present invention.

4, 5A and 5B illustrate a possible actuation protocol for forming a display frame on the 3x3 array of FIG. 4 illustrates a possible set of row and column voltage levels that can be used to represent the pixels of the hysteresis curve of FIG. In the embodiment of Figure 4, actuating the pixels involves setting the appropriate row to _-Vbias , and the appropriate column is set to +ΔV, _-Vbias and +ΔV may correspond to -5 volts and +5 volts, respectively. Pixel relaxation is achieved by setting the appropriate row to + _Vbias and setting the appropriate column to the same +ΔV, resulting in a zero volt potential difference across the pixel. In the columns where the column voltage is maintained at zero volts, the pixel is stable in any state it was originally in, regardless of whether the row is at +V _bias or -V _bias . As also illustrated in FIG. 4, it will be appreciated that voltages having polarities opposite to their voltages as described above may be used, for example, actuating a pixel may involve setting the appropriate row to + _Vbias and the appropriate column to -ΔV. In this embodiment, the release of the pixel is achieved by setting the appropriate row to _-Vbias and the appropriate column to the same -[Delta]V, resulting in a zero volt potential difference across the pixel.

5B is a timing diagram showing a series of column and row signals applied to the 3x3 array of FIG. 2 that will result in the display configuration illustrated in FIG. 5A, wherein the actuated pixels are non-reflective. Prior to writing the frame illustrated in Figure 5A, the pixels can be in any state, and in this example, all columns are at 0 volts and all rows are at +5 volts. At these applied voltages, all of the pixels are stable in their existing actuated or relaxed state.

In the frame of Figure 5A, the pixels (1, 1), (1, 2), (2, 2), (3, 2) and (3, 3) are actuated. To achieve this, during the "line time" of column 1, the first and second rows are set to -5 volts, and the third row is set to +5 volts. This does not change the state of any of the pixels because all pixels remain in the 3 to 7 volt stabilization window. The first column is then gated with a pulse starting at 0 volts up to 5 volts and returning to zero. This activates (1, 1) and (1, 2) pixels and relaxes the (1, 3) pixels. Does not affect other pixels in the array. To set the second column as needed, set the second line to -5 volts and set the first and third lines to +5 volts. The same strobe applied to the second column will then actuate the pixel (2, 2) and relax the pixels (2, 1) and (2, 3). Also, it does not affect other pixels of the array. The third column is similarly set by setting the second and third rows to -5 volts and the first row to be set to +5 volts. As shown in FIG. 5A, the third column strobe sets the third column of pixels. After writing the frame, the column potential is zero and the row potential can be maintained at +5 or -5 volts, and then the display is stabilized in the configuration of Figure 5A. It should be understood that the same program can be used for arrays of tens or hundreds of columns and rows. It should also be appreciated that the timing, sequence, and level of voltages used to perform the column and row actuations can vary widely within the general principles outlined above, and the above examples are merely illustrative, and any actuation voltage method can be used herein. The systems and methods described are used together.

6A and 6B are system block diagrams illustrating one embodiment of a display device 40. Display device 40 can be, for example, a cellular or mobile phone. However, the same components of display device 40 or slight variations thereof also illustrate various types of display devices such as televisions and portable media players.

The display device 40 includes a housing 41, a display 30, an antenna 43, a speaker 45, an input device 48, and a microphone 46. The outer casing 41 is generally formed from any of a variety of manufacturing processes well known to those skilled in the art, including injection molding and vacuum forming. Additionally, the outer casing 41 can be made from any of a variety of materials including, but not limited to, plastic, metal, glass, rubber, and ceramic, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the housing 41 includes a removable portion (not shown) that is interchangeable with other removable portions having different colors or containing different logos, pictures or symbols.

Display 30 of exemplary display device 40 can be any of a variety of displays including a bistable display, as described herein. In other embodiments, display 30 includes a flat panel display such as a plasma display, EL, OLED, STN LCD or TFT LCD as described above; or a non-flat panel display well known to those skilled in the art, such as a CRT or other tube device . However, for the purposes of describing the present embodiment, display 30 includes an interferometric modulator display as described herein.

The components of one embodiment of an exemplary display device 40 are schematically illustrated in Figure 6B. The illustrated exemplary display device 40 includes a housing 41 and can include additional components that are at least partially enclosed therein. For example, in one embodiment, the exemplary display device 40 includes a network interface 27 that includes an antenna 43 coupled to the transceiver 47. The transceiver 47 is coupled to a processor 21 that is coupled to the conditioning hardware 52. The conditioning hardware 52 can be configured to condition a signal (eg, a filtered signal). The adjustment hardware 52 is connected to the speaker 45 and the microphone 46. Processor 21 is also coupled to input device 48 and drive controller 29. The drive controller 29 is coupled to the frame buffer 28 and the array driver 22 , which in turn is coupled to the display array 30 . Power supply 50 provides power to all components as required by a particular exemplary display device 40 design.

The network interface 27 includes an antenna 43 and a transceiver 47 to enable the exemplary display device 40 to communicate with one or more devices via a network. In an embodiment, the network interface 27 may also have some processing power to alleviate the needs of the processor 21. Antenna 43 is any antenna known to those skilled in the art for transmitting and receiving signals. In an embodiment, the antenna transmits and receives RF signals in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standard, including IEEE 802.11 (a), (b), or (g). In another embodiment, the antenna transmits and receives RF signals in accordance with the BLUETOOTH (Bluetooth) standard. In the case of a cellular telephone, the antenna is designed to receive CDMA, GSM, AMPS or other known signals for communication within the wireless mobile telephone network. Transceiver 47 preprocesses the signals received from antenna 43 such that it can be received by processor 21 and further manipulated. Transceiver 47 also processes the signals received from processor 21 such that it can be transmitted from exemplary display device 40 via antenna 43.

In an alternative embodiment, the transceiver 47 can be replaced by a receiver. In yet another alternative embodiment, the network interface 27 can be replaced by an image source that can store or generate image material to be sent to the processor 21. For example, the image source may be a digital video disc (DVD) or a hard disc drive containing image data, or a software module for generating image data.

Processor 21 generally controls the overall operation of exemplary display device 40. The processor 21 receives data such as compressed image data from the network interface 27 or the image source, and processes the data into original image data or a format that is easily processed into the original image data. Processor 21 then sends the processed data to drive controller 29 or frame buffer 28 for storage. Raw material is usually information that identifies the image characteristics at each location within the image. For example, such image characteristics may include color, saturation, and gray levels.

In an embodiment, processor 21 includes a microcontroller, CPU or logic unit to control the operation of exemplary display device 40. The conditioning hardware 52 generally includes an amplifier and a filter for transmitting signals to the speaker 45 and for receiving signals from the microphone 46. The conditioning hardware 52 can be a discrete component within the exemplary display device 40 or can be incorporated into the processor 21 or other components.

The drive controller 29 retrieves the raw image material generated by the processor 21 directly from the processor 21 or from the frame buffer 28 and reformats the original image data for high speed transmission to the array driver 22. In particular, drive controller 29 reformats the raw image data into a stream of data in a raster-like format such that it has a temporal order suitable for scanning across display array 30. Drive controller 29 then sends the formatted information to array driver 22. Although the drive controller 29, such as an LCD controller, is often associated with a system processor 21 that is a separate integrated circuit (IC), such controllers can be implemented in a number of ways. It can be embedded in the processor 21 as a hardware, embedded in the processor 21 as a software, or fully integrated with the array driver 22 in the hardware.

Typically, array driver 22 receives the formatted information from drive controller 29 and reformats the video data into parallel waveform sets that are applied multiple times per second to the xy pixel matrix from the display, hundreds and sometimes thousands of leads. .

In an embodiment, drive controller 29, array driver 22, and display array 30 are suitable for any of the types of displays described herein. For example, in one embodiment, drive controller 29 is a conventional display controller or a bi-stable display controller (eg, an interferometric modulator controller). In another embodiment, array driver 22 is a conventional driver or a bistable display driver (eg, an interferometric modulator display). In an embodiment, drive controller 29 is integrated with array driver 22. This embodiment is common in highly integrated systems such as cellular phones, wristwatches, and other small area displays. In yet another embodiment, display array 30 is a typical display array or a bistable display array (eg, a display including an array of interferometric modulators).

Input device 48 allows the user to control the operation of exemplary display device 40. In an embodiment, input device 48 includes a keypad such as a QWERTY keyboard or telephone keypad, buttons, switches, touch sensitive screens, or a pressure sensitive or temperature sensitive film. In an embodiment, the microphone 46 is an input device of the illustrative display device 40. When data is input to the device using the microphone 46, a voice command can be provided by the user for controlling the operation of the exemplary display device 40.

Power source 50 can include a variety of energy storage devices as are well known in the art. For example, in one embodiment, the power source 50 is a rechargeable battery, such as a nickel cadmium battery or a lithium ion battery. In another embodiment, the power source 50 is a renewable energy source, a capacitor, or a solar cell including a plastic solar cell and a solar cell lacquer. In another embodiment, the power source 50 is configured to receive power from a wall outlet.

In some embodiments, as described above, control programmability resides in a drive controller that can be located in several locations of the electronic display system. In some embodiments, control programmability resides in array driver 22. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the above described optimizations can be implemented in any number of hardware and/or software components and in a variety of configurations.

The details of the structure of the interference modulator operating in accordance with the principles set forth above may vary widely. For example, Figures 7A-7E illustrate five different embodiments of the active reflective layer 14 and its support structure. Figure 7A is a cross section of the embodiment of Figure 1 with strips of metal material 14 deposited on orthogonally extending supports 18. In FIG. 7B, the movable reflective layer 14 is attached to the support only on the tie 32 at the corners. In FIG. 7C, the active reflective layer 14 is suspended from a deformable layer 34 that may comprise a flexible metal. The deformable layer 34 is connected to the substrate 20 directly or indirectly around the perimeter of the deformable layer 34. Such connections are referred to herein as supports 18, which may take the form of columns, struts, rails or walls. The embodiment illustrated in Figure 7D has a support plunger 42 on which the deformable layer 34 rests. As in Figures 7A-7C, the active reflective layer 14 remains suspended over the gap, but the deformable layer 34 does not form a support post by filling the aperture between the deformable layer 34 and the optical stack 16. Rather, the support 18 is formed from a planarizing material used to form the support plunger 42. The embodiment illustrated in Figure 7E is based on the embodiment shown in Figure 7D, but can also be adapted to work with any of the embodiments illustrated in Figures 7A-7C, as well as additional embodiments not shown. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7E, additional layers of metal or other conductive material have been used to form the bus bar structure 44. This allows signal delivery along the back of the interferometric modulator, thereby eliminating multiple electrodes that may otherwise have to be formed on the substrate 20.

In an embodiment such as the embodiments shown in Figures 7A-7E, the interference modulator acts as an intuitive device, with the front side of the transparent substrate 20 (the side opposite the side on which the modulator is arranged) viewed image. In such embodiments, the reflective layer 14 optically shields portions of the interfering modulator on the side of the reflective layer opposite the substrate 20, including the deformable layer 34. This allows the mask area to be configured and operated without adversely affecting image quality. This shielding allows the busbar structure 44 of Figure 7E to provide the ability to separate the optical properties of the modulator from the electromechanical properties of the modulator, such as addressing and movement caused by its addressing. This separable modulator architecture allows the structural design and materials used for the electromechanical and optical aspects of the modulator to be selected and function independently of each other. Moreover, the embodiment shown in Figures 7C-7E has the added benefit of being derived from the decoupling of the optical properties of the reflective layer 14 from the mechanical properties performed by the deformable layer 34. This allows the structural design and materials for the reflective layer 14 to be optimized with respect to optical properties, and the structural design and materials for the deformable layer 34 are optimized with respect to the desired mechanical properties.

In some embodiments as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the front collection film 80 is disposed on the front side of the display pixel array 82 or on the front side of the display pixel array 82. The rear collection film 84 is disposed below the rear side of the display pixel array 82 or on the rear side of the display pixel array 82. Display pixel array 82 can be reflective and take the form of an LCD, MEMS device (eg, an interferometric modulator or IMOD display), an electrophoretic device, or any other type of display technology that reflects light from the front side or view side. Display pixel array 82 can be emitted and employs a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a field emission display (FED), a backlit microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device (eg, , Transflective and Backlight Interferometer Display (IMOD), or any other type of display technology that internally generates and emits light. As used herein, "emission" display technology includes backlighting techniques.

In some embodiments, display device 85 can be formed to have only front collection film 80. In other embodiments, display device 85 can be formed to have only rear collection film 84. FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a front photovoltaic film 80 and a rear collection film 84 each having a photovoltaic (PV) device 86 disposed on an edge 88 of the collection films 80, 84. Figure 8 is a schematic and generally communicated relative position of the collection film, PV device, and active display such that portions of the light received by the display or image area are also shunted to the PV device.

FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment in which photovoltaic device 86 and light source 90 are disposed on edges 88 of collection films 80, 84. In some embodiments, photovoltaic device 86 and light source 90 can be placed proximate to each other. In other embodiments, photovoltaic (PV) device 86 and light source 90 are disposed in different locations on edge 88 of collection membranes 80, 84. As with Figure 8, the device can include a front side collection film 80, a back side collection film 84, or both as shown. Similar to Figure 8, the portion of the light from or to the image area of the active display is shunted to the PV device on the edge of the image area; in addition, the collection film diverts some of the light from the source at the edge to the display array 82 Image area. Note that the PV device 86 and the light source 90 need not be on the same side of the collection film 80, 84 or on the same side of the edge 88.

In the embodiment illustrated by Figure 9, the collection films 80, 84 can have structures similar to those of Figure 8. However, such films 80, 84 may also serve as an illumination film as far as light from source 90 travels in the opposite direction as light reaching photovoltaic device 86. As will be better understood from Figures 11A-13B, discussed below, the collection films 80, 84 include light turning features. The light source can comprise, for example, a light emitting diode (LED).

The collection membranes 80, 84 each comprise two surfaces. The upper surface is configured to receive ambient light. The bottom surface is disposed below the upper surface. The collection membranes 80, 84 are bounded by edges 88 around. Generally, the length and width of the collecting films 80, 84 are substantially greater than the thickness of the collecting films 80, 84. The thickness of the collection films 80, 84 can vary from, for example, 0.5 mm to 10 mm. The area of the major surfaces of the collection membranes 80, 84 can vary from 0.01 cm ² to 10,000 cm ² . In some embodiments, the refractive index of the materials comprising the collection films 80, 84 can be significantly higher than the surrounding medium to direct most of the ambient light by total internal reflection (TIR) within the collection membranes 80, 84.

10A-10C illustrate various configurations of placing both photovoltaic device 86 and light source 90 on the edge 88 of collection films 80,84. In some embodiments, the light source 90 can be omitted. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10A, photovoltaic device 86 and light source 90 are disposed side by side at one of the corners 92 of collection films 80, 84. The collection membranes 80, 84 include light turning features 94 that are schematically illustrated by arcs on the surface of the collection membranes 80, 84. The light turning features can be neodymium features, diffractive features, holographic features, or used to divert light from the direction incident on the upper or lower surface of the collection films 80, 84 to the edges 88 of the laterally facing collection films 80, 84. Any other direction of direction. In some embodiments, photovoltaic device 86 and/or light source 90 can be disposed along the center of one side of edge 88 rather than the corners 92 of collection films 80, 84. Although FIG. 10A demonstrates a photovoltaic device 86 and a light source 90 that are placed close to each other, as seen in FIGS. 10B and 10C, the photovoltaic device 86 and the light source 90 may be concentric or overlapping, or may be arranged in a collection film. The different locations on the edges 88 of the 80, 84 are, for example, opposite each other. In some embodiments, the collection membranes 80, 84 have a plurality of photovoltaic devices 86 and/or light sources 90 disposed in various locations on the edges 88 of the collection membranes 80, 84.

11A-13B illustrate an example of a collection film having light redirecting features that can be used for both light collection and photoelectric conversion or collection and illumination of display device 85.

One embodiment of a ruthenium collection membrane for operatively coupling ambient light into a photovoltaic device is shown in Figure 11A. The 稜鏡 light guide collector is based on the reciprocal principle. In other words, light can travel in the forward and reverse directions along the path between the surface and the edge of the ruthenium collection film. FIG. 11A illustrates a side view of an embodiment including a collection film 104 disposed relative to photovoltaic device 100. In some embodiments, the collection film 104 includes a substrate 105 and a plurality of tantalum features 108 formed thereon or therein. The collection film 104 can include a top surface 130 and a bottom surface 140, and a plurality of edges 110 therebetween. Light 112 incident on the collection film 104 can be redirected into the collection film 104 by a plurality of turns features 108 and laterally guided within the collection film 104 by multiple total internal reflections at the top and bottom surfaces. The collection film 104 can comprise an optically transmissive material that is permeable to radiation at one or more wavelengths that are sensitive to the photovoltaic device. For example, in one embodiment, the collection film 104 can be permeable to wavelengths in the visible and near infrared regions. In other embodiments, the collection film 104 can be permeable to wavelengths in the ultraviolet or infrared region. The collection film 104 may be formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material such as glass or acrylic to provide structural stability to the embodiment. Alternatively, the collection film 104 can be formed from a flexible material such as a flexible polymer.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11A, the light turning features in the form of a meandering feature 108 are located on or away from the bottom surface 140 of the substrate 105. The crucible feature 108 is generally an elongated recess formed in the bottom surface 140 of the substrate 105. The grooves can be filled with an optically transmissive material. The germanium feature 108 can be formed on the bottom surface of the substrate 105 by molding, stamping, etching, or other alternative techniques. Alternatively, the tantalum feature 108 can be disposed on a film that can be laminated on the bottom surface of the substrate 105. In some embodiments comprising a ruthenium film, light can be individually guided within the ruthenium film. In such embodiments, the substrate 105 can provide structural stability alone. The haptic feature 108 can comprise a variety of shapes. For example, the haptic feature 108 can be a linear v-shaped groove or crevice. Alternatively, the haptic feature 108 can comprise a curved groove or a non-linear shape.

FIG. 11B shows an enlarged view of the 稜鏡 feature in the form of a linear v-shaped groove 116. As shown in FIG. 11B, the v-shaped groove 116 includes two flat facets F1 and F2 with an angle α disposed therebetween. The angular distance a between the facets may depend on the refractive index of the collection film 104 or the surrounding medium and may vary from 15 degrees to 120 degrees. In some embodiments, facets F1 and F2 can have equal lengths. In the illustrated asymmetric embodiment, one of the facets has a length greater than the other. The distance 'a' between two consecutive v-shaped grooves can vary from 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm. The v-groove width indicated by 'b' may vary between 0.001 mm and 0.100 mm, while the v-groove depth indicated by 'd' may vary between 0.001 mm and 0..5 mm.

Figure 11C shows an enlarged view of the 稜鏡 feature in the form of an asymmetric slit 108. The slit 108 includes two substantially parallel flat facets F3 and F4 disposed at a beta angle to the surface of the collection film. The angle β between the collection membrane surface and the fracture may depend on the refractive index of the collection membrane 104 or the surrounding medium and may vary from 5 degrees to 70 degrees. The flat facet F3 redirects light from the front collecting film surface 130 laterally toward one of the edges 110 of the collecting film 104 by multiple internal reflections at the front collecting film surface 130 and the rear collecting film surface 140. The flat facet F4 redirects light 112 from the rear collection film surface 140 to the opposite edge 110 of the collection film 104 by multiple internal reflections on the front collection film surface 130 and the rear collection film surface 140.

Referring to Figures 11A and 11C, photovoltaic device 100 is disposed laterally adjacent to collection film 104, adjacent edge 110 of film 104. The photovoltaic device 100 is configured and directed to receive light redirected through the collection film 104 by the crucible feature 108. Photovoltaic device 100 can comprise single or multiple layers of p-n bonding and can be formed of germanium, amorphous germanium or other semiconductor materials such as cadmium telluride. In some embodiments, photovoltaic device 100 can be based on photoelectrochemical cells, polymers, or nanotechnology. Photovoltaic device 100 can also include a thin multi-spectral layer. The multispectral layer may further comprise nanocrystals dispersed in the polymer. Several multi-spectral layers can be stacked to increase the efficiency of the photovoltaic device 100. 11A and 11B illustrate an embodiment in which photovoltaic device 100 is disposed along one edge 110 of collection film 104 (e.g., to the left of collection film 104). However, another photovoltaic device can also be disposed at the other edge of the collection film 104 (eg, to the right of the collection film 104). As shown in FIG. 11C, a plurality of photovoltaic devices can be disposed at opposite edges of the collection film 104 (eg, to the left and right of the collection film 104). Other configurations of the photovoltaic device 100 relative to the collection film 104 are also possible.

Light incident on the upper surface of the collection film 104 is transmitted through the collection film 104 as indicated by the light path 112. After touching the facets of the haptic feature 108, the light is totally internally reflected by multiple reflections from the upper surface 130 and the bottom surface 140 of the collecting film 104. After touching the edge 110 of the collection film 104, the light exits the collection film 104 and is optically coupled to the photovoltaic device 100. A lens or light pipe can be used to optically couple light from the collection film 104 to the photovoltaic device 100. In an embodiment, for example, the collection film 104 may have an innocent feature 108 at an end that is closer to the photovoltaic device 100. The portion of the collecting film 104 without any ruthenium characteristics can serve as a light pipe. The amount of light that can be collected and directed through the collection film will depend on the geometry, type, and density of the features. The amount of light collected will also depend on the refractive index of the determined numerical aperture of the photoconductive material.

Light is thereby directed through the collection film 104 by total internal reflection (TIR). Although any particular ray may be directed at an angle relative to the upper or lower surface, the net redirection is from the direction of the primary (top or bottom) surface incident on the film to the edge 110 of the film 104, generally and light. A transverse direction parallel to the surface incident on the top surface. The guided light may be attributable to absorption in the collection film and loss from scattering from other facets. In order to reduce this loss in the guided light, it is necessary to limit the lateral length of the collecting film 104 to several tens of mils or less in order to reduce the number of reflections. However, limiting the length of the collection film 104 may be reduced to the area of light collected above. Thus, in some embodiments, the length of the collection membrane 104 can be increased to greater than a few tens of inches. In some other embodiments, an optical coating can be deposited on the surface of the collection film 104 to reduce Fresnel losses.

When the light touches the portion of the collection film 104 of the innocent feature 108 (which will typically occupy a majority of the film surface), it can be transmitted through the collection film and not into the collection film. In embodiments described below where it is desirable to allow most of the incident light to pass through the film, the transmitted light can illuminate the active display. However, it may be desirable to tune the amount of steered light to increase the collection of photovoltaic device 100. To increase the amount of light that is split towards the photovoltaic device 100, it may be advantageous to stack several collection film layers comprising germanium features, wherein the germanium features are offset relative to one another as illustrated in Figure 11D. FIG. 11D illustrates an embodiment comprising a first acquisition film layer 204 having a ruthenium feature 208 and a second acquisition film layer 212 having a ruthenium feature 216. The photovoltaic device 200 is disposed laterally relative to the two collection film layers 204 and 212. The haptic features 208 and 216 are designed to be offset or randomized relative to each other to have a high probability of misalignment of the light turning features. Light 220 is diverted and directed through first collection film 204 as described above. Light ray 224 passing through first collection film 204 at point A is diverted and directed through second collection film 212. Shifting the haptic features 208 and 216 in this manner reduces the spacing between features and increases the density of the 稜鏡 features. Offsetting the feature increases the amount of light that is optically coupled to the photovoltaic device, thereby increasing the electrical output of the photovoltaic device (at the expense of transmitted light). Because the collection film layers 204, 212 can be thin, it is possible to stack multiple collection film layers and increase the amount of light coupled to the PV cells. The number of layers that can be stacked together, in addition to the allowable loss of transmitted light for the desired application (eg, through the layer to view the display device), depending on the size and/or thickness of each layer and the cost at the interface of each layer It depends on the loss of Nie. In some embodiments, two to ten acquisition membrane layers can be stacked together.

The advantage of using a calendering guide, sheet or film to collect, concentrate, and direct light to the photovoltaic device is that fewer photovoltaic devices may be required to achieve the desired electrical output. Therefore, this technology has the potential to reduce the cost of generating energy from photovoltaic devices. Another advantage is the ability to collect light for generating electrical power to a reflective display or to transmit from any type of display without excessive reduction.

Figure 12 illustrates another collection membrane in which the turning features include a diffractive feature 308 rather than a crucible feature. In various preferred embodiments, the diffractive features 308 are configured to redirect light incident on the collection film 104 (e.g., rays 312) at an angle through which light travels within the collection film 104 to collect The edge 110 of the film 104 enters the photovoltaic device 100. Light may propagate along the length of the collection film 104, for example, via total internal reflection at a sweep angle of, for example, about 40[deg.] or greater (as measured from the normal to the surface of the collection film 104). This angle may be a critical angle established by Snell's law or greater than a critical angle established by Snell's law. The diffracted ray 312 is redirected to be orthogonal to the length of the collection film 104. The diffractive features 308 can include surface or volume diffractive features. The diffractive feature 308 can be included on the diffractive turning film on the first side 130 of the collection film 104. The diffractive features can include holographic features. Also, in some embodiments, the diffractive turning film can comprise a hologram or a holographic film. The diffractive microstructures can be on the top, bottom or sides of the collection film 104 depending on the relative refractive index or reflectivity of the material.

13A and 13B illustrate an embodiment of a collection film 240 that includes another type of light redirecting element 242. Light turning element 242 can be a microstructured film. In some embodiments, light redirecting element 242 can comprise a volume or surface diffraction feature or hologram. Light turning element 242 can be a thin plate, sheet or film. In some embodiments, the thickness of the light turning element 242 can range from about 1 [mu]m to about 100 [mu]m, but can be larger or smaller. In some embodiments, the thickness of the light turning element or layer 242 can be between 5 μm and 50 μm. In some other embodiments, the thickness of the light turning element or layer 242 can be between 1 μm and 10 μm. The light turning element 242 can be attached to the layer on the substrate 244 of the collection film 240 by an adhesive. The adhesive can be index matched to the material constituting the substrate 244. In some embodiments, the adhesive can be index matched to the materials that make up the light turning element 242. In some embodiments, light turning element 242 can be stacked on substrate 244 to form collection film 240. In certain other embodiments, volume or surface diffraction features or holograms may be formed on or under the substrate 244 by deposition or other processes.

The volume or surface diffractive element or hologram can be operated in a transmissive or reflective mode. The transmission diffractive element or hologram generally comprises an optically transmissive material and diffracts light passing therethrough. The reflective diffractive elements and holograms generally comprise a reflective material and diffract light reflected therefrom. In some embodiments, the volume or surface diffractive element/hologram can be a mixture of transmissive and reflective structures. The diffractive element/hologram may comprise a rainbow hologram, a computer generated diffractive element or hologram, or other type of hologram or diffractive optical element. In some embodiments (eg, on the back side of the display), the reflection hologram may be superior to the transmission when a high proportion of incident light should be shunted to the photovoltaic device (and in some embodiments, from the source) Holograms, because reflection holograms may be able to collect and direct white light better than transmission holograms. In embodiments where higher transparency is desired (e.g., on the front side of the display), a transmission hologram can be used. In embodiments comprising multiple layers, the transmission hologram may be superior to the reflection hologram. In certain embodiments described below, the stack of transmissive layers is particularly useful for increasing optical performance. As mentioned, the transmissive layer can also be useful for embodiments in which the collection film covers the front side of the display such that a high proportion of incident light can pass through the collection film to and from the display located beneath the collection film.

One of the possible advantages of light redirecting element 242 is explained below with reference to Figures 13A and 13B. FIG. 13A shows an embodiment in which light redirecting element 242 includes a transmission hologram and is disposed on an upper surface of substrate 244 to form collection film 240. Ambient light 246i is incident on the top surface of light redirecting element 242 at an angle of incidence θ ₁ . Light turning element 242 diverts or diffracts incident light 246. The diffracted ray 246r is incident on the substrate 244 such that the angle of propagation of the ray 246r in the substrate 244 is θ" ₁ which is greater than θ _TIR . Thus, in the case of the light-free turning element 242, it is transmitted from the collecting film 240. Light 246i that is not laterally guided within substrate 244 is now collected in the presence of light redirecting element 242 and laterally guided within collection film 240. Thus, light redirecting element 242 can increase the collection efficiency of collection film 240 Conversely, light from a source at the edge of film 240 is more likely to turn to the upper surface.

FIG. 13B illustrates an embodiment in which light redirecting element 242 includes a reflective hologram and is disposed on a bottom surface of substrate 244. The ray 248 is incident on the upper surface of the collecting film 240 at an angle θ ₁ such that the refracting angle of the ray 248 is θ ₁ '. After the refracted beam 248r touches the light turning element 242, it is reflected by the light turning element 242 at an angle θ ₁ greater than the critical angle θ _TIR of the substrate 244 into the ray 248b. Because the angle θ ₁ "is greater than the critical angle θ _TIR , The ray 248b is then directed within the collection film 240 via multiple total internal reflections. Thus, the light 248i that would otherwise not be guided by the substrate 244 is now guided within the collection film 240 due to the presence of the light turning element 242. Conversely, light from a source at the edge of film 240 is more likely to turn to the upper surface.

14 illustrates an embodiment of display device 85 in which collection film 80 is disposed on a display surface prior to an active pixel array of reflective display 82. In the illustrated embodiment, reflective display 82 includes an active MEMS array, and more particularly an active interference modulator having individually addressable pixels arranged in an array as disclosed above with respect to Figures 1-7E ( IMOD). In other embodiments, reflective display 82 can include an LCD, DLP, or electrophoretic active display technology. The reflective display 82 shown in Figure 14 includes a display surface with a collection film 80 attached thereto. The front display surface is coupled to the backing plate 87 by spacers 300 and/or a supporting frit surrounding the display pixel array 82. The array 82 includes a substrate 20, an optical stack 16 including fixed (transparent) electrodes, and a movable electrode or mirror 14 connected to the substrate 20 by a support 18. For purposes of illustration, the IMOD arrays of Figures 14 and 15 are schematically represented by a single IMOD.

In the embodiment of FIG. 14, the front acquisition membrane 80 has a front collection membrane surface 80a and a rear collection membrane surface 80b and at least one edge 88. Photovoltaic device 86 is disposed on edge 88 of collection film 80 and source 90 is positioned adjacent to photovoltaic device 86 or at another edge location. The front collection film surface 80a receives ambient light 95. The light turning features 94 of the collection film 80 direct the ambient light 95 toward the edge 88 of the film 80 for receipt and conversion to electrical energy by the photovoltaic device 86. Light source 90 emits light that is diverted to reflective display 82 by light turning feature 94 to illuminate display 82 without sufficient ambient light 95, or to illuminate reflective display 82 in conjunction with ambient light 95. In some embodiments, the light source 90 can be omitted.

15 illustrates another embodiment of a reflective display device 85 in which like elements are indicated by like reference numerals, wherein a collection film 84 having a front collection film surface 84a and a rear collection film surface 84b is disposed on an active pixel array of display 82. On the back side. Ambient light 95 passes through other transparent, inactive regions between the support 18 or the active regions of display 82 to be received by collection film surface 84a prior to rear collection film 84. The light turning feature 94 of the collection film 84 redirects the light 95 toward the edge 88 of the collection film 84 for conversion to electrical energy by the photovoltaic device 86.

16 illustrates a plan view of an array of pixels 161 of reflective display 82. Display pixels 161 are arranged in columns 162 and 163. The area between column 162 and row 163, or the inactive area, includes support 18 and gap 164. Typically, inactive regions such as support 18 and gap 164 are masked with black masks to minimize reflections from such regions, minimize the contrast ratio of display pixels 161, and improve performance. In some embodiments of the invention in which display pixel 161 is a reflective pixel, light may pass through post 18 and gap 164 between column 162 and row 163 of reflective display 82 to rear collection film 84. The turning feature can be aligned with the inactive area to maximize light collection or illumination, whether the collection film is on the front side or the back side of the display 82. The black mask can thus be eliminated, as the light normally absorbed by the black mask is instead shunted to the photovoltaic device 86 on the edge of the collection films 80, 84. This reduces the reflection and contrast losses from such areas, while the light received in such areas can be used to generate electricity. By eliminating the black mask material, black mask deposition, and patterning steps, the overall cost of manufacturing the display device 85 can be reduced. When the collection film 84 is on the back side (Fig. 15), openings 165 may be formed in the electrode strips in the gaps 164 between the columns or rows to increase the transmission of light. Since FIG. 16 illustrates an example of an IMOD in which the column electrode 162 is transparent, only the reflective row electrode 163 needs to have an opening 165 in the position where the row electrode 163 spans the gap 164 between the columns 162. The row electrode 163 of FIG. 16 corresponds to the movable electrode or mirror 14 of FIGS. 14 and 15, and the column electrode 162 of FIG. 16 corresponds to the optical stack 16 of FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 (and has a fixed transparent electrode).

Figure 17A schematically illustrates a transflective display 82' in which some of the light passes through the display 82' and some of the light is reflected from the pixels of the display 82' in the actively altered image. In some embodiments, the percentage of visible light that passes through the active display pixel array is in the range of from about 5% to about 50%. The display 82' illustrated in Figure 17 is an array of transparent interference modulators (IMODs) represented by a single IMOD comprising a substrate 170, an absorbing layer 171, an optical resonant cavity 172, a partially reflective layer 173, and a light source 174 in the drawings. . The substrate 170 is at least partially optically transparent. The absorber layer 171 is positioned below the substrate 170 and the absorber layer 171 is partially optically transmissive. The reflective layer 173 is positioned below the substrate 170 and spaced apart from the absorber layer 171 with the absorber layer 171 positioned between the substrate 170 and the reflective layer 173. Partial reflector 173 can move within optical cavity 172 in accordance with the IMOD described above. The reflective layer 173 is also partially reflective and partially transmissive. The light source 174 is positioned relative to the substrate 170 such that the absorber layer 171 and the reflective layer 173 are located between the substrate 170 and the light source 174. Although not shown, the backing plate can be positioned between the partial reflector 173 and the backlight 174.

In some embodiments, the light emitted from display 82' in first direction 175 includes a first portion of light, a second portion of light, and a third portion of light. In a first direction 175, a first portion of the light is incident on the substrate 170, transmitted through the substrate 170, transmitted through the absorbing layer 171, reflected by the reflective layer 173, transmitted through the absorbing layer 171, transmitted through the substrate 170, and It is emitted from the substrate 170. In a first direction 175, a second portion of the light is incident on the substrate 170, transmitted through the substrate 170, reflected by the absorbing layer 171, transmitted through the substrate 170, and emitted from the substrate 170. In the first direction 175, a third portion of the light is from the light source 174 and is incident on the reflective layer 173, transmitted through the reflective layer 173, transmitted through the absorbing layer 171, transmitted through the substrate 170, and emitted from the substrate 170.

In some embodiments, the substrate 170 comprises a glass or plastic material. In certain embodiments, the absorbing layer 171 comprises chromium. In some embodiments, reflective layer 173 comprises a metal layer (eg, an aluminum layer having a thickness of less than 300 angstroms). In some embodiments, the transmittance of the reflective layer 173 depends on the thickness of the reflective layer 173.

For the illustrated transflective IMOD, at least one of the absorbing layer 171 and the reflective layer 173 is selectively movable to change the spacing between the absorbing layer 171 and the reflective layer 173 such that two types are selectively generated using the principle of interference. Optical state. In some embodiments, display device 85 includes an actuatable element (eg, a pixel or sub-pixel) of the display system.

In some embodiments, in accordance with the normal IMOD operation discussed with respect to Figures 1 through 7E, the first portion of light interferes with the second portion of light to produce light having a first color. The first color depends on the size of the optical cavity that can be changed between at least two states.

In some embodiments, light source 174 can selectively modify the color of the sum of the interference of the first portion and the second portion of light. Light source 174 can be turned on to form a third state that produces a different color. However, different colors can be produced without ambient light.

In some embodiments, display device 85 can be viewed from both the first direction 175 and the second direction 176 that is generally opposite the first direction. For example, some of the display devices 85 of such embodiments can be viewed from a first location on a first side of the display device 85 and a second location on a second side of the display device 85. In some embodiments, the light emitted from display device 85 in second direction 176 includes a fourth portion of light, a fifth portion of light, and a sixth portion of light. In some embodiments, in a second direction 176, a fourth portion of light is incident on the substrate 170, transmitted through the substrate 170, transmitted through the absorbing layer 171, transmitted through the reflective layer 173, and from the display device 85. emission. In some embodiments, in a second direction 176, a fifth portion of the light is incident on the reflective layer 173, transmitted through the reflective layer 173, reflected from the absorber layer 171, transmitted through the reflective layer 173, and self-displayed 85 launches. In some embodiments, in the second direction 176, a sixth portion of the light is incident on the reflective layer 173, reflected from the reflective layer 173, and emitted from the display device 85. In some embodiments, the fifth portion of the light includes light emitted by the light source 174 and the sixth portion of the light includes light emitted by the light source 174. As with the front side, depending on whether the backlight 174 is turned "on" or "off" and whether ambient light is present, an additional color state is visible from the back side or second direction 176.

Referring to Figure 17B, the backlight of Figure 17A can be replaced by a post-collection film 84 that receives light from source 90 (e.g., implanted along edge 88 of collection film 84), directs light along collection film 84, and directs light. The light is redirected and transmitted to the pixels of the transflective display 82', thereby providing rear side illumination. The collection film 84 can include a turning feature positioned within the collection film 84 or positioned on the collection film 84 that interrupts the propagation of light within the collection film 84 to uniformly spread across the surface 84a of the rear collection film 84 to the front surface of the display 82'. . In addition, an additional color state can be produced by illuminating the front collection/illumination film 80 on the front side of the transflective IMOD display 82' from the source 90 prior to illumination. A photovoltaic device 86 can be provided on the front side collection film 80 or the back side collection film 84.

Figure 18 illustrates one embodiment of a display device 85 having a collection film 80 disposed on a display surface 82a prior to emissive display 82. The pixels of display 82" are emissive, such as LCD, LED, OLED, FED technology, or display 82" includes a backlight. In some embodiments, the display pixels are transflective, such as the backlit IMOD of Figure 17A or Figure 17B, which allows some of the light to pass through the active pixel area of the display 82".

The ambient light 95 is received by the collection film surface 80a prior to the front collection film 80 and redirected to the edge 88 of the collection film 80 via the light turning feature 94 for conversion to electrical energy by the photovoltaic device 86. Light from the emission display 82" is collected by the front collection film 80 and collected by the film surface 80b. The light turning feature 94 redirects the light toward the edge 88 of the collection film 80 for conversion to electrical energy by the photovoltaic device 86. From emission Light from display 82" is emitted through light between turning features 84, which illuminates display device 85.

Figure 19 illustrates an embodiment of a display device 85 in which the rear collection film 84 is disposed under the emission display 82". As illustrated, similar to the transflective IMOD 82" of Figure 17B, the rear collection film 84 is coupled to the light source 90 and acts as a set. Both the light unit and the backlight. And the emissive display 82" having the backlight of Figure 19 can use any backlight active display technology, such as a backlit LCD.

As seen in FIG. 19, the ambient light 95 passes through the display 82" and is redirected to the edge 88 of the rear collection film 84 by the collection film surface 84a from the rear collection film 84 via the light turning feature 94 for conversion by the photovoltaic device 86. Electrical energy. Light source 90 is disposed on edge 88 of rear collection film 84 and emits light redirected toward display 82 via light turning feature 94 to illuminate display device 85.

FIG. 20 illustrates a post-collection film 84 disposed between the backlight 174 of the emissive display 82" and the emissive display 82". The ambient light 95 passes through the display 82" to be received by the collection film surface 84a prior to the rear collection film 84 and redirected to the edge 88 of the rear collection film 84 via the light turning feature 94 for conversion to electrical energy by the photovoltaic device 86. After the post-collection film 84 is emitted, the light received by the film surface 84b is collected, wherein the light is also redirected by the light turning feature 94 to the edge 88 of the post-collection film 84 for use by the photovoltaic device 86 (or by different edges) The PV device) is converted to electrical energy. The backlight 174 also directs light through the display 82" to illuminate the display device 85. The collection film 84 is placed between the emissive display 82" and the backlight 174 and the light turning features are aligned with the inactive area of the display device 85 to replace the black mask on the display pixel 161 due to ambient light 95 and emission. The light splits to the photovoltaic device 86 at the edge of the collection film 84 for conversion to electrical energy, thereby reducing light that is reflected from or transmitted to the inactive area. The black mask reduces fading (ie, increases the contrast of the active pixels) The function can be satisfied by collecting the film while generating power, and omitting the step of forming a black mask. As previously discussed, eliminating the black mask can reduce the total processing cost and manufacturing time.

21 illustrates an embodiment of a collection film 80 prior to placement on a reflective display 82. As illustrated in this embodiment, the front acquisition film 80 includes asymmetric light turning features 108 such as the light turning features of FIG. 11C. The ambient light 95 is received by the collection film surface 80a prior to the front collection film 80 and redirected to one edge 88 of the collection film 80 by the light turning feature 108 for conversion to electrical energy by the photovoltaic device 86. Light source 90 is located at the other opposite edge of front collection film 80 and emits light redirected toward display 82 by light turning features 108 to illuminate display device 85.

While the above-described embodiments disclose several embodiments of the present invention, it is understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and not limiting. It will be appreciated that the particular configurations and operations disclosed may differ from the configurations and operations described above, and that the methods described herein may be used in situations other than the fabrication of semiconductor devices.

12a. . . Transformer/pixel

12b. . . Transformer/pixel

14. . . Active reflective layer / metal strip / movable electrode / mirror

14a. . . Active reflective layer

14b. . . Active reflective layer

16. . . Optical stacking

16a. . . Optical stacking

16b. . . Optical stacking

18. . . Column/support

19. . . gap

20. . . Transparent substrate

twenty one. . . processor

twenty two. . . Array driver

twenty four. . . Column drive circuit

26. . . Row driver circuit

27. . . Network interface

28. . . Frame buffer

29. . . Drive controller

30. . . Display array/panel/display

32. . . System

34. . . Deformable layer

40. . . Display device

41. . . shell

42. . . Support plunger

43. . . antenna

44. . . Bus structure

45. . . speaker

46. . . microphone

47. . . transceiver

48. . . Input device

50. . . power supply

52. . . Adjusting hardware

80. . . Pre-collection membrane / anterior collection membrane

80a. . . Precollecting membrane surface

80b. . . Collecting membrane surface

82. . . Display pixel array / display array / reflective display

82'. . . Transflective display

82"...emission display

82a. . . Front display surface

84. . . Post-collection membrane/backside collection membrane

84a. . . Precollecting membrane surface

84b. . . Collecting membrane surface

85. . . Display device

86. . . Photovoltaic (PV) device

87. . . Backplane

88. . . edge

90. . . light source

92. . . Corner

94. . . Light turning feature

95. . . Ambient light

100. . . Photovoltaic device

104. . . Collecting membrane

105. . . Substrate

108. . .稜鏡 feature / crack / light turning characteristics

110. . . edge

112. . . Light/light path

116. . . V-groove

130. . . Top surface / front collecting film surface / upper surface / first side

140. . . Bottom surface/post collection membrane surface

161. . . Display pixel

162. . . Column/column electrode

163. . . Row/reflection row electrode

164. . . gap

165. . . Opening

170. . . Substrate

171. . . Absorbing layer

172. . . Optical cavity / optical cavity

173. . . Partially reflective layer / partial reflector

174. . . Light source/backlight

175. . . First direction

176. . . Second direction

200. . . Photovoltaic device

204. . . First collecting film layer / first collecting film

208. . .稜鏡 characteristics

212. . . Second collecting film layer / second collecting film

216. . .稜鏡 characteristics

220. . . Light

224. . . Light

240. . . Collecting membrane

242. . . Light turning element or layer

244. . . Substrate

246. . . Incident light

246i. . . Ambient light/light

246r. . . Diffraction light/ray

248. . . Rays

248b. . . Rays

248i. . . Light

248r. . . Rays

300. . . Spacer

308. . . Diffractive feature

312. . . Rays

F1. . . Facet

F2. . . Facet

F3. . . Facet

F4. . . Facet

1 is an isometric view of a portion of one embodiment of an interference modulator display in which the active reflective layer of the first interferometric modulator is in a relaxed position and the active reflective layer of the second interferometric modulator is in an actuated position in.

2 is a system block diagram illustrating one embodiment of an electronic device incorporating a 3x3 interferometric modulator display.

3 is a diagram of the movable mirror position applied voltage of an exemplary embodiment of the interference modulator of FIG. 1.

Figure 4 is an illustration of one of the arrays and row voltages that can be used to drive an interferometric modulator display.

Figure 5A illustrates an exemplary display data frame of the 3 x 3 interferometric modulator display of Figure 2.

Figure 5B illustrates an exemplary timing diagram that can be used to write the columns and rows of the frame of Figure 5A.

6A and 6B are system block diagrams illustrating one embodiment of a visual display device including a plurality of interferometric modulators.

Figure 7A is a cross section of the device of Figure 1.

Figure 7B is a cross section of an alternative embodiment of an interference modulator.

Figure 7C is a cross section of another alternative embodiment of an interference modulator.

Figure 7D is a cross section of yet another alternative embodiment of an interference modulator.

Figure 7E is a cross section of an additional alternative embodiment of an interference modulator.

Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of a cross section of a collection film overlying a display pixel array and associated photovoltaic device and another such collection film underlying the display pixel array.

9 is a schematic illustration of a cross section of a collection film overlying a display pixel array and associated photovoltaic device and light source, and another such collection film underlying the display pixel array.

Figure 10A is a top plan view of a collection film having light turning features in which photovoltaic devices and light sources are placed in close proximity to each other at one corner of the collection film.

Figure 10B is a schematic illustration of the corners of one embodiment of a collection membrane having a photovoltaic device and a light source.

Figure 10C is a schematic illustration showing an additional embodiment of a photovoltaic device and light source configuration.

Figure 11A is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a ruthenium collection film comprising a plurality of ruthenium features to collect light and direct it to a photovoltaic device.

Figure 11B is another schematic cross-sectional view of a ruthenium collection film comprising a plurality of ruthenium features to collect light and direct it to a photovoltaic device.

Figure 11C is another schematic cross-sectional view of a ruthenium collection film comprising a plurality of ruthenium fractures to collect light and direct it to a photovoltaic device.

Figure 11D illustrates an embodiment comprising two layers of stacked tantalum collection films with staggered features to collect light and direct it to the photovoltaic device at greater efficiency.

Figure 12 is a schematic illustration of a collection film including a diffractive turning feature.

Figure 13A schematically illustrates a light turning feature comprising a transmission hologram disposed on an upper surface of a collecting film.

Figure 13B schematically illustrates a light turning feature comprising a reflection hologram disposed on a lower surface of the collection film.

14 is a schematic cross section of one embodiment of a reflective interference modulator display having a collection film on the front side.

Figure 15 is a schematic cross section of another embodiment of a reflective interference modulator display having a collection film on the back side.

Figure 16 is a schematic plan view of an active display pixel array arranged in columns and rows.

Figure 17A is a schematic cross section of a transflective intermodulation modulation (IMOD) display with backlight.

Figure 17B is a schematic cross section of a transflective IMOD display with backlight provided by a collection/illumination film having turning features.

Figure 18 is a schematic cross section of one embodiment of an emissive display device having a collection film on the front side.

Figure 19 is a schematic cross section of another embodiment of an emissive display device having a collection film on the back side.

20 is a schematic cross section of another embodiment of an emissive display device having a collection film between an active display pixel and a backlight.

Figure 21 is a schematic cross section of another embodiment of an emissive display device having a collection film having asymmetric steering characteristics.

14. . . Active reflective layer / metal strip / movable electrode / mirror

16. . . Optical stacking

18. . . Column/support

20. . . Pre-collection membrane / anterior collection membrane

80a. . . Precollecting membrane surface

80b. . . Collecting membrane surface

82. . . Display pixel array / display array / reflective display

85. . . Display device

86. . . Photovoltaic (PV) device

87. . . Backplane

88. . . edge

90. . . light source

94. . . Light turning feature

95. . . Ambient light

300. . . Spacer

Claims (30)

A display device comprising: an active interference modulator (IMOD) display pixel array having a front display surface and a rear display surface; at least one collection film adjacent to the front display surface or the rear display surface In one aspect, the collection film has a front collection film surface, a rear collection film surface, at least one edge, and a plurality of light turning features, wherein the light turning features are configured to be used on the front collection film surface or Light redirection between the surface of the collection film and one of the edges of the collection film; and a photovoltaic device for generating electrical power coupled to the edge of the collection film and directed to receive light deflection characteristics from the light Light transmitted transversely through the surface of the collection film. The display device of claim 1, further comprising a light source coupled to an edge of one of the collection films. The display device of claim 2, wherein the light source comprises a light emitting diode (LED). The display device of claim 1, wherein the light source is coupled to the same edge as the photovoltaic device. The display device of claim 1, wherein the light source is disposed at a different location from the photovoltaic device. The display device of claim 1, wherein the collecting film comprises a film having a thickness of between about 0.5 mm and 10 mm. The display device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of collecting films in a stacked structure, each collecting film having a front collecting film surface, Collecting a film surface, at least one edge, and a plurality of light turning features, wherein the light turning features are configured to light light between the front collecting film surface or the back collecting film surface and one of the collecting film edges Orientation. The display device of claim 1, wherein the light turning features of the collecting film comprise a plurality of 稜鏡 features. The display device of claim 8, wherein the features are symmetrical. The display device of claim 8, wherein the features are asymmetrical. The display device of claim 10, wherein the haptic features comprise a plurality of crevices. The display device of claim 10, wherein the photovoltaic device and a light source are coupled to opposite edges of the collection film and the asymmetrical features of the collection film are configured to provide an environment from the front collection film surface Light is redirected to the photovoltaic device and light emitted from the source is redirected to the surface of the post collection film. The display device of claim 1, wherein the light turning features comprise a plurality of diffractive features. The display device of claim 1, wherein the light turning features comprise a plurality of holographic features. The display device of claim 1, wherein the collection film is disposed on the front display surface of the active display pixel array. The display device of claim 1, wherein the collection film is disposed on the rear display surface of the active display pixel array. The display device of claim 16, wherein a second collection film is disposed on the main Dynamically displaying the front display surface of the pixel array. The display device of claim 16, wherein the ambient light is permeable to at least one inactive region between the active pixel regions of the array. The display device of claim 18, wherein the pixels of the active display pixel array are transflective, wherein a portion of ambient light passes through the active pixel region to reach the collection film. The display device of claim 18, wherein the inactive area comprises a plurality of regions between the plurality of pixels. A display device according to claim 18, wherein from about 5% to about 50% of the visible light is allowed to pass through the active display pixel array. A display device comprising: a display pixel array; at least one collection film disposed on a front surface of the display pixel array, the collection film having a plurality of light turning features, wherein the light turning features are configured Redirecting light between a front collection membrane surface and edges of the collection membrane; at least one photovoltaic device for generating electrical power coupled to a first edge of the collection membrane, wherein the photovoltaic device Directed to receive light transmitted laterally through the collection film from the light redirecting features; and at least one light source disposed at a second edge, wherein the light source emits light transversely through the collection film to be The iso-optical turning feature is turned toward the array of display pixels. A display device includes: an image for displaying and modifying a reflection interference modulator (IMOD) a member for displaying and changing an image having a front display surface and a rear display surface; a member for generating electric power by converting light energy into electric energy; and a collecting film adjacent to the front display One of a surface or a rear display surface, the collection film having a front acquisition membrane surface, a rear collection membrane surface, and a plurality of light turning features, wherein the light turning features are configured to collect incidents prior to the collection Light from the surface of the membrane or the surface of the collection membrane is redirected to a member disposed at one of the edges of the collection membrane for converting light energy into electrical energy. The display device of claim 23, further comprising a member for emitting light. The display device of claim 23, wherein the means for displaying the image comprises an active display pixel array. The display device of claim 23, wherein the means for converting light energy into an alternative form of energy comprises a photovoltaic device. A method of collecting light and displaying images, comprising: actively displaying an image in an image region, wherein the active display comprises a mobile-micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) mirror and wherein the image region comprises an array of display pixels operatively coupled to at least one Collecting a film; collecting light from the image area by a collection film having a plurality of light turning features to redirect the light from the image area to one of the edges disposed on one of the image areas And generating the power by converting the redirected light into a current. The method of claim 27, further comprising one side of the image area The edge emits light and diverts the light to the image area. A method of fabricating a display device, comprising: operatively coupling a collection film to a front display surface of an active display pixel array, the collection film having a front acquisition film surface, a rear collection film surface, at least one edge And a plurality of light turning features; and a photovoltaic device for generating electricity is aligned with the edge of the collecting film such that the light turning features redirect ambient light from the front collecting film surface to the collecting film The photovoltaic device at the edge is converted to electrical energy. The method of claim 29, further comprising placing a light source on one of the edges of the collection film to emit light.