Micro-electromechanical switching backplane
First Claim
1. A display system comprising:
- a first membrane and second membrane maintained in a spaced apart relationship by a intermediate layer, said intermediate layer defining a plurality of cells configured as a matrix;
within each cell, a column electrode printed on one side of said first membrane and a row electrode printed on an opposing side of said second membrane such than when a bias exists, said first membrane is deflected toward said second membrane;
a pair of contacts one of which is patterned on said first membrane in proximity to said column electrode and the other of which is patterned on said second membrane in proximity to said row electrode, said pair of contacts completing an electrical circuit when said first membrane is deflected toward said second layer; and
a display media that is biased to an ON state when said pair of contacts complete said electrical circuit.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A low cost, scalable backplane for black and white or color optical displays comprises a multi-membrane plastic structure on which is printed or deposited row and column drivers to form a matrix of micro electromechanical (MEM) switches. Each switch controls the state of a pixel in the optical display device. Critical to successful long-term operation, the backplane includes the controlled application of voltages to each switch so that the display functions correctly and display life is maximized. The MEM switches include a substantially non-pliable membrane and a substantially flexible membrane both of which include electrodes that when energized will create electrostatic forces that attracts the flexible membrane to the non-pliable membrane. The MEM switches are manufactured in an array with a pitch that provides a sufficient number of switches to drive an optical display device and each switch may be latched to eliminate the need to constantly refresh the device.
90 Citations
36 Claims
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1. A display system comprising:
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a first membrane and second membrane maintained in a spaced apart relationship by a intermediate layer, said intermediate layer defining a plurality of cells configured as a matrix;
within each cell, a column electrode printed on one side of said first membrane and a row electrode printed on an opposing side of said second membrane such than when a bias exists, said first membrane is deflected toward said second membrane;
a pair of contacts one of which is patterned on said first membrane in proximity to said column electrode and the other of which is patterned on said second membrane in proximity to said row electrode, said pair of contacts completing an electrical circuit when said first membrane is deflected toward said second layer; and
a display media that is biased to an ON state when said pair of contacts complete said electrical circuit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. In a display system comprising:
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a matrix of micro electromechanical switches controlled by biasing a pair of opposing electrodes to selectively switch said switches from an OFF state to an ON state or from an ON state to an OFF state;
a display media that is biased to an ON state when said switch is switched to an ON state; and
means for minimizing arcing when said switches in said matrix of switches change from an OFF state to an ON state or from an ON state to an OFF state. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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32. An arrangement of micro electromechanical (MEM) switches comprising:
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a first membrane on which is printed a column electrode;
a spacer layer for defining a plurality of cells with each cell comprising a MEM switch;
a second membrane maintained in a substantially parallel, spaced apart relationship with respect to said first membrane by said spacer layer;
said second membrane having a row electrode printed on at least one side of said membrane;
means for deflecting said second membrane to make mechanical contact with said first membrane in at least one selected cell;
electrical components, printed on opposing sides of said membranes to form an electrical circuit when said first and second membranes are in mechanical contact; and
means for energizing a display medium. - View Dependent Claims (33, 34, 35, 36)
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Specification