Interferometric modulation of radiation

• US 20060262279A1
• Filed: 05/11/2006
• Published: 11/23/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 05/05/1994
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Snaptrack Incorporated (Qualcomm, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: IDC, LLC, Iridigm Display Corporation (Qualcomm, Inc.)
• Inventors: Miles, Mark W.
• Granted Patent: US 7,848,001 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 353/31
• CPC Class Codes: B82Y 20/00 Nanooptics, e.g. quantum optics or photonic crystals
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/26 using multiple reflection, e.g. Fabry-Perot interferometer, variable interference filters
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2006/12104 Mirror; Reflectors or the like
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 26/001 based on interference in an adjustable optical cavity interference filters G02B5/28; devices or arrangements using multiple reflections in spectrometry or monochromators G01J3/26
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 26/02 for controlling the intensity of light G02B26/004 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 26/0833 the reflecting element being a micromechanical device, e.g. a MEMS mirror, DMD G02B26/0825 takes precedence; micromechanical devices in general B81B
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 26/0841 the reflecting element being moved or deformed by electrostatic means
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 26/085 the reflecting means being moved or deformed by electromagnetic means
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 26/0858 the reflecting means being moved or deformed by piezoelectric means
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/01 Head-up displays
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/017 Head mounted
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/12 of the integrated circuit kind electric integrated circuits H01L27/00
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/13725 based on guest-host interaction G02F1/13762, G02F1/13737, take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/169 based on orientable non-spherical particles having a common optical characteristic, e.g. suspended particles of reflective metal flakes
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/216 using liquid crystals, e.g. liquid crystal Fabry-Perot filters
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 2203/03 scattering
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1431 using a single graphics controller
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1446 display composed of modules, e.g. video walls
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/147 using display panels
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2300/0408 Integration of the drivers onto the display substrate
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2300/0452 : Details of colour pixel setup, e.g. pixel composed of a red, a blue and two green components
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/001 : using specific devices not provided for in groups G09G3/02 - G09G3/36, e.g. using an intermediate record carrier such as a film slide; Projection systems; Display of non-alphanumerical information, solely or in combination with alphanumerical information, e.g. digital display on projected diapositive as background slide projectors per se G03B23/00 = 42 HP
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/2014 : by modulation of the duration of a single pulse during which the logic level remains constant
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/2074 : using sub-pixels
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/2077 : by a combination of two or more gradation control methods
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/3466 : based on interferometric effect
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 5/02 : characterised by the way in which colour is displayed details of colour display specific for CRTs G09G1/28; specific for flat matrix panels other than liquid crystal displays G09G3/2003; specific for liquid crystal displays G09G3/3607
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 9/26 : with folded element or elements, the folded parts being spaced apart a small fraction of operating wavelength resonant loop antennas H01Q7/00

Abstract

An Interferometric Modulator (IMod) is a microelectromechanical device for modulating light using interference. The colors of these devices may be determined in a spatial fashion, and their inherent color shift may be compensated for using several optical compensation mechanisms. Brightness, addressing, and driving of IMods may be accomplished in a variety of ways with appropriate packaging, and peripheral electronics which can be attached and/or fabricated using one of many techniques. The devices may be used in both embedded and directly perceived applications, the latter providing multiple viewing modes as well as a multitude of product concepts ranging in size from microscopic to architectural in scope.

Claims

1. A system for projecting images, comprising:

an array of interferometric modulators configured to form a first image; and

an optical system configured to form on a viewing surface a second image based on the first image.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a light source configured to illuminate the array of interferometric modulators.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the light is transmitted through the array of interferometric modulators.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the light is reflected from the array of interferometric modulators.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the system for projecting images comprises a head mounted display.

6. The system of claim 5, further comprising a reflector configured to reflect the projected image onto the viewing surface.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the array of interferometric modulators is configured to mount in an automobile dashboard.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the viewing surface comprises an automobile windshield.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the second image creates a visual representation of a virtual environment.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the viewing surface comprises at least one theater screen.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the optical system comprises a lens.

12. A system for projecting images, comprising:

a photosensitive medium;

an array of interferometric modulators configured to form a first image; and

an optical system configured to form on the photosensitive medium a second image based on the first image.

13. The system of claim 12, further comprising a transport mechanism configured to move the photosensitive medium relative to the array of interferometric modulators.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the photosensitive medium undergoes exposure to light when moved relative to the array of interferometric modulators.

15. The system of claim 12, further comprising a light source configured to illuminate the array of interferometric modulators.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the array of interferometric modulators is transmissive and the light is transmitted through the array of interferometric modulators.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein the array of interferometric modulators is reflective and the light is reflected from the array of interferometric modulators.

18. The system of claim 12, wherein the array of interferometric modulators is a linear array.

19. The system of claim 12, wherein the array of interferometric modulators is a two dimensional array.

20. The system of claim 15, wherein the array of interferometric modulators is configured to form an image when illuminated by at least one of visible light, hyperspectral light, ultraviolet light, and infrared light.

21. The system of claim 12, wherein the optical system comprises a lens.

22. A system for capturing image data, comprising:

an array of interferometric modulators configured to receive and modulate incident light emanating from an input medium; and

a detector array optically coupled to the array of interferometric modulators and configured to detect the modulated light.

23. The system of claim 22 wherein the system is configured to capture image data during relative movement of one of the array of interferometric modulators and the input medium.

24. The system of claim 22, wherein the input medium is a pre-printed image.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the pre-printed image comprises a page of paper.

26. The system of claim 22, further comprising a light source configured to illuminate the input medium.

27. The system of claim 22, further comprising an optical system configured to optically couple the array of interferometric modulators to the detector array by transmitting the modulated light from the array of interferometric modulators to the detector array.

28. The system of claim 27, wherein the optical system is further configured to optically couple the input medium to the array of interferometric modulators by transmitting the incident light from the input medium to the array of interferometric modulators.

29. The system of claim 22, wherein the array of interferometric modulators is configured to modulate the incident light emanating from the input medium by filtering the incident light.

30. The system of claim 29, wherein the array of interferometric modulators is further configured to filter frequencies of light corresponding to specific colors.

31. The system of claim 30, wherein the specific colors are red, green and blue.

32. The system of claim 22, further comprising a transport mechanism configured to move either the input medium or the array of interferometric modulators relative to the other.

33. The system of claim 22, further comprising memory configured to store at least a portion of the detected image data, and wherein the detector array is configured to communicate with the memory.

34. The system of claim 22, wherein the array of interferometric modulators is a linear array.

35. The system of claim 22, wherein the array of interferometric modulators is a two dimensional array.

36. The system of claim 22, wherein the detector array is a charge coupled device.

37. The system of claim 26, wherein the light source is configured to illuminate the input medium using at least one of visible light, hyperspectral light, ultraviolet light and infrared light.

38. The system of claim 27, wherein the optical system comprises a lens.

39. An image display system, comprising:

memory configured to store at least a portion of a first image; and

an array of interferometric modulators placed in an automobile and configured to communicate with the memory and to form the first image.

40. The image display system of claim 39, further comprising an optical system configured to form a second image based on the first image.

41. The image display system of claim 40, wherein the optical system is further configured to form the second image on a viewing surface.

42. The image display system of claim 41, wherein the viewing surface is at least partially a windshield of the automobile.

43. The image display system of claim 40, wherein the optical system comprises a lens.

44. A method of projecting images, comprising:

forming a first image using an array of interferometric modulators; and

forming on a viewing surface a second image based on the first image using an optical system.

45. The method of claim 44, further comprising illuminating the array of interferometric modulators.

46. The method of claim 45, wherein illuminating comprises transmitting light through the array of interferometric modulators.

47. The method of claim 45, wherein illuminating comprises reflecting light from the array of interferometric modulators.

48. The method of claim 44, wherein the projected image creates a visual representation of a virtual environment.

49. The method of claim 44, wherein the viewing surface comprises at least one theater screen.

50. The method of claim 44, wherein the optical system comprises a lens.

51. An apparatus for projecting images, comprising:

means for modulating light to form a first image; and

means for forming on a viewing surface a second image based on the first image.

52. The apparatus of claim 51, further comprising means for illuminating the light modulating means.

53. The apparatus of claim 52, wherein the illuminating means transmits light through the light modulating means.

54. The apparatus of claim 52, wherein the illuminating means reflects light from the light modulating means.

55. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein the light modulating means comprises an array of interferometric modulators.

56. A system for projecting images, comprising:

means for capturing optical information;

means for modulating light to form a first image; and

means for forming a second image based on the first image on the capturing means.

57. The system of claim 56, further comprising means for moving the capturing means relative to the light modulating means.

58. The system of claim 57, wherein capturing means undergoes exposure to light when moved relative to the light modulating means.

59. The system of claim 56, further comprising means for illuminating the light modulating means.

60. The system of claim 59, wherein the light modulating means is transmissive and light is transmitted through the light modulating means.

61. The system of claim 59, wherein the light modulating means is reflective and light is reflected from the light modulating means.

62. The system of claim 59, wherein the illuminating means illuminates with at least one of visible light, hyperspectral light, ultraviolet light, and infrared light.

63. The system of claim 56, wherein the light modulating means comprises an array of interferometric modulators.

64. A system for capturing image data, comprising:

means for presenting an image;

means for receiving and modulating incident light emanating from the image presenting means;

means for detecting light so as to capture image data; and

means for optically coupling the modulated light with the detecting means.

65. The system of claim 64, means for providing relative movement of the receiving and modulating means and the image presenting means.

66. The system of claim 64, wherein the image presenting means is a pre-printed image.

67. The system of claim 64, further comprising means for illuminating the image presenting means.

68. The system of claim 64, further comprising means for transmitting the light from the receiving and modulating means to the detecting means.

69. The system of claim 64, wherein the receiving and modulating means filters the incident light.

70. The system of claim 69, wherein the receiving and modulating means filters frequencies of light corresponding to specific colors.

71. The system of claim 64, further comprising means for storing at least a portion of the captured image data, and wherein the detecting means is configured to communicate with the storing means.

72. The system of claim 67, wherein the illuminating means illuminates with at least one of visible light, hyperspectral light, ultraviolet light and infrared light.

73. An image display system, comprising:

means for storing at least a portion of a first image; and

means for modulating light to form a first image, the light modulating means being placed in an automobile and configured to communicate with the storing means.

74. The image display system of claim 73, further comprising means for forming on a viewing surface a second image based on the first image.