Novel bistable light modulators and display element and arrays therefrom
First Claim
1. A bistable light modulator which comprises:
- (a) a curved flexible membrane which is adapted to assume only either a stable concave or stable convex configuration and(b) optical means positioned in accordance with one of the two stable states for enhancing the visibility of one of the two stable states.
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Abstract
A novel bistable light modulator, particularly useful as a visual display element. An array of bistable visual display elements arranged in closely spaced relation. The array preferably comprises the bistable display elements in rows and columns, i.e., a grid or matrix. Each such element can be made to assume one of two stable states by applying appropriate momentary signals to the elements. The elements appear dark in one state and bright in the other state. Appropriate motivating signals may be either electronic, electrostatic, fluidic, pneumatic, mechanical, sonic, magnetic, electromagnetic, piezoelectric, heat, etc. For example, electrical signals may be applied to the rows and columns of the array, which result in each element being selectable to assume either one of the bistable states. Thus each element in turn can be forced into the desired state.
93 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A bistable light modulator which comprises:
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(a) a curved flexible membrane which is adapted to assume only either a stable concave or stable convex configuration and (b) optical means positioned in accordance with one of the two stable states for enhancing the visibility of one of the two stable states. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification