Method and device for multi-format television

• US 5,608,468 A
• Filed: 06/07/1995
• Issued: 03/04/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 07/14/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Texas Instruments, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Texas Instruments, Inc.
• Inventors: Sampsell, Jeffrey B., Gove, Robert J., Markandey, Vishal
• Primary Examiner(s): Kostak, Victor R.
• Application Number:
  US08/482,477
• Time in Patent Office: 636 Days
• Field of Search: 348/770, 348/771, 348/755, 353/122
• US Class Current: 348/771
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/7458 the modulator being an array of deformable mirrors, e.g. digital micromirror device [DMD]
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/0122 the input and the output signals having different aspect ratios

Abstract

A spatial light modulator with hexagonal elements or pixels. The elements include a reflective hexagonal surface supported by flexible hinges. The hinges are in turn supported by support posts away from a substrate. On the substrate are control or address electrodes which control the direction of deflection of the reflective surface by selective build up of electrostatic forces. The use of hexagonal pixels allow the posts and electrodes to be arrayed in horizontal lines, thereby allowing reset of horizontal lines of the pixels.

Claims

1. A spatial light modulator comprising:

a. substrate;

b. an array of lines of elements on said substrate, wherein each element comprises;

i. at least two electrodes on said substrate, arranged such that said electrodes are in electrical connection with electrodes of adjacent elements, allowing reset of an entire line of elements;

ii. a hexagonal reflective surface;

iii. at least two support posts holding said reflective surface above said electrodes, over an air gap, said support posts being on opposite sides of said hexagonal reflective surface, thereby causing said elements to form said line of elements; and

iv. flexible hinges connecting said reflective surface to said support posts, such that when one of said electrodes becomes active, said reflective surface can twist about said hinges and allow said reflective surfaces to deflect in response to said active electrode.