Electro-optic displays, and processes for the production thereof

• US 8,363,299 B2
• Filed: 09/01/2010
• Issued: 01/29/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 06/10/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: E Ink Holdings Incorporated
• Original Assignee: E Ink Holdings Incorporated
• Inventors: Paolini, Richard J. Jr., Whitesides, Thomas H.
• Primary Examiner(s): PINKNEY, DAWAYNE
• Application Number:
  US12/873,416
• Publication Number:
  US 20110164307A1
• Time in Patent Office: 881 Days
• Field of Search: 359/245, 359/315, 359/247, 359251-252, 359/254, 359/108, 359237-238, 359278-279, 359290-292, 359/298, 359300-302, 359/296, 359/259, 385 1- 3, 385/40, 385129-132, 385/5, 385 8- 9, 430 31- 32, 345/49, 345/107, 349/33, 349/38
• US Class Current: 359/245
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/1508 using a solid electrolyte
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/167 by electrophoresis
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/1677 Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. reflectors or illuminating devices
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/172 based on a suspension of orientable dipolar particles, e.g. suspended particles displays
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 2001/1678 characterised by the composition or particle type
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 2202/022 polymeric

Abstract

A first apparatus for displaying a color image comprises an electro-optic display (1002) having a plurality of pixels, each of which can be independently set to a light-transmissive optical state or a substantially opaque optical state, and lighting means (1006) arranged to flash separate pulses of light of at least two differing colors on to one surface of the electro-optic display (1002). A second apparatus for generating pulses of light of differing colors comprising a light source and a filter assembly comprising first (1100) and second (1106) electro-optic layers each having a light-transmissive state and a colored state, the two colored states being different, and electrodes to switch these layers between these states.

Claims

1. Apparatus for generating pulses of light of differing colors, the apparatus comprising a light source and a filter assembly arranged to receive light from the light source, the filter assembly comprising:

a first electro-optic layer having a light-transmissive state and a colored state having a first optical characteristic;

a first electrode arranged to apply to the first electro-optic layer an electric field capable of switching the first electro-optic layer between its light-transmissive and colored states;

a second electro-optic layer having a light-transmissive state and a colored state having a second optical characteristic different from the first optical characteristic;

a second electrode arranged to apply to the second electro-optic layer an electric field capable of switching the second electro-optic layer between its light-transmissive and colored states;

a third electro-optic layer having a light-transmissive state and a colored state having a third optical characteristic different from the first and second optical characteristics, and

a third electrode arranged to apply to the third electro-optic layer an electric field capable of switching the third electro-optic layer between its light-transmissive and colored states.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first, second and third optical characteristics are red, green and blue colors.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first, second and third optical characteristics are cyan, magenta and yellow colors.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein at least one electro-optic layer comprises a rotating bichromal member or electrochromic medium.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein at least one electro-optic layer comprises an electrophoretic medium comprising a plurality of charged particles able to move through a fluid under the influence of an electric field.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the fluid is a gaseous fluid.

7. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the charged particles and the fluid are retained within a plurality of cavities formed within a carrier medium.

8. Apparatus according to claim 1 having a plurality of spaced first electrodes defining a plurality of discrete pixels, a plurality of spaced second electrodes, each aligned with one of the discrete pixels defined by the first electrodes, and a plurality of spaced third electrodes, each aligned with one of the discrete pixels defined by the first electrodes.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the first, second and third optical characteristics are cyan, magenta and yellow colors.

10. A method of generating pulses of light of differing colors, the method comprising:

providing a first electro-optic layer having first surface, a light-transmissive state and a colored state having a first optical characteristic;

providing a second electro-optic layer disposed adjacent the first electro-optic layer on the opposed side thereof from the first surface, the second electro-optic layer having a light transmissive state and a colored state having a second optical characteristic different from the first optical characteristic;

providing a third electro-optic layer disposed adjacent the surface of the second electro-optic layer remote from the first electro-optic layer, and a second surface on the opposed side of the third electro-optic layer from the second electro-optic layer, the third electro-optic layer having a light transmissive state and a colored state having a third optical characteristic different from the first and second optical characteristics;

directing substantially white light on to the first surface;

setting the first electro-optic layer to its colored state and the second and third electro-optic layers to light-transmissive states, thereby causing light having the first optical characteristic to emerge from the second surface;

setting the first and third electro-optic layers to their light-transmissive states and the second electro-optic layer to its colored state, thereby causing light having the second optical characteristic to emerge from the second surface; and

setting the first and second electro-optic layers to their light-transmissive states and the third electro-optic layer to its colored state, thereby causing light having the third optical characteristic to emerge from the second surface.