Light sensitive display

• US 20030179323A1
• Filed: 02/20/2003
• Published: 09/25/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 02/20/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Original Assignee: Planar Systems Incorporated (Leyard Optoelectronic Co., Ltd.)
• Inventors: Abileah, Adiel, Boer, Willem den
• Granted Patent: US 7,280,102 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 349/24
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/13312 Circuits comprising photodetectors for purposes other than feedback
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/133302 Rigid substrates, e.g. inorganic substrates
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/13338 Input devices, e.g. touch panels
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/133512 Light shielding layers, e.g. black matrix G02F1/136209 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/133514 Colour filters
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/133528 Polarisers
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/13394 spacers regularly patterned on the cell subtrate, e.g. walls, pillars G02F1/133377 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/134336 Matrix
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/134345 Subdivided pixels, e.g. for grey scale or redundancy
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/136286 Wiring, e.g. gate line, drain line
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/1368 in which the switching element is a three-electrode device G02F1/136277 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 2201/123 pixel
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1611 to support document holders
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/04106 Multi-sensing digitiser, i.e. digitiser using at least two different sensing technologies simultaneously or alternatively, e.g. for detecting pen and finger, for saving power or for improving position detection
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/04109 FTIR in optical digitiser, i.e. touch detection by frustrating the total internal reflection within an optical waveguide due to changes of optical properties or deformation at the touch location
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03542 Light pens for emitting or receiving light
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03545 Pens or stylus
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0412 Digitisers structurally integrated in a display
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/042 by opto-electronic means
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0421 by interrupting or reflecting a light beam, e.g. optical touch-screen
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0488 : using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 40/1318 : using electro-optical elements or layers, e.g. electroluminescent sensing
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2300/0439 : Pixel structures
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2300/0809 : Several active elements per pixel in active matrix panels
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2300/0842 : forming a memory circuit, e.g. a dynamic memory with one capacitor
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2320/029 : by monitoring one or more pixels in the display panel, e.g. by monitoring a fixed reference pixel
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2320/0626 : for control of overall brightness
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2360/144 : the light being ambient light
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/3648 : using an active matrix G09G3/367 - G09G3/3696 take precedence

Abstract

A light sensitive display.

Claims

10. A light sensitive display comprising:

(a) a light valve including a front polarizing element, a rear polarizing element, and light rotating material located between said first polarizing element and said rear polarizing element; and

(b) a plurality of light sensitive elements located between said rear polarizing element and said light rotating material.

11. The display of claim 10 wherein said display is an active matrix liquid crystal device.

12. The display of claim 10 wherein each of said light sensitive elements includes a first transistor that senses ambient light, and a second transistor that is inhibited from sensing ambient light with respect to said first transistor.

13. The display of claim 10 further comprising a processor that receives information from said light sensitive elements and determines at least one of regions of said display where ambient light is inhibited from reaching said light sensitive elements and regions of said display where light in excess of said ambient light reaches said light sensitive elements.

14. The display of claim 10 further comprising a processor that receives information from said light sensitive elements and determines regions of said display where ambient light is inhibited from reaching said light sensitive elements.

15. The display of claim 10 further comprising a processor that receives information from said light sensitive elements and determines regions of said display where light in excess of said ambient light reaches said light sensitive elements.

16. A light sensitive display comprising:

(a) a light valve including a front electrode layer, a rear electrode layer, and light rotating material located between said first electrode layer and said rear electrode layer;

(b) said front and rear electrode layer defining a plurality of pixels within said light rotating material; and

(c) a plurality of light sensitive elements located within said light sensitive display located at least partially between said pixels.

17. The display of claim 16 wherein said display is a reflective liquid crystal device.

18. The display of claim 16 wherein said plurality of light sensitive elements located said at least partially between said pixels, with respect to a perpendicular direction to the front of said display.

19. The display of claim 16 wherein each of said light sensitive elements includes a first transistor that senses ambient light, and a second transistor that is inhibited from sensing ambient light with respect to said first transistor.

20. The display of claim 16 further comprising a processor that receives information from said light sensitive elements and determines at least one of regions of said display where ambient light is inhibited from reaching said light sensitive elements and regions of said display where light in excess of said ambient light reaches said light sensitive elements.

21. The display of claim 16 further comprising a processor that receives information from said light sensitive elements and determines regions of said display where ambient light is inhibited from reaching said light sensitive elements.

22. The display of claim 16 further comprising a processor that receives information from said light sensitive elements and determines regions of said display where light in excess of said ambient light reaches said light sensitive elements.

23. A light sensitive display comprising:

(a) a light valve including a front polarizing element, a rear polarizing element, and light rotating material located between said first polarizing element and said rear polarizing element; and

(b) a plurality of light sensitive elements located between said front polarizing element and said light rotating material.

24. The display of claim 23 wherein each of said light sensitive elements includes a first transistor that senses ambient light, and a second transistor that is inhibited from sensing ambient light with respect to said first transistor.

25. The display of claim 23 further comprising a processor that receives information from said light sensitive elements and determines at least one of regions of said display where ambient light is inhibited from reaching said light sensitive elements and regions of said display where light in excess of said ambient light reaches said light sensitive elements.

26. A liquid crystal device comprising:

(a) a front electrode layer;

(b) a rear electrode layer comprising a plurality of pixel electrodes;

(c) a liquid crystal material located between said front electrode layer and said rear electrode layer;

(d) a front polarizing element located toward the front of said liquid crystal device relative to said front electrode layer;

(e) a rear polarizing element located toward the rear of said liquid crystal device relative to said rear electrode layer;

(f) changing an electrical potential between said rear electrode layer and said front electrode layer to selectively modify portions of said liquid crystal material to change the polarization of the light incident thereon; and

(g) a plurality of light sensitive elements located at least partially between said pixel electrodes, with respect to a perpendicular direction to the front of said device, and between said liquid crystal material and said rear polarizing element.

27. A light sensitive display comprising:

(a) said display selectively causing pixels to provide light;

(b) a plurality of light sensitive elements located within said display, wherein said light sensitive elements are transistors.

28. The display of claim 27 wherein said display is a liquid crystal display.

29. The display of claim 27 wherein said light valve includes liquid crystal material.

30. The display of claim 27 wherein each of said light sensitive elements includes a first transistor that senses ambient light, and a second transistor that is inhibited from sensing ambient light with respect to said first transistor.

31. A light sensitive display comprising:

(a) said display selectively causing pixels to provide light;

(b) a plurality of light sensitive elements located within said display;

(c) a processor that receives information from said light sensitive elements and determines regions of said display where ambient light is inhibited from reaching said light sensitive elements and regions of said display where light in excess of said ambient light reaches said light sensitive elements.

32. The display of claim 31 wherein said display is a liquid crystal display.

33. The display of claim 32 wherein said liquid crystal display is active matrix.

34. The display of claim 32 wherein said liquid crystal display is passive.

35. A light sensitive display comprising:

(a) said display selectively causing pixels to provide light;

(b) a plurality of light sensitive elements located within said display;

(c) a processor that receives information from said light sensitive elements and determines regions of said display where light in excess of said ambient light reaches said light sensitive elements.

36. The light sensitive display of claim 35 said light in excess results from an optical pointing device.

37. The light sensitive display of claim 36 wherein said optical pointing device is a laser pointer.

38. A liquid crystal device comprising:

(a) a front electrode layer;

(b) a rear electrode layer comprising a plurality of pixel electrodes;

(c) a liquid crystal material located between said front electrode layer and said rear electrode layer; and

(d) a plurality of light sensitive elements located within said display wherein each of said light sensitive elements includes a first transistor that senses ambient light, a second transistor that is inhibited from sensing ambient light with respect to said first transistor.

39. The device of claim 38 wherein a terminal of said first transistor is connected to a terminal of said second transistor with a first conductor.

40. The device of claim 39 wherein said first conductor is capacitively coupled to another line with a capacitor.

41. The device of claim 40 wherein said another line has a voltage potential less than said first conductor.

42. The device of claim 38 wherein said device is an active matrix liquid crystal device.

43. A display comprising:

(a) said display selectively causing pixels to provide light; and

(b) a plurality of light sensitive elements located within said display wherein each of said light sensitive elements includes a first transistor that senses ambient light, and a second transistor that is inhibited from sensing ambient light with respect to said first transistor.

44. The device of claim 43 wherein said device is at least one of multi-domain vertical alignment liquid crystal display, patterned vertical alignment liquid crystal display, in-plane switching liquid crystal display, super-twisted nematic type liquid crystal display, plasma display, electroluminescent display, liquid crystal on silicon display, and reflective liquid crystal device.

45. A light sensitive display comprising:

(a) said display selectively causing pixels to provide light;

(b) a backlight within said display;

(c) at least one light sensitive element located within said display; and

(d) modifying the intensity of said backlight based upon said light sensitive element.

46. A light sensitive display comprising:

(a) said display selectively causing pixels to provide light;

(b) a plurality of light sensitive elements located within said display;

(c) a processor that receives information from said light sensitive elements and determines at least one of;

(i) regions of said display where ambient light is inhibited from reaching said light sensitive elements, and

(ii) regions of said display where light in excess of said ambient light reaches said light sensitive elements;

(d) a plurality of pixel electrodes within said display wherein data provided to said pixel electrodes is modified in a manner in a manner consistent with the size of said pixel electrodes within said display.

47. The display of claim 46 wherein the data corresponding with said pixel electrodes having a size decreased by said light sensitive elements is modified.

48. The display of claim 47 wherein said data corresponding with said pixel electrodes having a decreased size is increased.

49. The display of claim 47 wherein said data corresponding with said pixel electrodes having a decreased size remains unchanged while the data corresponding with a plurality of other pixel electrodes is modified.

50. The display of claim 49 wherein said data corresponding with said other pixel electrodes is decreased.

51. A liquid crystal device comprising:

(a) a front electrode layer;

(b) a rear electrode layer comprising a plurality of pixel electrodes;

(c) a liquid crystal material located between said front electrode layer and said rear electrode layer;

(d) a plurality of light sensitive elements located within said display wherein each of said light sensitive elements corresponds with a selected one of said pixel electrodes; and

(e) a plurality of elongate conductors each of which is electrically interconnected with a respective one of said light sensitive elements wherein said elongate conductors are arranged in a manner consistent with the pattern of said pixel electrodes.

52. The device of claim 51 wherein said elongate conductors are said arranged at least within every 12^th pixel of said display.

53. The device of claim 52 wherein said elongate conductors are said arranged at least within every 9^th pixel of said display.

54. The device of claim 53 wherein said elongate conductors are said arranged at least within every 6^th pixel of said display.

55. The device of claim 54 wherein said elongate conductors are said arranged at least within every 3^rd pixel of said display.

56. The device of claim 52 wherein there are at least four elongate conductors.

57. The device of claim 53 wherein there are at least four elongate conductors.

58. The device of claim 54 wherein there are at least four elongate conductors.

59. The device of claim 55 wherein there are at least four elongate conductors.

60. The device of claim 51 wherein said elongate conductors are said arranged over a majority of said device.

61. The device of claim 51 wherein at least one of said plurality of elongate conductors is free from being operationally interconnected with any of said light sensitive elements.

62. The device of claim 51 wherein at least one of said plurality of elongate conductors is free from being operationally interconnected with readout electronics.

63. The device of claim 51 wherein the spacing between at least one pair of pixel electrodes having at least one said elongate conductors there between is substantially the same as the spacing between another pair of pixel electrodes free from having one of said elongate conductors there between.

64. A liquid crystal device comprising:

(a) a front electrode layer;

(b) a rear electrode layer comprising a plurality of pixel electrodes;

(c) a liquid crystal material located between said front electrode layer and said rear electrode layer;

(d) a plurality of light sensitive elements located within said display wherein each of said light sensitive elements corresponds with a selected one of said pixel electrodes;

(e) a plurality of elongate conductors each of which is electrically interconnected with a respective one of said light sensitive elements; and

(f) said plurality of elongate conductors each of which is also electrically interconnected with at least a respective one of said pixel electrodes.

65. The device of claim 64 wherein said elongate conductors are arranged at least within every 12^th pixel of said display.

66. The device of claim 65 wherein said elongate conductors are arranged at least within every 9^th pixel of said display.

67. The device of claim 66 wherein said elongate conductors are arranged at least within every 6^th pixel of said display.

68. The device of claim 67 wherein said elongate conductors are arranged at least within every 3^rd pixel of said display.

69. The device of claim 64 wherein data is simultaneously provided to a respective pair of light sensitive elements and pixel electrodes.

70. The device of claim 64 wherein data is provided to a respective pair of light sensitive elements and pixel electrodes during a scan time of a scanning electrode.

71. A liquid crystal device comprising:

(a) a front electrode layer;

(b) a rear electrode layer comprising a plurality of pixel electrodes;

(c) a liquid crystal material located between said front electrode layer and said rear electrode layer;

(d) a plurality of light sensitive elements located within said display wherein each of said light sensitive elements corresponds with a selected one of said pixel electrodes; and

(e) wherein data is provided to a respective pair of light sensitive elements and pixel electrodes during a scan time of a scanning electrode.

72. The device of claim 71 further comprising a plurality of elongate conductors each of which is electrically interconnected with a respective one of said light sensitive elements.

73. The device of claim 72 further comprising said plurality of elongate conductors each of which is also electrically interconnected with at least a respective one of said pixel electrodes.

74. A light sensitive display comprising:

(a) said display selectively causing pixels to provide light during a frame;

(b) a plurality of light sensitive elements located within said display;

(c) a processor that receives information from said light sensitive elements for said frame and determines at least one of;

(i) regions of said display where ambient light is inhibited from reaching said light sensitive elements;

(ii) regions of said display where light in excess of said ambient light reaches said light sensitive elements;

(d) wherein said determination is further based upon data from a previous frame.

75. The display of claim 74 wherein said previous frame is the immediately proceeding frame.

76. A light sensitive display comprising:

(a) said display selectively causing pixels to provide light during a current frame;

(b) a plurality of light sensitive elements located within said display;

(c) a processor that receives information from said light sensitive elements for said current frame and determines a location where said display has been touched;

(d) wherein said determination is further based upon data from a previous frame.

77. The display of claim 76 wherein said previous frame is the immediately proceeding frame.

78. The display of claim 76 wherein said determination is made based upon a change in the data provided to one of said light sensitive elements during said previous frame and the data readout from said one of said light sensitive elements during said current frame.

79. A light sensitive display comprising:

(a) said display selectively causing pixels to provide;

(b) a plurality of light sensitive elements located within said display;

(c) a processor that receives information from said light sensitive elements and determines a location where said display has been touched;

(d) wherein said determination is further based upon data provided to said light sensitive elements prior to said receiving said information from said light sensitive elements.

80. The display of claim 79 wherein said display is selectively illuminated during a time between said receiving said information and providing said data.

81. The display of claim 79 wherein said determination is made based upon a change in the data provided to one of said light sensitive elements during a previous frame and the data readout from said one of said light sensitive elements during a current frame.

82. A light sensitive display comprising:

(a) said display selectively causing pixels to provide light;

(b) at least one light sensitive element located within said display; and

(d) modifying the intensity of a portable external light source directed at said display based upon said at least one light sensitive element.

83. The display of claim 82 wherein said display is sized to fit in the palm of the hand.

84. The display of claim 82 wherein said portable external light source is electrically connected to said display.

85. The display of claim 84 wherein said light source is a generally elongate device.

86. The display of claim 82 wherein said portable external light source is operably interconnected to said display via a wireless communication link.

87. The display of claim 82 wherein said portable external light source selectively provides light based upon ambient light conditions.

88. The display of claim 87 wherein said portable external light source provides light if the ambient light conditions below a threshold.

89. A light sensitive display comprising:

(a) said display selectively causing pixels to provide light;

(b) at least one light sensitive element located within said display; and

(d) modifying the intensity of a portable external light source directed at said display based upon ambient lighting conditions.

90. The display of claim 89 wherein said display is sized to fit in the palm of the hand.

91. The display of claim 89 wherein said portable external light source is electrically connected to said display.

92. The display of claim 89 wherein said portable external light source is operably interconnected to said display via a wireless communication link.

93. A light sensitive display comprising:

(a) said display selectively causing pixels to provide light;

(b) at least one light sensitive element located within said display; and

(d) modifying the intensity of an external light source directed at said display based upon the addressing of said display.

94. The display of claim 93 wherein said display is sized to fit in the palm of the hand.

95. The display of claim 93 wherein said external light source is electrically connected to said display.

96. The display of claim 93 wherein said external light source is operably interconnected to said display via a wireless communication link.

97. The display of claim 93 wherein said addressing includes the scanning of said display.

98. The display of claim 93 wherein said addressing includes different frames.

99. The display of claim 93 wherein said addressing includes odd and even frames or fields.

100. The display of claim 93 wherein said addressing includes where in said display said light source is directed.

101. The display of claim 100 wherein said where in said display is the top and bottom of said display.

102. The display of claim 100 wherein said addressing is further based upon data provided to said light source from said display.

103. A liquid crystal device comprising:

(a) a front electrode layer;

(b) a rear electrode layer comprising a plurality of pixel electrodes;

(c) a liquid crystal material located between said front electrode layer and said rear electrode layer;

(d) changing an electrical potential between said rear electrode layer and said front electrode layer to selectively modify portions of said liquid crystal material to change the polarization of the light incident thereon;

(e) a light guide together with an associated light source located in front of said front electrode layer to provide light thereto;

(f) a plurality of light sensitive elements located within said display; and

(g) wherein the total internal reflections of said light guide is disrupted by contacting said display with a pointing device, where the pointing device has an index of refraction within 0.5 of the index of refraction of said light guide.

104. The device of claim 103 wherein the index of refraction of said light guide is between 0.4 and 1.6.

105. The device of claim 104 wherein the index of refraction of said light guide is between 1.45 and 1.50.

106. The device of claim 104 wherein the index of refraction of said pointing device is between 1.2 and 1.9.

107. The device of claim 106 wherein the index of refraction of said pointing device is between 1.4 and 1.6.

108. A liquid crystal device comprising:

(a) a front electrode layer;

(b) a rear electrode layer comprising a plurality of pixel electrodes;

(c) a liquid crystal material located between said front electrode layer and said rear electrode layer;

(d) changing an electrical potential between said rear electrode layer and said front electrode layer to selectively modify portions of said liquid crystal material to change the polarization of the light incident thereon;

(e) a light guide together with an associated light source located in front of said front electrode layer to provide light thereto;

(f) a plurality of light sensitive elements located within said display; and

(g) a processor determining the location of touching of said display by sensing a light inhibited region by said light sensitive elements wherein light has been inhibited from reaching said light sensitive elements with an interior region to said inhibited region having greater illumination.

109. A liquid crystal device comprising:

(a) a front electrode layer;

(b) a rear electrode layer comprising a plurality of pixel electrodes;

(c) a liquid crystal material located between said front electrode layer and said rear electrode layer;

(d) changing an electrical potential between said rear electrode layer and said front electrode layer to selectively modify portions of said liquid crystal material to change the polarization of the light incident thereon;

(e) a plurality of light sensitive elements located within said display; and

(f) a processor determining the location of touching of said display by sensing a light inhibited region by said light sensitive elements wherein light has been inhibited from reaching said light sensitive elements with an interior region to said inhibited region having greater illumination.

110. A light sensitive display comprising:

(a) said display selectively causing pixels to provide light;

(b) a plurality of light sensitive elements located within said display;

(c) a processor that receives information from said light sensitive elements and determines regions of said display where ambient light is inhibited from reaching said light sensitive elements, wherein data from said light sensitive elements is temporally analyzed.

111. The display of claim 110 wherein said temporal analysis determines whether a pointing device is “

hovering”

with respect to said display or touching said display.

112. The display of claim 110 wherein said temporal analysis determines whether a pointing device remains stationary for a period of time.

113. The display of claim 110 wherein said temporal analysis determines whether a pointing device approaches the display and thereafter recedes from the display.

114. The display of claim 113 wherein the general time between approaching and receding is used as a basis for said pointing device touching said display.

115. The display of claim 110 wherein said temporal analysis determines whether a pointing device approaches said display and said pointing device maintains the same general size, where the general time when the shadow maintains the same size is used as a basis for said pointing device touching said display.

116. The display of claim 110 wherein said display is a liquid crystal display.

117. The display of claim 110 wherein said liquid crystal display is active matrix.

118. The display of claim 110 wherein said liquid crystal display is passive.

119. A light sensitive display comprising:

(a) said display selectively causing pixels to provide light;

(b) a plurality of light sensitive elements located within said display;

(c) a sampling circuit that reads data from said plurality of light sensitive elements at a rate corresponding with the refresh rate of the corresponding portion of said display, wherein the display includes at least two different refresh rates.

120. A liquid crystal device comprising:

(a) a front electrode layer;

(b) a rear electrode layer comprising a plurality of pixel electrodes;

(c) a liquid crystal material located between said front electrode layer and said rear electrode layer;

(d) changing an electrical potential between said rear electrode layer and said front electrode layer to selectively modify portions of said liquid crystal material to change the polarization of the light incident thereon;

(e) a plurality of light sensitive elements located within said display;

(f) a light guide together with an associated light source located in front of said front electrode layer to provide light thereto, wherein said light has a color spectrum less than ambient light; and

(g) a color filter positioned between said light guide and at least one of said light sensitive elements, wherein said color reduces the transmission of said ambient light to an extent greater than said light from said light source.

1. A liquid crystal device comprising:

(a) a front electrode layer;

(b) a rear electrode layer;

(c) a liquid crystal material located between said front electrode layer and said rear electrode layer;

(d) changing an electrical potential between said rear electrode layer and said front electrode layer to selectively modify portions of said liquid crystal material to change the polarization of the light incident thereon; and

(e) a plurality of light sensitive elements located together with said rear electrode layer.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein each of said light sensitive elements include a transistor.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein each of said light sensitive elements includes a first transistor that senses ambient light, and a second transistor that is inhibited from sensing ambient light with respect to said first transistor.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein at least one of said first transistor and said second transistor is a thin-film transistor.

5. The device of claim 4 wherein said thin-film transistor is amorphous silicon.

6. The device of claim 3 wherein a terminal of said first transistor is connected to a terminal of said second transistor with a first conductor.

7. The device of claim 6 wherein said first conductor is capacitively coupled to a common line.

8. The device of claim 7 wherein said common line has a voltage potential less than said first conductor.

9. The device of claim 1 wherein said device is an active matrix liquid crystal device.

121. The device of claim 120 wherein said ambient light is white light.

122. The device of claim 120 wherein said color filter has a transmission of said ambient light less than 75%.

123. The device of claim 120 wherein said color filter has a transmission of said ambient light less than 60%.

124. The device of claim 120 wherein said color filter has a transmission of said ambient light less than 50%.

125. The device of claim 120 wherein said color filter has a transmission of said ambient light less than 40%.

126. The device of claim 120 wherein said color filter has a transmission of said ambient light less than 30%.

127. The device of claim 120 wherein said color filter has a transmission of said light from said light source greater than 25%.

128. The device of claim 120 wherein said color filter has a transmission of said light from said light source greater than 40%.

130. The device of claim 120 wherein said color filter has a transmission of said light from said light source greater than 60%.

131. The device of claim 120 wherein said color filter has a transmission of said light from said light source greater than 70%.

128-1. The device of claim 120 wherein said color filter has a transmission of said light from said light source greater than 50%.

132. A light sensitive display system comprising:

(a) said display selectively causing pixels to provide light during subsequent frames;

(b) a plurality of light sensitive elements located within said display;

(c) a first amount of additional light provided to said light sensitive elements during at least one of said subsequent frames;

(d) a second amount of said additional light selectively provided to said light sensitive elements during at least one other of said subsequent frames, wherein said first and second additional light are different; and

(e) said display system determining the location of said additional light on said display based upon sensing a portion of said first and second additional light.

133. The display of claim 132 wherein said first amount of said additional light is greater than said second amount of said additional light.

134. The display of claim 132 wherein said subsequent frames are sequential frames.

135. A method of sensing with a display comprising:

(a) a plurality of light sensitive elements located within said display;

(b) modifying an amount of additional light provided to said light sensitive elements during multiple frames; and

(c) system determining the location of said additional light on said display based upon sensing said additional light.

136. The display of claim 135 wherein said first amount of said additional light is greater than said second amount of said additional light.

137. The display of claim 135 wherein said multiple frames are non-sequential.

138. The display of claim 135 wherein said multiple frames are sequential.

139. The display of claim 135 wherein said modifying includes providing no-light.

140. A liquid crystal device comprising:

(a) a front electrode layer;

(b) a rear electrode layer comprising a plurality of pixel electrodes, wherein a first plurality of said pixel electrodes is associated with blue, a second plurality of said pixel electrodes is associated green, and a third plurality of said pixel electrodes is associated with red;

(c) a liquid crystal material located between said front electrode layer and said rear electrode layer;

(d) a plurality of light sensitive elements located within said display wherein each of said light sensitive elements corresponds with a selected one of said pixel electrodes, wherein at least one of;

(i) a greater number of said light sensitive elements are associated with said blue pixel electrodes, than said green pixel electrodes;

(ii) a greater number of said light sensitive elements are associated with said blue pixel electrodes, than said red pixel electrodes;

(iii) a greater number of said light sensitive elements are associated with said blue pixel electrodes, than non-blue said pixel electrodes.

141. A liquid crystal device comprising:

(a) a front electrode layer;

(b) a rear electrode layer;

(c) a liquid crystal material located between said front electrode layer and said rear electrode layer;

(d) changing an electrical potential between said rear electrode layer and said front electrode layer to selectively modify portions of said liquid crystal material to change the polarization of the light incident thereon;

(e) a plurality of light sensitive elements located together with said rear electrode layer; and

(f) a light blocking layer forwardly disposed from said front electrode layer that inhibits ambient light from striking a plurality of said light sensitive elements while defining openings therein to permit ambient light to strike a plurality of other said light sensitive elements.

142. A liquid crystal device comprising:

(a) a front electrode layer;

(b) a rear electrode layer;

(c) a liquid crystal material located between said front electrode layer and said rear electrode layer;

(d) changing an electrical potential between said rear electrode layer and said front electrode layer to selectively modify portions of said liquid crystal material to change the polarization of the light incident thereon; and

(e) a plurality of light sensitive elements located together with said rear electrode layer.

(f) a light blocking layer forwardly disposed from said front electrode layer that defines openings therein to permit ambient light to strike a plurality of said light sensitive elements, wherein said openings are smaller in at least one dimension than at least one dimension of the channel of said light sensitive element.

143. A liquid crystal device comprising:

(a) a front electrode layer;

(b) a rear electrode layer;

(c) a liquid crystal material located between said front electrode layer and said rear electrode layer;

(d) changing an electrical potential between said rear electrode layer and said front electrode layer to selectively modify portions of said liquid crystal material to change the polarization of the light incident thereon;

(e) a plurality of light sensitive elements located together with said rear electrode layer;

(f) a substantially non-filtered optical path from said plurality of said light sensitive elements to a viewer of said display.

144. A liquid crystal device comprising:

(a) a front electrode layer;

(b) a rear electrode layer;

(c) a liquid crystal material located between said front electrode layer and said rear electrode layer;

(d) changing an electrical potential between said rear electrode layer and said front electrode layer to selectively modify portions of said liquid crystal material to change the polarization of the light incident thereon; and

(e) a plurality of light sensitive elements located together with said rear electrode layer.

(f) a light blocking layer forwardly disposed from said front electrode layer that defines openings therein to permit ambient light to strike a plurality of said light sensitive elements, wherein said openings include a portion of said light blocking layer.

145. A liquid crystal device comprising:

(a) a front electrode layer;

(b) a rear electrode layer;

(c) a liquid crystal material located between said front electrode layer and said rear electrode layer;

(d) changing an electrical potential between said rear electrode layer and said front electrode layer to selectively modify portions of said liquid crystal material to change the polarization of the light incident thereon; and

(e) a plurality of light sensitive elements located together with said rear electrode layer.

(f) a light blocking layer forwardly disposed from said front electrode layer that defines a non-continuous opening therein to permit ambient light to strike a respective said light sensitive element.

146. A liquid crystal device comprising:

(a) a front electrode layer;

(b) a rear electrode layer;

(c) a liquid crystal material located between said front electrode layer and said rear electrode layer;

(d) changing an electrical potential between said rear electrode layer and said front electrode layer to selectively modify portions of said liquid crystal material to change the polarization of the light incident thereon;

(e) a plurality of light sensitive elements located together with said rear electrode layer; and

(f) a pen that provides a signal to said light sensitive elements indicative of the pressure exerted against said device.

147. A liquid crystal device comprising:

(a) a front electrode layer;

(b) a rear electrode layer;

(c) a liquid crystal material located between said front electrode layer and said rear electrode layer;

(d) changing an electrical potential between said rear electrode layer and said front electrode layer to selectively modify portions of said liquid crystal material to change the polarization of the light incident thereon;

(e) said rear electrode layer comprising a plurality of select electrodes and a plurality of data electrodes such that one of said select electrodes in combination with a plurality of said data electrodes selectively change said electrical potential for a plurality of different portion of said liquid crystal material;

(f) a first transistor comprising;

(i) a first terminal;

(ii) a second terminal;

(iii) a third terminal;

(g) a second transistor comprising;

(i) a first terminal;

(ii) a second terminal;

(iii) a third terminal;

(h) said first terminal of said first transistor electrically interconnected to a conductive electrode;

(i) said second terminal of said first transistor electrically interconnected to said conductive electrode;

(j) said first terminal of said first transistor and said second terminal of said first transistor electrically interconnected to one another;

(k) said second terminal of said first transistor is a gate of said first transistor;

(l) said third terminal of said first transistor electrically interconnected to said first terminal of said second transistor;

(m) said second terminal of said second transistor electrically connected to one of said select electrodes;

(n) said second terminal of said second transistor is a gate of said second transistor;

(o) said third terminal of said second transistor is electrically interconnected to a readout system;

(p) said second transistor substantially inhibited from receiving ambient light thereon relative said first transistor receiving ambient light thereon; and

(q) said first transistor and said second transistor being together with said rear electrode layer.

148. The device of claim 147 wherein at least one of said first transistor and said second transistor is a thin-film transistor.

149. The device of claim 148 wherein said first transistor and said second transistor are thin-film transistors.

150. The device of claim 149 wherein the semiconductor material of said first transistor and said second transistor is amorphous silicon.

151. The device of claim 150 wherein said third terminal of said first transistor is capacitively coupled to said conductive electrode.

152. The device of claim 151 wherein said conductive electrode has a voltage potential less than said third terminal of said second transistor.

153. The device of claim 147 wherein said device is an active matrix liquid crystal device.

154. The device of claim 147 wherein said second transistor provides an output in response to a decrease in the amount of ambient light reaching said first transistor.

155. The device of claim 148 wherein said conductive electrode is said one of said select electrodes.

156. A liquid crystal device comprising:

(a) a front electrode layer;

(b) a rear electrode layer;

(c) a liquid crystal material located between said front electrode layer and said rear electrode layer;

(d) changing an electrical potential between said rear electrode layer and said front electrode layer to selectively modify portions of said liquid crystal material to change the polarization of the light incident thereon;

(e) said rear electrode layer comprising a plurality of select electrodes and a plurality of data electrodes such that one of said select electrodes in combination with a plurality of said data electrodes selectively change said electrical potential for a plurality of different portion of said liquid crystal material;

(f) a first transistor comprising;

(i) a first terminal;

(ii) a second terminal;

(iii) a third terminal;

(g) a second transistor comprising;

(i) a first terminal;

(ii) a second terminal;

(iii) a third terminal;

(h) said first terminal of said first transistor electrically interconnected to said second terminal of said first transistor;

(i) said first terminal of said first transistor and said second terminal of said first transistor electrically interconnected to one of a conductive electrode and to said first terminal of said second transistor;

(j) said second terminal of said first transistor is a gate of said first transistor;

(k) said third terminal of said first transistor electrically interconnected to the other of said conductive electrode and said first terminal of said second transistor;

(l) said second terminal of said second transistor electrically connected to one of said select electrodes;

(m) said second terminal of said second transistor is a gate of said second transistor;

(n) said third terminal of said second transistor is electrically interconnected to a readout system;

(o) said second transistor substantially inhibited from receiving ambient light thereon relative said first transistor receiving ambient light thereon; and

(p) said first transistor and said second transistor being together with said rear electrode layer.

157. The device of claim 156 wherein at least one of said first transistor and said second transistor is a thin-film transistor.

158. The device of claim 157 wherein said first transistor and said second transistor are thin-film transistors.

159. The device of claim 158 wherein the semiconductor material of said first transistor and said second transistor is amorphous silicon.

160. The device of claim 159 wherein said third terminal of said first transistor is capacitively coupled to said conductive electrode.

161. The device of claim 156 wherein said device is an active matrix liquid crystal device.

162. The device of claim 156 wherein said second transistor provides an output in response to a decrease in the amount of ambient light reaching said first transistor.

163. The device of claim 156 wherein said conductive electrode is said one of said select electrodes.

164. A liquid crystal device comprising:

(a) a front electrode layer;

(b) a rear electrode layer;

(c) a liquid crystal material located between said front electrode layer and said rear electrode layer;

(d) changing an electrical potential between said rear electrode layer and said front electrode layer to selectively modify portions of said liquid crystal material to change the polarization of the light incident thereon;

(e) said rear electrode layer comprising a plurality of select electrodes and a plurality of data electrodes such that one of said select electrodes in combination with a plurality of said data electrodes selectively change said electrical potential for a plurality of different portions of said liquid crystal material;

(f) a light sensitive element comprising;

(i) a first terminal;

(ii) a second terminal;

(g) a first transistor comprising;

(i) a first terminal;

(ii) a second terminal;

(iii) a third terminal;

(h) said first terminal of said light sensitive element electrically interconnected to a conductive electrode;

(i) said second terminal of said light sensitive element electrically interconnected to said first terminal of said first transistor;

(j) said second terminal of said first transistor electrically connected to one of said select electrodes;

(k) said second terminal of said first transistor is a gate of said first transistor;

(l) said third terminal of said first transistor is electrically interconnected to a readout system;

(m) said first transistor substantially inhibited from receiving ambient light thereon relative said light sensitive element receiving ambient light thereon; and

(n) said readout system determining when light sensed by said light sensitive element is less than said ambient light.

165. The device of claim 164 wherein said light sensitive element and said first transistor being together with said rear electrode layer.

166. The device of claim 165 wherein said first transistor is a thin-film transistor.

167. The device of claim 166 wherein the semiconductor material of said first transistor is amorphous silicon.

168. The device of claim 167 wherein said second terminal of said light sensitive element is capacitively coupled to said conductive electrode.

169. The device of claim 168 wherein said conductive electrode has a voltage potential less than said third terminal of said first transistor.

170. The device of claim 165 wherein said first transistor provides an output in response to a decrease in the amount of ambient light reaching said light sensitive element.

171. The device of claim 165 wherein said conductive electrode is said one of said select electrodes.

172. A liquid crystal device comprising;

(a) a front electrode layer;

(b) a rear electrode layer;

(c) a liquid crystal material located between said front electrode layer and said rear electrode layer;

(d) changing an electrical potential between said rear electrode layer and said front electrode layer to selectively modify portions of said liquid crystal material to change the polarization of the light incident thereon;

(e) said rear electrode layer comprising a plurality of select electrodes and a plurality of data electrodes such that one of said select electrodes in combination with a plurality of said data electrodes selectively change said electrical potential for a plurality of different portions of said liquid crystal material;

(f) a first transistor comprising;

(i) a first terminal;

(ii) a second terminal;

(iii) a third terminal;

(g) a first element comprising;

(i) a first terminal;

(ii) a second terminal;

(h) said first terminal of said first transistor electrically interconnected to a conductive electrode;

(i) said second terminal of said first transistor electrically interconnected to said conductive electrode;

(j) said first terminal of said first transistor and said second terminal of said first transistor electrically interconnected to one another;

(k) said second terminal of said first transistor is a gate of said first transistor;

(l) said third terminal of said first transistor electrically interconnected to said first terminal of said first element;

(m) said second terminal of said first element is electrically interconnected to a readout system;

(n) said first element substantially inhibited from receiving ambient light thereon relative said first transistor receiving ambient light thereon; and

(o) said readout system determining when light sensed by said light sensitive element is less than said ambient light.

173. The device of claim 172 wherein said first element and said first transistor being together with said rear electrode layer.

174. The device of claim 173 wherein said first transistor is a thin-film transistor.

175. The device of claim 174 wherein the semiconductor material of said first transistor is amorphous silicon.

176. The device of claim 175 wherein said second terminal of said first transistor is capacitively coupled to said conductive electrode.

177. The device of claim 176 wherein said conductive electrode is said one of said select electrodes.