Low power high resolution electrochemical display

• US 6,369,792 B1
• Filed: 09/19/1996
• Issued: 04/09/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 09/19/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Lextron Systems, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Lextron Systems, Inc.
• Inventors: Kikinis, Dan
• Primary Examiner(s): Shalwala, Bipin
• Assistant Examiner(s): Frenel, Vanel
• Application Number:
  US08/724,304
• Time in Patent Office: 2,028 Days
• Field of Search: 345/60, 345/84, 345/85, 345/86, 345/107, 359/290-296
• US Class Current: 345/107
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/167 by electrophoresis

Abstract

A flat-panel display comprises a gelatinous material between two panels having a matrix of pixel electrodes formed between the panels. Suspended ionic particles in the gelatinous material, of a color contrasting to the color of the gelatinous material, are translated in the gelatinous material by activating individual ones of the electrodes, and collecting near the electrodes against one of the panels, form pixels of the color of the particles against a background of the color of the gelatinous material. In preferred embodiments data receiving and control circuitry are provided with the flat panel display for activating electrodes in patterns according to received data, the patterns forming images on a screen. Flat panel displays thus formed require power only when an image on the screen is changed. No power is required to maintain an image once formed. Such a display is especially suitable for forming pages of text for various purposes.

Claims

1. A display panel comprising:

a first panel;

a second panel spaced apart from the first panel, providing a volume therebetween;

an open-celled, opaque gelatinous material having a first color in the volume between the panels;

multiple ionic particles having a second color suspended in the gelatinous material;

a matrix of electrodes implemented over a surface of at least one of the panels; and

a power source providing power to the matrix of electrodes;

wherein activating individual ones of the electrodes in the matrix of electrodes, by applying power from the power source, when a change in the display image is required, causes groups of the multiple ionic particles to translate through the gelatinous material and collect against the first panel, forming a pattern of pixels of the second color against a background of the first color, and wherein, upon deactivating the individual ones of the electrodes, by removing power from the electrodes, the multiple ionic particles, being supported in a constant position by the gelatinous material, maintain the same pattern of pixels against the first panel as when the electrodes were activated, until the electrodes are again activated, by applying power to the electrodes, thereby changing the position of the ionic particles to form a new pattern of pixels, and the pixels remain in position after the power is removed from the electrodes for an indefinite amount of time, thereby minimizing power required.

2. A method for forming an image on a display panel comprising steps of:

(a) forming a matrix of pixel electrodes between two parallel, spaced apart panels;

(b) filling volume between the panels with an open-celled, gelatinous material having a first color;

(c) suspending ionic particles having a second color in the gelatinous material;

(d) activating individual ones of the pixel electrodes by applying power from a power source, causing multiples of the ionic particles to translate through the gelatinous material and to form near the activated electrodes, forming thereby an image; and

(e) deactivating the individual ones of the electrodes, by removing power from the display, leaving the multiple ionic particles supported in a constant position by the gelatinous material, for an indefinite period of time, maintaining the same pattern of pixels against the first panel as held when the electrodes were activated, until the electrodes are again activated, by applying power to the display, changing the position of the ionic particles to form a new pattern of pixels, thereby minimizing power required.