Method and system for interferometric modulation in projection or peripheral devices

• US 7,848,001 B2
• Filed: 05/11/2006
• Issued: 12/07/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 05/05/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Snaptrack Incorporated (Qualcomm, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Qualcomm MEMS Technologies Incorporated (Qualcomm, Inc.)
• Inventors: Miles, Mark W.
• Primary Examiner(s): HASAN, MOHAMMED A
• Application Number:
  US11/432,724
• Publication Number:
  US 20060262279A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,671 Days
• Field of Search: 359/586, 359/579, 359/587, 359/589, 359/302, 359/318, 359290-298, 359/181
• US Class Current: 359/290
• CPC Class Codes: B82Y 20/00 Nanooptics, e.g. quantum optics or photonic crystals
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/26 using multiple reflection, e.g. Fabry-Perot interferometer, variable interference filters
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2006/12104 Mirror; Reflectors or the like
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 26/001 based on interference in an adjustable optical cavity interference filters G02B5/28; devices or arrangements using multiple reflections in spectrometry or monochromators G01J3/26
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 26/02 for controlling the intensity of light G02B26/004 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 26/0833 the reflecting element being a micromechanical device, e.g. a MEMS mirror, DMD G02B26/0825 takes precedence; micromechanical devices in general B81B
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 26/0841 the reflecting element being moved or deformed by electrostatic means
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 26/085 the reflecting means being moved or deformed by electromagnetic means
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 26/0858 the reflecting means being moved or deformed by piezoelectric means
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/01 Head-up displays
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/017 Head mounted
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/12 of the integrated circuit kind electric integrated circuits H01L27/00
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/13725 based on guest-host interaction G02F1/13762, G02F1/13737, take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/169 based on orientable non-spherical particles having a common optical characteristic, e.g. suspended particles of reflective metal flakes
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/216 using liquid crystals, e.g. liquid crystal Fabry-Perot filters
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 2203/03 scattering
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1431 using a single graphics controller
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1446 display composed of modules, e.g. video walls
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/147 using display panels
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2300/0408 Integration of the drivers onto the display substrate
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2300/0452 : Details of colour pixel setup, e.g. pixel composed of a red, a blue and two green components
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/001 : using specific devices not provided for in groups G09G3/02 - G09G3/36, e.g. using an intermediate record carrier such as a film slide; Projection systems; Display of non-alphanumerical information, solely or in combination with alphanumerical information, e.g. digital display on projected diapositive as background slide projectors per se G03B23/00 = 42 HP
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/2014 : by modulation of the duration of a single pulse during which the logic level remains constant
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/2074 : using sub-pixels
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/2077 : by a combination of two or more gradation control methods
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/3466 : based on interferometric effect
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 5/02 : characterised by the way in which colour is displayed details of colour display specific for CRTs G09G1/28; specific for flat matrix panels other than liquid crystal displays G09G3/2003; specific for liquid crystal displays G09G3/3607
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 9/26 : with folded element or elements, the folded parts being spaced apart a small fraction of operating wavelength resonant loop antennas H01Q7/00

Abstract

An Interferometric Modulator (IMod) is a microelectromechanical device for modulating light using interference. The colors of these devices may be determined in a spatial fashion, and their inherent color shift may be compensated for using several optical compensation mechanisms. Brightness, addressing, and driving of IMods may be accomplished in a variety of ways with appropriate packaging, and peripheral electronics which can be attached and/or fabricated using one of many techniques. The devices may be used in both embedded and directly perceived applications, the latter providing multiple viewing modes as well as a multitude of product concepts ranging in size from microscopic to architectural in scope.

Claims

1. A system for projecting images, comprising:

an array of interferometric modulators configured to form a first image;

an optical imaging system configured to form on a viewing surface a second image based on the first image; and

a light source disposed with respect to the array of interferometric modulators to illuminate the array of interferometric modulators,

wherein said system for projecting images comprises a head mounted display.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the array of interferometric modulators, the optical imaging system and the light source is disposed on the head mounted display.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a reflector configured to reflect the projected image onto the viewing surface.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein light from the light source is transmitted through the array of interferometric modulators.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein light from the light source is reflected from the array of interferometric modulators.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein one or more interferometric modulators in the array of interferometric modulators are reflective modulators.

7. The system of claim 1, configured to provide a dynamic external look.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein interferometric modulators in the array of interferometric modulators comprise a primary mirror and a secondary mirror, said secondary mirror configured to be actuated.

9. A system for projecting images, comprising:

a photosensitive medium;

an array of interferometric modulators configured to form a first image;

a light source, said light source and said array of interferometric modulators defining an optical path;

a transport mechanism configured to move the photosensitive medium such that the photosensitive medium passes through said optical path; and

an optical imaging system configured to form on the photosensitive medium a second image based on the first image.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the photosensitive medium undergoes exposure to light when moved relative to the array of interferometric modulators.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the array of interferometric modulators is transmissive and light from the light source is transmitted through the array of interferometric modulators.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the array of interferometric modulators is reflective and light from the light source is reflected from the array of interferometric modulators.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein the array of interferometric modulators is a linear array.

14. The system of claim 9, wherein the array of interferometric modulators is a two dimensional array.

15. The system of claim 9, wherein the array of interferometeric modulators is configured to form an image when illuminated by at least visible light.

16. The system of claim 9, wherein the optical imaging system comprises a lens.

17. The system of claim 9, wherein light from the light source is transmitted through the optical imaging system.

18. The system of claim 9, wherein the array of interferometric modulators is configured to form an image when illuminated by at least hyperspectral light.

19. The system of claim 9, wherein the array of interferometric modulators is configured to form an image when illuminated by at least ultraviolet light.

20. The system of claim 9, wherein the array of interferometric modulators is configured to form an image when illuminated by at least infrared light.

21. The system of claim 9, wherein interferometric modulators in the array of interferometric modulators comprise a primary mirror and a secondary mirror, said secondary mirror configured to be actuated.

22. A system for projecting images, comprising:

means for capturing optical information;

means for interferometrically modulating light to form a first image;

a means for illuminating, said illuminating means and said interferometrically light modulating means defining an optical path;

means for moving the capturing means across the modulating means; and

means for optically imaging for forming a second image based on the first image on the capturing means.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein said capturing means undergoes exposure to light when moved relative to the light modulating means.

24. The system of claim 22, further comprising means for illuminating the light modulating means.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the illuminating means illuminates with at least hyperspectral light.

26. The system of claim 24, wherein the illuminating means illuminates with at least ultraviolet light.

27. The system of claim 24, wherein the illuminating means illuminates with at least infrared light.

28. The system of claim 24, wherein the light modulating means is transmissive and light is transmitted through the light modulating means.

29. The system of claim 24, wherein the light modulating means is reflective and light is reflected from the light modulating means.

30. The system of claim 24, wherein the illuminating means illuminates with at least visible light.

31. The system of claim 22, wherein the light modulating means comprises an array of interferometric modulators.

32. The system of claim 22, wherein said capturing means comprises a photosensitive medium.

33. The system of claim 22, wherein the optically imaging means comprises a lens.

34. The system of claim 22, wherein the moving means comprises a transport mechanism.

35. A display device comprising:

an array of interferometric modulators configured to form a first image;

an optical imaging system configured to form on a viewing surface a second image based on the first image; and

a light source disposed with respect to the array of interferometric modulators to illuminate the array of interferometric modulators,

wherein said array of interferometric modulators, said optical imaging system and said light source are disposed in an automobile.

36. The display device of claim 35, further comprising a reflector disposed with respect to the optical imaging system, said reflector configured to reflect the second image on a viewing surface.

37. The display device of claim 36, wherein light from the light source is transmitted through the interferometric modulator.

38. The display device of claim 35, wherein said second image is formed on a windshield.

39. The display device of claim 35, wherein said array of interferometric modulators and said optical imaging system are mounted to an automobile dashboard.

40. The display device of claim 35, wherein one or more interferometric modulators in the array of interferometric modulators are reflective modulators.

41. The system of claim 35, wherein said array of interferometric modulators, said optical imaging system and said light source are disposed in a heads-up display in an automobile.

42. The system of claim 35, wherein light from the light source is transmitted through the array of interferometric modulators.

43. The system of claim 35, wherein light from the light source is reflected from the array of interferometric modulators.

44. The system of claim 35, wherein light from the light source is transmitted through the optical imaging system.

45. The system of claim 35, wherein interferometric modulators in the array of interferometric modulators comprise a primary mirror and a secondary mirror, said secondary mirror configured to be actuated.

46. A system for projecting images, comprising:

an array of interferometric modulators configured to form a first image;

a light source, said light source and said array of interferometric modulators defining an optical path;

a transport mechanism configured to move a photosensitive medium such that the photosensitive medium passes through said optical path; and

an optical imaging system configured to form on the photosensitive medium a second image based on the first image.

47. The system of claim 46, wherein the photosensitive medium undergoes exposure to light when moved relative to the array of interferometric modulators.

48. The system of claim 46, wherein the array of interferometric modulators is transmissive and light from the light source is transmitted through the array of interferometric modulators.

49. The system of claim 46, wherein the array of interferometric modulators is reflective and light from the light source is reflected from the array of interferometric modulators.

50. The system of claim 46, wherein the array of interferometric modulators is a linear array.

51. The system of claim 46, wherein the array of interferometric modulators is a two dimensional array.

52. The system of claim 46, wherein the optical imaging system comprises a lens.

53. A display device comprising:

an array of interferometric modulators configured to form a first image;

an optical imaging system configured to form on a viewing surface a second image based on the first image; and

a light source disposed with respect to the array of interferometric modulators to illuminate the array of interferometric modulators,

wherein said array of interferometric modulators, said optical imaging system and said light source are disposed on eyewear.

54. The system of claim 53, wherein interferometric modulators in the array of interferometric modulators comprise a primary mirror and a secondary mirror, said secondary mirror configured to be actuated.

55. The display device of claim 53, further comprising a reflector disposed with respect to the optical imaging system, said reflector configured to reflect the second image on a viewing surface.

56. The display device of claim 53, wherein light from the light source is transmitted through the interferometric modulator.

57. The display device of claim 53, wherein the second image is formed using a lens of said eyewear.

58. The display device of claim 53, wherein said second image is viewable by others looking at a wearer of the eyewear.

59. The system of claim 53, wherein light from the light source is transmitted through the array of interferometric modulators.

60. The system of claim 53, wherein light from the light source is reflected from the array of interferometric modulators.

61. The system of claim 53, wherein light from the light source is transmitted through the optical imaging system.

62. The system of claim 53, wherein one or more interferometric modulators in the array of interferometric modulators are reflective modulators.