Electromagnetic writing apparatus for electro-optic displays
AssigneeE Ink Corporation
InventorsSeth J. Bishop, Sunil Krishna Sainis, George G. Harris, William Vetterling
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Abstract
Particle-based electro-optic displays are described that are both electrically and magnetically controllable. Global and local addressing may be provided. The global addressing may be providing by one or more electrodes of the display, and may be electrically activated. The local addressing may be provided by a writing implement, especially one capable of producing rotating electric fields.
Claims17
An apparatus for addressing an electro-optic display, comprising:
- an elongate tubular member having a first end and a second end, being sized to be hand-held, and being configured to allow a user to address an electro-optic display;
- an electromagnet configured to generate, from the first end of the elongate tubular member, a rotating magnetic field.
A method of addressing an electro-optic medium comprising:
- applying a voltage to the electro-optic medium that is insufficient to cause the electro-optic medium to switch between a first and a second optical state;
- and
- applying a magnetic field to the electro-optic medium in addition to the voltage, such that the combined electric and magnetic fields are sufficient to cause the electro-optic medium to switch between a first and a second optical state.
The method of claim 17, wherein the magnetic field is a rotating magnetic field.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.