Electro-optic displays, and processes for the production thereof
AssigneeE Ink Corporation
InventorsRichard J. Paolini, Jr., Thomas H. Whitesides
Life of this patent
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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.
Claims10
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.
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.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.