CN1173196C - Diffractive display - Google Patents

Abstract

A diffractive display suitable for presenting graphic displays is disclosed. One embodiment includes a holographic diffraction pattern (100) carried by a permanent magnet (120) or related element and an electrically energizable coil or conductor (160) energizable for causing movement of the magnet. Rotation of the holographic diffraction pattern about a pivot (140) generates a display with diffracted light from the holographic diffraction grating. Another embodiment includes a faceted rotatable element (FRE) having an array of facets each bearing a diffraction grating and a source energizable for rotation of the FRE from a resting station to a viewing station. Rotation of the FRE generates a display from the diffracted light.

Description

Diffractive display

Technical field

The present invention relates to an improvement for a kind of diffractive display (reflective or transmission-type), wherein each pixel can present FR diffraction wavelength (being FR color) by a kind of novel diffractive technology.

Background technology

The present technique field has been full of adopts such as the bimorph device, or in brief, bimorph, the perhaps suggestion of the various graphic alphanumeric displays of peer device.Bimorph is a kind of device, and it is made by two piezoelectric membranes, and the latter tightens together and has each electrode, allows each electric field of suitable polarity to put on film to cause producing electrostrictive effect.Such electrostrictive effect can be to uphold in a kind of plane or shrink, perhaps a kind of to out-of-plane deflection when opposite end is tightened up of an end of film.

United States Patent (USP) the 4th, 331 proposes a kind of light valve No. 972, comprises the device of a pair of transparent material, comprises that separately one has the periodic diffraction grating of the light that faces with each other with the parallel grating spectral line.This light valve is called a kind of double grid in this patent.Light by the transmission of double grid will depend on this to grating perpendicular to the relative position on the direction of each grating spectral line.One of each grating can be stamped on the two piezo crystals films of a polyvinylidene fluoride and by a voltage that puts on the latter and make it mobile.Then, in response to an electric signal, one can be moved to control zero diffraction or to be transmitted to the light transmission of total transmissivity or any required intermediate transmission from nothing with respect to another.It is three kinds of required different colors of a color monitor, i.e. blue-green, peony and yellow that three different stacked double grid light valves are used to obtain.

United States Patent (USP) the 5th, 067, No. 829 proposals guide each light beam by making each light beam pass the printing opacity resilient material, and these materials are bent applying under the voltage, and this bending or distortion can cause the angle that light beam runs through each photic zone surface to change.

United States Patent (USP) the 5th, 052 adopts a kind of bimorph to give way as an optical gate No. 777 and stops light by its coupling connection.This optical gate allows light, and the light such as by each Optical Fiber Transmission is coupled to an observer by each bimorph light valve and is used to generate graphic presentation.

United States Patent (USP) the 4th, 274 has disclosed a kind of laser recorder, has adopted a kind of piezoelectric bimorph focusing length Vib. for No. 101.

United States Patent (USP) the 5th, 126, No. 836 a kind of television indicators of suggestion, wherein to many spectroscopes, the latter is decomposed into the three beams primary colors to light beam to a white light source a beam emissions; Then these primary colour beams reflex to can be piezoelectric crystal, on three deformable reflecting surfaces, the latter is again each beam reflection and by each line of rabbet joint on the non-reflective surface, thus the density of modulating each light beam.United States Patent (USP) the 4th, 415 is also advised the bimorph light valve No. 228, as United States Patent (USP) the 4th, 234, No. 245 do.

Other suggestion comprises " a kind of display based on switchable each light valve of zeroth order diffraction grating " (" A Display Based on Saifchable Zero Order Diffraction GratingLight Valves " of people such as Sfein, Advances in Dispeay Technology V, SPI vol.526,105-112 (1985)), this literary composition proposes a kind of flat-panel monitor, adopts a series of light sources with a local collimation to give the spectral line addressable light valve of irradiation behind.The basic pixel device of display is the optical switch of a zeroth order diffraction that forms based on the transmission phase grating that aligns by two.The transmission of light is modulated by mechanically making a grating move half grating with respect to another grating.One bimorph is used for this purpose.

At last, the foundation of another suggestion is that people such as Gale " are used to show the diffraction-type fan diffuser of purpose " (" Diffractive Diffusers for Display Application ", Current Developments inOptical Engineering and Diffraction Phenomena, SPIE vol.679,165-168 (1986), this literary composition proposes to be used to show diffraction-type optical diffuser of purpose, and wherein fan diffuser can be write fabrication techniques with laser beam and comes out.

Aforementioned various technology plays the effect that graphic presentation is provided to a certain extent; But, a kind of more improved technology that is used to form this demonstration is disclosed in people's such as Odhner United States Patent (USP) the 5th, 613, among No. 022, this patent is distributed on March 18th, 1997, is entitled as " utilizing reflection or transmitted ray to generate the diffractive display and the diffraction method of the panchromatic function of single pixel " (" DiffractiveDisplay and Method Utilizing Reflective or Transmissive Light Yielding SinglePixel Full color Capability ".By moving a diffraction grating, this technology can be in order to produce graphic presentation, and each pixel of display can both be panchromatic.One diffusion panel or imaging surface can be used to strengthen the observation of observer to display by the pixel irradiation.

Though this diffractive technology has been represented a progress in the graphic alphanumeric display field, but at the actual needs that still exists in the art for the other approach of implementing this practice, so that make this diffractive display economy and practicality, particularly mass-produced the time.

Summary of the invention

The objective of the invention is to improve a kind of diffractive display that is suitable for display graphics etc.Roughly say, trendy embodiment be by the hologram diffraction pattern of magnet or element holding and one with magnetic means be coupled to described magnet can the electric means energy supply coil finish, the latter can energy supply so that moving magnet.The rotation of hologram diffraction pattern can be used to generate demonstration from the diffracted ray of holographic diffraction grating.

Another novel embodiment be by with faceted rotatable device (FRE) but and energy supply so that FRE is left standstill the light source that a little turns to an observation point from one to be finished, FRE has row and supports the facet of a diffraction grating separately.The rotation of FRE can be used to generate demonstration from the diffracted ray of each diffraction grating.

A kind of configuration of FRE is the circular plate on plane basically, has many columns around its periphery, and each column supports a diffraction grating.But, in addition preferably, any one group of diffraction grating that has different spacing separately, preferably the holographic diffraction grating form can be provided with along the surface of plate.Can adopt some other configuration because its quality reduces, can increase velocity of rotation and reduce acceleration and deceleration periods so that each pixel can conversion between shades of colour promptly.The rotation of FRE can be achieved such as a step motor or linear-motion actuator by using.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a kind of display that comprises the element of carrying diffraction grating hologram pattern is provided, this element is connected in the motion that can be described element and the energy of energy supply, wherein said hologram pattern is moved by the motion of described element, and but the diffraction that moves of described hologram pattern is incident on energy on the described hologram pattern to produce different selected diffraction energies from described hologram pattern, and described element comprises a magnetic part and described hologram pattern and has a pivot point; And the described energy with respect to described element be fix and comprise the one or more coils that can the electric means energy supply that are coupled to described magnetic part with magnetic means, the described energy be can energy supply so that carry the described element of described hologram pattern and rotate around described pivot point.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a kind of device that comprises the element that carries diffraction grating is provided, this element is connected in the motion that can be described element and the energy of energy supply, wherein said diffraction grating is moved by the motion of described element, and but the diffraction that moves of described diffraction grating is incident on energy on the described diffraction grating to generate different selected diffraction energies from described diffraction grating, described element is to be with faceted pivo table member, it has a row facet, each facet of described array supports a diffraction grating, and described pivo table member has a pivot point; The described energy is fixed with respect to described pivo table member, and but energy supply is a little to turn to the facet observation point by making described pivo table member around described pivot point rotation the selected facet of one in the described array be left standstill from facet, produce selected diffracted energy and be displayed to the observer at this place, and in the fixed position with respect to described pivo table member, described selected diffraction energy is displayed to described observer.

According to another aspect of the invention, a kind of method that is used for being generated by the element of carrying diffraction grating hologram pattern different selected diffraction energies is provided, this element is connected in the motion that can be described element and the energy of energy supply, wherein said hologram pattern is moved by the motion of described element, and but the diffraction that moves of described hologram pattern is incident on energy on the described hologram pattern to generate different selected diffraction energies from described hologram pattern, comprise following each step: (a) provide described element, to comprise magnetic part together with described hologram pattern, described element has pivot point; (b) with respect to the fixing described energy of described element; (c) the described energy is set to one or more coils that can the electric means energy supply; (d) with magnetic means described electric energy supply coil is coupled to described magnetic part; And (e) can make the described element of the described hologram pattern of carrying rotate and generate described different selected diffraction energy around described pivot point to the energy supply of described electric energy supply coil.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a kind of method that is used for being generated by the element of carrying diffraction grating different selected diffraction energies is provided, this element is connected in the energy for the motion energy supply of described element, wherein said diffraction grating is moved by the motion of described element, and but the diffraction that moves of described diffraction grating is incident on energy on the described diffraction grating to generate different selected diffraction energies from described diffraction grating, it is characterized in that, may further comprise the steps: (a) described element is set to be with faceted pivo table member, this element has a row facet, each facet supports a diffraction grating, and described pivo table member has pivot point; (b) with respect to the fixing described energy of described pivo table member; And (c) to described energy energy supply to leave standstill from facet and a little turn to the facet observation point by making described pivo table member rotate a selected facet that makes described facet array around described pivot point, produce selected diffraction energy at this place, to be used to be shown to the observer, and in the fixed position with respect to described pivo table member, only described selected diffraction energy will be displayed to described observer.

Description of drawings

In order more intactly to understand various scheme of the present invention and advantage, can be with reference to the explanation of doing below in conjunction with accompanying drawing, in the accompanying drawing:

But Fig. 1 is the vertical view that adopts an improved rotor magnet and the pixel of the embodiment of the energy supply coil of fixing;

Fig. 2 A-2C shows that magnet turns to two different positions from initial position;

Fig. 3 is the side view of Fig. 1 pixel, shows that magnet and coil are connected in a printed circuit board (PCB);

Fig. 4 A-4E illustrates the several different methods that is used for fixing magnet and diffraction grating;

Fig. 5 shows that light is diffracted into the partial view of visual point from light source by band facet rotating device (FRE);

Fig. 6 A-6E shows many FRE structures, each free supporting part and be with faceted surface portion to constitute;

Fig. 7 is the skeleton view of a kind of FRE of combining with several conventional display device;

Fig. 8 A is the skeleton view that is connected in the FRE of step motor;

Fig. 8 B and 8C are the skeleton views that is connected in the FRE of linear-motion actuator;

Fig. 9 A is the skeleton view with FRE of independent diffraction grating;

Fig. 9 B is the FRE of Fig. 9 A turns to the second place from initial position a skeleton view; And

Fig. 9 C is the FRE of Fig. 9 A turns to the 3rd position from initial position a skeleton view.

Embodiment

Being used to of a kind of uniqueness made the United States Patent (USP) the 5th that people such as the method for image display is that issue on March 18th, 1997, Odhner are entitled as " adopting reflection or transmitted ray to produce the diffractive display and the method for the panchromatic function of single pixel ", open among 613, No. 022 (after this being referred to as " ' 022 patent ").Utilize this technology, be connected in the energy that can be the film movement energy supply by diffraction grating electronic or that the moving film of magnetic carries.This diffraction grating can the specific color of diffraction when being shone with special angle by broad band source.The athletic meeting of carrying the film of diffraction grating changes the angle of the relative diffraction grating of incident ray.This will cause changing its wavelength with the light beam of given angle diffraction.For broadband visible light source (though the present invention is applicable to the energy of ultraviolet (or UV) and infrared wavelength on an equal basis), might cause a pixel can reflect multiple color as the function of the rotation of diffraction grating, especially red, green and blue.

In order to obtain the color homogeneity and the roomy visual field, this grating should be a kind of hologram such as ground glass, photography photo etc.Color through diffraction is determined by following grating equation:

λ＝d(sinι+xinδ)

Wherein

The wavelength (micron) of the light of λ=process diffraction

A round-robin grating space of d=(micron)

The incident angle (degree) of ι=anomaly plate normal

The angle of diffraction (degree) of δ=anomaly plate normal

For a fixing δ and a fixing d, wavelength will change with the change of ι.

The embodiment of many realization diffraction grating motions is disclosed among ' 022 patent.The piezoelectric that embodiment relates to fixed diffraction grating on it applies a certain voltage and causes material bending to change effective spacing of diffraction grating.The deflection of film is proportional to the voltage that is applied.But some other embodiment adopts the coil of magnet and energy supply to form the deflection of diffraction grating according to the electromagnetics principle.The modification of each magnetic methods that specifies all comprises fixing permanent magnet and rotating coil in ' 022 patent, and diffraction grating is fixed on this coil.The interaction in each permanent magnet field and the magnetic field that is generated by coil can provide and cause coil and the diffraction grating power of rotating thus.

Though disclosed every embodiment can make satisfactorily to meet most of commercial uses in ' 022 patent, this technology always makes every effort to develop some more practical and effective improvements.Adopt fixed coil and on it during the embodiment of the movable magnetic part of fixed diffraction grating, obtain some unforeseeable results one of test.What look to is that configuration fixed coil and movable magnet originally can cause the performance of equity to replace fixed magnet and movable coil.Yet, adopt the movable magnet practice to show unexpected and useful effect, comprise with respect to the moment of torsion that is produced, quality is less and energy dissipation is less, critical material changes lessly aspect spring constant and conduction, and quality of production control problem is less, and the production run cost is lower.

Look at Fig. 1 now, illustrate generally by the vertical view of pixels of 90 signs and comprise improved movable magnet embodiment.One diffraction grating is configured in 100 places.This diffraction grating can be a holofilm.Diffraction film 100 is fixed on the magnetic part, promptly on the permanent magnet (showing with 120 in Fig. 1 and 2).Diffraction grating 100 can physical fixation in magnet 120, perhaps in addition, diffraction grating 100 and magnet 120 can be fixed on the add-on parts to form this combination.Magnet 120 is placed in above the pivot 140, the latter make by ferromagnetic material and thereby attract magnet and it be held in place, still allow around pivot 140 run-off the straights action simultaneously.Be connected in part pivot 140 or what be adjacent to it is that electric current carries conductor 160, the latter is connected in FET (field-effect transistor) 170.So, magnet 120 and coil 160 coupling connection on magnetic.

Produce a magnetic field when electric current flows through lead 160, this magnetic field applies a power on magnet 120.Because magnet 120 is not the position that is in a permanent fixation, the power that is produced by electric current in the lead 160 will cause magnet 120 and the diffraction grating 100 that links rotates around pivot 140.The rotation direction of diffraction grating magnet 120 and that link depends on the direction in the magnetic field related with magnet 120 and flows through the sense of current of lead 160.The polarity of electric current will change the direction of the acting force that is produced in the counter-rotating lead 160, causes magnet to rotate in the opposite direction.Lead 160 can be made up of multi-turn, the viewpoint of the efficient of not associating, and coil preferably is made up of an independent circle.Electromagnetic screen 260 is configured to prevent the interaction (so-called " crosstalking ") of the field that generated by adjacent each pixel or each external source around each pixel.This shielding can be such as being made of SAE 1010 steel.As will be for those skilled in the art obviously visible, for the motion of magnet also it is contemplated that the other structure, so that magnet 120 and coil 160 join with the electromagnetic mode coupling.After a while the legend of several structures will be described in more detail.

Slightly turn to Fig. 2 A-2C, diagram magnet 120 can be turned to two kinds of different positions.Reference numeral among Fig. 1 still keeps.In Fig. 2 A, magnet 120 is on the initial position that is orthogonal to pivot 140, and is pointed as dotted line 180.When flowing through lead 160 on the direction among electric current is being shown in Fig. 1, magnet 120 will be turned over an angle θ from its initial position ₁And reach the position that is shown among Fig. 2 B.By putting upside down the polarity of the electric current that flows through lead 160, magnet 120 will as be shown on the reverse direction among Fig. 2 C and turn over angle θ ₂Generally, magnet will only need rotate about 8 degree and reach a full-color. pixel on either direction.

Return Fig. 1, retainer 200 and 210 can prevent that the rotation of magnet 120 from exceeding required boundary.Part magnet 120 is cut, to show existing of retainer 210.Retainer 210 can comprise a capacitance probe or sensor, the latter detects the existence of a capacitor (not shown), this sensor is such as drawing (Mylar) to make by calorize is close, be positioned at the position of magnet 120 belows and indication magnet 120, when magnet has been driven to a desired position, it just is held in place by the magnetic field around each ferromagnetic pin 220 and 240.Because the existence of these pins, magnet 120 can be flowing under the situation among the lead 160 and be held in place having little or no electric current.

Turn to Fig. 3 now, wherein a side view of pictorial image 1 pixel shows above-mentioned each part and is connected in a printed circuit board (PCB).Reference numeral from Fig. 1 still keeps.As can be seen, printed circuit board (PCB) (PCB) 280 have ground plane 300 and+voltage bus 320.FET170 is series at conductor 160, ground joint 360 and+voltage jointer 340 (Fig. 1) be connected respectively with ground plane 200 and+voltage bus 320.Similarly, being positioned at capacitive transducer on the retainer 210 is connected in ground plane 300 and is connected in+voltage bus 320 at 380 places at 400 places.The purpose that each part is connected in PCB 280 is illustrative and be not restriction of the present invention, owing to it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that some other configuration can be provided.

Turn to Fig. 4 a-4F, they disclose the other structure of magnetic part.Fig. 4 A shows the structure that is used among Fig. 1, and wherein diffraction grating 500 is directly fixed on the permanent magnet 502.For making purpose, carriage 504 is interposed between magnet 502 and the diffraction grating 500, shown among Fig. 4 B.

For the two kinds of magnet arrangements in front, disposed an independent magnet, if comprise carriage, then each size of magnet spatially is common the extension with those sizes of diffraction grating that is supported and carriage.Also can adopt the less magnet of size.In addition, under the occasion of a plurality of coils of configuration, employing also is possible with respect to some other structure that diffraction grating is positioned at a plurality of permanent magnets on the diverse location.Magnetic part can also spread all over the discrete magnetic particle mode that carriage scatters or set with any required closeness and be disposed.Be the diagram purpose, several possible magnet arrangements are shown among Fig. 4 C-4E.In each of these figures, Reference numeral 506 expressions one permanent magnet, and Reference numeral 508 and 510 is represented the existence of diffraction grating and carriage respectively.In these figures, carriage 510 is a rectangular shape, has upper surface (being first surface) 520, lower surface (being second surface) 522, leading edge (i.e. first edge) 524 and back edge (i.e. second edge) 526.But, with carriage 510 be described as rectangle be intended to the diagram and unrestricted because the geometric configuration of carriage 510 can change.Under the situation of a plurality of magnet and coil, the interaction in each magnetic field that is drawn can be different from about Fig. 1 illustrated; Therefore, may need certain correction of this system, for example, shown in Fig. 4 D, one first permanent magnet 506 contiguous described first edge (being leading edge) 524 are provided with along described first surface (being upper surface) 520, and one second permanent magnet 506 contiguous described second edge (being back edge) 526 are provided with along second surface (being lower surface) 522.But, under situation about suitably revising, can design some unique structures, in the electromagnetic technique of these structures among imitation is shown in Fig. 1, utilize extra driving force to reach some specific effects by those skilled in the art.

Developing in the process of movable magnet embodiment based on being illustrated in the electromagnetic principle among ' 022 patent, finding to use only diffraction grating can be achieved in different a little modes with the method that produces image and show.Though this realization is a kind of approximate of ' 022 practice, can realize the structural advantage that some are great.These advantages can be achieved in the following way, promptly adopt a kind of faceted pivo table member (FRE) of being with, and it is designed to can be to one of selected many colors of observer's diffraction when being shone by wideband light source with special angle.Be arranged on facet on rotating pedestal or the element and be and have diffraction grating area or area, it has specific grating space and can be to the specific color of observer's diffraction one when being shone by a wideband light source.Can each all have the diffraction grating of different spacings and obtain a row facet on FRE by row are set, wherein each defraction grating device of this group can be provided with side by side or can be spaced apart; Perhaps by adopting the holographic diffraction grating array to obtain, wherein the facet array is stacked.But, in its simple embodiment, FRE can have independent one and be arranged on its lip-deep diffraction grating, FRE locational each change and represent a facet.It will be understood to those of skill in the art that and implement the practical methods that the FRE method has any amount.Rotating element can be such as being the plate with surface and periphery, and it is connected in an energy, such as linear actuator or stepping motors, to realize the rotation of plate.An independent diffraction grating, or a row diffraction grating (each element wherein has a different grating space), or one group of stacked holographic diffraction grating can be provided with along the surface of plate; Perhaps in addition, the column of a diffraction grating of each supporting can be provided with around the periphery of plate.In following each figure, selected many conceivable FRE structure is narrated in more detail.These are also all look to as illustration of the present invention and are nonrestrictive.

Though each facet along or cross FRE and can lay randomly, the position of each facet in array is known.Such as, each position can be stored in the storer of a microprocessor.Under the position of each facet in array was known situation, FRE can be rotated, so that the selected facet of light source irradiation one is with a kind of particular color that receives publicity of diffraction.

Turn to Fig. 5, have, as shown in the figure, shone by a wideband light source around the FRE of the facet array of its peripheral column form that stretches.As can be seen, the FRE generally by Reference numeral 600 signs has surface portion 602 and supporting part 604.Surface portion 602 is made up of a row facet 606a-606f, its each support one diffraction grating.But these grating diffraction are from the light of wideband light source 622.Each facet stretches greater than the diffraction grating that is supported with same degree, so that a little is formed between the adjacent diffraction grating as indicating a plurality of intervals or leave standstill generally by 621.Each leaves standstill represents a useless position, perhaps can be in order to a background color to be provided when the display image not.Among the diffraction grating 608,610,612,614,616 and 618 each has a certain specific color that the grating space of a uniqueness is seen in visual point 620 places with the diffraction observer.FRE 600 can rotate around an axis that is orthogonal to supporting part 604 surfaces, and this axis can be at its center of gravity place, at an edge, heart place therein, or at arbitrary other places, desired positions.The geometric configuration and the structure of supporting part 604 such as being shown in 624 persons of place, will partly be depended in the position of pivot center.The rotation of FRE 600 can or clockwise or counter-clockwise direction; But, all can provide maximum efficient around the rotation of an initial point on either direction.

FRE 600 is positioned one at first and leaves standstill a place.Leave standstill a position at first from this, FRE 600 turns to an observation point, and this moment, one diffraction grating was positioned at initial point 626 places.In Fig. 5, diffraction grating 614 is positioned at initial point 626 places, so that it will be appreciated that the light through diffraction of a certain particular color at visual point 620 places.This light is such as can being blue.For a different color is diffracted into visual point 620, FRE rotates from an observation point and leaves standstill a little to another observation point through one.Because each diffraction grating has the grating space of a uniqueness, so, will be diffracted from the light of light source 622 at a different angles place that is relevant to a particular color.Light by grating 616 diffraction of facet 606e holding can be green, and can be red by the light of grating 618 diffraction of facet 606f holding.Each facet has been determined the rotational angle that is relative to each other with respect to the relative position of initial point 626.In order to observe green glow at visual point 620 places, FRE600 is rotational angle θ as shown in the figure ₁In order to observe ruddiness at visual point 620 places, FRE600 is rotational angle θ as shown in the figure ₂, the rest may be inferred.Can be determined by each facet that disposes along the FRE surface portion and the quantity of relevant each diffraction grating for the quantity of each the discrete color that generates image demonstration.

Shown among Fig. 6 A-6E, diversified supporting part and can be in order to form a kind of FRE that is suitable for arbitrary specific demonstration purposes with faceted surface portion.In Fig. 6 A-6E, a supporting part and surface portion always indicate with Reference numeral 700 and 702 respectively.Fig. 6 A illustrates the plectane 704 on plane basically, has the facet of some column form 706a-706d, and column stretches out from the neighboring of plectane.A kind of diffraction grating such as making (holographic diffraction grating) by a kind of photoresist, is contained on the outer end of each column 706a-706d.During the plectane at employing such as Reference numeral 704 places, in fact pivot center passes the center of the plate of being indicated by Reference numeral 708 mostly and locatees.In addition, just the part of circle can be used as supporting part, and shown among Fig. 6 B, and one be with faceted surface portion to stretch around its neighboring.Under this not too thick configuration, FRE can rotate quickly and need less power to begin and stop rotation from a diffraction grating to another.For this configuration, center of gravity may be the most effectively position of pivot center.If can obtain comparatively promptly to turn to a required observation point and a comparatively effective function by the quality that reduces FRE, then it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that for this purpose to provide a large amount of configurations.Similarly, the quantity of column perhaps is positioned at the quantity of the diffraction grating on each column, can change according to showing purpose.

As another replacement scheme, FRE can have a kind of grid or grid-like net formula supporting part, shown in Reference numeral 710 among Fig. 6 D.Supporting part also can have the center of opening at 712 places, and surface portion is supported by the cramp bar at Reference numeral 714 and 716 places at its place, two ends.Though it is circular or one section circle that the supporting part of FRE has illustrated, Fig. 6 E has disclosed a kind of supporting part with inclined geometric shapes.This supporting part can design with any configuration, can rotate and can support one around an axis and be with faceted surface portion.Supporting part generally by Reference numeral 700 sign, can support such as the band facet surfaces part shown among Fig. 5 in Fig. 6 B-6E, perhaps can have some facets that comprise as the column shown among Fig. 6 A.

Turn to Fig. 7 now, disclose the FRE that a kind of and several conventional display device combine.This FRE generally by Reference numeral 720 signs, is made of the circular substantially plate 722 that has periphery 724 and surface 726.Though illustrated FRE is drawn and described being has a circle, can advise into other shapes to be fit to different display design.The shape of rotating device also can be selected so that the PEL (picture element) density maximum.One continuous diffraction grating 726 is provided with surfacewise.Diffraction grating 728 has three facets 730,732 and 734, its each be associated with a certain particular color of seeing by an observer.Abovely one of each facet is turned to observation point to be similar to, will be diffracted into the visual some place that an observer can see selected color from the light of a wideband light source in conjunction with the described mode of Fig. 5.It is evident that a plurality of facets that are provided with along plate surface also can pass through a plurality of diffraction grating settings.In addition, for the purpose of raising the efficiency, a certain particular color can by place along plate surface with correlation raster together give repetition more than a grating.The required reaction time of given viewpoint that plate is turned to the demonstration required color can be reduced in a plurality of zones of solid color as far as possible.

Though one group of facet can be configured to many columns or the row diffraction grating of each element with different grating spaces wherein along the plate periphery, another practice is stacked facet in holographic mode.The facet array is stacked on the independent photographic film, and each facet is tilted alignment or skew relative to one another.Thereby holofilm causes in the given position of FRE 720 with respect to light source after developing, and an observer or a detecting device are given in a certain particular color transmission.Such as, red, blue and green of all kindsly recombinated by an independent holographic element or pixel.If plate 722 is such as rotating 2 ° for 0 ° from an initial position, then incident light is diffracted and blue gives the observer with transmission in sight.Plate 722 is turned to the another location, and such as rotating 9 ° from its initial position, then the observer will see green.Then, if plate rotates such as 17 ° from initial position, then redness will be given the observer by transmission.Other color (wavelength of visible light and IR and UV energy) can be by being generated with holographic mode facet with different selected diffraction grating spacings of stacked larger amt on plate surface.Similarly, other color (wavelength) can by with a given frequency between two diffraction grating, or between two kinds of colors, vibration plate 722 so that observer find out one the 3rd color and obtain.

As described in conjunction with Fig. 5 and 6, the facet array that is supported by FRE is formed by many diffraction grating.But, the simple form that has a FRE of facet array can be an independent diffraction grating.In Fig. 9 A-C, illustrate such FRE.At first look at Fig. 9 A, the FRE with above-mentioned configuration is illustrated with wideband light source 912 at 910 places and combines.FRE910 fixes with respect to light source 912 shown among Fig. 9 A-9C.At the place, fixed position with respect to FRE 910 is a visual point 914.When the selected facet of FRE 910 is in an observation point, can see by an observer at visual point 914 places by the selected color that FRE 910 generates.Rotate one leave standstill a little and an observation point between each facet, that is rotation FRE, each color is presented at visual point 914 places selectively.

In order to generate these different selected color or energy, FRE is made up of a plate or disk 913 and an independent holographic diffraction grating 916, and the latter has a constant grating space 918.As can be seen, diffraction grating 916 is provided with to such an extent that cross the surface of disk 913.Preferably, diffraction grating 916 is holographic diffraction gratings.White light shown in 920, generates the perhaps many colors of spectrum by light source 912 generations and when being incident on FRE 910 surperficial going up by grating 916, always illustrates as 922 places.For the purpose of diagram, spectrum 922 can be found out and comprises three kinds of colors 924,926 and 928.In fact, spectrum 922 can comprise numerous colors.Spectrum will what scope of diffraction, and the width of each colour band are all decided by grating space 918.

Though generate many colors in a conventional manner by grating 916, the observer at visual point 914 places once only sees a kind of color.Such as, in Fig. 9 A, FRE 910 is on the initial position by straight line 920 expressions.In this initial position, the color of being seen by observer 914 will be such as will being green.FRE is turned to just like on the second place shown among Fig. 9 B from its initial position, will see one second kind of color at visual point 914 places.If such as 7 °, shown in the arrow 932 that extends between straight line 930 and 934, spectrum 922 can be offset FRE 910, so that can see color 928 at 914 places from its initial position rotation.This color is such as being redness.Shown among Fig. 9 C, FRE 910 can rotate to show the third color, such as just like shown in the arrow 938 that extends between initial position 930 and the 3rd position 938, rotates 8 ° in the opposite direction.This third color is such as being blueness.

A facet is represented in each turned position of FRE 910, to each position, and the diffracted observer who gives visual point 914 places of a selected color.Formerly under the situation of each embodiment, when a facet is in one on the position of observer's Show Color the time, this facet is on the observation point.When a facet is not in one on the position of observer's Show Color the time, then this facet be in one leave standstill a little on.Two other facet of FRE 910, that is be relevant to red color and blue color two, all be in separately one leave standstill a little on.In Fig. 9 B, the facet that is relevant to red color is on the observation point, and in Fig. 9 C, the facet of given viewpoint is the facet that is relevant to blue color.

If the observer suitably locatees, as 914 places among Fig. 9 A-C, all colours that FRE can generate can be shown selectively.This practice sites has color all can observe separately in this place, will change size according to the width of each colour band.Just like preceding mentioned, the grating that is provided with along plate surface will determine the spectral range of diffraction and the width of each colour band at interval.The number of colors that generates is big more, and thereby each colour band narrow more, then the observer can locate with the real area in the coloured place of observation post more little.Such as, if one such as illustrated in Fig. 9 AC and be illustrated as FRE and rotated far from its initial position in either direction, observation 914 will be can't see any color.

Give a cursory glance at Fig. 8 A-8C, wherein show several mechanisms that are suitable for rotating FRE.Fig. 8 A has shown a kind of FRE, such as described like that in conjunction with Fig. 6 A, is connected in a step motor.This step motor generally by Reference numeral 800 signs, has an axle 802, is connected in the center of circular plate 804.Microprocessor driven formula controller 806 is realized the rotation of axle 802 and relevant plate 804 with each predetermined step on clockwise and/or counter-clockwise direction.On each step, plate can leave standstill from one and a little turn to an observation point, or turns to another observation point and plate leaves standstill a little by one from an observation point.The decomposition number of degrees of step motor must equal at least by the diffraction grating number with faceted surface element branch supporting.The FRE that employing has a step motor can no longer need each position transducer, such as use with movable magnet embodiment those.Microprocessor can store the information about the FRE position by follow the trail of the stepping number of times that rotates on each direction.Except step motor, also can adopt any source of actuating that rectilinear motion can be changed into rotational motion.

In Fig. 8 B, plate 808 is illustrated and is connected in linear-motion actuator 810.As step motor, linear-motion actuator 810 is by microprocessor 816 controls.The rectilinear motion of straight-bar 818 such as by being connected axle part 813 that rotates that plate encloses and the belt wheel between the nut 814, is converted into rotational motion in a conventional manner.

The classic method that another is used for rectilinear motion is changed into rotational motion is shown among Fig. 8 C, is to realize by linear-motion actuator 820 being connected in the plate 822 with arc spatial accommodation.For realizing rotational motion, the straight-bar of linear-motion actuator 820 is connected plate 822 by the pin within the slotted eye 828 826.Make linear-motion actuator center on fulcrum 830 and pivot, while mobile pin 826 within slotted eye 828, plate will rotate shown in directional arrow 832.If slotted eye has sufficient size, linear-motion actuator can be fixed on fulcrum 830 places.Realizing circular or some other method of the rotational motion of the FRE of other shapes, to those skilled in the art, will be obviously visible.

Get back to Fig. 7, when having generated an image as mentioned above, just can adopt traditional devices to form graphic alphanumeric display etc.Under the situation that FRE is made by transparent material, a light source can be arranged on the FRE back, as always shown in 336, to form a kind of transmissive display.In addition, if FRE is made by reflecting material, light source can be provided with as always shown in 338 to form a kind of reflective demonstration.In ' 022 patent, narrated the formation that transmission and reflection show the two in more detail.For the demonstration of arbitrary type, the image that utilizes FRE 720 to generate can directly be focused on the diffractive optical element by a lens combination (not shown), on the device that is shown in 340 places.Between these devices, require less relatively space to allow the Constructing Thin display.Be to form bigger image, bigger space can make such as the device for projecting that is shown in 342 places and place the centre between these devices.This device for projecting is being known and a kind of display that adopts this unique image generation technique of packing into easily in the art.

The elaboration here is a kind of example of the present invention, should be understood that multiple modification, the modification at content as described herein all can be conceived for a person skilled in the art.In this application, all lists of references are all included as reference.

Claims (44)

1. display that comprises the element of carrying diffraction grating hologram pattern, this element is connected in the motion that can be described element and the energy of energy supply, wherein said hologram pattern is moved by the motion of described element, and but the diffraction that moves of described hologram pattern is incident on energy on the described hologram pattern to produce different selected diffraction energies from described hologram pattern, it is characterized in that:

Described element comprises a magnetic part and described hologram pattern and has a pivot point; And

The described energy with respect to described element be fix and comprise the one or more coils that can the electric means energy supply that are coupled to described magnetic part with magnetic means, the described energy be can energy supply so that carry the described element of described hologram pattern and rotate around described pivot point.

2. display as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described selected diffraction energy is throwed by a projection system.

3. display as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the center of gravity of described element is place, described pivot point place.

4. display as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described pivot point is spaced apart with the center of gravity of described element.

5. display as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described one or more coils that can the electric means energy supply are made up of multi-turn respectively.

6. display as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described one or more coils that can the electric means energy supply are made up of an independent circle respectively.

7. display as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described magnetic part comprises a permanent magnet, it has each key dimension that matches in described diffraction grating, and described diffraction grating is fixed on the described magnet.

8. display as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described magnetic part and described diffraction grating are fixed on the carriage, and this carriage has first surface, second surface, first edge and second edge.

9. display as claimed in claim 8, wherein, described diffraction grating is along described first surface setting, and described magnetic part is the permanent magnet that is provided with along described second surface.

10. display as claimed in claim 8, wherein, described magnetic part comprises first permanent magnet, and its contiguous described first edge is along described first surface setting; And second permanent magnet, its contiguous described second edge is along described first surface setting; And

But the coil of described energy supply comprises first coil that is coupled to described first magnet with magnetic means, and second coil that is coupled to described second magnet with magnetic means.

11. display as claimed in claim 8, wherein, described magnetic part comprises first permanent magnet, and its contiguous described first edge is along described first surface setting; And second permanent magnet, its contiguous described second surface is along described second surface setting; And

But the coil of described energy supply comprises first coil that is coupled to described first magnet with magnetic means, and second coil that is coupled to described second magnet with magnetic means.

12. display as claimed in claim 8, wherein, described magnetic part comprises a carriage, and this carriage has the permanent magnet particle of the many dispersions that are embedded within the described carriage.

13. device that comprises the element that carries diffraction grating, this element is connected in the motion that can be described element and the energy of energy supply, wherein said diffraction grating is moved by the motion of described element, and but the diffraction that moves of described diffraction grating is incident on energy on the described diffraction grating to generate different selected diffraction energies from described diffraction grating, it is characterized in that:

Described element is to be with faceted pivo table member, and it has a row facet, and each facet of described array supports a diffraction grating, and described pivo table member has a pivot point;

The described energy is fixed with respect to described pivo table member, and but energy supply is a little to turn to the facet observation point by making described pivo table member around described pivot point rotation the selected facet of one in the described array be left standstill from facet, produce selected diffracted energy and be displayed to the observer at this place, and in the fixed position with respect to described pivo table member, described selected diffraction energy is displayed to described observer.

14. device as claimed in claim 13, wherein, the described energy is step motor.

15. device as claimed in claim 13, wherein, the described energy is linear-motion actuator.

16. device as claimed in claim 13, wherein, described pivo table member is a plate, has the periphery of a supporting facet array, and each described facet comprises the column of a carrying diffraction grating.

17. display as claimed in claim 13, wherein, described pivo table member comprises the arch section and the bearing that is connected with described arch section of the described facet array of a supporting.

18. device as claimed in claim 13, wherein, diffraction grating is a holographic diffraction grating.

19. device as claimed in claim 13, wherein, described pivo table member is a plate, and it has surface and periphery, the described facet array of described surface bearing, and they are stacked holographic diffraction gratings, each facet is skew obliquely relative to one another.

20. device as claimed in claim 13, wherein, described selected diffraction energy is throwed by a projection system.

21. device as claimed in claim 13, wherein, described pivo table member is rotated around its center.

22. device as claimed in claim 13, wherein, described pivo table member is rotated around its center of gravity.

23. device as claimed in claim 13 also comprises the imaging surface spaced apart with described pivo table member, described selected diffraction energy focuses on above it to form a video picture.

24. method that is used for generating different selected diffraction energies by the element of carrying diffraction grating hologram pattern, this element is connected in the motion that can be described element and the energy of energy supply, wherein said hologram pattern is moved by the motion of described element, and but the diffraction that moves of described hologram pattern is incident on energy on the described hologram pattern to generate different selected diffraction energies from described hologram pattern, it is characterized in that, comprise following each step:

(a) provide described element, to comprise magnetic part together with described hologram pattern, described element has pivot point;

(b) with respect to the fixing described energy of described element;

(c) the described energy is set to one or more coils that can the electric means energy supply;

(d) with magnetic means described electric energy supply coil is coupled to described magnetic part; And

(e) can make the described element of the described hologram pattern of carrying rotate and generate described different selected diffraction energy to the energy supply of described electric energy supply coil around described pivot point.

25. method as claimed in claim 24, it comprises with a projection system described different selected diffraction energies is projected a lip-deep step.

26. method as claimed in claim 24 comprises that also described one or more electric energy supply coil is set to the step of multi-turn coil.

27. method as claimed in claim 24 comprises that also described one or more electric energy supply coil is set to the step of an independent turn coil.

28. method as claimed in claim 24 is further comprising the steps of:

(f) described magnetic part is set to permanent magnet, and this magnet has each key dimension that matches in described diffraction grating; And

(g) described diffraction grating is fixed on the described permanent magnet.

29. method as claimed in claim 24 is further comprising the steps of:

(h) provide carriage, this carriage has first surface, second surface, first edge and second edge; And

(i) described magnetic part and described diffraction grating are fixed on the described carriage.

30. method as claimed in claim 29 is further comprising the steps of:

(j) the described first surface along described carriage is provided with described diffraction grating;

(k) described magnetic part is set to permanent magnet; And

(l) along described second surface described permanent magnet is set.

31. method as claimed in claim 29 is further comprising the steps of:

(m) described magnetic part is set to first permanent magnet and second permanent magnet;

(n) be close to described first edge and described first permanent magnet be set along described first surface;

(o) be close to described second edge and described second permanent magnet be set along described first surface; And

(p) but described energy supply coil be set to be coupled to first coil of described first magnet and be coupled to second coil of described second magnet with magnetic means with magnetic means.

32. method as claimed in claim 29 is further comprising the steps of:

(q) described magnetic part is set to first permanent magnet and second permanent magnet;

(r) be close to described first edge and described first permanent magnet be set along described first surface;

(s) be close to described second edge and described second permanent magnet be set along described second surface; And

(t) but described energy supply coil be set to be coupled to first coil of described first magnet and be coupled to second coil of described second magnet with magnetic means with magnetic means.

33. method as claimed in claim 24 comprises that also described magnetic part is set to have a plurality of steps that are embedded in the permanent magnet particle of the dispersion within the carriage.

34. method that is used for generating different selected diffraction energies by the element of carrying diffraction grating, this element is connected in the energy for the motion energy supply of described element, wherein said diffraction grating is moved by the motion of described element, and but the diffraction that moves of described diffraction grating is incident on energy on the described diffraction grating to generate different selected diffraction energies from described diffraction grating, it is characterized in that, may further comprise the steps:

(a) described element is set to be with faceted pivo table member, and this element has a row facet, and each facet supports a diffraction grating, and described pivo table member has pivot point;

(b) with respect to the fixing described energy of described pivo table member; And

(c) to described energy energy supply to leave standstill from facet and a little turn to the facet observation point by making described pivo table member rotate a selected facet that makes described facet array around described pivot point, produce selected diffraction energy at this place, to be used to be shown to the observer, and in the fixed position with respect to described pivo table member, only described selected diffraction energy will be displayed to described observer.

35. method as claimed in claim 34 comprises that also the described energy is set to the step of step motor.

36. method as claimed in claim 34 comprises that also the described energy is set to the step of linear-motion actuator.

37. method as claimed in claim 34 comprises that also described pivo table member is set to the step of a plate, this plate has the faceted periphery of carrying one row, and each described facet comprises the column that carries diffraction grating.

38. method as claimed in claim 34 also comprises providing to have the supporting arch section of described facet array and the step of the described pivo table member of the bearing that is connected with described arch section.

39. method as claimed in claim 34 comprises that also described diffraction grating is set to the step of holographic diffraction grating.

40. method as claimed in claim 34, comprise that also described pivo table member is set to have the step of the surface and the plate of periphery, the described facet array of described surface bearing, the stacked holographic diffraction grating that becomes of these facets, each facet is inclination and offset relative to one another.

41. method as claimed in claim 34 also comprises with a projection system the different selected energy of described generation is projected a lip-deep step.

42. method as claimed in claim 34 is further comprising the steps of:

(d) provide the imaging surface spaced apart with described pivo table member; And

(e) the selected diffraction energy of described generation is focused on described imaging surface to form a video picture.

43. device as claimed in claim 13, wherein, described pivo table member is a plate, surface with the constant spacing holographic diffraction grating of a supporting, and described plate has an axis, described pivo table member can be turned to a plurality of facet observation point forming described facet array around described axis, thereby generates selected diffraction energy and be shown to described observer in each facet given viewpoint.

44. method as claimed in claim 34 is further comprising the steps of:

Described pivo table member is set to a plate, this plate has the surface of the constant spacing holographic diffraction grating of supporting, and described plate has an axis, described pivo table member can be turned to many facet observation point forming described facet array around described axis, thereby generates selected diffraction energy and be shown to described observer in each facet given viewpoint.

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