The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 17, 1998
Filed:
Dec. 05, 1996
Scott D Heimbuch, Dallas, TX (US);
Texas Instruments Incorporated, Dallas, TX (US);
Abstract
A high contrast spatial light modulator (40) formed of micro-mechanical pixels (10). The supporting superstructure comprising the posts (12) and hinges (16) of the pixels (10) are shielded by an umbrella-like elevated light shield (42) extending over the hinge and posts. These light shields (42) are generally square in shape, and have edges arranged at approximately 45.degree. with respect to the incident light to minimize diffraction of light therefrom into projection optics. The upper surfaces of the shields may be anodized to achieve a non-reflective, black surface when viewed through darkfield optics. The shields (42) are fabricated using conventional semiconductor processes, which are a natural extension of the baseline process.