Electrostatic chromatophoric display

Abstract

A display mechanism is described having the capability of showing two or more colors using one or more flexible membranes that electrostatically switch positions between stationary electrodes of different geometry and color. Each flexible colored membrane is multi-layered and comprised of at least one conductive layer and one dielectric layer. Each membrane or stack of membranes with the adjacent electrodes serves as a single chromatophore, the color of which is altered electrically. A first colored electrode is substantially flat and parallel to a base substrate containing control circuitry. Each of a plurality of second electrodes is of a substantially rounded geometry, around which membranes wrap as determined by electronic signal. Display color is produced as electric forces separate surfaces of common color. The display is non-luminous, consumes very little power and is easily visible under normal to very bright ambient illumination. Integrated electronics provide power, signal and connectivity. A plurality of membrane sandwiches is integrated with electronics and comprises chromatophores of the display. Display control is accomplished by a chain of CMOS inverters dynamically reconfigured into a pair of sub-chains along which signals propagate in opposite directions starting from the point of initial membrane separation and ending at the point of final separation. Propagation delay enables membranes being switched between electrodes to switch separately minimizing required drive forces. Input color signal for each display chromatophore determines the sub-chain configuration that establishes element color.