Patent ID: 6369792
Filing Date: 2002-04-09
Classification: G02F

Abstract:
A display panel comprising:a first panel; a second panel spaced apart from the first panel, providing a volume therebetween; an open-celled, opaque gelatinous material having a first color in the volume between the panels; multiple ionic particles having a second color suspended in the gelatinous material; a matrix of electrodes implemented over a surface of at least one of the panels; and a power source providing power to the matrix of electrodes; wherein activating individual ones of the electrodes in the matrix of electrodes, by applying power from the power source, when a change in the display image is required, causes groups of the multiple ionic particles to translate through the gelatinous material and collect against the first panel, forming a pattern of pixels of the second color against a background of the first color, and wherein, upon deactivating the individual ones of the electrodes, by removing power from the electrodes, the multiple ionic particles, being supported in a constant position by the gelatinous material, maintain the same pattern of pixels against the first panel as when the electrodes were activated, until the electrodes are again activated, by applying power to the electrodes, thereby changing the position of the ionic particles to form a new pattern of pixels, and the pixels remain in position after the power is removed from the electrodes for an indefinite amount of time, thereby minimizing power required.