Patent ID: 6653997
Filing Date: 2003-11-25
Classification: G02B,G09F,G09G

Abstract:
A display device comprising a light guide, a second plate facing the light guide and the second plate, and selection means to locally bring the movable element into contact with the light guide, the selection means comprising a common electrode and row and column electrodes and means for applying voltages to the row and column electrodes and the common electrode, characterized in that the second plate is provided with the common electrode; wherein the selection means comprises means for applying voltages to the row and column electrodes in dependence on a voltage or voltages previously applied to the row and column electrodes; wherein the light guide comprises the column electrodes, and the second plate is provided with the common electrode and the movable element is provided with row electrodes; and wherein the means for applying voltages apply, in operation, a first set of voltages having a lower and an upper value to column electrodes, and a second set of voltages having a lower, a middle and an upper value to a row electrode crossing the column electrodes at crossing areas, the device being arranged in such a way that only simultaneous application of the upper value to the row electrode and of the lower value to the column electrodes changes the positions of the movable elements at the crossing areas.