Patent ID: 6278423
Filing Date: 2001-08-21
Classification: G09G

Abstract:
A method of illuminating an active matrix EL device (AMEL) to provide a gray scale display, said device comprising a first electrode layer comprising an active matrix of individually addressable pixel electrodes, a second electrode layer, and a thin film EL laminate stack including at least an EL phosphor layer and a dielectric layer, said stack being disposed between said first and second electrode layers, comprising the steps of:(a) addressing a first group of selected ones of said pixel electrodes comprising multiple rows with data signals during a first subframe time period where said first group includes fewer than all of said pixel electrodes of said display;(b) driving said second electrode layer during said first subframe time period with a first illumination signal so that a plurality of pixels corresponding to said first group of said selected ones of said pixel electrodes will be simultaneously illuminated together with at least one pixel corresponding to a pixel electrode not addressed during said first subframe time period;(c) addressing a second group of selected ones of said pixel electrodes comprising multiple rows with data signals during a second subframe time period where said second group includes at least one pixel electrode not included within said first group and said first group includes at least one pixel electrode not included within said second group;(d) driving said second electrode layer during said second subframe time period with a second illumination signal so that a plurality of pixels corresponding to said second group of said selected ones of said pixel electrodes will be simultaneously illuminated together with at least one pixel corresponding to a pixel electrode not addressed during said second subframe time period.