Vacuum fluorescent displays: from single digits to colour TV

Physical principles and operational characteristics of various vacuum fluorescent displays are outlined. A VFD history and details of construction are also given. Displays of various resolutions for different applications are described up to a 256 × 256 dot matrix unit. Uniform brightness and precise switching operation are realized using improved anode and grid electrode construction, anode baseplate processing, and grid configuration and its fixing processes. A scrolling VFD and a MOS FET switching array VFD are introduced. The latter uses an integrated circuit of 241 × 246 elements to produce a picture 23 × 23 mm. Prospects for the development of VFDs are given in conclusion.     

A practical approach to processing flexible displays

Abstract— The materials and fabrication aspects of flexible displays will be reviewed. The fabrication of flexible displays requires the consideration of proper material selection, handling of plastic‐film substrates, and a low‐temperature process for the fabrication of active‐matrix devices on plastic substrate. In addition, for the low‐cost fabrication approach, direct printing of active‐matrix patterning without a photolithography process is also required. Before commercial‐level production of flexible displays is considered, the factors of product reliability and practical value are considered. Samsung LCD Division's approach to the fabrication of flexible displays and future plans to develop a practical method that will lead to the production level of flexible displays will also be described.     

EL displays for automotive applications

Abstract— This paper presents an overview of the display requirements for automotive applications and introduces alternating‐current thin‐film electroluminesent (ACTFEL) displays for automobiles. An ACTFEL has advantages over other displays under sunlight and low temperature conditions. Several automotive applications for transparent and multicolor EL displays are introduced in this paper.     

等离子显示器与液晶显示器的特点与发展趋势

随着显示器新技术的不断更新应用,显示器市场正在发生革命性变化, 传统CRT显示器由于其自身技术特点的限制,不可避免的局限了其在市场的地位,新型显示设备正逐步扩大其市场份额。本文通过对目前占主导地位的等离子和液晶显示器在技术方面的特点进行分析比较,提出了自己对显示器发展趋势的看法。     

Electrofluidic displays: Fundamental platforms and unique performance attributes

Abstract— Electrofluidic displays transpose brilliant pigment dispersions between a fluid reservoir of small viewable area and a channel of large viewable area. Recent progress in the technology, a new multi‐stable device architecture, and a novel approach for segmented displays that can display pigment without the optical losses of pixel borders is reported. The fundamental aspects of electrofluidics that make it compelling for the next generation of e‐paper products is reviewed.     

Multimode fixed legend liquid crystal and electroluminescent display

A novel arrangement of colour-capable multi-legend displays is described. The electrodes are patterned to carry a continuous fixed message in positive or negative contrast. Colour is obtained either by dyes in guest-host type liquid crystal displays or by using a combination with thin film electroluminescent backlights. The main advantage is in its use in the future for keyboards where the keys can be used in a touch-sensitive interactive display mode.     

Quantum dots: The ultimate down‐conversion material for LCD displays

Assuming that large color gamut and therefore better color reproducibility will be a highly desired feature of all displays as we look to the near future, we make the case in this paper that quantum dots (QDs) are currently the down‐conversion technology of choice that will allow liquid crystal display makers to cost‐effectively reach and exceed 100% of the NTSC (National Television Standard Committee) and Adobe RGB color standards while achieving maximum system efficiency. We will discuss in detail the numerous fundamental advantages of QDs over phosphors, along with their scientific origins, and make the case that QDs are the ultimate light generating material for next‐generation displays.     

Light-field head-mounted displays reduce the visual effort: A user study

Head-mounted displays (HMDs) allow the visualization of virtual content and the change of view perspectives in a virtual reality (VR). Besides entertainment purposes, such displays also find application in augmented reality, VR training, or tele-robotic systems. The quality of visual feedback plays a key role for the interaction performance in such setups. In the last years, high-end computers and displays led to the reduction of simulator sickness regarding nausea symptoms, while new visualization technologies are required to further reduce oculomotor and disorientation symptoms. The so-called vergence–accommodation conflict (VAC) in standard stereoscopic displays prevents intense use of 3D displays, so far. The VAC describes the visual mismatch between the projected stereoscopic 3D image and the optical distance to the HMD screen. This conflict can be solved by using displays with correct focal distance. The light-field HMD of this study provides a close-to-continuous depth and high image resolution enabling a highly natural visualization. This paper presents the first user-study on the visual comfort of light-field displays with a close-to-market HMD based on complex interaction tasks. The results provide first evidence that the light-field technology brings clear benefits to the user in terms of physical use comfort, workload, and depth matching performance.     

Review Paper: Human factors of stereo displays: An update

Abstract— This updated review paper provides a selected review of a number of important perceptual and human‐factors issues that arise when stereo displays are designed and used. This review and analysis draws heavily from the basic vision literature in order to help provide insight for future design solutions for stereo displays. Issues discussed include: (1) the basics of human stereopsis (horopter, binocular disparity, binocular rivalry); (2) low‐level factors (interocular cross talk, interocular differences in luminance and contrast, accommodation‐vergence mismatch, stereoanomaly); (3) contextual factors (spatio‐temporal frequency effects, distance scaling of disparity); and (4) a high‐level cognitive factor (high‐level cue conflict). In this updated review, significant new material has been added: (1) interocular luminance and contrast differences and their effect on stereo viewing; (2) more insightful discussion of accommodative‐vergence mismatch; (3) high‐level cognitive factor. Two topics in the earlier review (visual pathways; dark focus and dark vergence) have been deleted. The paper concludes with the presentation of several recommendations for the design of stereo displays.     

Plastic‐film displays with NanoBlock IC drivers integrated by a fluidic self‐assembly process

Abstract— High‐performance compact plastic displays have been built by integrating high‐quality crystalline‐Si NanoBlock IC drivers into plastic films using a fluidic self‐assembly (FSA) process. Plastic‐film‐based liquid‐crystal displays, only 500 μm thick, were integrated into smartcards using NanoBlock IC voltage drivers. In an additional demonstration, polymer‐LED displays were constructed using NanoBlock IC current drivers. FSA technology provides a cost‐effective means of packaging integrated circuits within plastic film, enabling high‐performance backplanes that can be combined with a variety of display media.     

Printing of polymer thin‐film transistors for active‐matrix‐display applications

Abstract— We present a process for active‐matrix flat‐panel‐display manufacture based on solution processing and printing of polymer thin‐film transistors. In this process, transistors are fabricated using soluble semiconducting, conducting, and dielectric polymer materials. Accurate definition of the transistor channel and other circuit components are achieved by direct ink‐jet printing combined with surface‐energy patterning. We have used this process to create 4800‐pixel 50‐dpi active‐matrix backplanes. These backplanes were combined with polymer‐dispersed liquid crystal to create the first ink‐jet‐printed active‐matrix displays. Our process is, in principle, environmentally friendly, low temperature, compatible with flexible substrates, cost effective, and advantageous for short‐run length and large display sizes. As well as polymer‐dispersed liquid crystal, this technology is applicable to conventional liquid‐crystal and electrophoretic display effects.     

Human factors of 3‐D displays

Abstract— This paper provides a selected review of a number of important perceptual and human‐factors issues that arise when 3‐D displays are designed and used. This review and analysis draws heavily from the basic vision literature in order to help provide insight for future design solutions for 3‐D displays. Issues discussed include (1) the basics of human stereopsis, (2) interocular crosstalk, (3) oculomotor responding and distance scaling of binocular disparity information, (4) accommodative‐vergence mismatch, and (5) stereoanomly. The paper concludes with a presentation of several recommendations for the design of 3‐D displays.     

Flexible microelectronics becoming a reality with Suftla transfer technology

Abstract— Suftla is a technology that is used to transfer polycrystalline silicon (polysilicon) thin‐film‐transistor (TFT) circuits from an original glass substrate to a plastic sheet. The electronic devices in the next generation will be thin, lightweight, and will handle huge amounts of data, yet consume less energy. Suftla technology, together with high‐performance polysilicon TFTs, meets all these requirements because we have developed a variety of smart flexible electronic devices, such as thin paperback‐sized displays and microprocessors. Suftla will usher in a new era of life‐enhancing flexible microelectronics.     

Medical displays in the healthcare system

Abstract— As the healthcare system changes and progresses, the need for different types of high‐performing displays is also evolving. There are three categories of displays: (a) embedded (as part of life saving devices), (b) informative (for patient data and history, and managing workflow), and (c) imaging (high performing for diagnosis). The challenges of AMLCDs, which are the display of choice at the moment mainly in digital imaging, will be discussed. These challenges include very high resolution, high brightness, and wide viewing angle. The current performance of AMLCDs and the areas which they need to improve will be reviewed. A brief summary of the standards used to specify medical (diagnostic) displays will follow. A look into the future will predict the role of displays in hospitals.     

Thin‐film micromirror array (TMA) for large information‐display systems

Abstract— The thin‐film micromirror array (TMA) is a new reflective‐type spatial light modulator fabricated with microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology. Micromachined thin‐film piezoelectric actuators are used to control the tilt angle of each micromirror, which defines the gray scale of the matching screen pixel. A working projector prototype of 5400 true ANSI lumens was presented at Asian Display '98 with three VGA‐format TMAchips and a 1‐kW xenon lamp. The prototype showed a light‐transmitting efficiency of 22%. An XGA‐format TMA was developed for commercial purposes. The size of each micromirror of the XGA‐format TMA is reduced to half the size of the micromirror of a VGA‐format TMA. Efforts have been made to maintain the light‐transmitting efficiency of the XGA TMA projector over 21%, as well as to improve the uniformity.     

Advances towards high‐resolution pack‐and‐go displays: A survey

Abstract— Tiled displays provide high resolution and large scale simultaneously. Projectors can project on any available surface. Thus, it is possible to create a large high‐resolution display by simply tiling multiple projectors on any available regular surface. The tremendous advancement in projection technology has made projectors portable and affordable. One can envision displays made of multiple such projectors that can be packed in one's car trunk, carried from one location to another, deployed at each location easily to create a seamless high‐resolution display, and, finally, dismantled in minutes to be taken to the next location — essentially a pack‐and‐go display. Several challenges must be overcome in order to realize such pack‐and‐go displays. These include allowing for imperfect uncalibrated devices, uneven non‐diffused display surfaces, and a layman user via complete automation in deployment that requires no user invention. We described the advances we have made in addressing these challenges for the most common case of planar display surfaces. First, we present a technique to allow imperfect projectors. Next, we present a technique to allow a photometrically uncalibrated camera. Finally, we present a novel distributed architecture that renders critical display capabilities such as self‐calibration, scalability, and reconfigurability without any user intervention. These advances are important milestones towards the development of easy‐to‐use multi‐projector displays that can be deployed anywhere and by anyone.     

Evaluation of high‐resolution and mobile display systems for digital radiology in dark and bright environments using human and computational observers

Abstract— As digital display systems replace film traditionally used for reading radiographic images, resource‐intensive acceptance testing must be performed to ensure that quality meets and maintains desired specifications. If machine observers can replace human readers, whose performances are highly variable, the results will be more consistent and less costly. To be effective, however, the automated observers must track human performance. An approach for a model observer, validated with human readers, for the evaluation of the visibility of low‐contrast small targets in high‐resolution and mobile displays under different ambient illumination, will be described. The displays were tested using CDMAM‐like digital phantoms containing disks of varying diameters and contrasts on a flat background. For this task, we find the best indicator of display performance to be the display's ability to represent small luminance contrast, not resolution or pixel size. The results confirm that high‐resolution systems perform better under low illumination while illuminance has a minor impact on the mobile‐display performance. Finally, the results show that the machine observer tracks the performance of human readers. Machine observers with proper validation can replace humans in the acceptance testing procedures, saving the testers both time and money.     

Eliciting situated feedback: A comparison of paper,web forms and public displays

Interactive displays are becoming an increasingly popular civic engagement mechanism for collecting user feedback in urban settings. However, to date no study has investigated (i) how the situatedness of public displays affects the quantity and quality of collected feedback, and (ii) how public displays compare to traditional paper or web feedback mechanisms. We answer these research questions in a series of lab and field studies. We demonstrate that because people tend to approach this technology with no specific purpose in mind, the feedback collected with public displays is noisier than web and paper forms. However, we also show that public displays attract much more feedback than web and paper forms, and generate much more interest. Furthermore, we found that users appropriated our technology beyond its original purpose. Our analysis provides implications on the tradeoffs of using public displays as a feedback mechanism, and we discuss ways of improving the collected feedback using public displays.     

Display adaptive 3D content remapping

Glasses-free automultiscopic displays are on the verge of becoming a standard technology in consumer products. These displays are capable of producing the illusion of 3D content without the need of any additional eyewear. However, due to limitations in angular resolution, they can only show a limited depth of field, which translates into blurred-out areas whenever an object extrudes beyond a certain depth. Moreover, the blurring is device-specific, due to the different constraints of each display. We introduce a novel display-adaptive light field retargeting method, to provide high-quality, blur-free viewing experiences of the same content on a variety of display types, ranging from hand-held devices to movie theaters. We pose the problem as an optimization, which aims at modifying the original light field so that the displayed content appears sharp while preserving the original perception of depth. In particular, we run the optimization on the central view and use warping to synthesize the rest of the light field. We validate our method using existing objective metrics for both image quality (blur) and perceived depth. The proposed framework can also be applied to retargeting disparities in stereoscopic image displays, supporting both dichotomous and non-dichotomous comfort zones.     

Seamless ultrathin rear projection display

A new architecture for a thin (2‐cm depth) rear projection display is described. In order to achieve this small depth, a very high density of rear projectors is used. Three prototype displays using rear projectors on both 5‐ and 2‐cm pitch arrays are described. The displays can achieve an effective screen pixel pitch of as small as 0.5 mm, which makes this technology competitive in terms of resolution with fine pitch LED displays; however, orders of magnitude fewer LEDs are required: Each rear projector requires only one white LED and a color liquid crystal light modulator. In the three prototypes, the projector light modulators utilize 101‐cm (40 in.), 80‐cm (31.5 in.), and 60‐cm (24 in.) diagonal liquid crystal display glass. To minimize cost, no lenses are utilized for the rear projectors. An RGB LED array may augment the projector array, which provides a low resolution component of the image onto which the high resolution component is superimposed by the projector array. Edge gaps between active areas on adjacent LCD glass units are completely eliminated by the rear projection approach enabling low profile wall‐size seamless displays. Display contrast depends on rear projection screen design.