Adjustably transmissive mems-based devices

Abstract

Modulator devices are selectably adjustable between at least two states, wherein the transmission and/or reflection of particular wavelengths of light are modified. Certain modulator devices are substantially uniformly adjustable over a wide range of wavelengths, including visible and infrared wavelengths. Other modulator devices are adjustable over visible wavelengths without significantly affecting infrared wavelengths. In addition, the modulator devices may be used in conjunction with fixed thin film reflective structures.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A window comprising:
 a window pane;   a plurality of interferometric modulators supported by the window pane, wherein each of the plurality of interferometric modulators is configured to be driven between a an unactuated state in which a first amount of visible light is transmitted through the interferometric modulator and an actuated state in which a second amount of visible light is transmitted through the interferometric modulator, the first amount of visible light being different than the second amount of visible light; and   control circuitry configured to control the state of the plurality of interferometric modulators.   
     
     
         2 . The window of  claim 1 , wherein the control circuitry is configured to use spatial dithering to control an overall transmission of visible light through the plurality of interferometric modulators. 
     
     
         3 . The window of  claim 1 , wherein the control circuitry is configured to selectively drive a subset of the plurality of interferometric modulators to a desired state. 
     
     
         4 . The window of  claim 2 , wherein an average amount of visible light transmitted through the plurality of interferometric modulators when the subset of the plurality of interferometric modulators is driven to the desired state is between the first amount of visible light and the second amount of visible light. 
     
     
         5 . The window of  claim 1 , wherein the subset of driven modulators form a desired pattern. 
     
     
         6 . The window of  claim 1 , wherein the subset of driven modulators form a noticeable pattern. 
     
     
         7 . The window of  claim 1 , wherein the control circuitry is configured to use temporal dithering to control an overall transmission of visible light through the plurality of interferometric modulators. 
     
     
         8 . The window of  claim 1 , wherein the control circuitry is configured to periodically drive at least a subset of the plurality of interferometric modulators between the actuated state and the unactuated state for a period of time. 
     
     
         9 . The window of  claim 8 , wherein an average amount of visible light transmitted through the plurality of interferometric modulators over the period of time in which at least the subset of interferometric modulators is driven between the actuated state and the unactuated state is between the first amount of visible light and the second amount of visible light. 
     
     
         10 . The window of  claim 1 , further comprising a sensor in electrical communication with the control circuitry, wherein the sensor is configured to sense ambient light. 
     
     
         11 . The window of  claim 10 , wherein the control circuitry is configured to alter the state of at least a subset of the plurality of interferometric modulators based upon an amount of light incident upon the sensor. 
     
     
         12 . The window of  claim 10 , wherein the control circuitry is configured to alter the state of at least a subset of the plurality of interferometric modulators based on the wavelengths of light incident upon the sensor. 
     
     
         13 . The window of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of interferometric modulators includes a layer movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the interferometric modulator is in the unactuated state when the movable layer is in the first position, and wherein the interferometric modulator is in the actuated state when the movable layer is in the second position. 
     
     
         14 . The window of  claim 1 , wherein the visible light transmitted through the interferometric modulator can be tuned in a wavelength dependent manner by driving the interferometric modulator from an undriven state to a driven state. 
     
     
         15 . A method of controlling the amount of light transmitted through a window, the method comprising:
 sensing a property of light incident upon the window; and   selectively controlling the state of a plurality of interferometric modulators supported by the window so as to control an amount of visible light transmitted through the window, wherein selectively controlling the state of the plurality of interferometric modulators is based at least in part upon the sensed property of the incident light.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein selectively controlling the state of a plurality of interferometric modulators includes driving the plurality of interferometric modulators such that a subset of the plurality of interferometric modulators is placed in an actuated state and the remainder of the plurality of interferometric modulators are placed in an unactuated state. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein selectively controlling the state of a plurality of interferometric modulators includes periodically driving at least a subset of the plurality of interferometric modulators between an actuated state and an unactuated state for a period of time. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein sensing a property of light incident upon the window includes sensing one of an amount of incident light or component wavelengths of incident light. 
     
     
         19 . A window, comprising:
 a window pane;   means for selectively controlling an amount of visible light transmitted through the window pane; and   control circuitry configured to control the state of the controlling means.   
     
     
         20 . The window of  claim 19 , wherein the controlling means includes a plurality of interferometric modulators supported by the window pane, wherein each of the plurality of interferometric modulators is configured to be driven between an unactuated state in which a first amount of visible light is transmitted through the interferometric modulator and an actuated state in which a second amount of visible light is transmitted through the interferometric modulator, the first amount of visible light being different than the second amount of visible light.