Modular flat-screen television displays and modules and circuit drives therefor

Claim 2

A flat-screen television display comprising: A. a plurality of modules positioned adjacent each other to form an array the size of the desired flat-­screen display; B. each module having a substrate with first and second major surfaces and edge surfaces, a matrix of picture elements extending over the first major surface of the substrate in a regular pattern with boundary picture elements adjacent the edge surfaces of the substrate to distances such that the regular pattern is continued substantially uninterrupted between adjacent modules, a matrix of electrical switching elements extending over the first major surface of the substrate with each switching element capable of activating a picture element upon receiving electrical signals through both row and column conductive strips, row and column conductive strips each extending over the first major surface from adjacent an edge surface to adjacent an opposite edge surface of the substrate such that each switching element can be electrically activated by a row and a column conductive strip, an electrical drive circuit positioned adjacent the second major surface of the substrate and capable of electrically activating the switching elements in correspondence to desired video images to be formed by the picture elements over the first major surface, and interconnecting conductors electrically connecting the drive circuit with the row and column conductive strips on the first major surface and electrically insulated from similar interconnecting conductors of an adjacent module; and C. an electrical control circuit capable of categorizing incoming video signals corresponding to the modules in the array and directing the electrical signals to the drive circuit of each module according to the portion of a video image to be reproduced by the picture elements on that module.

Claim 3

A flat-screen television display as described in Claim 1 wherein each module can be removed from the array and replaced by another like module.

Claim 4

A flat-screen television display as described in Claim 1 wherein at least one set of row and one set of column conductive strips are provided side-by-side while retaining the corresponding distance between picture elements in the regular pattern.

Claim 5

A flat-screen television display as described in Claim 1 wherein the picture elements are of electroluminescent powder phosphors.

Claim 6

A flat-screen television display as described in Claim 1 wherein the picture elements are electroluminescent film phosphors.

Claim 7

A flat-screen television display as described in Claim 1 wherein the first major surface of the substrate of each module is a mirror surface over which the picture elements, switching elements and conductive strips are positioned.

Claim 8

A flat-screen television display as described in Claim 1 wherein the interconnecting conductors connecting the drive circuit to the row and column conductive strips are positioned adjacent the edge surfaces of the substrate.

Claim 9

A flat-screen color television display comprising: A. a plurality of modules positioned adjacent each other to form an array the size of the desired flat-­screen display; B. each module having a substrate with first and second major surfaces and edge surfaces, a matrix of picture elements extending over the first major surface of the substrate in a regular pattern with boundary picture elements adjacent the edge surfaces of the substrate to distances such that the regular pattern is continued substantially uninterrupted between adjacent modules, a matrix of electrical switching elements extending over the first major surface of the substrate with each switching element capable of activating a picture element upon receiving electrical signals through both row and column conductive strips, row and column conductive strips each extending over the first major surface from adjacent an edge surface to adjacent an opposite edge surface of the substrate such that each switching element can be electrically activated by a row and a column conductive strip, a color filter positioned adjacent the picture elements of the matrix such that a color television image can be displayed by the module, an electrical drive circuit positioned adjacent the second major surface of the substrate and capable of electrically activating the switching elements in correspondence to desired video images to be formed by the picture elements over the first major surface, and interconnecting conductors electrically connecting the drive circuit adjacent the second major surface with the row and column conductive strips on the first major surface and electrically insulated from similar interconnecting conductive strips of an adjacent module; and C. an electrical control circuit capable of categorizing incoming video signals corresponding to the modules in the array and directing the electrical signals to the drive circuit of each module according to the portion of the video image to be reproduced by the picture elements on that module.

Claim 10

A flat-screen color television display comprising: A. a plurality of modules positioned adjacent each other to form an array the size of the desired flat-­screen display; B. each module having a substrate with first and second major surfaces and edge surfaces, a matrix of picture elements extending over the first major surface of the substrate in a regular pattern with boundary picture elements adjacent the edge surfaces of the substrate to distances such that the regular pattern is continued substantially uninterrupted between adjacent modules, a matrix of electrical switching elements extending over the first major surface of the substrate with each switching element capable of activating a picture element upon receiving electrical signals through both row and column conductive strips, row and column conductive strips each extending over the first major surface from adjacent an edge surface to adjacent an opposite edge surface of the substrate such that each switching element can be electrically activated by a row and a column conductive strip, a color filter positioned adjacent the picture elements of the matrix such that a color television image can be displayed by the module, an electrical drive circuit positioned adjacent the second major surface of the substrate and capable of electrically activating the switching elements in correspondence to desired video images to be formed by the picture elements over the first major surface, and interconnecting conductors electrically connecting the drive circuit adjacent the second major surface with the row and column conductive strips on the first major surface and electrically insulated from similar interconnecting conductive strips of an adjacent module; and C. an electrical control circuit capable of categorizing incoming video signals corresponding to the modules in the array and directing the electrical signals to the drive circuit of each module according to the portion of the video image to be reproduced by the picture elements on that module.

Claim 11

A flat-screen color television as described in Claim 8 wherein the color filter is positioned on each module between the picture elements and the first major surface of the substrate.

Claim 12

A flat-screen color television display as described in Claim 8 wherein the picture elements and switching elements are positioned between the color filter and the first major surface of the substrate.

Claim 13

A flat-screen color television display as described in Claim 8 wherein each module can be removed from the array and replaced by another like module.

Claim 14

A flat-screen color television display as described in Claim 8 wherein at least one set of row and one set of column conductive strips are provided side-by-­side while retaining the corresponding distance between picture elements of the regular pattern.

Claim 15

A flat-screen color television display as described in Claim 8 wherein the first major surface of the substrate of each module is a mirror surface over which the picture elements, switching elements and conductive strips are positioned.

Claim 16

A flat-screen color television display as described in Claim 8 wherein the interconnecting conductors connecting the drive circuit to the row and column conductive strips are positioned adjacent the edge surfaces of the substrate.

Claim 17

A flat-screen television display comprising: A. a plurality of modules positioned adjacent each other to form an array the size of the desired flat-­screen display; B. each module having a substrate with first and second major surfaces and edge surfaces and being capable of transmitting light, a matrix of picture elements extending over the first major surface of the substrate in a regular pattern with boundary picture elements adjacent the edge surfaces of the substrate to distances such that the regular pattern is continued substantially uninterrupted between adjacent modules, where said picture elements are formed of a thin film of a dispersion of liquid crystal droplets in a polymeric medium, a matrix of electrical switching elements extending over the first major surface of the substrate with each switching element capable of activating a picture element upon receiving electrical signals through both row and column conductive strips, row and column conductive strips each extending over the first major surface from adjacent an edge surface to adjacent an opposite edge surface of the substrate such that each switching element can be electrically activated by a row conductive strip and a column conductive strip; C. a light source positioned adjacent the second major surface of the substrate of at least one module in the array; D. an electrical drive circuit positioned adjacent the second major surface of each substrate and capable of electrically activating the switching elements in correspondence to desired visual images to be formed by the picture elements over the first major surface; E. interconnecting conductors adjacent the edge surfaces of the substrate and electrically connecting the drive circuit with the row and column conductive strips on the first major surface and electrically insulated from similar interconnecting conductors of an adjacent module; and F. an electrical control circuit capable of categorizing incoming video signals corresponding to the modules in the array and directing the electrical signals to the drive circuit of each module according to the portion of the television picture to be reproduced by the picture elements on that module.

Claim 18

A flat-screen television display comprising: A. a plurality of modules positioned adjacent each other to form an array the size of the desired flat-­screen display; B. each module having a substrate with first and second major surfaces and edge surfaces and being capable of transmitting light, a matrix of picture elements extending over the first major surface of the substrate in a regular pattern with boundary picture elements adjacent the edge surfaces of the substrate to distances such that the regular pattern is continued substantially uninterrupted between adjacent modules, where said picture elements are formed of a thin film of a dispersion of liquid crystal droplets in a polymeric medium, a matrix of electrical switching elements extending over the first major surface of the substrate with each switching element capable of activating a picture element upon receiving electrical signals through both row and column conductive strips, row and column conductive strips each extending over the first major surface from adjacent an edge surface to adjacent an opposite edge surface of the substrate such that each switching element can be electrically activated by a row conductive strip and a column conductive strip; C. a light source positioned adjacent the second major surface of the substrate of at least one module in the array; D. an electrical drive circuit positioned adjacent the second major surface of each substrate and capable of electrically activating the switching elements in correspondence to desired visual images to be formed by the picture elements over the first major surface; E. interconnecting conductors adjacent the edge surfaces of the substrate and electrically connecting the drive circuit with the row and column conductive strips on the first major surface and electrically insulated from similar interconnecting conductors of an adjacent module; and F. an electrical control circuit capable of categorizing incoming video signals corresponding to the modules in the array and directing the electrical signals to the drive circuit of each module according to the portion of the television picture to be reproduced by the picture elements on that module.

Claim 19

A flat-screen television display as described in Claim 15 wherein each module can be removed from the matrix and replaced by another like module.

Claim 20

A flat-screen television display as described in Claim 15 wherein at least one set of row and one set of column conductive strips are provided side-by-side while retaining the corresponding distances between picture elements of the regular pattern.

Claim 21

A flat-screen television display as described in Claim 15 wherein a common light source is provided for the array of modules, and the electrical drive circuit for each module is positioned more specifically adjacent a frame forming an extension of the edge surfaces of each substrate.

Claim 22

A flat-screen television display as described in Claim 15 wherein a light source is provided for each module surrounded by a frame forming an extension of the edge surfaces of each substrate, and the electrical drive circuit for each module is positioned on a backboard positioned adjacent the light source opposite the second major surface of the substrate to enclose the light source.

Claim 23

A flat-screen television display comprising: A. a plurality of modules positioned adjacent each other to form an array the size of the desired flat-­screen display; B. a thin film of a dispersion of liquid crystal droplets in a polymeric medium positioned adjacent a first major surface formed by the array of modules; C. a transparent electrode positioned in contact with a first major surface of the thin film opposite from the first major surface of the array of modules; D. each module having a substrate with first and second major surfaces and edge surfaces which is capable of transmitting light and a matrix of conductive pads defining picture elements in the thin film extending over the first major surface of the substrate in a regular pattern with boundary picture elements adjacent the edge surfaces of the substrate to distances such that the regular pattern is continued substantially uninterrupted between adjacent modules, where the conductive pads are in contact with a second major surface opposite from the first major surface of the thin film, a matrix of electrical switching elements extending over the first major surface of the substrate with each switching element capable of activating a picture element upon receiving electrical signals through both row and column conductive strips, row and column conductive strips each extending over the first major surface from adjacent an edge surface to adjacent an opposite edge surface of the substrate such that each switching element can be electrically activated by a row conductive strip and a column conductive strip; E. a light source positioned adjacent the second major surface of the substrate of at least one module in the array: F. an electrical drive circuit positioned adjacent the second major surface of each substrate and capable of electrically activating the switching elements in correspondence to desired visual images to be formed by the picture elements over the first major surface; G. interconnecting conductors adjacent the edge surfaces of the substrate and electrically connecting the drive circuit with the row and column conductive strips on the first major surface and electrically insulated from similar interconnecting conductors of an adjacent module; and H. an electrical control circuit capable of categorizing incoming video signals corresponding to the modules in the array and directing the electrical signals to the drive circuit of each module according to the portion of the television picture to be reproduced by the picture elements on that module.

Claim 24

A flat-screen television display comprising: A. a plurality of modules positioned adjacent each other to form an array the size of the desired flat-­screen display; B. a thin film of a dispersion of liquid crystal droplets in a polymeric medium positioned adjacent a first major surface formed by the array of modules; C. a transparent electrode positioned in contact with a first major surface of the thin film opposite from the first major surface of the array of modules; D. each module having a substrate with first and second major surfaces and edge surfaces which is capable of transmitting light and a matrix of conductive pads defining picture elements in the thin film extending over the first major surface of the substrate in a regular pattern with boundary picture elements adjacent the edge surfaces of the substrate to distances such that the regular pattern is continued substantially uninterrupted between adjacent modules, where the conductive pads are in contact with a second major surface opposite from the first major surface of the thin film, a matrix of electrical switching elements extending over the first major surface of the substrate with each switching element capable of activating a picture element upon receiving electrical signals through both row and column conductive strips, row and column conductive strips each extending over the first major surface from adjacent an edge surface to adjacent an opposite edge surface of the substrate such that each switching element can be electrically activated by a row conductive strip and a column conductive strip; E. a light source positioned adjacent the second major surface of the substrate of at least one module in the array: F. an electrical drive circuit positioned adjacent the second major surface of each substrate and capable of electrically activating the switching elements in correspondence to desired visual images to be formed by the picture elements over the first major surface; G. interconnecting conductors adjacent the edge surfaces of the substrate and electrically connecting the drive circuit with the row and column conductive strips on the first major surface and electrically insulated from similar interconnecting conductors of an adjacent module; and H. an electrical control circuit capable of categorizing incoming video signals corresponding to the modules in the array and directing the electrical signals to the drive circuit of each module according to the portion of the television picture to be reproduced by the picture elements on that module.

Claim 25

A flat-screen television display as described in Claim 20 wherein each module can be removed from the matrix and replaced by another like module.

Claim 26

A flat-screen television display as described in Claim 20 wherein at least one set of row and one set of column conductive strips are provided side-by-side while retaining the corresponding distances between picture elements of the matrix.

Claim 27

A flat-screen television display as described in Claim 20 wherein a common light source is provided for the array of modules, and the electrical drive circuit for each module is positioned more specifically adjacent a frame forming an extension of the edge surfaces of each substrate.

Claim 28

A flat-screen television display as described in Claim 20 wherein a light source is provided for each module surrounded by a frame forming an extension of the edge surfaces of each substrate, and the electrical drive circuit for each module is positioned on a backboard positioned adjacent the light source opposite the second major surface of the substrate to enclose the light source.

Claim 29

A flat-screen television display comprising: A. a plurality of modules positioned adjacent each other to form an array the size of the desired flat-­screen display; B. each module having a substrate with first and second major surfaces and edge surfaces and being capable of transmitting light, a matrix of picture elements extending over the first major surface of the substrate in a regular pattern with boundary picture elements adjacent the edge surfaces of the substrate to a distance such that the regular pattern is continued substantially uninterrupted between adjacent modules, where said picture elements are formed of a thin film dispersion of liquid crystal droplets in a polymeric medium, a matrix of electrical switching elements extending over the first major surface of the substrate with each switching element capable of activating a picture element upon receiving electrical signals through both row and column conductive strips, a color filter positioned adjacent the picture elements such that a color video image can be displayed by the module, row and column conductive strips each extending over the first major surface from adjacent an edge surface to adjacent an opposite edge surface of the substrate such that each switching element can be electrically activated by a row conductive strip and a column conductive strip; C. a light source positioned adjacent the second major surface of the substrate of at least one module in the array; D. an electrical drive circuit positioned adjacent the second major surface of each substrate and capable of electrically activating the switching elements in correspondence to desired visual images to be formed by the picture elements over the first major surface; E. interconnecting conductors adjacent the edge surfaces of the substrate and electrically connecting the drive circuit with the row and column conductive strips on the first major surface and electrically insulated from similar interconnecting conductors of an adjacent module; and F. an electrical control circuit capable of separating incoming video signals corresponding to the modules in the array and directing the electrical signals to the drive circuit of each module according to the portion of the television picture to be reproduced by the picture elements on that module.

Claim 30

A flat-screen television display comprising: A. a plurality of modules positioned adjacent each other to form an array the size of the desired flat-­screen display; B. each module having a substrate with first and second major surfaces and edge surfaces and being capable of transmitting light, a matrix of picture elements extending over the first major surface of the substrate in a regular pattern with boundary picture elements adjacent the edge surfaces of the substrate to a distance such that the regular pattern is continued substantially uninterrupted between adjacent modules, where said picture elements are formed of a thin film dispersion of liquid crystal droplets in a polymeric medium, a matrix of electrical switching elements extending over the first major surface of the substrate with each switching element capable of activating a picture element upon receiving electrical signals through both row and column conductive strips, a color filter positioned adjacent the picture elements such that a color video image can be displayed by the module, row and column conductive strips each extending over the first major surface from adjacent an edge surface to adjacent an opposite edge surface of the substrate such that each switching element can be electrically activated by a row conductive strip and a column conductive strip; C. a light source positioned adjacent the second major surface of the substrate of at least one module in the array; D. an electrical drive circuit positioned adjacent the second major surface of each substrate and capable of electrically activating the switching elements in correspondence to desired visual images to be formed by the picture elements over the first major surface; E. interconnecting conductors adjacent the edge surfaces of the substrate and electrically connecting the drive circuit with the row and column conductive strips on the first major surface and electrically insulated from similar interconnecting conductors of an adjacent module; and F. an electrical control circuit capable of separating incoming video signals corresponding to the modules in the array and directing the electrical signals to the drive circuit of each module according to the portion of the television picture to be reproduced by the picture elements on that module.

Claim 31

A flat-screen color television display as described in Claim 25 wherein the color filter is positioned between the picture elements and the first major surface of the substrate.

Claim 32

A flat-screen color television display as described in Claim 25 wherein the picture elements are positioned between the color filter and the first major surface of the substrate.

Claim 33

A flat-screen color television display as described in Claim 25 wherein each module can be removed from the matrix and replaced by another like module.

Claim 34

A flat-screen color television display as described in Claim 25 wherein at least one set of row and one set of column conductive strips are provided side-by-­side spaced from an edge surface while retaining the corresponding distances between picture elements of the regular pattern.

Claim 35

A flat screen color television display as described in Claim 25 wherein a control light source is provided for the array of modules, and the electrical drive circuit for each module is positioned more specifically adjacent a frame forming an extension of the edge surfaces of each module.

Claim 36

A flat screen color television display as described in Claim 25 wherein a light source is provided for each module surrounded by a frame forming an extension of the edge surfaces of each substrate, and the electrical drive circuit for each module is positioned on a backboard positioned adjacent to the light source opposite the second major surface of the substrate to enclose the light source.

Claim 37

A flat-screen color television display comprising: A. a plurality of modules positioned adjacent each other to form an array the size of the desired flat-­screen display; B. a light modulating film positioned adjacent a first major surface formed by the array of modules; C. a transparent electrode positioned in contact with a first major surface of the thin film opposite from the first major surface of the array of modules; D. each module having a substrate with first and second major surfaces and edge surfaces and being capable of transmitting light, a matrix of conductive pads defining picture elements in the thin film extending over the first major surface of the substrate in a regular pattern with boundary picture elements adjacent the edge surfaces of the substrate to distances such that the regular pattern is continued substantially uninterrupted between adjacent modules, where the conductive pads are in contact with a second major surface opposite from the first major surface of the thin film, a matrix of electrical switching elements extending over the first major surface of the substrate with each switching element capable of activating a picture element upon receiving electrical signals through both row and column conductive strips, a color filter positioned adjacent the picture elements such that a color video image can be displayed by the module, row and column conductive strips each extending over the first major surface from adjacent an edge surface to adjacent an opposite edge surface of the substrate such that each switching element can be electrically activated by a row conductive strip and a column conductive strip; E. a light source positioned adjacent the second major surface of the substrate of at least one module in the array; F. an electrical drive circuit positioned adjacent the second major surface of each substrate and capable of electrically activating the switching elements in correspondence to desired visual images to be formed by the picture elements over the first major surface; G. interconnecting conductors adjacent the edge surfaces of the substrate and electrically connecting the drive circuit with the row and column conductive strips on the first major surface and electrically insulated from similar interconnecting conductors of an adjacent module; and H. an electrical control circuit capable of categorizing incoming video signals corresponding to the modules in the array and directing the electrical signals to the drive circuit of each module according to the portion of the television picture to be reproduced by the picture elements on that module.

Claim 38

A flat-screen color television display comprising: A. a plurality of modules positioned adjacent each other to form an array the size of the desired flat-­screen display; B. a light modulating film positioned adjacent a first major surface formed by the array of modules; C. a transparent electrode positioned in contact with a first major surface of the thin film opposite from the first major surface of the array of modules; D. each module having a substrate with first and second major surfaces and edge surfaces and being capable of transmitting light, a matrix of conductive pads defining picture elements in the thin film extending over the first major surface of the substrate in a regular pattern with boundary picture elements adjacent the edge surfaces of the substrate to distances such that the regular pattern is continued substantially uninterrupted between adjacent modules, where the conductive pads are in contact with a second major surface opposite from the first major surface of the thin film, a matrix of electrical switching elements extending over the first major surface of the substrate with each switching element capable of activating a picture element upon receiving electrical signals through both row and column conductive strips, a color filter positioned adjacent the picture elements such that a color video image can be displayed by the module, row and column conductive strips each extending over the first major surface from adjacent an edge surface to adjacent an opposite edge surface of the substrate such that each switching element can be electrically activated by a row conductive strip and a column conductive strip; E. a light source positioned adjacent the second major surface of the substrate of at least one module in the array; F. an electrical drive circuit positioned adjacent the second major surface of each substrate and capable of electrically activating the switching elements in correspondence to desired visual images to be formed by the picture elements over the first major surface; G. interconnecting conductors adjacent the edge surfaces of the substrate and electrically connecting the drive circuit with the row and column conductive strips on the first major surface and electrically insulated from similar interconnecting conductors of an adjacent module; and H. an electrical control circuit capable of categorizing incoming video signals corresponding to the modules in the array and directing the electrical signals to the drive circuit of each module according to the portion of the television picture to be reproduced by the picture elements on that module.

Claim 39

A flat-screen color television display as described in Claim 32 wherein each module can be removed from the matrix and replaced by another like module.

Claim 40

A flat-screen color television display as described in Claim 32 wherein at least one set of row and one set of column conductive strips are provided side-by-­side while retaining the corresponding distances between picture elements of the regular pattern.

Claim 41

A flat-screen color television display as described in Claim 32 wherein a common light source is provided for the array of modules, and the electrical drive circuit is separate for each module and positioned more specifically adjacent a frame and forming an extension of the edge surfaces of each substrate.

Claim 42

A flat-screen television display as described in Claim 32 wherein a light source is provided for each module surrounded by a frame forming an extension of the edge surfaces of each substrate, and the electrical drive circuit for each module is positioned on a backboard positioned adjacent the light source opposite the second major surface of the substrate to enclose the light source.

Claim 43

A flat screen color television display as described in Claim 32 wherein a color filter is positioned between the conductive pads and the first major surface of the substrate.

Claim 44

A flat screen color television display as described in Claim 32 wherein the color filter is positioned adjacent the transparent electrode that is in contact with the first major surface of thin films opposite the array of modules.

Claim 45

A module for a flat-screen television display comprising: A. a substrate with first and second major surfaces and edge surfaces; B. a matrix of transparent conductive pads capable of defining picture elements and extending over the first major surface of the substrate in a regular pattern with boundary conductive pads adjacent the edge surfaces of the substrate to distances such that the regular pattern is capable of continuing substantially uninterrupted when a similar module is positioned adjacent the module; C. a matrix of electrical switching elements extending over the first major surface of the substrate with each switching element capable of activating a conductive pad upon receiving electrical signals through both row and column conductive strips; D. row and column conductive strips each extending over the first major surface from adjacent an edge surface to adjacent an opposite edge surface of the substrate such that each switching element can be electrically activated by a row conductive strip and a column conductive strip; E. an electrical drive circuit positioned adjacent the second major surface of the substrate and capable of electrically activating the switching elements in correspondence to desired visual images to be formed by the picture elements over the first major surface; and F. interconnecting conductors electrically connecting the drive circuit adjacent the second major surface of the substrate with the row and column conductive strips on the first major surface and electrically insulated from similar interconnecting conductors of an adjacent module.

Claim 46

A module for a flat-screen television display comprising: A. a substrate with first and second major surfaces and edge surfaces; B. a matrix of transparent conductive pads capable of defining picture elements and extending over the first major surface of the substrate in a regular pattern with boundary conductive pads adjacent the edge surfaces of the substrate to distances such that the regular pattern is capable of continuing substantially uninterrupted when a similar module is positioned adjacent the module; C. a matrix of electrical switching elements extending over the first major surface of the substrate with each switching element capable of activating a conductive pad upon receiving electrical signals through both row and column conductive strips; D. row and column conductive strips each extending over the first major surface from adjacent an edge surface to adjacent an opposite edge surface of the substrate such that each switching element can be electrically activated by a row conductive strip and a column conductive strip; E. an electrical drive circuit positioned adjacent the second major surface of the substrate and capable of electrically activating the switching elements in correspondence to desired visual images to be formed by the picture elements over the first major surface; and F. interconnecting conductors electrically connecting the drive circuit adjacent the second major surface of the substrate with the row and column conductive strips on the first major surface and electrically insulated from similar interconnecting conductors of an adjacent module.

Claim 47

A module for a flat-screen television display as described in Claim 39 wherein the conductive pads are transparent, and each module has a light modulating film positioned in contact with the array of conductive pads to form picture elements.

Claim 48

A module for a flat-screen television display as described in Claim 39 wherein at least one set of row and one set of column conductive strips are provided side-by-­side while retaining the corresponding distance between picture elements of the regular pattern.

Claim 49

A module for a flat-screen television display as described in Claim 39 wherein the first major surface of the substrate is a mirror surface over which the conductive pads, switching elements and conductive strips are positioned.

Claim 50

A module for a flat-screen television as described in Claim 39 wherein a color filter is positioned adjacent the first major surface of each module such that color television images can be displayed.

Claim 51

A module for a flat-screen television display as described in Claim 39 wherein the interconnecting conductors connecting the drive circuit to the row and column conductive strips is positioned adjacent the edge surfaces of the substrate.

Claim 52

A module for a flat-screen television display comprising: A. a substrate with first and second major surfaces and edge surfaces and being capable of transmitting light; B. a matrix of conductive pads capable of defining picture elements and extending over the first major surface of the substrate in a regular pattern with boundary conductive pads adjacent the edge surfaces of the substrate to distances such that the regular pattern is capable of continuing substantially uninterrupted when a similar module is positioned adjacent to the module; C. a matrix of electrical switching elements extending over the first major surface of the substrate with each switching element capable of activating a conductive pad upon receiving electrical signals through both row and column conductive strips; D. row and column conductive strips each extending over the first major surface from adjacent an edge surface to adjacent an opposite edge surface of the substrate such that each switching element can be electrically activated by a row conductive strip and a column conductive strip; E. a frame positioned adjacent an extension of said edge surfaces of the substrate and capable of allowing light to be transmitted through the substrate; F. an electrical drive circuit positioned adjacent the second major surface of the substrate and being capable of electrically activating the switching elements in correspondence to desired visual images to be formed by the picture elements over the first major surface; and G. interconnecting conductors adjacent the edge surfaces of the substrate and the frame electrically connecting the drive circuit with the row and column conductive strips on the first major surface and electrically insulated from similar interconnecting conductors of adjacent modules.

Claim 53

A module for a flat-screen television display comprising: A. a substrate with first and second major surfaces and edge surfaces and being capable of transmitting light; B. a matrix of conductive pads capable of defining picture elements and extending over the first major surface of the substrate in a regular pattern with boundary conductive pads adjacent the edge surfaces of the substrate to distances such that the regular pattern is capable of continuing substantially uninterrupted when a similar module is positioned adjacent to the module; C. a matrix of electrical switching elements extending over the first major surface of the substrate with each switching element capable of activating a conductive pad upon receiving electrical signals through both row and column conductive strips; D. row and column conductive strips each extending over the first major surface from adjacent an edge surface to adjacent an opposite edge surface of the substrate such that each switching element can be electrically activated by a row conductive strip and a column conductive strip; E. a frame positioned adjacent an extension of said edge surfaces of the substrate and capable of allowing light to be transmitted through the substrate; F. an electrical drive circuit positioned adjacent the second major surface of the substrate and being capable of electrically activating the switching elements in correspondence to desired visual images to be formed by the picture elements over the first major surface; and G. interconnecting conductors adjacent the edge surfaces of the substrate and the frame electrically connecting the drive circuit with the row and column conductive strips on the first major surface and electrically insulated from similar interconnecting conductors of adjacent modules.

Claim 54

A module for a flat-screen television display as described in Claim 45 wherein each module has a light modulating film positioned in contact with the array of conductive pads to form picture elements.

Claim 55

A module for a flat-screen television display as described in Claim 45 wherein at least one set of row and one set of column conductive strips are provided side-by-­side while retaining the corresponding distances between conductive pads of the regular pattern.

Claim 56

A module for a flat-screen television display as described in Claim 45 wherein a color filter is positioned adjacent the first major surface of each substrate such that color television images can be displayed.

Claim 57

A flat-screen television display as described in Claims 1, 8, 15, 20, 25, 32 and 39 wherein the desired video image is simultaneously and sequentially presented by the electrical control circuit to the electrical drive circuit of each module.

Claim 58

A flat-screen television display as described in Claims 1, 8, 15, 20, 25, 32 and 39 wherein that portion of the desired video image corresponding to one module is fed sequentially to the electrical drive circuit of that module from the electrical control circuit while at the same time all the modules are being driven in parallel.

Claim 59

A flat-screen television display as described in Claims 1, 8, 15, 20, 25, 32 and 39 wherein the electrical control circuit comprises a decoder circuit and an image processor and wherein each electrical drive circuit comprises a plurality of analog and digital switches for activating the switching elements in response to sequential signals from the image processor simultaneously fed to each electrical drive circuit.

Claim 60

A flat-screen television display as described in Claim 51 wherein the image processor further comprises: an analog-to-digital converter, for transforming an analog video signal to a digital signal which can be easily stored; a memory for storing one frame of the video signal in digital form; a digital-to-analog converter for generating an analog video signal for each module; and a timing and control circuit for simultaneously directing different portions of the analog video signal to each module.

Claim 61

A flat-screen color television display as described in Claim 52 wherein the number of analog-to-digital converters corresponds to the number of colors in the display and there are two memories for each color.

Claim 62

A flat-screen television display as described in Claim 53 wherein there is one digital-to-analog converter for each module.

Claim 63

A flat-screen television display as described in Claim 51 wherein analog switches activate the column conductors and digital switches activate the row conductors of the switching elements.

Claim 64

A flat-screen television display as described in Claim 55 wherein there are three times as many digital switches as analog switches.

Claim 65

A flat-screen television display as described in Claim 55 wherein there are three times as many analog switches as digital switches.