Enhanced matrix displays

Claim 1

A display matrix comprising an array of display elements arranged in rows extending in horizontal and vertical directions, each display element comprising a cell containing a magnetizable display member movable between a plurality of different stable positions within said cell, each row of the rows of display elements which extend in one of said directions being adapted to be actuated by first and second magnet means common to the row, the first and second magnet means being parallely spaced with respect to one another in said one direction and adapted for relative movement across each said display element in the row in turn, said first magnet means being adapted to apply said movable display member a first force acting in the direction from one to another of said stable positions to accelerate said movable member, said second magnet means including a winding for magnetizing it and being adapted to apply to said accelerated movable member a second force orthogonal to said first force and adapted to urge said accelerated member against a portion of said cell to stop movement within the cell of said accelerated movable member, at least one position in said cell at which said display member is brought to rest being dependent on the time of excitation of said winding during said relative movement of said display element and said second magnet means.