Active matrix display

Claim 1

A directly addressed display that is operable either in reflective or emissive modes, comprising: a first substrate having first and second major opposing surfaces, a plurality of pixel elements disposed on the first surface and a plurality of switching means disposed on the second surface, each of the plurality of switching means electrically connected to a respective one of the plurality of pixel elements by a conductive via; the first substrate also having conductive circuit paths on the second surface, each of the switching means electrically connected to the conductive circuit paths; an organic electroluminescent medium; a second substrate transparent to visible light and having an electrically conductive layer disposed thereon; and the first substrate and the organic electroluminescent medium and the second substrate arranged in a stack to form the directly addressed display, so that the organic electroluminescent medium is situated between the two substrates and in intimate contact with both the electrically conductive layer and the plurality of pixel elements, and so that the plurality of switching means, the conductive circuit paths, and the second surface of the first substrate are all on the exterior of the directly addressed display.