EP0734043B1 - Double-gated flat display screen - Google Patents

Double-gated flat display screen Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0734043B1
EP0734043B1 EP96410030A EP96410030A EP0734043B1 EP 0734043 B1 EP0734043 B1 EP 0734043B1 EP 96410030 A EP96410030 A EP 96410030A EP 96410030 A EP96410030 A EP 96410030A EP 0734043 B1 EP0734043 B1 EP 0734043B1
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Prior art keywords
gate
addressed
cathode
comb
grid
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0734043A1 (en
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Bernard Bancal
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Pixtech SA
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Pixtech SA
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    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01JELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J29/00Details of cathode-ray tubes or of electron-beam tubes of the types covered by group H01J31/00
    • H01J29/46Arrangements of electrodes and associated parts for generating or controlling the ray or beam, e.g. electron-optical arrangement
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01JELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J31/00Cathode ray tubes; Electron beam tubes
    • H01J31/08Cathode ray tubes; Electron beam tubes having a screen on or from which an image or pattern is formed, picked up, converted, or stored
    • H01J31/10Image or pattern display tubes, i.e. having electrical input and optical output; Flying-spot tubes for scanning purposes
    • H01J31/12Image or pattern display tubes, i.e. having electrical input and optical output; Flying-spot tubes for scanning purposes with luminescent screen
    • H01J31/123Flat display tubes
    • H01J31/125Flat display tubes provided with control means permitting the electron beam to reach selected parts of the screen, e.g. digital selection
    • H01J31/127Flat display tubes provided with control means permitting the electron beam to reach selected parts of the screen, e.g. digital selection using large area or array sources, i.e. essentially a source for each pixel group

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the production of a flat display screen. It applies more particularly to a flat screen of the type comprising a bombardment cathode electronics of an anode carrying phosphor elements. It is, for example, a fluorescent screen in which an electronic emission is obtained by extraction of electrons microtips or a thin film, for example a film carbon-diamond.
  • Figure 1 shows the functional structure a microtip flat screen of the type to which it relates the invention.
  • Such a microtip screen essentially consists a cathode 1 with microtips 2 and a grid 3 provided of holes 4 corresponding to the locations of the microtips 2.
  • Cathode 1 is placed opposite a cathode-luminescent anode 5 of which a glass substrate 6 constitutes the surface screen.
  • Cathode 1 is organized in columns and is made up, on a substrate 10, for example made of glass, of conductors cathodes organized in mesh from a conductive layer.
  • the microtips 2 are made on a resistive layer 11 deposited on the cathode conductors and are arranged inside the meshes defined by the conductors of cathode.
  • Figure 1 partially showing the interior of a mesh, the cathode conductors do not appear on this figure.
  • Cathode 1 is associated with grid 3 which is it organized in rows, an insulating layer (not shown) being interposed between the cathode conductors and the grid 3. The intersection of a row of grid 3 and a column of cathode 1, defines a pixel.
  • This device uses the electric field created between cathode 1 and grid 3 so that electrons are extracts from microtips 2 to phosphor elements 7 of the anode 5 by crossing an inter-electrode empty space 12.
  • the anode 5 is provided with strips alternating phosphor elements 7, each corresponding to a color (Blue, Red, Green).
  • the bands are separated from each other by an insulator 8.
  • the phosphor elements 7 are deposited on electrodes 9, made up of corresponding bands a transparent conductive layer such as indium tin oxide (ITO). Tape sets blue, red, green are alternately polarized with respect at cathode 1, so that the electrons extracted from the microtips 2 of a pixel of the cathode / grid are alternately directed towards the phosphor elements 7 opposite each of the colors.
  • ITO indium tin oxide
  • the display of an image is done by suitably polarizing the anode, the cathode and the grid by means of a control electronics (not shown).
  • the rows of grid 3 are sequentially polarized at a potential of the order of 80 volts while the strips of phosphor elements (for example 7g in Figure 1) to be excited are biased under a voltage of the order of 400 volts, the other bands (for example 7r and 7b in FIG. 1) being at zero potential.
  • the columns of the cathode 1, whose potential represents for each row of grid 3 the brightness of the pixel defined by the intersection of the cathode column and the grid row in the color considered, are brought to respective potentials between a maximum emission potential and a potential no emission (for example, 0 and 30 respectively volts).
  • the choice of the values of the polarization potentials is related to the characteristics of phosphor elements 7 and microtips 2. Conventionally, below a difference of potential of 50 volts between cathode 1 and grid 3, there has no electronic emission and the maximum emission used corresponds to a potential difference of 80 volts.
  • a disadvantage of conventional screens is that the individual addressing of the rows of grid 3 requires a row connection to the control electronics. Electronics must therefore include an output stage by grid row which increases the cost. The output stages associated with the grid must also support tensions up to 100 volts which makes them relatively Dear. In addition, the silicon surface being proportional squared of the breakdown voltage, such stages of output, realized in the form of integrated circuit, require relatively large areas.
  • the present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks by offering a flat display screen in which the number of output stages and connections intended for the addressing of the grid is less than the number of lines of the screen.
  • the invention also aims to allow the realization a high definition screen with small dimensions.
  • the invention further aims to propose the realization of such a flat display screen which does not require modification of the cathode and the anode, nor of the elements of the control electronics associated with the cathode or the anode.
  • the present invention provides a flat display screen of the type comprising a cathode organized in columns of electronic bombardment an anode provided with phosphor elements, and comprising a first grid organized in rows likely to be addressed individually and a second grid consisting of at least at least two alternating track combs parallel to said rows of said first grid, the same row of said first grid being associated with a track of each comb and the intersection of each track with a cathode column defining a screen pixel.
  • an image is displayed, in an interlaced manner, by sequentially addressing said rows of the first grid during the duration of an alternative addressing of said second grid combs.
  • the cathode columns are addressed simultaneously to each row of the first grid, their potential being a function of the desired brightness for the pixel defined by their intersection with the comb track addressed from the second grid which is plumb with the current row.
  • the polarization potentials of said combs are chosen so that the tracks of an addressed comb focus, towards the anode, the electrons emitted from the cathode columns at plumb with the track of said focusing comb associated with a addressed row, and so that the tracks of a comb that is not addressed collect the electrons emitted from the columns of the cathode directly above the track of said associated collecting comb to the row addressed.
  • the potential of a focusing comb is greater than potential of the rows of the first grid which are not addressed, the potential of a collecting comb being lower to the potential of the rows of the first grid which are not addressed.
  • the pitch of the rows of the first grid is dimensioned depending on the minimum pitch to be respected between connections individual of these rows towards an electronics of control, the number of combs of the second grid being chosen according to the desired definition for the screen.
  • said grids are applied to a color screen of which the anode is provided with three sets of alternating bands phosphor elements each corresponding to a color.
  • said grids are applied to a monochrome screen the anode of which consists of phosphor elements of a single type.
  • the main idea of the present invention is to associate with the screen cathode two superimposed and addressed grids differently.
  • Figure 2 illustrates, by a top view of a cathode plate / grid of a microtip screen, a mode of realization of the present invention.
  • a first grid 20 is similar to the grid (3, Figure 1) with which conventional screens are provided, unlike close that the width of its rows 21 corresponds to the minus two screen pixels. Rows 21 of this first grid 20 are addressed individually and are therefore connected individually by one of their ends to an electronic control (not shown).
  • a second grid 23 is attached to this first wire rack.
  • This second grid 23 consists of at least two combs 24 and 25 of conductive tracks, respectively 26 and 27, alternate.
  • One track of each comb is located at plumb with a row 21 of the first grid 20 so that each row 21 is covered with two tracks 26 and 27 of the second grid 23.
  • all tracks 26, respectively 27, are likely to be addressed simultaneously by being linked together to the electronics control.
  • a pixel of the screen is defined here by the intersection a column, or a conductor 28, of the cathode 1 with a track 26 or 27 of the second grid 23.
  • Rows 21 of the first grid 20 and the tracks 26 and 27 of the second grid 23 are provided with holes 4 to the location of the microtips arranged on conductors 28 of cathode 1 organized in columns. For reasons of clarity, only one hole 4 per pixel has been shown in Figure 2 while in practice the number of holes 4 corresponds to the number of microtips and is several thousand per pixel. Of even, the mesh of cathode conductors 28 has not been represented.
  • Each grid is, for example, made up a layer of niobium etched in the appropriate pattern.
  • a isolation layer, engraved directly above each microtip, is interposed between the cathode 1 and the first grid 20 and, between the first grid 20 and the second grid 23.
  • each comb 24 or 25 of the second grid 23 is to allow, alternatively, depending on whether it is or unaddressed, focusing of electrons emitted by microtips which are plumb with row 21 addressed from the first grid 20 and track 26, respectively 27, addressed, or collecting the electrons emitted by the microtips which are directly above the addressed row 21 and runway 27, respectively 26, not addressed.
  • An image is displayed for a period of time frame (for example 20 ms) by suitably polarizing anode, cathode and grids by means of electronics control.
  • a period of time frame for example 20 ms
  • the strips of phosphor elements 7 of anode 5 are sequentially polarized, during a frame, by sets of bands of the same color, either for a subframe duration corresponding to one third of the frame time (eg 6.6 ms).
  • the display is carried out line by line but interlaced, during each subframe.
  • a "line time” (for example 13.7 ⁇ s) corresponds the duration of a subframe divided by the number of rows 21 of the first grid 20 multiplied by the number of second grid combs 23.
  • the electrons, emitted by the microtips located below the track (for example 27) of the other comb (for example 25) and of the current row 21 of the first grid 20, are collected by this track (for example 27).
  • FIG. 3 represents, partially and in exploded perspective, a conductor 28 of cathode 1 and the two grids 20 and 23 according to the invention. As in Figure 2, only a microtip 2 and a hole 4 per pixel have been shown.
  • the potential V G of a row 21 of the first grid 20 which is addressed is, as for conventional screens, for example of 80 volts while it is 0 volts for the rows 21 which are not addressed.
  • the potential V K of the columns 28 of the cathode is, as for conventional screens, for example between 0 and 30 volts depending on the desired brightness for the pixel considered.
  • the potential V f of the tracks of an addressed comb is greater than the potential of the rows 21 which are not addressed. If the first grid 20 is polarized between 0 and 80 volts, we will choose, for example, a potential V f of the order of 5 volts for the focusing comb.
  • the potential V c thereof is lower than the potential of the rows 21 which are not addressed. If the first grid 20 is polarized between 0 and 80 volts, we will choose, for example, a potential V c of the order of -5 volts for the collector comb.
  • the number of combs of the second grid 23 is chosen according to the number of output stages, or connections, desired for grids and / or desired definition for the screen in the direction of columns 28 of the cathode 1 and / or the form in which the instructions arrive of luminance in the control electronics.
  • the second grid 23 is made up of three combs with one comb per color.
  • the second grid 23 has a greater number of combs. For example, we can consider having the scanned image saved in a frame memory whose content can be easily read by jumps of eight. It will then be possible, advantageously, to provide eight combs for the second grid 23 and thus allow view eight successive interlaced subframes.
  • An advantage of the present invention is that for a screen of a given number N of lines, the number of output stages control electronics associated with the grids, therefore grid connections to control electronics, is M + N / M, where M represents the number of combs of the second grid 23.
  • M represents the number of combs of the second grid 23.
  • a screen, according to the invention, of 288 rows by 360 columns of which the second grid has two combs can be made in using 146 (144 for rows 21 and 2 for combs 24 and 25) output stages and connections associated with grids.
  • Another advantage of the present invention is that it makes it possible to reduce the number of output stages and connections without modifying the cathode structure and of the screen anode, nor of the associated control electronics at the cathode and at the anode.
  • Another advantage of the present invention is that it enables high definition screens and small dimensions, where at least one of the dimensions of a pixel is less than the minimum pitch between the row connections grid. Indeed, for a screen produced with a pitch of rows 21 of the first grid 20 which corresponds to the minimum pitch feasible (for example 200 ⁇ m), the implementation of the invention increases the definition of the screen, at least in the direction perpendicular to the rows of the grid, by factor of M corresponding to the number of combs of the second grid 23. In the example shown in Figures 2 and 3, this is equivalent to doubling the screen definition in this direction.
  • the connections of the cathode and / or first grid columns on allow.
  • a square screen of 1024 pixels per side can, be made on a 10 cm side surface.
  • the step of pixels is then of the order of 0.1 mm.
  • the step of rows 21 of the first grid is 0.2 mm which is compatible with the no minimum of conventional connections.
  • Each track 26 or 27 of the second grid 23 has, for example, a width of around 75 ⁇ m and two neighboring tracks are distant about 25 ⁇ m.
  • the invention also applies to a screen fluorescent whose cathode is made from a film, for example carbon-diamond, electronic emission.

Description

La présente invention concerne la réalisation d'un écran plat de visualisation. Elle s'applique plus particulièrement à un écran plat du type comportant une cathode de bombardement électronique d'une anode portant des éléments luminophores. Il s'agit, par exemple, d'un écran fluorescent dans lequel une émission électronique est obtenue par extraction d'électrons de micropointes ou d'un film mince, par exemple un film de carbone-diamant.The present invention relates to the production of a flat display screen. It applies more particularly to a flat screen of the type comprising a bombardment cathode electronics of an anode carrying phosphor elements. It is, for example, a fluorescent screen in which an electronic emission is obtained by extraction of electrons microtips or a thin film, for example a film carbon-diamond.

La figure 1 représente la structure fonctionnelle d'un écran plat à micropointes du type auquel se rapporte l'invention.Figure 1 shows the functional structure a microtip flat screen of the type to which it relates the invention.

Un tel écran à micropointes est essentiellement constitué d'une cathode 1 à micropointes 2 et d'une grille 3 pourvue de trous 4 correspondant aux emplacements des micropointes 2. La cathode 1 est placée en regard d'une anode cathodo-luminescente 5 dont un substrat de verre 6 constitue la surface d'écran.Such a microtip screen essentially consists a cathode 1 with microtips 2 and a grid 3 provided of holes 4 corresponding to the locations of the microtips 2. Cathode 1 is placed opposite a cathode-luminescent anode 5 of which a glass substrate 6 constitutes the surface screen.

Le principe de fonctionnement et le détail de la constitution d'un tel écran à micropointes sont décrits dans le brevet américain numéro 4 940 916 du Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique. The operating principle and the detail of the constitution of such a microtip screen are described in the American patent number 4 940 916 of the French Commissariat for Energy Atomic.

La cathode 1 est organisée en colonnes et est constituée, sur un substrat 10 par exemple en verre, de conducteurs de cathode organisés en mailles à partir d'une couche conductrice. Les micropointes 2 sont réalisées sur une couche résistive 11 déposée sur les conducteurs de cathode et sont disposées à l'intérieur des mailles définies par les conducteurs de cathode. La figure 1 représentant partiellement l'intérieur d'une maille, les conducteurs de cathode n'apparaissent pas sur cette figure. La cathode 1 est associée à la grille 3 qui est elle organisée en rangées, une couche isolante (non représentée) étant interposée entre les conducteurs de cathode et la grille 3. L'intersection, d'une rangée de la grille 3 et d'une colonne de la cathode 1, définit un pixel.Cathode 1 is organized in columns and is made up, on a substrate 10, for example made of glass, of conductors cathodes organized in mesh from a conductive layer. The microtips 2 are made on a resistive layer 11 deposited on the cathode conductors and are arranged inside the meshes defined by the conductors of cathode. Figure 1 partially showing the interior of a mesh, the cathode conductors do not appear on this figure. Cathode 1 is associated with grid 3 which is it organized in rows, an insulating layer (not shown) being interposed between the cathode conductors and the grid 3. The intersection of a row of grid 3 and a column of cathode 1, defines a pixel.

Ce dispositif utilise le champ électrique créé entre la cathode 1 et la grille 3 pour que des électrons soient extraits des micropointes 2 vers des éléments luminophores 7 de l'anode 5 en traversant un espace vide inter-électrodes 12.This device uses the electric field created between cathode 1 and grid 3 so that electrons are extracts from microtips 2 to phosphor elements 7 of the anode 5 by crossing an inter-electrode empty space 12.

Pour un écran couleur, l'anode 5 est pourvue de bandes alternées d'éléments luminophores 7, correspondant chacune à une couleur (Bleu, Rouge, Vert). Les bandes sont séparées les unes des autres par un isolant 8. Les éléments luminophores 7 sont déposés sur des électrodes 9, constituées de bandes correspondantes d'une couche conductrice transparente telle que de l'oxyde d'indium et d'étain (ITO). Les ensembles de bandes bleues, rouges, vertes sont alternativement polarisés par rapport à la cathode 1, pour que les électrons extraits des micropointes 2 d'un pixel de la cathode/grille soient alternativement dirigés vers les éléments luminophores 7 en vis à vis de chacune des couleurs.For a color screen, the anode 5 is provided with strips alternating phosphor elements 7, each corresponding to a color (Blue, Red, Green). The bands are separated from each other by an insulator 8. The phosphor elements 7 are deposited on electrodes 9, made up of corresponding bands a transparent conductive layer such as indium tin oxide (ITO). Tape sets blue, red, green are alternately polarized with respect at cathode 1, so that the electrons extracted from the microtips 2 of a pixel of the cathode / grid are alternately directed towards the phosphor elements 7 opposite each of the colors.

L'affichage d'une image s'effectue en polarisant convenablement l'anode, la cathode et la grille au moyen d'une électronique de commande (non représentée).The display of an image is done by suitably polarizing the anode, the cathode and the grid by means of a control electronics (not shown).

Généralement, les rangées de la grille 3 sont séquentiellement polarisées à un potentiel de l'ordre de 80 volts tandis que les bandes d'éléments luminophores (par exemple 7g en figure 1) devant être excitées sont polarisées sous une tension de l'ordre de 400 volts, les autres bandes (par exemple 7r et 7b en figure 1) étant à un potentiel nul. Les colonnes de la cathode 1, dont le potentiel représente pour chaque rangée de la grille 3 la brillance du pixel défini par l'intersection de la colonne de la cathode et de la rangée de la grille dans la couleur considérée, sont portées à des potentiels respectifs compris entre un potentiel d'émission maximale et un potentiel d'absence d'émission (par exemple, respectivement 0 et 30 volts).Generally, the rows of grid 3 are sequentially polarized at a potential of the order of 80 volts while the strips of phosphor elements (for example 7g in Figure 1) to be excited are biased under a voltage of the order of 400 volts, the other bands (for example 7r and 7b in FIG. 1) being at zero potential. The columns of the cathode 1, whose potential represents for each row of grid 3 the brightness of the pixel defined by the intersection of the cathode column and the grid row in the color considered, are brought to respective potentials between a maximum emission potential and a potential no emission (for example, 0 and 30 respectively volts).

Le choix des valeurs des potentiels de polarisation est lié aux caractéristiques des éléments luminophores 7 et des micropointes 2. Classiquement, en dessous d'une différence de potentiel de 50 volts entre la cathode 1 et la grille 3, il n'y a pas d'émission électronique et l'émission maximale utilisée correspond à une différence de potentiel de 80 volts.The choice of the values of the polarization potentials is related to the characteristics of phosphor elements 7 and microtips 2. Conventionally, below a difference of potential of 50 volts between cathode 1 and grid 3, there has no electronic emission and the maximum emission used corresponds to a potential difference of 80 volts.

Un inconvénient des écrans classiques est que l'adressage individuel des rangées de la grille 3 nécessite une connexion par rangée vers l'électronique de commande. L'électronique de commande doit donc comporter un étage de sortie par rangée de grille ce qui en augmente le coût. Les étages de sortie associés à la grille doivent, de plus, supporter des tensions pouvant aller jusqu'à 100 volts ce qui les rend relativement chers. En outre, la surface de silicium étant proportionnelle au carré de la tension de claquage, de tels étages de sortie, réalisés sous la forme de circuit intégré, nécessitent des surfaces relativement importantes.A disadvantage of conventional screens is that the individual addressing of the rows of grid 3 requires a row connection to the control electronics. Electronics must therefore include an output stage by grid row which increases the cost. The output stages associated with the grid must also support tensions up to 100 volts which makes them relatively Dear. In addition, the silicon surface being proportional squared of the breakdown voltage, such stages of output, realized in the form of integrated circuit, require relatively large areas.

Un autre inconvénient est que le besoin d'une connexion par rangée de grille interdit la réalisation d'écran de haute définition et de petites dimensions en raison du pas minimal qu'il est nécessaire de maintenir entre deux connexions de deux rangées voisines. En effet, la connectique pour des pas inférieurs à environ 200 µm est très difficile à réaliser.Another disadvantage is that the need for a connection by row of grid prohibits the realization of screen of high definition and small dimensions due to the pitch minimum that it is necessary to maintain between two connections from two adjacent rows. Indeed, the connectors for steps below about 200 µm is very difficult to achieve.

La présente invention vise à pallier ces inconvénients en proposant un écran plat de visualisation dans lequel le nombre d'étages de sortie et de connexions destinés à l'adressage de la grille est inférieur au nombre de lignes de l'écran.The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks by offering a flat display screen in which the number of output stages and connections intended for the addressing of the grid is less than the number of lines of the screen.

L'invention vise également à permettre la réalisation d'un écran de haute définition et de petites dimensions.The invention also aims to allow the realization a high definition screen with small dimensions.

L'invention vise en outre à proposer la réalisation d'un tel écran plat de visualisation qui ne nécessite pas de modification de la cathode et de l'anode, ni des éléments de l'électronique de commande associés à la cathode ou à l'anode.The invention further aims to propose the realization of such a flat display screen which does not require modification of the cathode and the anode, nor of the elements of the control electronics associated with the cathode or the anode.

Pour atteindre ces objets, la présente invention prévoit un écran plat de visualisation du type comportant une cathode organisée en colonnes de bombardement électronique d'une anode pourvue d'éléments luminophores, et comportant une première grille organisée en rangées susceptibles d'être adressées individuellement et une seconde grille constituée d'au moins deux peignes de pistes alternées parallèles auxdites rangées de ladite première grille, une même rangée de ladite première grille étant associée à une piste de chaque peigne et l'intersection de chaque piste avec une colonne de la cathode définissant un pixel de l'écran.To achieve these objects, the present invention provides a flat display screen of the type comprising a cathode organized in columns of electronic bombardment an anode provided with phosphor elements, and comprising a first grid organized in rows likely to be addressed individually and a second grid consisting of at least at least two alternating track combs parallel to said rows of said first grid, the same row of said first grid being associated with a track of each comb and the intersection of each track with a cathode column defining a screen pixel.

Selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention, l'affichage d'une image s'effectue, de manière entrelacée, en adressant séquentiellement lesdites rangées de la première grille pendant la durée d'un adressage alternatif desdits peignes de la seconde grille.According to an embodiment of the present invention, an image is displayed, in an interlaced manner, by sequentially addressing said rows of the first grid during the duration of an alternative addressing of said second grid combs.

Selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention, les colonnes de la cathode sont adressées simultanément à chaque rangée de la première grille, leur potentiel étant fonction de la brillance souhaitée pour le pixel défini par leur intersection avec la piste du peigne adressé de la seconde grille qui se trouve à l'aplomb de la rangée courante.According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cathode columns are addressed simultaneously to each row of the first grid, their potential being a function of the desired brightness for the pixel defined by their intersection with the comb track addressed from the second grid which is plumb with the current row.

Selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention, les potentiels de polarisation desdits peignes sont choisis pour que les pistes d'un peigne adressé focalisent, vers l'anode, les électrons émis par les colonnes de la cathode à l'aplomb de la piste dudit peigne focalisateur associée à une rangée adressée, et pour que les pistes d'un peigne qui n'est pas adressé collectent les électrons émis par les colonnes de la cathode à l'aplomb de la piste dudit peigne collecteur associée à la rangée adressée.According to an embodiment of the present invention, the polarization potentials of said combs are chosen so that the tracks of an addressed comb focus, towards the anode, the electrons emitted from the cathode columns at plumb with the track of said focusing comb associated with a addressed row, and so that the tracks of a comb that is not not addressed collect the electrons emitted from the columns of the cathode directly above the track of said associated collecting comb to the row addressed.

Selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention, le potentiel d'un peigne focalisateur est supérieur au potentiel des rangées de la première grille qui ne sont pas adressées, le potentiel d'un peigne collecteur étant inférieur au potentiel des rangées de la première grille qui ne sont pas adressées.According to an embodiment of the present invention, the potential of a focusing comb is greater than potential of the rows of the first grid which are not addressed, the potential of a collecting comb being lower to the potential of the rows of the first grid which are not addressed.

Selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention, le pas des rangées de la première grille est dimensionné en fonction du pas minimal devant être respecté entre les connexions individuelles de ces rangées vers une électronique de commande, le nombre de peignes de la seconde grille étant choisi en fonction de la définition souhaitée pour l'écran.According to an embodiment of the present invention, the pitch of the rows of the first grid is dimensioned depending on the minimum pitch to be respected between connections individual of these rows towards an electronics of control, the number of combs of the second grid being chosen according to the desired definition for the screen.

Selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention, lesdites grilles sont appliquées à un écran couleur dont l'anode est pourvue de trois ensembles de bandes alternées d'éléments luminophores correspondant chacun à une couleur.According to an embodiment of the present invention, said grids are applied to a color screen of which the anode is provided with three sets of alternating bands phosphor elements each corresponding to a color.

Selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention, lesdites grilles sont appliquées à un écran monochrome dont l'anode est constituée d'éléments luminophores d'un seul type.According to an embodiment of the present invention, said grids are applied to a monochrome screen the anode of which consists of phosphor elements of a single type.

Ces objets, caractéristiques et avantages, ainsi que d'autres de la présente invention seront exposés en détail dans la description suivante de modes de réalisation particuliers faite à titre non limitatif en relation avec les figures jointes parmi lesquelles :

  • la figure 1 décrite précédemment est destinée à exposer l'état de la technique et le problème posé ;
  • la figure 2 représente une vue de dessus d'une plaque de cathode/grille d'un écran plat selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention ; et
  • la figure 3 est une vue partielle en perspective éclatée de la cathode/grille représentée à la figure 2.
  • These objects, characteristics and advantages, as well as others of the present invention will be explained in detail in the following description of particular embodiments given without implied limitation in relation to the attached figures among which:
  • Figure 1 described above is intended to expose the state of the art and the problem posed;
  • FIG. 2 represents a top view of a cathode plate / grid of a flat screen according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
  • FIG. 3 is a partial exploded perspective view of the cathode / grid shown in FIG. 2.
  • Pour des raisons de clarté, les représentations des figures ne sont pas à l'échelle et les mêmes éléments ont été désignés par les mêmes références aux différentes figures.For reasons of clarity, the representations of figures are not to scale and the same elements have been designated by the same references in the different figures.

    L'idée mère de la présente invention est d'associer à la cathode de l'écran deux grilles superposées et adressées différemment.The main idea of the present invention is to associate with the screen cathode two superimposed and addressed grids differently.

    La figure 2 illustre, par une vue de dessus d'une plaque de cathode/grille d'un écran à micropointes, un mode de réalisation de la présente invention.Figure 2 illustrates, by a top view of a cathode plate / grid of a microtip screen, a mode of realization of the present invention.

    Une première grille 20 est similaire à la grille (3, figure 1) dont sont pourvus les écrans classiques à la différence près que la largeur de ses rangées 21 correspond à au moins deux pixels de l'écran. Les rangées 21 de cette première grille 20 sont adressées individuellement et sont donc reliées individuellement par une de leurs extrémités à une électronique de commande (non représentée).A first grid 20 is similar to the grid (3, Figure 1) with which conventional screens are provided, unlike close that the width of its rows 21 corresponds to the minus two screen pixels. Rows 21 of this first grid 20 are addressed individually and are therefore connected individually by one of their ends to an electronic control (not shown).

    Une seconde grille 23 est rapportée sur cette première grille. Cette seconde grille 23 est constituée d'au moins deux peignes 24 et 25 de pistes conductrices, respectivement 26 et 27, alternées. Une piste de chaque peigne se trouve à l'aplomb d'une rangée 21 de la première grille 20 de sorte que chaque rangée 21 est recouverte de deux pistes 26 et 27 de la seconde grille 23. De par leur organisation en peigne, toutes les pistes 26, respectivement 27, sont susceptibles d'être adressées simultanément en étant reliées ensemble à l'électronique de commande. Un pixel de l'écran est ici défini par l'intersection d'une colonne, ou d'un conducteur 28, de la cathode 1 avec une piste 26 ou 27 de la seconde grille 23.A second grid 23 is attached to this first wire rack. This second grid 23 consists of at least two combs 24 and 25 of conductive tracks, respectively 26 and 27, alternate. One track of each comb is located at plumb with a row 21 of the first grid 20 so that each row 21 is covered with two tracks 26 and 27 of the second grid 23. By their comb organization, all tracks 26, respectively 27, are likely to be addressed simultaneously by being linked together to the electronics control. A pixel of the screen is defined here by the intersection a column, or a conductor 28, of the cathode 1 with a track 26 or 27 of the second grid 23.

    Les rangées 21 de la première grille 20 et les pistes 26 et 27 de la seconde grille 23 sont pourvues de trous 4 à l'emplacement des micropointes disposées sur des conducteurs 28 de la cathode 1 organisés en colonnes. Pour des raisons de clarté, seul un trou 4 par pixel a été représenté à la figure 2 alors qu'en pratique le nombre de trous 4 correspond au nombre de micropointes et est de plusieurs milliers par pixel. De même, le maillage des conducteurs de cathode 28 n'a pas été représenté.Rows 21 of the first grid 20 and the tracks 26 and 27 of the second grid 23 are provided with holes 4 to the location of the microtips arranged on conductors 28 of cathode 1 organized in columns. For reasons of clarity, only one hole 4 per pixel has been shown in Figure 2 while in practice the number of holes 4 corresponds to the number of microtips and is several thousand per pixel. Of even, the mesh of cathode conductors 28 has not been represented.

    La réalisation pratique des grilles 20 et 23 s'effectue d'une manière similaire à la réalisation de la grille d'un écran classique. Chaque grille est, par exemple, constituée d'une couche de niobium gravée selon le motif approprié. Une couche d'isolement, gravée à l'aplomb de chaque micropointe, est interposée entre la cathode 1 et la première grille 20 et, entre la première grille 20 et la seconde grille 23.The practical realization of grids 20 and 23 is carried out in a similar way to achieving the grid of a classic screen. Each grid is, for example, made up a layer of niobium etched in the appropriate pattern. A isolation layer, engraved directly above each microtip, is interposed between the cathode 1 and the first grid 20 and, between the first grid 20 and the second grid 23.

    Le rôle de chaque peigne 24 ou 25 de la seconde grille 23 est de permettre, alternativement, selon qu'il est ou non adressé, la focalisation des électrons émis par les micropointes qui sont à l'aplomb de la rangée 21 adressée de la première grille 20 et de la piste 26, respectivement 27, adressée, ou la collecte des électrons émis par les micropointes qui sont à l'aplomb de la rangée 21 adressée et de la piste 27, respectivement 26, non adressée.The role of each comb 24 or 25 of the second grid 23 is to allow, alternatively, depending on whether it is or unaddressed, focusing of electrons emitted by microtips which are plumb with row 21 addressed from the first grid 20 and track 26, respectively 27, addressed, or collecting the electrons emitted by the microtips which are directly above the addressed row 21 and runway 27, respectively 26, not addressed.

    L'affichage d'une image s'effectue pendant un temps de trame (par exemple 20 ms) en polarisant convenablement l'anode, la cathode et les grilles au moyen de l'électronique de commande. Pour un écran couleur, les bandes d'éléments luminophores 7 de l'anode 5 sont séquentiellement polarisées, durant une trame, par ensembles de bandes d'une même couleur, soit pendant une durée de sous-trame correspondant au tiers du temps de trame (par exemple 6,6 ms).An image is displayed for a period of time frame (for example 20 ms) by suitably polarizing anode, cathode and grids by means of electronics control. For a color screen, the strips of phosphor elements 7 of anode 5 are sequentially polarized, during a frame, by sets of bands of the same color, either for a subframe duration corresponding to one third of the frame time (eg 6.6 ms).

    Selon l'invention, l'affichage s'effectue ligne par ligne mais de façon entrelacée, pendant chaque sous-trame. En d'autres termes, on commence par adresser un des peignes (par exemple 24) de la seconde grille 23 et on adresse, séquentiellement, toutes les rangées 21 de la première grille 20 pendant un "temps de ligne" durant lequel chaque colonne 28 de la cathode 1 est portée à un potentiel qui est fonction de la brillance du pixel à afficher le long de la piste (par exemple 26) associée à la rangée 21 courante dans la couleur considérée. Puis, on adresse l'autre peigne (par exemple 25) de la seconde grille 23 et on adresse de nouveau, séquentiellement, toutes les rangées 21 de la première grille 20 pendant un "temps de ligne" durant lequel chaque colonne 28 de la cathode 1 est portée à un potentiel qui est fonction de la brillance du pixel à afficher le long de la piste (par exemple 27) associée à la rangée 21 courante dans la couleur considérée.According to the invention, the display is carried out line by line but interlaced, during each subframe. In other words, we start by addressing one of the combs (by example 24) of the second grid 23 and we address, sequentially, all rows 21 of the first grid 20 during a "line time" during which each column 28 of the cathode 1 is brought to a potential which is a function of the brightness of the pixel to display along the track (for example 26) associated with the current row 21 in the color considered. Then, we address the other comb (for example 25) of the second grid 23 and we address again, sequentially, all rows 21 of the first grid 20 for one "line time" during which each column 28 of the cathode 1 is brought to a potential which is a function of the brightness of the pixel to display along the associated track (for example 27) in the current row 21 in the color considered.

    La polarisation des colonnes 28 de la cathode 1 change à chaque nouvelle rangée 21 du balayage ligne de la première grille 20. Un "temps de ligne" (par exemple 13,7 µs) correspond à la durée d'une sous-trame divisée par le nombre de rangées 21 de la première grille 20 multipliée par le nombre de peignes de la seconde grille 23.The polarization of the columns 28 of the cathode 1 changes with each new row 21 of the line scan of the first grid 20. A "line time" (for example 13.7 µs) corresponds the duration of a subframe divided by the number of rows 21 of the first grid 20 multiplied by the number of second grid combs 23.

    Pendant qu'un peigne (par exemple 24) est adressé, les électrons, émis par les micropointes situées à l'aplomb de la piste (par exemple 27) de l'autre peigne (par exemple 25) et de la rangée courante 21 de la première grille 20, sont collectés par cette piste (par exemple 27).While a comb (e.g. 24) is being addressed, the electrons, emitted by the microtips located below the track (for example 27) of the other comb (for example 25) and of the current row 21 of the first grid 20, are collected by this track (for example 27).

    Ce fonctionnement est illustré par la figure 3 qui représente, partiellement et en perspective éclatée, un conducteur 28 de la cathode 1 et les deux grilles 20 et 23 selon l'invention. Comme dans le cas de la figure 2, seuls une micropointe 2 et un trou 4 par pixel ont été représentés.This operation is illustrated by FIG. 3 which represents, partially and in exploded perspective, a conductor 28 of cathode 1 and the two grids 20 and 23 according to the invention. As in Figure 2, only a microtip 2 and a hole 4 per pixel have been shown.

    On suppose dans cette figure que le peigne 24 ainsi que la rangée 21 représentée de la première grille 20 sont adressés. Ainsi, les électrons émis par la micropointe 2', en regard de la piste 26 du peigne 24, sont focalisés vers l'anode (non représentée) tandis que les électrons émis par la micropointe 2", en regard de la piste 27 du peigne 25, sont collectés par cette piste 27.We assume in this figure that comb 24 thus that the row 21 shown in the first grid 20 are addressed. Thus, the electrons emitted by the microtip 2 ', in look of track 26 of comb 24, are focused towards the anode (not shown) while the electrons emitted by the microtip 2 ", next to track 27 of comb 25, are collected by this track 27.

    Le potentiel VG d'une rangée 21 de la première grille 20 qui est adressée est, comme pour les écrans classiques, par exemple de 80 volts alors qu'il est de 0 volt pour les rangées 21 qui ne sont pas adressées. Le potentiel VK des colonnes 28 de la cathode est, comme pour les écrans classiques, par exemple compris entre 0 et 30 volts en fonction de la brillance souhaitée pour le pixel considéré.The potential V G of a row 21 of the first grid 20 which is addressed is, as for conventional screens, for example of 80 volts while it is 0 volts for the rows 21 which are not addressed. The potential V K of the columns 28 of the cathode is, as for conventional screens, for example between 0 and 30 volts depending on the desired brightness for the pixel considered.

    Pour permettre la focalisation des électrons, le potentiel Vf des pistes d'un peigne adressé est supérieur au potentiel des rangées 21 qui ne sont pas adressées. Si la première grille 20 est polarisée entre 0 et 80 volts, on choisira, par exemple, un potentiel Vf de l'ordre de 5 volts pour le peigne focalisateur.To allow focusing of the electrons, the potential V f of the tracks of an addressed comb is greater than the potential of the rows 21 which are not addressed. If the first grid 20 is polarized between 0 and 80 volts, we will choose, for example, a potential V f of the order of 5 volts for the focusing comb.

    Pour permettre la collecte des électrons par les pistes de l'autre peigne, le potentiel Vc de celui-ci est inférieur au potentiel des rangées 21 qui ne sont pas adressées. Si la première grille 20 est polarisée entre 0 et 80 volts, on choisira, par exemple, un potentiel Vc de l'ordre de -5 volts pour le peigne collecteur.To allow the collection of electrons by the tracks of the other comb, the potential V c thereof is lower than the potential of the rows 21 which are not addressed. If the first grid 20 is polarized between 0 and 80 volts, we will choose, for example, a potential V c of the order of -5 volts for the collector comb.

    Le nombre de peignes de la seconde grille 23 est choisi en fonction du nombre d'étages de sortie, ou de connexions, souhaités pour les grilles et/ou de la définition souhaitée pour l'écran dans la direction des colonnes 28 de la cathode 1 et/ou de la forme sous laquelle arrivent les consignes de luminance dans l'électronique de commande.The number of combs of the second grid 23 is chosen according to the number of output stages, or connections, desired for grids and / or desired definition for the screen in the direction of columns 28 of the cathode 1 and / or the form in which the instructions arrive of luminance in the control electronics.

    Un mode de réalisation à deux peignes, tel que représenté aux figures 2 et 3, se prête particulièrement bien à des signaux de télévision dans lesquels les lignes sont généralement entrelacées.An embodiment with two combs, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, lends itself particularly well to television signals in which the lines are generally intertwined.

    On pourra également prévoir que la seconde grille 23 soit constituée de trois peignes avec un peigne par couleur.We can also provide that the second grid 23 is made up of three combs with one comb per color.

    On pourra encore prévoir que la seconde grille 23 comporte un plus grand nombre de peignes. Par exemple, on peut envisager que l'image numérisée soit enregistrée dans une mémoire de trame dont on peut facilement lire le contenu par sauts de huit. On pourra alors, avantageusement, prévoir huit peignes pour la seconde grille 23 et permettre ainsi de visualiser huit sous-trames entrelacées successives. We can still predict that the second grid 23 has a greater number of combs. For example, we can consider having the scanned image saved in a frame memory whose content can be easily read by jumps of eight. It will then be possible, advantageously, to provide eight combs for the second grid 23 and thus allow view eight successive interlaced subframes.

    Un avantage de la présente invention est que pour un écran d'un nombre N de lignes donné, le nombre d'étages de sortie de l'électronique de commande associés aux grilles, donc de connexions des grilles à l'électronique de commande, est de M + N/M, où M représente le nombre de peignes de la seconde grille 23. Dans l'exemple représenté aux figures 2 et 3, on réduit presque de moitié le nombre d'étages de sortie et de connexions nécessaires pour les grilles.An advantage of the present invention is that for a screen of a given number N of lines, the number of output stages control electronics associated with the grids, therefore grid connections to control electronics, is M + N / M, where M represents the number of combs of the second grid 23. In the example shown in Figures 2 and 3, we reduce almost half the number of output stages and connections necessary for grids.

    A titre d'exemple particulier de réalisation, un écran, selon l'invention, de 288 lignes par 360 colonnes dont la seconde grille comporte deux peignes peut être réalisé en ayant recours à 146 (144 pour les rangées 21 et 2 pour les peignes 24 et 25) étages de sorties et connexions associés aux grilles.As a particular embodiment, a screen, according to the invention, of 288 rows by 360 columns of which the second grid has two combs can be made in using 146 (144 for rows 21 and 2 for combs 24 and 25) output stages and connections associated with grids.

    Un autre avantage de la présente invention est qu'elle permet de réduire le nombre d'étages de sortie et de connexions sans modification de la structure de la cathode et de l'anode de l'écran, ni de l'électronique de commande associée à la cathode et à l'anode.Another advantage of the present invention is that it makes it possible to reduce the number of output stages and connections without modifying the cathode structure and of the screen anode, nor of the associated control electronics at the cathode and at the anode.

    Un autre avantage de la présente invention est qu'elle permet de réaliser des écrans de haute définition et de petites dimensions, où au moins une des dimensions d'un pixel est inférieure au pas minimal entre les connexions des rangées de grille. En effet, pour un écran réalisé avec un pas de rangées 21 de la première grille 20 qui correspond au pas minimal réalisable (par exemple 200 µm), la mise en oeuvre de l'invention permet d'augmenter la définition de l'écran, au moins dans la direction perpendiculaire aux rangées de la grille, d'un facteur de M correspondant au nombre de peignes de la seconde grille 23. Dans l'exemple représenté aux figures 2 et 3, cela revient à doubler la définition de l'écran dans cette direction.Another advantage of the present invention is that it enables high definition screens and small dimensions, where at least one of the dimensions of a pixel is less than the minimum pitch between the row connections grid. Indeed, for a screen produced with a pitch of rows 21 of the first grid 20 which corresponds to the minimum pitch feasible (for example 200 μm), the implementation of the invention increases the definition of the screen, at least in the direction perpendicular to the rows of the grid, by factor of M corresponding to the number of combs of the second grid 23. In the example shown in Figures 2 and 3, this is equivalent to doubling the screen definition in this direction.

    Pour que la définition de l'écran puisse être augmentée dans les deux directions, il faut que les connexions des colonnes de la cathode et/ou de la première grille le permettent. Pour ce faire, on peut prévoir, par exemple, que l'emplacement des connexions des colonnes de la cathode soit alternativement à une ou l'autre des extrémités de ces colonnes, ce qui permet de doubler la définition de l'écran dans la direction des rangées de la grille.So that the screen definition can be increased in both directions, the connections of the cathode and / or first grid columns on allow. To do this, we can provide, for example, that the location of the cathode column connections either alternately at one or the other of the ends of these columns, which doubles the screen definition in the direction of the grid rows.

    A titre d'exemple particulier de réalisation, un écran carré de 1024 pixels de côté peut, selon l'invention, être réalisé sur une surface de 10 cm de côté. Le pas des pixels est alors de l'ordre de 0,1 mm. Le pas des rangées 21 de la première grille est de 0,2 mm ce qui est compatible avec le pas minimal des connexions classiques. Chaque piste 26 ou 27 de la seconde grille 23 présente, par exemple, une largeur de l'ordre de 75 µm et deux pistes voisines sont distantes d'environ 25 µm.As a particular embodiment, a according to the invention, a square screen of 1024 pixels per side can, be made on a 10 cm side surface. The step of pixels is then of the order of 0.1 mm. The step of rows 21 of the first grid is 0.2 mm which is compatible with the no minimum of conventional connections. Each track 26 or 27 of the second grid 23 has, for example, a width of around 75 µm and two neighboring tracks are distant about 25 µm.

    Bien entendu, la présente invention est susceptible de diverses variantes et modifications qui apparaítront à l'homme de l'art. En particulier, chacun des éléments décrits pourra être remplacé par un ou plusieurs éléments remplissant la même fonction. De même, les dimensions et potentiels donnés à titre d'exemple pourront être modifiés en fonction de la définition et des caractéristiques de l'écran.Of course, the present invention is susceptible various variants and modifications that will appear at one skilled in the art. In particular, each of the elements described may be replaced by one or more elements filling the same function. Likewise, the dimensions and potentials given as an example could be modified according to the definition and characteristics of the screen.

    De plus, bien que l'on ait fait référence dans la description qui précède à un écran couleur, l'invention s'applique également à un écran monochrome que son anode soit, ou non, constituée d'un plan continu d'éléments luminophores.In addition, although reference was made in the description above for a color screen, the invention applies also to a monochrome screen whether its anode is, or no, consisting of a continuous plane of phosphor elements.

    En outre, l'invention s'applique également à un écran fluorescent dont la cathode est constituée à partir d'un film, par exemple de carbone-diamant, d'émission électronique.In addition, the invention also applies to a screen fluorescent whose cathode is made from a film, for example carbon-diamond, electronic emission.

    Claims (8)

    1. A flat display screen including a cathode (1) arranged in columns (28) for electronically bombarding an anode (5) including phosphor elements (7), characterized in that it includes a first gate (20) arranged in rows (21) to be individually addressed, and a second gate (23) formed by at least two combs (24, 25) of alternate paths (26, 27) parallel with the rows (21) of said first gate (20), a same row (21) of said first gate (20) being associated with a path (26, 27) of each comb (24, 25) and the interconnection of each path (26, 27) with a column (28) of the cathode (1) defining a screen pixel.
    2. The flat display screen of claim 1, characterized in that pictures are displayed in an interlaced manner by sequentially addressing the rows (21) of the first gate (20) during an alternate addressing of said combs (24, 25) of the second gate (23).
    3. The flat display screen of claim 2, characterized in that the columns (28) of the cathode (1) are simultaneously addressed at each addressing of a row (21) of the first gate (20), their voltage depending on the desired brightness of the pixel defined by their intersection with a path (26, 27) of the addressed comb (24, 25) of the second gate (23) which faces the current row (21).
    4. The flat display screen of claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the biasing voltages of said combs (24, 25) are selected so that the paths (26, 27) of an addressed comb (24, 25) focus toward the anode (5) the electrons emitted by the columns (28) of the cathode (1) facing the focusing comb's path (26, 27) that is associated with an addressed row (21), and so that the paths (27, 26) of a non-addressed comb (25, 24) collect the electrons emitted by the columns (28) of the cathode (1) facing the path (27, 26) of said collecting comb associated with the addressed row (21).
    5. The flat display screen of claim 4, characterized in that the voltage of a focusing comb (24, 25) is higher than the voltage of the non-addressed rows (21) of the first gate (20), the voltage of a collecting comb (25, 24) being lower than the voltage of the non-addressed rows (21) of the first gate (20).
    6. The flat display screen of any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the pitch of the rows (21) of the first gate (20) is sized as a function of the minimum pitch to be complied with between the individual connections of these rows (21) to an electronic control system, the number of combs (24, 25) of the second gate (23) being selected as a function of the desired definition of the screen.
    7. The flat display screen of any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said gates (20, 21) are applied to a color screen whose anode (5) has three groups of alternate phosphor strips (7), each corresponding to one color.
    8. The flat display screen of any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said gates (20, 21) are applied to a monocolor screen whose anode (5) is formed by phosphor elements (7) of a single type.
    EP96410030A 1995-03-22 1996-03-21 Double-gated flat display screen Expired - Lifetime EP0734043B1 (en)

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    FR9503570 1995-03-22
    FR9503570A FR2732159B1 (en) 1995-03-22 1995-03-22 DOUBLE GRID DISPLAY FLAT SCREEN

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    EP0734043B1 true EP0734043B1 (en) 2000-05-31

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    KR0160321B1 (en) * 1994-04-28 1998-12-01 박현승 Gas flat display tube
    FR2748348B1 (en) * 1996-05-06 1998-07-24 Pixtech Sa COLOR SCREEN WITH MICROPOINT DOUBLE GRID
    GB2321335A (en) * 1997-01-16 1998-07-22 Ibm Display device
    FR2758642B1 (en) * 1997-01-20 1999-02-26 Gec Alsthom Transport Sa SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING THE DISPLAY OF INFORMATION
    US6133893A (en) * 1998-08-31 2000-10-17 Candescent Technologies, Inc. System and method for improving emitter life in flat panel field emission displays
    JP5044113B2 (en) * 2005-10-04 2012-10-10 日本放送協会 Cold cathode device, field emission display, and method for driving field emission display

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    DE69608598T2 (en) 2001-02-08
    FR2732159B1 (en) 1997-06-13
    US5764204A (en) 1998-06-09
    EP0734043A1 (en) 1996-09-25
    FR2732159A1 (en) 1996-09-27
    JPH08293273A (en) 1996-11-05

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