Illumination systems for reflective displays

1. A display device comprising:

a processing unit configured to separate stored image information for a multi-color image consisting of a chromatic component and an achromatic component and convert the chromatic component into a first set of image signals and the achromatic component into a second set of image signals;

a first controller configured to receive the first set of image signals;

a reflective display controlled by the first controller and configured iv to display the achromatic component of the multi-color image;

a second controller configured to receive the second set of image signals; and

a projector controlled by the second controller and configured to project an image consisting of the chromatic component onto the reflective display to render the multi-color image.

2. A display device according to claim 1 ,

wherein the reflective display includes a substantially rectangular viewing surface having a short axis, and the projector is configured to project the chromatic component of the image on the viewing surface,

wherein the projector includes a rectangular light modulator having a long axis, and

wherein the long axis of the light modulator is projected by the projector along the short axis of the viewing surface.

3. A display device according to claim 1 further comprising,

a common frame and at least one optical element,

wherein the reflective display includes a display surface mounted on the common frame;

the projector comprises a light source and a projection lens mounted on the common frame and positioned to render the image consisting of the chromatic component on the display surface using angled projection; and

the at least one optical element is positioned to reflect light from the projector onto the display surface.

4. A display device according to claim 3 wherein the reflective display comprises a rotating bichromal member, electrochromic or electro-wetting material.

5. A display device according to claim 3 having a rear surface on the opposed side of the display device from the display surface and wherein the light source and the projection lens are arranged adjacent the rear surface so as to direct light across the rear surface, and around one edge of the display surface before the light is projected on the display surface.

6. A display device according to claim 3 wherein the reflective display comprises an electrophoretic material comprising a plurality of electrically charged particles disposed in a fluid and capable of moving through the fluid under the influence of an electric field.

7. A display device according to claim 6 wherein the electrically charged particles and the fluid are confined within a plurality of capsules or microcells.

8. A display device according to claim 6 wherein the electrically charged particles and the fluid are present as a plurality of discrete droplets surrounded by a continuous phase comprising a polymeric material.

9. A display device according to claim 1 further comprising means for adjusting the intensity of the chromatic component depending on the ambient illumination.

10. A display device according to claim 1 wherein the reflective display comprises a rotating bichromal member, electrochromic or electro-wetting material.

11. A display device according to claim 1 wherein the reflective display comprises an electrophoretic material comprising a plurality of electrically charged particles disposed in a fluid and capable of moving through the fluid under the influence of an electric field.

12. A display device according to claim 11 wherein the electrically charged particles and the fluid are confined within a plurality of capsules or microcells.

13. A display device according to claim 11 wherein the electrically charged particles and the fluid are present as a plurality of discrete droplets surrounded by a continuous phase comprising a polymeric material.

14. A display device according to claim 11 wherein the fluid is gaseous.