U.S. patent application number 14/850858 was filed with the patent office on 2016-05-19 for mems oscillator.
This patent application is currently assigned to INTEL CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is INTEL CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Eric CHEVALLAZ, Francois KRUMMENACHER, Kayal MAHER, Marc PASTRE.
Application Number | 20160142687 14/850858 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44720906 |
Filed Date | 2016-05-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160142687 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHEVALLAZ; Eric ; et
al. |
May 19, 2016 |
MEMS OSCILLATOR
Abstract
A device comprising, a mirror which is configured to oscillate
in response to an oscillation signal, wherein the device is
configured such that oscillation of the mirror will induce a
signal; and a circuit in operable cooperation with the mirror such
that an induced signal can be measured by the circuit and wherein
the circuit is configured to provide an oscillation signal
proportional to the measured induced signal; wherein the device is
configured such that the mirror can receive the oscillation signal
so that the oscillation signal is filtered due to oscillation
limitations of mirror, to provide a filtered signal.
Inventors: |
CHEVALLAZ; Eric; (Pompales,
CH) ; PASTRE; Marc; (Saint-Sulpice, CH) ;
KRUMMENACHER; Francois; (Chatillens, CH) ; MAHER;
Kayal; (Saint-Suplice, CH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
INTEL CORPORATION |
Santa Clara |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
INTEL CORPORATION
Santa Clara
CA
|
Family ID: |
44720906 |
Appl. No.: |
14/850858 |
Filed: |
September 10, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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14347889 |
Mar 27, 2014 |
9203414 |
|
|
PCT/EP2011/067198 |
Sep 30, 2011 |
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14850858 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
359/199.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09G 3/346 20130101;
G02B 26/0841 20130101; H04N 9/3135 20130101; G02B 26/085 20130101;
H03L 7/00 20130101; H04N 9/3161 20130101; G02B 26/105 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04N 9/31 20060101
H04N009/31; G02B 26/08 20060101 G02B026/08 |
Claims
1-15. (canceled)
16. A device comprising: a mirror to oscillate in response to an
oscillation signal and to filter the oscillation signal based at
least in part on oscillation of the mirror; and an amplifier to
receive the filtered oscillation signal and to generate the
oscillation signal to oscillate the mirror at a resonant frequency
of the mirror.
17. The device of claim 16, the mirror to filter the oscillation
signal based at least in part on oscillation limitations of the
mirror.
18. The device of claim 16, comprising a coil attached to the
mirror, the coil configured to conduct the oscillation signal and
to conduct the filtered oscillation signal.
19. The device of claim 16, comprising: a first coil to conduct the
oscillation signal; and a second coil to conduct the filtered
oscillation signal.
20. The device of claim 19, the mirror comprising an oscillating
portion and a fixed portion, the first coil attached to the
oscillating portion and the second coil attached to the fixed
portion.
21. The device of claim 16, the amplifier comprising: a comparator,
the comparator to: compare a phase of the oscillation signal to a
phase of the filtered oscillation signal; and generate a control
signal based on a comparison of the phase of the oscillation signal
to the phase of the filtered oscillation signal; and an oscillator
to receive the control signal and to generate oscillation signal
based at least in part on the control signal.
22. The device of claim 21, wherein the oscillation signal defines
a clock signal for a modulation circuit.
23. The device of claim 16, the mirror comprising an oscillating
portion and a fixed portion, the device comprising: a first
electrode attached to the oscillating portion of the mirror; and a
second electrode attached to the fixed portion of the mirror,
wherein the first and second electrodes define a capacitor to
filter the oscillation signal.
24. The device of claim 16, the mirror comprising an oscillating
portion and a fixed portion, the device comprising: a magnet
attached to either one of the oscillating portion or the fixed
portion; and a coil attached to the other one of the oscillating
portion or the fixed portion, wherein the magnet induced the
filtered oscillation signal in the coil.
25. A device comprising: a mirror to receive a plurality of laser
pulses and to oscillate in response to an oscillation signal to
project an image based on the plurality of laser pulses, the mirror
to filter the oscillation signal based at least in part on
oscillation of the mirror; and an amplifier to receive the filtered
oscillation signal and to generate the oscillation signal to
oscillate the mirror at a resonant frequency of the mirror.
26. The device of claim 25, the mirror to filter the oscillation
signal based at least in part on oscillation limitations of the
mirror.
27. The device of claim 25, comprising a coil attached to the
mirror, the coil configured to conduct the oscillation signal and
to conduct the filtered oscillation signal.
28. The device of claim 25, comprising: a first coil to conduct the
oscillation signal; and a second coil to conduct the filtered
oscillation signal.
29. The device of claim 28, the mirror comprising an oscillating
portion and a fixed portion, the first coil attached to the
oscillating portion and the second coil attached to the fixed
portion.
30. The device of claim 25, the amplifier comprising: a comparator,
the comparator to: compare a phase of the oscillation signal to a
phase of the filtered oscillation signal; and generate a control
signal based on a comparison of the phase of the oscillation signal
to the phase of the filtered oscillation signal; and an oscillator
to receive the control signal and to generate oscillation signal
based at least in part on the control signal.
31. The device of claim 30, wherein the oscillation signal defines
a clock signal for a modulation circuit.
32. The device of claim 31, wherein the modulation circuit is a
laser modulation circuit of an image projection system.
33. The device of claim 25, the mirror comprising an oscillating
portion and a fixed portion, the device comprising: a first
electrode attached to the oscillating portion of the mirror; and a
second electrode attached to the fixed portion of the mirror,
wherein the first and second electrodes define a capacitor to
filter the oscillation signal.
34. The device of claim 25, the mirror comprising an oscillating
portion and a fixed portion, the device comprising: a magnet
attached to either one of the oscillating portion or the fixed
portion; and a coil attached to the other one of the oscillating
portion or the fixed portion, wherein the magnet induced the
filtered oscillation signal in the coil.
35. A method comprising: filtering an oscillation signal at a
mirror to oscillate in response to the oscillation signal; and
amplifying the filtered oscillation signal to generate the
oscillation signal to oscillate the mirror at a resonant frequency
of the mirror.
36. The method of claim 35, comprising filtering the oscillation
signal based at least in part on oscillation limitations of the
mirror.
37. The method of claim 35, comprising inducing the filtered
oscillation signal in a coil attached to the mirror.
38. The method of claim 35, comprising filtering the oscillation
signal based at least in part on a capacitance of a capacitor
defined by a first and a second electrode attached to the
mirror.
39. The method of claim 35, comprising: comparing a phase of the
oscillation signal to a phase of the filtered oscillation signal;
generating a control signal based on a comparison of the phase of
the oscillation signal to the phase of the filtered oscillation
signal; and generating the oscillation signal based at least in
part on the control signal.
40. The method of claim 35, wherein the oscillation signal defines
a clock signal for an image projection system modulation circuit.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention concerns a device which provides a
filtered signal; and in particular, but not exclusively, a device
which comprises an oscillating mirror which filters a signal to
provide a filtered signal which has frequency equal to the resonant
frequency of oscillation of the mirror.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
[0002] Projections systems often comprise one or more mirrors which
oscillate to project consecutive laser pulses, each pulse defining
consecutive pixels of an image, onto a display screen to define a
projected image. A laser modulator modulates a laser to provide the
consecutive pulses which define consecutive pixels of the projected
image. To display a well defined sharp image, it is necessary that
the oscillation of the one or more mirrors is synchronised with the
laser modulator. It is difficult to obtain precise synchronisation
between the oscillation of the one or more mirrors and the laser
modulator.
[0003] Additionally, as the projection systems operate, temperature
variations will occur within the system e.g. the one or more
mirrors will increase in temperature. These temperature variations
will further impact on the oscillations of the one or more mirrors
to change the frequency of oscillations. Furthermore, ageing and
general deterioration of the projection system will further impact
on the oscillations of the one or more mirrors to change the
frequency of oscillations. Thus, temperature variations within the
projection systems and ageing of the projection systems, make it
more difficult to achieve precise synchronisation between the
oscillation of the one or more mirrors and the laser modulator.
[0004] In order to achieve precise synchronisation between the
oscillation of the one or more mirrors and the laser modulator, the
position and phase of the one or more oscillating mirrors must be
accurately detected, and the one or more mirrors should tend
towards oscillating at their resonant frequency. Accurate detection
of the position and phase of the one or more oscillating mirrors
can be difficult to achieve.
[0005] Also, even if the position and phase of the one or more
oscillating mirrors is accurately detected, problems can arise. A
sensing signal containing the position and phase information is
usually transmitted to a digital module which uses the sensing
signal to generate a clock signal that will synchronise the laser
modulator. However, the circuitry through which the sensing signal
will pass as it is transmitted to the digital module, and the
digital module itself, can delay the sensing signal such that it no
longer accurately represents the physical position and phase of the
one or more oscillating mirrors.
[0006] It is an aim of the present invention to obviate, or
mitigate, one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] According to the invention, these aims are achieved by means
of a device comprising, a mirror which is configured to oscillate
in response to an oscillation signal, wherein the device is
configured such that oscillation of the mirror will induce a
signal; and a circuit in operable cooperation with the mirror such
that an induced signal can be measured by the circuit and wherein
the circuit is configured to provide an oscillation signal
proportional to the measured induced signal; wherein the device is
configured such that the mirror can receive the oscillation signal
so that the oscillation signal is filtered due to oscillation
limitations of mirror, to provide a filtered signal.
[0008] As the oscillation signal if filtered by the mirror, the
resulting filtered signal, which represents an output of the
device, will be precisely in phase with the mirror oscillations
i.e. the filtered signal will precisely represent the phase of the
oscillating mirror. Thus, filter signal can be used to clock a
laser modulator in a projection system to achieve precise
synchronisation between the oscillation of the mirror and the laser
modulator.
[0009] The circuit may comprise an amplifier. The amplifier may be
arranged to be in operable cooperation with the mirror such that
the induced signal can be amplified by the amplifier to provide an
oscillation signal proportional to the measured induced signal. The
device may be configured such that the mirror can receive the
oscillation signal provided by the amplifier.
[0010] Furthermore, as the induced signal is amplified by an
amplifier to provide an oscillation signal, the mirror can receive
an oscillation signal which has sufficient amplitude and frequency
to oscillate the mirror at its resonant frequency.
[0011] The filtered signal may define the included signal.
[0012] The device may comprise at least one first electrode which
cooperates with the mirror and at least a second electrode which
cooperates with a fixed part of the device, wherein the first and
second electrodes define a capacitor.
[0013] The capacitance of the capacitor may change as the mirror
oscillates. In this case the induced signal may be an induced
current, charge or voltage which results from the changing
capacitance as the mirror oscillates.
[0014] The device may comprise a plurality of electrodes which
define a plurality of capacitors.
[0015] The device may comprise one or more magnets and at least one
coil which is configured such that it will conduct the induced
signal as the mirror oscillates.
[0016] The device may comprise a single coil which is attached to
the mirror, wherein the single coil is configured to conduct both
the oscillation signal and the induced signal as the mirror
oscillates. Oscillation of the mirror moves the coil within the
magnetic field of the one or more magnets to provide the induced
signal. The induced signal may be an induced voltage signal.
[0017] The device may comprise a first and second coil, wherein the
first coil is configured to conduct the oscillation signal and the
second coil is configured to conduct the induced signal.
[0018] The first and second coils may be attached to a part of the
device which oscillates as the mirror oscillates.
[0019] The first and second coils may be arranged in the device
such to reduce cross coupling between the first and second coils.
For example, the first and second coils may be arranged on opposite
sides of a part of the device. For example, the first and second
coils may be arranged on opposite sides of a part of the device
which is configured to oscillate.
[0020] The device may further comprise a shield means which
prevents cross coupling between the first and second coils. The
device may further comprise a shield means which reduces cross
coupling between the first and second coils. For example, the first
and second coils may be arranged on opposite sides of the mirror so
that the mirror defines the shield means, or on opposite sides of a
component which oscillates as the mirror oscillates so that the
component defines the shield means. Alternatively, a dedicated
shield component may be provided which defines the shield
means.
[0021] The first coil may be attached to a part of the device which
oscillates as the mirror oscillates; and the second coil may be
attached to a fixed part of the device, such that as the mirror
oscillates, the magnetic field provided by the one or more magnets
and the movement and the first coil which conducts the oscillation
signal, can induce the induced signal in the second coil.
[0022] The device may comprise a circuit which is configured to
remove a parasitic component in the filtered signal. The parasitic
component in the filtered signal may have resulted from coupling
between an input and output of the mirror. The circuit may be a
comparator circuit.
[0023] The device may further comprise a voltage control oscillator
which is operable to provide an oscillating signal which can effect
oscillation of the mirror.
[0024] The device may further comprise a comparator circuit, which
is configured to compare the induced signal with the oscillating
signal provided by the voltage control oscillator and to provide a
control signal which controls the voltage control oscillator to
provide an oscillation signal which will adjust the oscillation of
the mirror so that the mirror oscillates closer to the resonant
frequency of the mirror.
[0025] The oscillating signal may define a clock signal for a
circuit. The oscillating signal may define a clock signal for a
circuit which is operable to control laser modulation (i.e. for a
laser modulator).
[0026] The device may further comprise a means for dividing
frequency of an oscillating signal which is provided by a voltage
control oscillator.
[0027] The device may further comprise a rectifier means which is
configured to modify a control signal which controls the voltage
control oscillator so as to compensate for sinus movement of the
mirror as the mirror oscillates.
[0028] The device may further comprise a switch device which is
selectively operable to provide a constant signal. The switch
device may be configured such that it is selectively operable in a
hold mode or a sample mode. The device may further comprise a
circuit, which is configured to, receive the induced signal and the
oscillation signal provided by the circuit, and to compare the
induced signal with the oscillation signal, and to provide a
control signal based on the comparison which controls an oscillator
circuit such that the oscillator circuit provides an oscillation
signal which will adjust the oscillation of the mirror so that the
mirror oscillates closer to the resonant frequency of the
mirror.
[0029] The oscillator circuit may be configured such that the
oscillating signal provided by the oscillator circuit, defines a
clock signal for a circuit.
[0030] The device may further comprise a means for dividing
frequency of an oscillating signal which is provided by the
oscillator circuit.
[0031] The device may further comprise a rectifier means which is
configured to modify the control signal which controls the
oscillator so as to compensate for sinus movement of the mirror as
the mirror oscillates.
[0032] The device may further comprise a switch device which is
selectively operable to provide a constant signal
[0033] According to a further aspect of the present invention there
is provided a device comprising;
[0034] a mirror which is configured to oscillate in response to an
oscillation signal, wherein the device is configured such that
oscillation of the mirror will induce a signal;
[0035] an oscillator which is operable to provide an oscillating
signal which can effect oscillation of the mirror; a
comparator circuit, which is configured to compare the induced
signal with the oscillating signal provided by the oscillator and
to provide a control signal which controls the controlled
oscillator to provide an oscillation signal which will adjust the
oscillation of the mirror so that the mirror oscillates at the
resonant frequency of the mirror.
[0036] The oscillator may be a controlled oscillator. The
oscillator may be a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) or a
current-controlled oscillator (ICO).
[0037] The oscillator may be configured such that the oscillating
signal defines a clock signal for a circuit. The oscillating signal
may define a clock signal for a circuit which is operable to
control laser modulation.
[0038] The device may further comprise a means for dividing
frequency of an oscillating signal which is provided by the
oscillator.
[0039] The device may further comprise a rectifier means which is
configured to modify the control signal which controls the
oscillator so as to compensate for sinus movement of the mirror as
the mirror oscillates.
[0040] The device may be arranged to cooperate with a rectifier
means which is arranged to modify the oscillating signal so as to
compensate for sinus movement of the mirror as it oscillates. The
output of the rectifier means may define a clock signal for a
circuit.
[0041] The output of the rectifier means may define a clock signal
for a circuit which is operable to control laser modulation.
[0042] The rectifier means may comprise a micro processing
unit.
[0043] The device may further comprise a switch device which is
selectively operable to provide a constant signal. The switch
device may cooperate with a comparator circuit. The switch device
may be operable in a hold mode and a sample mode. In its hold mode
the switch device may provide a constant signal which is equal to
the signal which was output by a comparator circuit at the time the
switch device was configured to operate in hold mode. In its sample
mode, the switch device may provide a signal which tracks or
follows the signal which was output by a comparator circuit. The
constant signal is equal to an output of the comparator circuit.
The constant signal may be equal to the control signal provided by
the comparator circuit.
[0044] Any of the afore-mentioned devices may be used in a printer
application. According to a further aspect of the present invention
there is provided a printer apparatus comprising any one of the
afore-mentioned devices.
[0045] The device according to any one of the preceding claims
wherein the device is arranged such that the filtered signal
defines a clock signal for a video streaming means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0046] The invention will be better understood with the aid of the
description of an embodiment given by way of example only, and
illustrated by the figures, in which:
[0047] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram representing the features of a
device according to the present invention;
[0048] FIG. 2a provides side of a device 20 according to a possible
embodiment of the present invention;
[0049] FIG. 2b provides a perspective view of the a possible
configuration for the electrodes in the device shown in FIG.
2a;
[0050] FIGS. 3a-d each provides side views of possible further
embodiments of devices according to the present invention;
[0051] FIG. 4 provides a schematic diagram a device according to a
further possible embodiment of the present invention;
[0052] FIG. 5 provides a schematic diagram which represents a
device according to a further aspect of the present invention;
[0053] FIG. 6 provides a schematic diagram which represents a
device according to a further aspect of the present invention;
[0054] FIG. 7 provides a schematic diagram which represents a
device according to a further aspect of the present invention, when
used in a printer apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF POSSIBLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0055] FIG. 1 provides a schematic diagram representing the
features of a device 1 according to the present invention. The
device 1 comprises a mirror 3 which is configured to oscillate in
response to an oscillation signal (X(t)). In this particular
example the mirror 3 is a MEMS micro-mirror, however it will be
understood that any other suitable mirror may be used.
[0056] The device 1 is configured such that oscillation of the
mirror 3 will induce a signal (Y(t)).
[0057] The device 1 further comprises an amplifier 5 in operable
cooperation with the mirror 3 such that an induced signal (Y(t))
can be amplified by the amplifier 5 to provide an oscillation
signal (X(t)). The device 1 is configured such that the mirror 3
can receive the oscillation signal (X(t)) provided by the amplifier
5 so that the oscillation signal (X(t)) is filtered due to
oscillation limitations of the mirror 3, to provide a filtered
signal (Y(t)). Thus, the mirror 3 is incorporated in an operational
loop 9 defined by the mirror 3 and amplifier 5; and the mirror 3
operates as a filter in the operational loop 9 to filter an
oscillation signal (X(t)) output from the amplifier 5.
[0058] As the induced signal (Y(t)) is amplified by the amplifier
to provide an oscillation signal (X(t)), the mirror 3 can receive
an oscillation signal which has sufficient amplitude to oscillate
the mirror 3 with a predefined amplitude of oscillation.
[0059] As the oscillation signal is filtered by the mirror 3, the
resulting filtered signal (Y(t)), which represents an output of the
device 1, will be precisely in phase with the mirror oscillations
i.e. the filtered signal (Y(t)) will precisely represent the phase
of the oscillating mirror 3. In this particular example the mirror
3 will oscillate at its resonant frequency, thus the resulting
filtered signal (Y(t)) will have a frequency equal to the resonant
frequency of oscillation of the mirror 3. The filtered signal
(Y(t)) can be used to clock a laser modulator in a projection
system to achieve precise synchronisation between the oscillation
of the mirror 3 and the laser modulator.
[0060] The mirror 3 as used in the device 1, can take any suitable
form. Actuation of the oscillation of the mirror 3 can be effected
using any suitable means. For example, an electrostatic actuation
means, magnetic actuation means; piezoelectric actuation means;
and/or thermal actuation means, may be used to actuate oscillation
of the mirror 3.
[0061] FIG. 2a provides side of a device 20 according to a possible
embodiment of the present invention.
[0062] The device 20 comprises all of the features of the device 1
shown in FIG. 1 and like features are awarded the same reference
numbers.
[0063] The device 20 uses an electrostatic means to actuate
oscillation of the mirror 3. In the device 20 the electrostatic
means is defined by a first and second electrodes 21,23 which are
secured at opposite edges 25,26 of the mirror 3, and third and
fourth electrodes 27,28 which are located on a fixed part of the
device 20. The first and second electrodes 21,23 are configured to
cooperate with a third and fourth electrodes 27,28. The first and
second electrodes 21,23 and third and fourth electrodes 27,28
cooperate to define capacitors 29,30.
[0064] FIG. 2b provides a perspective view of the a possible
configuration for the first and second electrodes 21,23 and third
and fourth electrodes 27,28 (only the second electrodes 23 and
fourth electrodes 28, are shown for simplicity). As shown in FIG.
2b each electrode 21,23,27,28 comprises spaced projections 31; the
projections on each of the first and second electrodes 21,23 are
offset from the projections on each of the third and fourth
electrodes 27,28, thus allowing the projections on each of the
first and second electrodes 21,23 to pass through spaces 32 that
exist between the projections on each of the third and fourth
electrodes 27,28, as the mirror 3 oscillates.
[0065] In use the mirror 3 oscillates. As the mirror 3 oscillates
the distance between the first and second electrodes 21,23 and
third and fourth electrodes 27,28, respectively, will vary;
accordingly the capacitance provided by capacitors 29,30 will
vary.
[0066] As the capacitance in capacitor 30 varies, induced current
(Y(t)) will flow in the fourth electrode 28. The induced current
(Y(t)) will be received by the amplifier 5 where it is amplified
before being transmitted to the third electrode 27 to provide an
oscillation signal (X(t)). Thus, in this particular embodiment the
induced signal (Y(t)) is an induced current signal (Y(t)).
[0067] The third electrode 27 is charged by the oscillation signal
(X(t)) which is output from the amplifier 5. The charging of the
third electrode 27 will in turn effect charging of the first
electrode 25 on the mirror 3; once the first electrode 21 on the
mirror 3 is charged, it will provide a current will causes the
mirror 3 to oscillate.
[0068] FIGS. 3a-d each provides side views of possible further
embodiments of devices according to the present invention. In each
of the devices shown in FIGS. 3a-d a magnetic means is used to
actuate oscillation of the mirror 3.
[0069] FIG. 3a provides a side view of a device 33. The device 33
comprises all of the features of the device 1 shown in FIG. 1 and
like features are awarded the same reference numbers.
[0070] The device 33 comprises a magnet (not shown) which can be
located on the mirror 33 or on a fixed part 65 of the device 33.
The device 33 further comprises a coil 35 which is fixed to the
mirror 3. The magnet may be located at any position on the device
33; however the magnet should be positioned such that the coil 35
mounted on the mirror 3 is within the magnetic field produced by
the magnet; this will ensure that when the coil 35 conducts an
alternating current/voltage the mirror 3 will be forced to
oscillate.
[0071] In use an oscillation signal (an alternating current/voltage
signal) is passed through the coil 35 thus forcing the mirror 3 to
oscillate. As the mirror 3 oscillates, the movement of the coil 35
within the magnetic field of the magnet induces signal in the coil
35 (a current/voltage signal). Thus, the coil 35 conducts both the
oscillation signal which is used to force the mirror to oscillate,
and the induced signal (induced current/voltage) which is generated
in the coils 35 due to movement of the coil within the magnetic
field.
[0072] Thus, the induced signal (induced current/voltage) which
results from the coil oscillating within the magnetic field,
defines the induced signal (Y(t)) which is transmitted to the
amplifier 5. The output of the amplifier defines the oscillation
signal (X(t)).
[0073] FIG. 3b provides a side view of a device 43. The device 43
comprises all of the features of the device 33 shown in FIG. 3a and
like features are awarded the same reference numbers.
[0074] The device 43 further comprises a second coil 45. The second
coil is mounted on the mirror 3.
[0075] During operation, an oscillation signal (an alternating
current/voltage signal) is passed through the first coil 35 thus
forcing the mirror 3 to oscillate within the magnetic field
provided by the magnet (not shown). As the mirror 3 oscillates, the
movement of the second coil 45 within the magnetic field of the
magnet induces signal (a current/voltage) in the second coil 45.
Thus, the first coil 35 conducts the oscillation signal which is
used to force the mirror 3 to oscillate, and the second coil 45
conducts the induced signal (induced current/voltage).
[0076] The induced signal (current/voltage) which results from the
second coil 45 oscillating within the magnetic field, and which is
conducted in the second coil 45, defines the induced signal (Y(t))
which is transmitted to the amplifier 5. The output of the
amplifier defines the oscillation signal (X(t)) which is passed
through the first coil 35 to force the mirror 3 to oscillate within
the magnetic field.
[0077] FIG. 3c provides a side view of a device 53. The device 53
comprises all of the features of the device 43 shown in FIG. 3b and
like features are awarded the same reference numbers.
[0078] However, in the device 53, the first and second coils 35,45
are isolated from each other; the first and second coils 35,45 are
each located on opposite sides 55, 57 of the mirror 3. Such an
arrangement can reduce cross coupling between the coils 35, 45. The
first and second coils 35,45 could be isolated from each other
using other means; for example the device 53 may comprise a shield
means which is arranged in the device 53 to prevent, or reduce,
cross coupling between the coils 35,45.
[0079] FIG. 3d provides a side view of a device 63 according to a
further possible embodiment of the present invention. The device 63
comprises all of the features of the device 43 shown in FIG. 3b and
like features are awarded the same reference numbers.
[0080] In the device 63, the second coil 45 is located on a fixed
part 65 of the device 63. The second coil 45 is arranged within the
device 63 such that it lies within the magnetic field provided by
the magnet in the device 63.
[0081] In use, as the mirror 3 oscillates, the first coil 35, which
conducts the oscillation signal (X(t)), is moved relative to the
second coil 45. Combined with the magnetic field, the movement of
the first coil 35 relative to the second coil 45, induces a signal
in the second coil 45. The signal induced in the second coil
defines the induced signal (Y(t)) which is transmitted to the
amplifier 5. The output of the amplifier defines the oscillation
signal (X(t)) which is passed to the first coil 35 to force the
mirror 3 to oscillate within the magnetic field.
[0082] FIG. 4 provides a schematic diagram a device 70 according to
a further possible embodiment of the present invention. The device
70 shown in FIG. 4 includes the same features as the device 1 shown
in FIG. 1 and like features are awarded the same reference
numerals.
[0083] The device 70 further comprises a comparator circuit 71. The
comparator circuit 71 is configured to receive an output of the
amplifier 5 (X(t)); the output of the amplifier 5 is an amplified
filtered signal (X(t)) (i.e. filtered by the mirror 3). The
comparator circuit 71 is configured to remove a parasitic component
in the amplified filtered signal (X(t)). The parasitic component in
the amplified filtered signal (X(t)) may have resulted from
coupling between an input 73 and output 75 of the mirror 3; for
example coupling which takes place between the first and second
electrodes 21,23 and/or the third and fourth electrodes 27,28, in
the device 20, shown in FIG. 2.
[0084] The comparator circuit 71 can remove a parasitic component
in the amplified filtered signal (X(t)) when the actuation is done
using a saturated signal. The actuation signal couples a constant
signal during half an oscillation period, whereas the phase
information is a sinewave.
[0085] In each of the embodiments described above, the oscillation
signal (X(t)) (which is effectively, the induced signal, amplified
by the amplifier) can be used as a clock for a laser modulation
system, such as a laser modulation system in a projector, to
achieve precise synchronisation between the oscillation of the
mirror 3 and the laser modulator.
[0086] FIG. 5 provides a schematic diagram which represents a
device 80 according to a further aspect of the present
invention.
[0087] The device 80 comprises a mirror 3 which is configured to
oscillate in response to an oscillation signal (X(t)), wherein the
device 80 is configured such that oscillation of the mirror 3 will
induce a signal (Y(t)).
[0088] Unlike the device 1 shown in FIG. 1, a voltage controlled
oscillator 81 is provided. The voltage controlled oscillator 81 is
operable to provide an oscillating signal (X(t)) which can effect
oscillation of the mirror 3. The device 80 further comprises a
comparator circuit 83, which is configured to compare the phase of
the induced signal (Y(t)) which has resulted from the oscillation
of the mirror 3, with the oscillating signal (X(t)) provided by the
voltage control oscillator 81, and to provide a control signal
(Z(t)) which controls the voltage controlled oscillator 81 such
that the voltage controlled oscillator 81 provides an oscillation
signal (X(t)) which will tend to adjust the oscillation of the
mirror 3 so that the mirror 3 oscillates at the resonant frequency
of the mirror 3.
[0089] In use, the voltage controlled oscillator 81 provides an
oscillating signal which can effect oscillation of the mirror 3.
Due to oscillation limitations of the mirror 3, the mirror 3 will
oscillate at its resonant frequency. The oscillation of the mirror
3 at the resonant frequency will provide an induced signal (Y(t))
which is at the resonant frequency of oscillation of the mirror 3.
The induced signal(Y(t)) is fed to the comparator circuit 83 where
it is compared to the oscillation signal (X(t)) which is being
provided by the voltage controlled oscillator 81. The comparator
circuit 83 provides a control signal (Z(t)) which controls the
voltage control oscillator 81 to provide an oscillation signal
(X(t)) which will tend to adjust the oscillation of the mirror 3 so
that the mirror 3 oscillates at the resonant frequency of the
mirror 3.
[0090] The oscillating signal (X(t)) may define a clock signal for
a circuit, such as a laser modulation circuit in a projector
system.
[0091] FIG. 6 provides a schematic diagram which represents a
device 90 according to a further aspect of the present
invention.
[0092] The device 90 comprises the same features as the device 80
shown in FIG. 5, and like features are awarded the same reference
numerals.
[0093] The device 90 further comprises a divider component 91 for
dividing the frequency of an oscillating signal (X(t)) which is
provided by the voltage control oscillator 81. The mirror 3,
comparator circuit 83, voltage control oscillator 81 and divider
component 91, define an operational loop 95.
[0094] In use, for example, if the oscillating signal (X(t)) which
is provided by the voltage controlled oscillator has a frequency of
100 Mhz; the divider component 91 can divide the frequency of the
oscillating signal (X(t)) by 5 for example, such that the mirror 3
receives an oscillating signal (X(t)) of 20 MHz. The 100 Mhz
oscillation signal (X(t)) may be used for other applications which
require signals of higher frequency; in this particular example the
100 Mhz oscillating signal is used as a clock for a laser modulator
96 of an image projection system (not shown). Having the
oscillating signal (X(t)) which actuates oscillation of the mirror
3, as a multiple of a clock for the laser modulator 96 of the image
projection system, is beneficial to achieving higher resolution for
a projected image.
[0095] Furthermore, as the mirror 3 defines part of the operational
loop 95, phase information and resonant frequency information of
the oscillations of the mirror 3 can be obtained without the need
for an additional external phase locked loop. Additionally, as the
oscillating signal (X(t)) which is provided by the voltage
controlled oscillator 81 is divided to provide the oscillating
signal (X(t)) used to actuate oscillation of the mirror 3, no phase
lock loops are required to generate a clock for the laser modulator
96 of the projection system.
[0096] Incorporating the divider 91 into the operational loop 95
ensures that an oscillating signal (X(t)) which is provided by the
voltage controlled oscillator 81, does not need to be multiplied
outside the operational loop 95 to provide a signal of high
frequency required to modulate the laser modulator 96 of a
projection system. Disadvantageously, multiplying the oscillating
signal (X(t)) outside the operational loop 95, could result in
changing the phase of the oscillation signal (X(t)) or could induce
a delay in the oscillation signal (X(t)).
[0097] As shown in FIG. 6, the device 90 may further comprise a
rectifier 97 which is configured to modify the control signal
(Z(t)) which controls the voltage control oscillator 81. The
rectifier 97 can modify the control signal (Z(t)) so as to
compensate for sinus movement of the mirror 3 as it oscillates. A
micro-processing unit may define the rectifier 97.
[0098] The rectifier 97 may form part of the operational loop 95,
as shown in FIG. 6. However, it will be understood that the
rectifier 97 may alternatively be arranged outside of the
operational loop 95.
[0099] The devices 80,90 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, may be used in a
printer apparatus. When used in a printer apparatus, preferably,
the mirror 3 should be actuated by the oscillating signal (X(t)) to
oscillate at a predetermined frequency, with a predetermined
amplitude of oscillation, within a time period corresponding to a
time period required to print one or more pages.
[0100] FIG. 7 provides a schematic diagram which represents a
device 110 according to a further aspect of the present invention,
when used in a printer apparatus (not shown).
[0101] The device 110 comprises the same features as the device 80
shown in FIG. 5, and like features are awarded the same reference
numerals.
[0102] The device 110 further comprises, a phase detection circuit
111, which is configured to determine the phase of oscillations of
the mirror 3 from the induced signal (Y(t)), which is induced when
the mirror 3 oscillates.
[0103] The device 110 further comprises a switch device 113 which
is selectively operable in a sample mode and hold mode. When
operated in its hold mode, the output of the switch device 113 is
held at a constant value which is equal to the output (Z(t)) of the
comparator circuit 83 at the time the switch device 113 was
configured to operate in its hold mode. When operated in its sample
mode, the output of the switch device 113 will follow the output of
the comparator circuit 83 i.e. the switch device 113 is transparent
to the signal output (Z(t)) from the comparator circuit 83.
[0104] When output of the switch device 113 is held constant, the
phase/frequency of the oscillation signal (X(t)) which is used to
actuate oscillation of the mirror 3, is held constant; and thus the
phase/frequency of the oscillations of the mirror 3 are held
constant. However, during use, factors such as temperature
increases and ware and tare, may change the frequency/phase of the
oscillations of the mirror 3. Such changes in the frequency/phase
of the oscillations of the mirror 3 can be detected the phase
detection circuit 111.
[0105] During use, when the printing apparatus is printing a page,
the switch device 113 is configured to operate in its hold mode;
thus the output of the switch device 113 is held constant and the
phase and frequency of oscillation of the mirror 3 is held
constant. While the output of the switch device 113 is held
constant, the phase of oscillations of the mirror 3 continues to be
measured by the phase detection circuit 111. In the event that the
phase/frequency of oscillations of the mirror 3 changes, such
changes will be detected by the phase detection circuit 111.
[0106] If the phase detection circuit 111 detects that the
phase/frequency of oscillation of the mirror 3 changes, the switch
device 113 is reconfigured to operate in its sample mode. The
output of the switch device 113 will then follow the output of the
comparator circuit 83. The output of the comparator circuit 83
(Z(t)) will adjust the voltage control oscillator 81 so that the
voltage control oscillator 81 provides an oscillation signal (X(t))
that will actuate the mirror 3 towards oscillating at its resonant
frequency/phase. Once, the mirror 3 is oscillating at its resonant
frequency/phase, the switch device 113 may be reconfigured again to
operate in its hold mode.
[0107] Various modifications and variations to the described
embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in
the art without departing from the scope of the invention as
defined in the appended claims. Although the invention has been
described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it
should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be
unduly limited to such specific embodiment.
* * * * *