Oscillator imaging with control of media speed and modulation frequency
US6987595B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 23, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jan 17, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 29, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B26/085
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An imaging system in which a modulated light beam is reflected by a reflection surface oscillated by a torsion oscillator, such imaging system being capable of operating dynamically to adjust to the change in resonant frequency of the torsion oscillator. The resonant frequency of the torsion oscillator varies with ambient temperature and with other factors, such as amount of use. Sensors sense the sweep of the light beam to determine a currently existing resonant frequency of the torsion oscillator. The rate of modulation of the beam by a laser is adjusted to conform the modulation in the sweep direction to the desired resolution of the image. Similarly, the speed of movement of a surface being imaged is adjusted to conform the modulation to the desired resolution in the direction perpendicular to the sweep direction. Optionally, the electrical drive frequency of the torsion oscillator may also be adjusted to correspond with the currently existing resonant frequency during physical operation. The resulting image is improved in visual quality.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.