Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US20050212734?dq=5,646,839
Timestamp: 2017-05-24 22:41:12
Document Index: 50646285

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Patent US20050212734 - Drive method of spatial light modulator array, light modulating device and ... - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inPatentsA drive method of a light modulator array in which a time of an ON state and a time of an OFF state can always be made constant. In the case where the optical output of an image forming apparatus is switched from ON to ON, from ON to OFF, from OFF to ON, or from OFF to OFF based on an image desired to...http://www.google.com/patents/US20050212734?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US20050212734 - Drive method of spatial light modulator array, light modulating device and image forming apparatusAdvanced Patent SearchTry the new Google Patents, with machine-classified Google Scholar results, and Japanese and South Korean patents.Publication numberUS20050212734 A1Publication typeApplicationApplication numberUS 11/075,686Publication dateSep 29, 2005Filing dateMar 10, 2005Priority dateMar 11, 2004Publication number075686, 11075686, US 2005/0212734 A1, US 2005/212734 A1, US 20050212734 A1, US 20050212734A1, US 2005212734 A1, US 2005212734A1, US-A1-20050212734, US-A1-2005212734, US2005/0212734A1, US2005/212734A1, US20050212734 A1, US20050212734A1, US2005212734 A1, US2005212734A1InventorsKoichi KimuraOriginal AssigneeFuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Export CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (2), Referenced by (49), Classifications (9), Legal Events (2) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetDrive method of spatial light modulator array, light modulating device and image forming apparatus
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION First Embodiment [0065] An image forming apparatus, such as an exposure device or a projector, for description of a first embodiment of the invention has the same structure as the image forming apparatus 80 shown in FIGS. 10A to 10C. Thus, in the following, the description will be made while using FIGS. 7, 9 and 10 as the need arises. [0066] FIG. 1 is a view showing a rough structure of a light modulating device to be mounted in an image forming apparatus such as an exposure device or a projector and for explaining the first embodiment of the invention. [0067] A light modulating device 10 of FIG. 1 includes an SLM array 12 in which M SLM rows 11, in each which N SLMs 70 are arranged in a row direction (X direction of FIG. 1) on the same plane, are arranged in a column direction (Y direction of FIG. 1), a drive data writing part 13 for writing drive data in every SLM row 11, a drive control part 14 for applying a drive bias voltage Vb to a hinge part 75 and a movable mirror 76 of an SLM 70 and controlling the drive bias voltage Vb to control a displacement state of the movable mirror 76, a row selection part 15 for selecting the SLM row 11 into which the drive data is to be written, and a writing control part 16 for controlling the drive data writing part 13 and the row selection part 15. [0068] The drive data writing part 13 writes the drive data into a memory circuit of each of the N SLMs 70 included in the SLM row 11 selected by the row selection part 15 according to a drive clock supplied from the writing control part 16. In FIG. 1, the drive data written into each memory circuit from the drive data writing part 13 is denoted by D[i] (i=1 to N). [0069] The row selection part 15 selects the SLM row 11 into which the drive data is written according to the drive clock supplied from the writing control part 16. In the case where writing is performed in block units, plural SLM rows 11 included in one block are respectively selected. In FIG. 1, a row selection signal for selecting the SLM row 11 is denoted by EN[j] (j=1 to M). [0070] The drive control part 14 applies the drive bias voltage Vb to the hinge part 75 and the movable mirror 76 of each of the N SLMs 70 included in each SLM row 11, and controls the applied drive bias voltage Vb to control the displacement state of the movable mirror 76. In FIG. 1, the drive bias voltage applied to each SLM row 11 is denoted by Vb[j] (j=1 to M). [0071] Incidentally, the control of the drive bias voltage Vb can be performed in a unit of arbitrary rows, such as a unit of a row, a unit of a block of plural rows, or a unit of all rows. For example, in the case of the control in the unit of a row, after the drive data is written into a specified row, the drive bias voltages Vb of the specified row are simultaneously controlled, and the displacement states of the movable mirrors of the specified row are simultaneously controlled. In the case of the control in the unit of a block of plural rows, after the drive data is written into the respective rows of the specified block, the drive bias voltages Vb of the specified block are simultaneously controlled, and the displacement states of the movable mirrors are simultaneously controlled. In the case of the control in the unit of all rows, after drive data is written into all rows, the drive bias voltages Vb of all the rows are simultaneously controlled, and the displacement states of the movable mirrors are simultaneously controlled. [0072] FIG. 2 is a view showing an equivalent circuit of the drive circuit 72 of the SLM 70 shown in FIG. 9. [0073] The drive circuit 72 shown in FIG. 2 includes an SRAN 72 a as a memory circuit, and the SRAM 72 a includes a transistor 72 b and two NOT circuits 72 c. [0074] As shown in FIG. 2, the drive data D[i] is supplied through the transistor 72 b to the SRAM 72 a selected by the row selection signal EN[j], and address voltages Va1 and Va2 corresponding to the drive data D[i] are outputted from the NOT circuits 72 c to the first fixed electrode 73 and the second fixed electrode 74. When data Q is written as the drive data, a voltage (for example, 5 V) corresponding to Q is applied to the first fixed electrode 73, and a voltage (for example, 0 V) corresponding to NOTQ(/Q) is applied to the second fixed electrode 74. When data NOTQ(/Q) is written as the drive data, a voltage (for example, 0V) corresponding to NOTQ is applied to the first fixed electrode 73, and a voltage (for example, 5 V) corresponding Q is applied to the second fixed electrode 74. [0075] Hereinafter, the operation of an image forming apparatus 80 equipped with the light modulating device 10 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. [0076] FIGS. 3A to 3D are timing charts for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus 80 equipped with the light modulating device 10 for explaining the first embodiment of the invention. [0077] FIG. 3A is a timing chart at the time when the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 is switched from ON to ON based on an image, FIG. 3B is a timing chart at the time when the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 is switched from OFF to ON based on an image, FIG. 3C is a timing chart at the time when the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 is switched from ON to OFF based on an image, and FIG. 3D is a timing chart at the time when the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 is switched from OFF to OFF based on an image. In FIGS. 3A to 3D, it is assumed that when the movable mirror 76 is in a left final displacement state, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is ON, and when the movable mirror 76 is in a right final displacement state, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is OFF. [0078] In addition, in FIGS. 3A to 3D, a period in which the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 is driven to ON or OFF based on an image desired to be formed is denoted by a drive cycle T1 or T2. The light modulating device 10 repeats the drive cycle T1 or T2 and performs the light modulation to form the image on an image formation surface. [0079] In the case of FIG. 3A, in a former drive cycle T1, when the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is ON, the drive data writing part 13 writes drive data 10 a (data for causing the displacement of the movable mirror 76 to be OFF) irrelevant to an image into the memory circuit of the SLM 70. After writing, the drive control part 14 lowers the drive bias voltage Vb applied to the hinge part 75 of the SLM 70 in which the drive data 10 a is written and the movable mirror 76 for a specified time. By this, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 transitions from ON to OFF, and at a time point when the displacement exceeds the optical threshold and is placed on the OFF side, the movable mirror 76 is brought into the OFF state, and the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 becomes OFF. [0080] In the drive cycle T1, the drive data writing part 13 writes drive data 10 b (data for causing the displacement of the movable mirror 76 to be ON) based on an image into the memory circuit of the SLM 70 when the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is OFF according to the drive data 10 a. [0081] After writing, the drive control part 14 lowers the drive bias voltage Vb applied to the hinge part 75 of the SLM 70 in which the drive data 10 b based on the image is written and the movable mirror 76 for a specified time. By this, a next drive cycle T2 is started, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 starts to transition from OFF to ON, and at a time point when the displacement exceeds the optical threshold and is placed on the ON side, the movable mirror 76 is brought into the ON state based on the image, and the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 becomes ON based on the image. [0082] In a drive cycle T2, when the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is ON, the drive data writing part 13 writes drive data 10 a(data for causing the displacement of the movable mirror 76 to be OFF) irrelevant to an image into the memory circuit of the SLM 70. After writing, the drive control part 14 lowers the drive bias voltage Vb applied to the hinge part 75 of the SLM 70 in which the drive data 10 a is written and the movable mirror 76 for a specified time. By this, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 transitions from ON to OFF, and at a time point when the displacement exceeds the optical threshold and is placed on the OFF side, the movable mirror 76 is brought into the OFF state, and the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 becomes OFF. [0083] In the drive cycle T2, when the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is OFF according to the drive data 10 a, the drive data writing part 13 writes drive data 10 c (data for causing the displacement of the movable mirror 76 to be ON or OFF) based on a new image into the memory circuit of the SLM 70, and ends the drive cycle T2. [0084] In the case of FIG. 3B, when the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is OFF in a former drive cycle T1, the drive data writing part 13 writes drive data 10 a (data for causing the displacement of the movable mirror 76 to be OFF) irrelevant to an image into the memory circuit of the SLM 70. After writing, the drive control part 14 lowers the drive bias voltage Vb applied to the hinge part 75 of the SLM 70 in which the drive data 10 a is written and the movable mirror 76 for a specified time. By this, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is kept to be OFF, and the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 keeps OFF. [0085] In the drive cycle T1, when the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is OFF according to the drive data 10 a, the drive data writing part 13 writes drive data 10 b (data for causing the displacement of the movable mirror 76 to be ON) based on an image into the memory circuit of the SLM 70. After writing, the drive control part 14 lowers the drive bias voltage Vb applied to the hinge part 75 of the SLM 70 in which the drive data 10 b is written and the movable mirror 76 for a specified time. By this, a next drive cycle T2 is started, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 starts to transition from OFF to ON, and at a time point when the displacement exceeds the optical threshold and is placed on the ON side, the movable mirror 76 is brought into the ON state based on the image, and the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 becomes ON based on the image. [0086] In the drive cycle T2, when the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is ON, the drive data writing part 13 writes drive data 10 a (data for causing the displacement of the movable mirror 76 to be OFF) irrelevant to an image into the memory circuit of the SLM 70. After writing, the drive control part 14 lowers the drive bias voltage Vb applied to the hinge part 75 of the SLM 70 in which the drive data 10 a is written and the movable mirror 76 for a specified time. By this, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 transitions from ON to OFF, and at a time point when the displacement exceeds the optical threshold and is placed on the OFF side, the movable mirror 76 is brought into the OFF state, and the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 becomes OFF. [0087] In the drive cycle T2, when the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is OFF according to the drive data 10 a, the drive data writing part 13 writes drive data 10 c (data for causing the displacement of the movable mirror 76 to be ON or OFF) based on a new image into the memory circuit of the SLM 70, and ends the drive cycle T2. [0088] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, according to the light modulating device 10 of this embodiment, in both of the case where the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 is switched from ON to ON based on the image desired to be formed, and the case where the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 is switched from OFF to ON based on the image desired to be formed, the movable mirror 76 is once brought into the OFF state before switching, and the switching to the optical output ON of the image forming apparatus 80 is performed in this state, and therefore, the time of the optical output ON after the switching can be made the same. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent unevenness in the amount of light and unevenness in brightness from occurring in the image forming apparatus 80. [0089] In the case of FIG. 3C, in a former drive cycle T1, when the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is ON, the drive data writing part 13 writes drive data 10 a (data for causing the displacement of the movable mirror 76 to be OFF) irrelevant to an image into the memory circuit of the SLM 70. After writing, the drive control part 14 lowers the drive bias voltage Vb applied to the hinge part 75 of the SLM 70 in which the drive data 10 a is written and the movable mirror 76 for a specified time. By this, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 transitions from ON to OFF, and at a time point when the displacement exceeds the optical threshold and is placed on the OFF side, the movable mirror 76 is brought into the OFF state, and the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 becomes OFF. [0090] When the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is OFF according to the drive data 10 a, the drive data writing part 13 write drive data 10 b (data for causing the displacement of the movable mirror 76 to be OFF) based an image into the memory circuit of the SLM 70. After writing, the drive control part 14 lowers the drive bias voltage Vb applied to the hinge part 75 of the SLM 70 in which the drive data 10 b is written and the movable mirror 76 for a specified time. By this, a next drive cycle T2 is started, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is kept to be OFF, the movable mirror 76 is brought into the OFF state based on the image, and the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 is brought into the OFF state based on the image. [0091] In the drive cycle T2, when the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is OFF according to the drive data 10 b, the drive data writing part 13 writes the drive data 10 a (data for causing the displacement of the movable mirror 76 to be OFF) irrelevant to an image into the memory circuit of the SLM 70. After writing, the drive control part 14 lowers the drive bias voltage Vb applied to the hinge part 75 of the SLM 70 in which the drive data 10 a is written and the movable mirror 76 for a specified time. By this, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is kept to be OFF, and the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 keeps OFF. [0092] In the drive cycle T2, when the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is OFF according to the drive data 10 a, the drive data writing part 13 writes drive data 10 c (data for causing the displacement of the movable mirror 76 to be ON or OFF) based on a new image into the memory circuit of the SLM 70, and ends the drive cycle T2. [0093] In the case of FIG. 3D, in a former drive cycle T1, when the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is OFF, the drive data writing part 13 writes drive data 10 a (data for causing the displacement of the movable mirror 76 to be OFF) irrelevant to an image into the memory circuit of the SLM 70. After writing, the drive control part 14 lowers the drive bias voltage Vb applied to the hinge part 75 of the SLM 70 in which the drive data 10 a is written and the movable mirror 76 for a specified time. By this, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is kept to be OFF, and the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 keeps OFF. [0094] When the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is OFF according to the drive data 10 a, the drive data writing part 13 writes drive data 10 b (data for causing the displacement of the movable mirror 76 to be OFF) based on an image into the memory circuit of the SLM 70. After writing, the drive control part 14 lowers the drive bias voltage Vb applied to the hinge part 75 of the SLM 70 in which the drive data 10 b is written and the movable mirror 76 for a specified time. By this, a next drive cycle T2 is started, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is kept to be OFF, the movable mirror 76 is brought into the OFF state based on the image, and the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 becomes OFF based on the image. [0095] In the drive cycle T2, when the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is OFF according to the drive data 10 b, the drive data writing part 13 writes drive data 10 a (data for causing the displacement of the movable mirror 76 to be OFF) irrelevant to an image into the memory circuit of the SLM 70. After writing, the drive control part 14 lowers the drive bias voltage Vb applied to the hinge part 75 of the SLM 70 in which the drive data 10 a is written and the movable mirror 76 for a specified time. By this, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is kept to be OFF, and the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 keeps OFF. [0096] In the drive cycle T2, when the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is OFF according to the drive data 10 a, the drive data writing part 13 writes drive data 10 c (data for causing the displacement of the movable mirror 76 to be ON or OFF) based on a new image into the memory circuit of the SLM 70, and ends the drive cycle T2. [0097] As shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D, according to the light modulating device 10 of this embodiment, in both of the case where the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 is switched from ON to OFF based on the image desired to be formed, and the case where the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 is switched from OFF to OFF based on the image desired to be formed, the movable mirror 76 is once brought into the OFF state before switching, and the switching to the optical output OFF of the image forming apparatus 80 is performed in this state, and therefore, the optical output ON is not kept after the switching. Accordingly, the production of leak light can be prevented, unevenness in the amount of light and unevenness in brightness can be prevented from occurring in the image forming apparatus 80, and the lowering of contrast can be prevented. [0098] Additionally, in this embodiment, in the drive cycle T1 or T2, as long as the drive data 10 a has been written, the drive data 10 b and 10 c may be written at any time. However, it is desirable to write them after the movable mirror 76 is brought into the OFF state according to the drive data. Besides, although the drive data 10 a may be written at any time in the drive cycle T1 or T2, it is desirable to perform writing after the movable mirror 76 is brought into the ON state or the OFF state according to the drive data based on the image. [0099] Besides, in this embodiment, a period from a time when the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is caused to transition to the state corresponding to the drive data based on the image to a time when it is caused to transition to the state corresponding to the drive data based on the new image corresponds to the drive cycle T1 or T2. Second Embodiment [0100] A light modulating device mounted in an image forming apparatus, such as an exposure device or a projector, for the description of a second embodiment of the invention has the same structure as the light modulating device 10 shown in FIG. 1, and therefore, the description will be made while using FIG. 1 as the need arises. [0101] FIGS. 4A to 4D are timing charts for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus 80 equipped with the light modulating device 10 for explaining the second embodiment of the invention. [0102] FIG. 4A is a timing chart at the time when the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 is switched from ON to ON based on an image, FIG. 4B is a timing chart at the time when the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 is switched from OFF to ON based on an image, FIG. 4C is a timing chart at the time when the optical output of the image forming apparatus is switched from ON to OFF based on an image, and FIG. 4D is a timing chart at the time when the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 is switched from OFF to OFF based on an image. In FIGS. 4A to 4D, it is assumed that when the movable mirror 76 is in a left final displacement state, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is ON, and when the movable mirror is in a right final displacement state, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is OFF. [0103] Additionally, in FIGS. 4A to 4D, a period in which the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 is driven to ON or OFF based on an image desired to be formed is denoted by a drive cycle T1 or T2. The light modulating device 10 repeats this drive cycle T1 or T2, and performs light modulation to form the image on an image formation surface. [0104] In FIG. 4A, in a former drive cycle T1, when the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is ON, the drive control part 14 lowers the drive bias voltage Vb applied to the movable mirror 76 until the displacement of the movable mirror 76 has an intermediate position between ON and OFF, that is, a position parallel to the silicon substrate 71 (this position is referred to as a flat position). By this, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 transitions from ON to the flat position, and at a time point when the displacement exceeds the optical threshold and is placed on the flat position side, the movable mirror 76 is brought into the OFF state, and the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 becomes OFF. [0105] While the drive bias voltage Vb is lowered, the drive data writing part 13 writes drive data 10 a (data for causing the displacement of the movable mirror 76 to be ON) based on an image into the memory circuit of the SLM 70. After writing, the drive control part 14 returns the lowered drive bias voltage Vb to the original one. By this, a next drive cycle T2 is started, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 transitions from the flat position to ON, and at a time point when the displacement exceeds the optical threshold and is placed on the ON side, the movable mirror 76 is brought into the ON state based on the image, and the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 becomes ON based on the image. [0106] In a drive cycle T2, when the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is ON according to the drive data 10 a, the drive control part 14 lowers the drive bias voltage Vb applied to the movable mirror 76 until the displacement of the movable mirror 76 has the flat position. By this, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 transitions from ON to the flat position, and at a time point when the displacement exceeds the optical threshold and is placed on the flat position side, the movable mirror 76 is brought into the OFF state and the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 becomes OFF. [0107] While the drive bias voltage Vb is lowered, the drive data writing part 13 writes drive data 10 b (data for causing the displacement of the movable mirror 76 to be ON or OFF) based on a new image into the memory circuit of the SLM 70, and ends the drive cycle T2. [0108] In the case of FIG. 4B, in a former drive cycle T1, when the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is OFF, the drive control part 14 lowers the drive bias voltage Vb applied to the movable mirror 76 until the displacement of the movable mirror 76 has the flat position. By this, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 transitions from OFF to the flat position, the movable mirror 76 keeps the OFF state, and the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 keeps OFF. [0109] While the drive bias voltage Vb is lowered, the drive data writing part 13 writes drive data 10 a (data for causing the displacement of the movable mirror 76 to be ON) based on an image into the memory circuit of the SLM 70. After writing, the drive control part 14 returns the lowered drive bias voltage Vb to the original one. By this, a next drive cycle T2 is started, and the displacement of the movable mirror 76 transitions from the flat position to ON, and at a time point when the displacement exceeds the optical threshold and is placed on the ON side, the movable mirror 76 is brought into the ON state based on the image, and the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 becomes ON based on the image. [0110] In the drive cycle T2, when the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is ON according to the drive data 10 a, the drive control part 14 lowers the drive bias voltage Vb applied to the movable mirror 76 until the displacement of the movable mirror 76 has the flat position. By this, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 transitions from ON to the flat position, and at a time point when the displacement exceeds the optical threshold and is placed on the flat position side, the movable mirror 76 is brought into the OFF state and the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 becomes OFF. [0111] While the drive bias voltage Vb is lowered, the drive data writing part 13 writes drive data 10 b (data for causing the displacement of the movable mirror 76 to be ON or OFF) based on a new image into the memory circuit of the SLM 70, and ends the drive cycle T2. [0112] As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, in both of the case where the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 is switched from ON to ON based on the image desired to be formed, and the case where the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 is switched from OFF to ON based on the image desired to be formed, the drive bias voltage Vb is lowered before switching, the movable mirror 76 is once brought into the OFF state, and switching to the optical output ON of the image forming apparatus 80 is performed in this state, and therefore, the time of the optical output ON after the switching can be made the same. Accordingly, unevenness in the amount of light and unevenness in brightness can be prevented from occurring in the image forming apparatus 80. [0113] Besides, when the movable mirror 76 is once brought into the OFF state before the switching, since the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is not made OFF but made the flat position, the elapsed time before the state is switched can be shortened, and the image forming apparatus superior in high speediness can be realized. Besides, the elapsed time before the movable mirror 76 is once brought into the OFF state before the switching can also be shortened. [0114] Besides, while the drive bias voltage Vb is lowered, at least part of the drive data based on the image is written, and therefore, the drive cycles T1 and T2 can be shortened, and the image forming apparatus excellent in high speediness can be realized. [0115] In the case of FIG. 4C, in a former drive cycle T1, when the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is ON, the drive control part 14 lowers the drive bias voltage Vb applied to the movable mirror 76 until the displacement of the movable mirror 76 has the flat position. By this, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 transitions from ON to the flat position, and at a time point when the displacement exceeds the optical threshold and is placed on the flat position side, the movable mirror 76 is brought into the OFF state and the output of the image forming apparatus 80 becomes OFF. [0116] While the drive bias voltage Vb is lowered, the drive data writing part 13 writes drive data 10 a (data for causing the displacement of the movable mirror 76 to be OFF) based on an image into the memory circuit of the SLM 70. After writing, the drive control part 14 returns the lowered drive bias voltage Vb to the original one. By this, a next drive cycle T2 is started, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 transitions from the flat position to OFF, the movable mirror 76 is brought into the OFF state based on the image, and the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 becomes OFF based on the image. [0117] In the drive cycle T2, when the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is OFF according to the drive data 10 a, the drive control part 14 lowers the drive bias voltage Vb applied to the movable mirror 76 until the displacement of the movable mirror 76 has the flat position. By this, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 transitions from OFF to the flat position, the movable mirror 76 keeps the OFF state, and the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 keeps OFF. [0118] While the drive bias voltage Vb is lowered, the drive data writing part 13 writes drive data 10 b (data for causing the displacement of the movable mirror 76 to be ON or OFF) based on a new image into the memory circuit of the SLM 70, and ends the drive cycle T2. [0119] In the case of FIG. 4D, in a former drive cycle T1, when the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is OFF, the drive control part 14 lowers the drive bias voltage Vb applied to the movable mirror 76 until the displacement of the movable mirror 76 has the flat position. By this, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 transitions from OFF to the flat position, the movable mirror 76 keeps the OFF state, and the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 keeps OFF. [0120] While the drive bias voltage Vb is lowered, the drive data writing part 13 writes drive data 10 a (data for causing the displacement of the movable mirror 76 to be OFF) based on an image into the memory circuit of the SLM 70. After writing, the drive control part 14 returns the lowered drive bias voltage Vb to the original one. By this, a next drive cycle T2 is started, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 transitions from the flat position to OFF, the movable mirror 76 is brought into the OFF state based on the image, and the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 becomes OFF based on the image. [0121] In the drive cycle T2, when the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is OFF according to the drive data 10 a, the drive control part 14 lowers the drive bias voltage Vb applied to the movable mirror 76 until the displacement of the movable mirror 76 has the flat position. By this, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 transitions from OFF to the flat position, the movable mirror 76 keeps the OFF state, and the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 keeps OFF. [0122] While the drive bias voltage Vb is lowered, the drive data writing part 13 writes drive data 10 b (data for causing the displacement of the movable mirror 76 to be ON or OFF) based on a new image into the memory circuit of the SLM 70, and ends the drive cycle T2. [0123] As shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D, in both of the case where the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 is switched from ON to OFF based on the image desired to be formed, and the case where the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 is switched from ON to OFF based on the image desired to be formed, the drive bias voltage Vb is lowered before the switching, the movable mirror 76 is once brought into the OFF state, and the switching to the optical output OFF of the image forming apparatus 80 is performed in this state. Thus, the optical output ON is not kept after the switching, and the production of leak light can be suppressed. Accordingly, the lowering of contrast in the image forming apparatus 80 can be suppressed. [0124] Besides, when the movable mirror 76 is once brought into the OFF state before the switching, since the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is not made OFF but made the flat position, the elapsed time before the state is switched can be shortened, and the image forming apparatus excellent in high speediness can be realized. Besides, the elapsed time before the movable mirror 76 is once brought into the OFF state before the switching can also be shortened. [0125] Besides, while the drive bias voltage Vb is lowered, at least part of the drive data based on the image is written, and therefore, the drive cycles T1 and T2 can be shortened, and the image forming apparatus excellent in high speediness can be realized. [0126] Additionally, in this embodiment, although the drive data 10 a and 10 b may be written at any time in the drive cycles T1 and T2, it is desirable to write them after the movable mirror 76 is brought into the ON state or the OFF state according to the drive data based on the image. Besides, although the drive bias voltage Vb may be lowered at any time in the drive cycles T1 and T2, it is desirable to lower the voltage after the movable mirror 76 is brought into the ON state or the OFF state according to the drive data based on the image. [0127] Besides, in this embodiment, although the movable mirror 76 is displaced to the flat position by controlling only the drive bias voltage Vb, the movable mirror 76 can be displaced to the flat position by controlling only the address voltages Va1 and Va2, or by controlling both the drive bias voltage Vb and the address voltages Va1 and Va2. [0128] Besides, in this embodiment, a period from a time when the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is caused to transition to the state corresponding to the drive data based on the image to a time when it is caused to transition to the state corresponding to the drive data based on the new image corresponds to the drive cycle T1 or T2. Third Embodiment [0129] An image forming apparatus, such as an exposure device or a projector, for description of a third embodiment of the invention has the same structure as the image forming apparatus 80 shown in FIGS. 10A to 10C. Thus, in the following, the description will be made while using FIGS. 7, 9 and 10 as the need arises. [0130] FIG. 5 is a view showing an equivalent circuit of a drive circuit 72 of an SLM 70 for explaining the third embodiment of the invention. The same components as those of FIG. 2 are denoted by same characters. FIG. 6 is a view showing an input/output table of an AND circuit included in a drive circuit of the SLM and for explaining the third embodiment of the invention. [0131] The drive circuit 72 of the SLM 70 shown in FIG. 5 is such that an AND circuit 72 d and a NOT circuit 72 e are added to the drive circuit 72 shown in FIG. 2. [0132] Data (Q or /Q) from a NOT circuit 72 c of an SRAM 72 a and a specified signal (clear signal (CLR)) from an after-mentioned drive control part are inputted to the AND circuit 72 d. As shown in FIG. 6, the AND circuit 72 d outputs the drive data Q and /Q stored in the SRAM 72 a as they are when the clear signal is L, and outputs such drive data that the displacement of the movable mirror 76 becomes OFF (for example, such drive data that Va1 becomes 0 V and Va2 becomes 5 V) when the clear signal is H. The SLM 70 of this embodiment is constructed such that even in the case where the clear signal is inputted to the AND circuit 72 d, the drive data stored in the SRAM 72 a is not deleted. Additionally, the structure may be such that in the case where the clear signal is inputted to the AND circuit 72 d, the drive data is deleted. [0133] FIG. 7 is a view showing a rough structure of a light modulating device to be mounted in an image forming apparatus such as an exposure device or a projector for explaining the third embodiment of the invention. The same components as those of FIG. 1 are denoted by same characters and will be explained. [0134] A light modulating device 30 of FIG. 7 includes an SLM array 12, a drive data writing part 13, a drive control part 34, a row selection part 15, and a writing control part 16 for controlling the drive data writing part 13 and the row selection part 15. [0135] The drive control part 34 applies the drive bias voltage Vb to the hinge part 75 and the movable mirror 76 of each of N SLMs 70 included in each SLM row 11, and controls the applied drive bias voltage Vb to control the displacement state of the movable mirror 76. [0136] Additionally, the control of the drive bias voltage Vb can be performed in a unit of arbitrary rows, such as a unit of a row, a unit of a block of plural rows, or a unit of all rows. For example, in the case of the control in the unit of a row, after the drive data is written into a specified row, the drive bias voltages Vb of the specified row are simultaneously controlled, and the displacement states of the movable mirrors of the specified row are simultaneously controlled. In the case of the control in the unit of a block of plural rows, after the drive data is written into the respective rows of the specified block, the drive bias voltages Vb of the specified block are simultaneously controlled, and the displacement states of the movable mirrors are simultaneously controlled. In the case of the control in the unit of all rows, after drive data are written into all rows, the drive bias voltages Vb of all the rows are simultaneously controlled, and the displacement states of the movable mirrors are simultaneously controlled. [0137] Hereinafter, the operation of the image forming apparatus 80 equipped with the light modulating device 30 shown in FIG. 7 will be described. [0138] FIGS. 8A to 8D are timing charts for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus 80 equipped with the light modulating device 10 and for explaining the third embodiment of the invention. [0139] FIG. 8A is a timing chart at the time when the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 is switched from ON to ON based on an image, FIG. 8B is a timing chart at the time when the optical output of the image forming apparatus is switched from OFF to ON based on an image, FIG. 8C is a timing chart at the time when the optical output of the image forming apparatus is switched from ON to OFF based on an image, and FIG. BD is a timing chart at the time when the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 is switched from OFF to OFF based on an image. In FIGS. 8A to 8D, it is assumed that when the movable mirror 76 is in a left final displacement state, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is ON, and when the movable mirror is in a right final displacement state, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is OFF. [0140] Additionally, in FIGS. 8A to 8D, a period in which the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 is driven to ON or OFF based on an image desired to be formed is denoted by a drive cycle T1 or T2. The light modulating device 10 repeats this drive cycle T1 or T2, and performs light modulation to form the image on an image formation surface. [0141] In the case of FIG. 8A, in a former drive cycle T1, when the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is ON, the drive data writing part 13 writes drive data 10 a (data for causing the displacement of the movable mirror 76 to be ON) based on an image into the memory circuit of the SLM 70. By this, the drive data 10 a based on the image is stored in the SRAM 72 a. Thereafter, the drive control part 34 causes the clear signal inputted to the AND circuit 72 d to be H, and lowers the drive bias voltage Vb applied to the hinge part 75 of the SLM 70 and the movable mirror 76 for a specified time. By this, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 transitions from ON to OFF, and at a time point when the displacement exceeds the optical threshold and is placed on the OFF side, the movable mirror 76 is brought into the OFF state, and the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 becomes OFF. [0142] The drive control part 34 causes the clear signal to be L after the displacement of the movable mirror 76 becomes OFF according to the clear signal, and lowers the drive bias voltage Vb applied to the hinge part 75 of the SLM 70 and the movable mirror 76 for a specified time. By this, a next drive cycle T2 is started, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 starts to transition from OFF to ON, and at a time point when the displacement exceeds the optical threshold and is placed on the ON side, the movable mirror 76 is brought into the ON state based on the image, and the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 becomes ON based on the image. [0143] In the drive cycle T2, when the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is ON according to the drive data 10 a, the drive data writing part 13 writes drive data 10 b (data for causing the displacement of the movable mirror 76 to be ON or OFF) based on a new image into the memory circuit of the SLM 70. By this, the drive data 10 b based on the new image is stored in the SRAM 72 a. Thereafter, the drive control part 34 causes the clear signal inputted to the AND circuit 72 d to be H, and lowers the drive bias voltage Vb applied to the hinge part 75 of the SLM 70 and the movable mirror 76 for a specified time. By this, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 transitions from ON to OFF, and at a time point when the displacement exceeds the optical threshold and is placed on the OFF side, the movable mirror 76 is brought into the OFF state, and the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 becomes OFF. [0144] The drive control part 34 causes the clear signal to be L after the displacement of the movable mirror 76 becomes OFF according to the clear signal, and lowers the drive bias voltage Vb applied to the hinge part of the SLM 70 and the movable mirror 76 for a specified time. By this, the drive cycle T2 is ended, and a next drive cycle starts. [0145] In the case of FIG. 8B, in a former cycle T1, when the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is OFF, the drive data writing part 13 writes drive data 10 a (data for causing the displacement of the movable mirror 76 to be ON) based on an image into the memory circuit of the SLM 70. By this, the drive data 10 a based on the image is stored in the SRAM 72 a. Thereafter, the drive control part 34 causes the clear signal inputted to the AND circuit 72 d to be H, and lowers the drive bias voltage Vb applied to the hinge part 75 of the SLM 70 and the movable mirror 76 for a specified time. By this, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is kept to be OFF, and the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 keeps OFF. [0146] The drive control part 34 causes the clear signal to be L after the displacement of the movable mirror 76 becomes OFF according to the clear signal, and lowers the drive bias voltage Vb applied to the hinge part 75 of the SLM 70 and the movable mirror 76 for a specified time. By this, a next drive cycle T2 is started, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 starts to transition from OFF to ON, and at a time point when the displacement exceeds the optical threshold and is placed on the ON side, the movable mirror 76 is brought into the ON state based on the image, and the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 becomes ON based on the image. [0147] In the drive cycle T2, when the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is ON according to the drive data 10 a, the drive data writing part 13 writes drive data 10 b (data for causing the displacement of the movable mirror 76 to be ON or OFF) based on a new image into the memory circuit of the SLM 70. By this, the drive data 10 b based on the new image is stored in the SRAM 72 a. Thereafter, the drive control part 34 causes the clear signal inputted to the AND circuit 72 d to be H, and lowers the drive bias voltage Vb applied to the hinge part 75 of the SLM 70 and the movable mirror 76 for a specified time. By this, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 transitions from ON to OFF, and at a time point when the displacement exceeds the optical threshold and is placed on the OFF side, the movable mirror 76 is brought into the OFF state, and the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 becomes OFF. [0148] The drive control part 34 causes the clear signal to be L after the displacement of the movable mirror 76 becomes OFF according to the clear signal, and lowers the drive bias voltage Vb applied to the hinge part of the SLM 70 and the movable mirror 76 for a specified time. By this, the drive cycle T2 is ended, and a next drive cycle starts. [0149] As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, according to the light modulating device 30 of this embodiment, in both of the case where the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 is switched from ON to ON based on the image desired to be formed, and the case where the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 is switched from OFF to ON based on the image desired to be formed, the clear signal is caused to be H before switching, the movable mirror 76 is forcibly brought into the OFF state, and the switching to the optical output ON of the image forming apparatus is performed in this state, and therefore, the time of the optical output ON after the switching can be made the same. Accordingly, unevenness in the amount of light and unevenness in brightness can be prevented from occurring in the image forming apparatus 80. [0150] Besides, even in the case where the clear signal becomes H, since the drive data based on the image stored in the SRAM 72 a is kept as it is, writing of the drive data can be made at any time. Thus, for example, when the writing of the drive data based on the image is performed in the period when the clear signal is H, the drive cycle time can be shortened. [0151] In the case of FIG. 8C, in a former drive cycle T1, when the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is ON, the drive data writing part 13 writes drive data 10 a (data for causing the displacement of the movable mirror 76 to be OFF) based on an image into the memory circuit of the SLM 70. By this, the drive data 10 a based on the image is stored in the SRAM 72 a. Thereafter, the drive control part 34 causes the clear signal inputted to the AND circuit 72 d to be H, and lowers the drive bias voltage Vb applied to the hinge part 75 of the SLM 70 and the movable mirror 76 for a specified time. By this, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 transitions from ON to OFF, and at a time point when the displacement exceeds the optical threshold and is placed on the OFF side, the movable mirror 76 is brought into the OFF state, and the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 becomes OFF. [0152] The drive control part 34 causes the clear signal to be L after the displacement of the movable mirror 76 becomes OFF according to the clear signal, and lowers the drive bias voltage Vb applied to the hinge part of the SLM 70 and the movable mirror 76 for a specified time. By this, a next drive cycle T2 is started, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is kept to be OFF, the movable mirror 76 is brought into the OFF state based on the image, and the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 becomes OFF based on the image. [0153] In the drive cycle T2, when the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is OFF according to the drive data 10 a, the drive data writing part 13 writes drive data 10 b (data for causing the displacement of the movable mirror 76 to be ON or OFF) based on a new image into the memory circuit of the SLM 70. By this, the drive data 10 b based on the new image is stored in the SRAM 72 a. Thereafter, the drive control part 34 causes the clear signal inputted to the AND circuit 72 d to be H, and lowers the drive bias voltage Vb applied to the hinge part 75 of the SLM 70 and the movable mirror 76 for a specified time. By this, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is kept to be OFF, and the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 keeps OFF. [0154] The drive control part 34 causes the clear signal to be L after the displacement of the movable mirror 76 becomes OFF according to the clear signal, and lowers the drive bias voltage Vb applied to the hinge part of the SLM 70 and the movable mirror 76 for a specified time. By this, the drive cycle T2 is ended, and a next drive cycle is started. [0155] In the case of FIG. 8D, in a former drive cycle T1, when the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is OFF, the drive data writing part 13 writes drive data 10 a (data for causing the displacement of the movable mirror 76 to be OFF) based on an image into the memory circuit of the SLM 70. By this, the drive data 10 a based on the image is stored in the SRAM 72 a. Thereafter, the drive control part 34 causes the clear signal inputted to the AND circuit 72 d to be H, and lowers the drive bias voltage Vb applied to the hinge part 75 of the SLM 70 and the movable mirror 76 for a specified time. By this, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is kept to be OFF, and the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 keeps OFF. [0156] The drive control part 34 causes the clear signal to be L after the displacement of the movable mirror 76 becomes OFF according to the clear signal, and lowers the drive bias voltage Vb applied to the hinge part of the SLM 70 and the movable mirror 76 for a specified time. By this, a next drive cycle T2 is started, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is kept to be OFF, the movable mirror 76 is brought into the OFF state based on the image, and the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 becomes OFF based on the image. [0157] In the drive cycle T2, when the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is OFF according to the drive data 10 a, the drive data writing part 13 writes drive data 10 b (data for causing the displacement of the movable mirror 76 to be ON or OFF) based on a new image into the memory circuit of the SLM 70. By this, the drive data 10 b based on the new image is stored in the SRAM 72 a. Thereafter, the drive control part 34 causes the clear signal inputted to the AND circuit 72 d to be H, and lowers the drive bias voltage Vb applied to the hinge part 75 of the SLM 70 and the movable mirror 76 for a specified time. By this, the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is kept to be OFF, and the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 keeps OFF. [0158] The drive control part 34 causes the clear signal to be L after the displacement of the movable mirror 76 becomes OFF according to the clear signal, and lowers the drive bias voltage Vb applied to the hinge part of the SLM 70 and the movable mirror 76 for a specified time. By this, the drive cycle T2 is ended, and a next drive cycle is started. [0159] As shown in FIGS. 8C and 8D, according to the light modulating device 30 of this embodiment, in both of the case where the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 is switched from ON to OFF based on the image desired to be formed, and the case where the optical output of the image forming apparatus 80 is switched from OFF to OFF based on the image desired to be formed, the clear signal is caused to be H before switching, and the movable mirror 76 is forcibly brought into the OFF state, and the switching to the optical output OFF of the image forming apparatus 80 is performed in this state, and therefore, the optical output ON is not kept after the switching. Additionally, the production of leak light can be prevented, unevenness in the amount of light and unevenness in brightness can be prevented from occurring in the image forming apparatus 80, and the lowering of contrast can be prevented. [0160] Besides, even in the case where the clear signal becomes H, since the drive data based on the image and stored in the SRAM 72 a is kept as it is, writing of the drive data can be performed at any time. [0161] Thus, for example, the drive cycle time can be shortened by performing the writing of the drive data based on the image in the period in which the clear signal is H. [0162] Besides, when the structure is such that in the case where the clear signal becomes H, the drive data stored in the SRAM 72 a is deleted, the writing of the drive data based on the image may be performed after the clear signal is once made L. [0163] Additionally, in this embodiment, in the drive cycles T1 and T2, as long as the movable mirror 76 has been brought into the ON state or the OFF state according to the drive data based on the image, the clear signal may be made H at any time. Besides, the drive data 10 a and 10 b may be written at any time in the drive cycles T1 and T2. [0164] Besides, in the embodiment, a period from a time when the displacement of the movable mirror 76 is caused to transition to the state corresponding to the drive data based on the image to a time when it is caused to transition to the state corresponding to the drive data based on the new image corresponds to the drive cycle T1 or T2. [0165] Besides, as long as the gist of the invention is satisfied, the circuit structures and the drive sequences described in the first to the third embodiments may be any structures and any methods other than the above. [0166] Besides, in the first to the third embodiments, as the light modulator, the reflection type light deflecting mirror element typified by the SLM 70 is used as an example and the description has been made, however, the structure of the element, the light modulation principle and the like are not limited to this. For example, a transmission type may be adopted, or an optical phase modulation, a light shutter, a diffraction control or the like may be adopted. Besides, the invention is not limited to the light modulator having the light modulation part of the micro-electro-mechanical control system, and the same effects can be obtained also in a case where a liquid crystal element, an electro-optic crystal element, or a magneto-optic crystal element is adopted. 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CORPORATION (FORMERLY FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.);REEL/FRAME:018904/0001Effective date: 20070130RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services