Ricoh Company, Ltd.

Koichi Ohtaka

Seiichi Katoh

Takeshi Nanjyo

Takeshi Nanjo

Akihiro Yamakage

Masaaki Ishiyama

A method for driving an optical deflecting device array is disclosed, including in a series of processes for the light deflection operation, at least, a state of a first stage writing and recording data for indicating an inclination direction of the plate member to incline in a first inclination direction or a second inclination direction, into a semiconductor memory device arranged immediately under or adjacent to each of the plurality of optical deflecting devices; a state of a second stage switching the inclination direction of the plate member of the arbitrary optical deflecting device to the first inclination direction based on an indication of the data, and deflecting light; and a state of a third stage switching the inclination direction of the plate member of the arbitrary optical deflecting device to the second inclination direction based on the indication of the data, and deflecting light.

Method for driving optical deflecting device array, optical deflecting device array, optical deflecting device, and image projection displaying apparatus

An actuator is disclosed that has a contacting part smaller than a processing limit of a lithography technique, and is able to reduce a contacting area or a contacting length of the contacting part during operation, reduce a sticking force induced by contact, and decrease a driving voltage of the actuator. The actuator includes an operating part and a contacting part in contact with the operating part. The contacting part is formed by overlapping a first pattern on an end of a second pattern. The first pattern has a solid structure and the size of an upper portion of the solid structure of the first pattern on the second pattern is less than a processing resolving power or resolution.

Actuator, and actuator array

A light deflector includes a substrate; a plurality of control members provided at edge parts of the substrate, the control members having upper parts where stoppers are situated; a fulcrum member provided on an upper surface of the substrate, the fulcrum member having a top part; a plate-shaped member movably provided in a space formed by the substrate, the fulcrum member and the stopper, the plate-shaped member having a light reflection area, no fixed end, and a conductive layer; and a plurality of electrodes provided on the substrate, the electrodes facing the conductive layer of the plate-shaped member.

Light deflector, light deflection array, optical system, image forming device, and projection type image display apparatus

An optical deflecting device includes a plate-like member having a light reflective area and a conductor layer. The plate-like member rotates with substantially the middle portion thereof made a fulcrum to change an inclination direction thereof and thereby a reflection direction of a light flux incident to the light reflective area is changed. A first electrode group and a second electrode group are arranged so as to oppose the conductor layer of the plate-like member, respectively, and to sandwich a position corresponding to a position of the fulcrum of the plate-like member. Each electrode group includes a control electrode controlling starting of the plate-like member and a drive electrode driving the plate-like member.

Optical deflecting device, optical deflecting device array, method for driving the optical deflecting device and image projection display apparatus using the device

A light deflector can be driven by a low voltage by reducing contact area with a plate shape member and other members. The light deflector can be driven by a low voltage by reducing a contact area with a plate shape member and other members. More particularly, a frictional force and fixing strength are reduced at a contact area with a control member deployed around a plate shape member and the plate shape member. The fixing strength is reduced at a contact area with a fulcrum member and the plate shape member. Also, the fixing strength is reduced at a contact area with a substrate (or an insulation layer on a substrate) and the plate shape member.

Light deflector, light deflection array, image forming apparatus, and image projection display apparatus

An optical deflection device includes a substrate; a plurality of regulating members including upper portions including stoppers; a fulcrum member serving as an electrode; a plate member; and a plurality of electrodes. The plurality of regulating members, the fulcrum member, and the plurality of electrodes are provided on the substrate, with the plate member approximately opposite to the plurality of electrodes and movable in a space formed by the substrate, the fulcrum member, and the stoppers. The plate member includes unfixed edge portions, a light reflecting region, and a conductive layer electrically connected to the fulcrum member. By fixing at least a part of the plurality of electrodes to predetermined potentials and changing a potential of the fulcrum member, the plate member is displaced around the fulcrum member by electrostatic attraction force, and a light incident in the light reflecting region in a direction is deflected and reflected in another direction.

Optical deflection device and image projection display apparatus using the same

An optical system is disclosed, including: an optical deflecting array including a plurality of optical deflecting devices arranged in a two-dimensional array, each of optical deflecting devices displacing a member having an optical reflection area and deflecting light, so that an incoming light flux entering the optical reflection area is deflected to a reflection direction being changed, a light source illuminating the optical deflecting array, and a projection lens projecting reflected light from the optical deflecting array based on color information. Each of the optical deflecting devices deflects light to two-axis directions, incoming light fluxes having different colors enter each of the optical deflecting devices from two directions respectively corresponding to two deflection axes, and are reflected by each of the optical deflecting devices based on the color information; and each of reflected light fluxes is led to the projection lens for a respective arbitrary time.

Optical system, color information displaying method, optical deflecting device, and image projection displaying apparatus

Bearing portions having an approximately arc shape are provided on a lower surface of a plate-shaped member. In the bearing portions, stoppers of a regulating member are embedded. With the engagement of the lower surface of the plate-shaped member and the apex of a pivot member and the engagement of an inner surface of the bearing portions and a lower surface of the stoppers, the plate-shaped member is rotatably supported with the apex of the pivot member as a center. With a side surface of the regulating memberfacing a side surface of the bearing portions, the position of the plate-shaped member in a rotation axis direction is regulated.

Optical deflecting device, optical deflecting device manufacturing method, and optical projecting device

An optical deflection device is disclosed that is able to drive a mirror therein to move smoothly. In the optical deflection device, notches are formed in the mirror, and when the notches hit against a bearing member, the mirror is stopped, thus preventing the mirror from being out of position in the horizontal direction. In addition, eaves at the top of the bearing member prevent the mirror from being out of position in the upward direction. Further, a ridge acting as a fulcrum prevents the mirror from being out of position in the downward direction. Moreover, the bearing member limits movement of the mirror in the bearing direction. Therefore, the mirror can rotate smoothly until it hits against the electrodes, and the mirror is rotatable but not out of position.

Growing community of inventors

Miyagi, Japan

Koichi Ohtaka