Abstract: An optical scanning system including a resonant oscillating device having a first magnetic field and a mirrored surface. The system includes first and second light sources for directing first and second beams of light to the mirrored surface of the resonant oscillating device to provide first and second reflected scan beams. The second reflected scan beam is offset a first distance from the first reflected scan beam. A second magnetic field is included for interacting with the first magnetic field to provide torque to the resonant oscillating device for scanning the first and second reflected scan beams across a surface to provide first and second scan lines on the surface substantially simultaneously as the resonant oscillating device oscillates under the influence of the first and second magnetic fields. The optical scanning system is effective to increase scan efficiency of the resonant oscillating device over that of a system using a single light source.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for controlling a scanning laser are provided by the present invention. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a single feedback sensor is placed along the scan path of a scanning laser such that it senses the laser twice during each scan. The time intervals between the sensor sensing the laser are measured and examined to determine the position and direction of the scanning laser. These time intervals may also be used to ensure that the scanning device is operating at its resonant frequency. In systems that require detecting the laser as it enters and leaves the imaging window, a reflective device is used to create a beam path from the edge of the imaging window back to the single feedback sensor such that the sensor detects the laser four times during each scan.

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.

Abstract: An image scanning apparatus and a torsion oscillator are capable of operating across a dynamic range of possible operating frequencies. The image scanning apparatus uses a light source to produce a light beam, and the oscillator scans the light beam through a scanning pattern. The oscillator includes a plate member having a non-rectangular shape. At least one magnet is disposed on the plate. A surface of the plate member includes a reflective surface for reflecting a light beam. A frame is disposed in a spaced apart relation to a lower surface of the plate member. The frame includes at least one coil configured to induce an electromagnetic force on the at least one magnet to thereby oscillate the reflective surface to a rotational angle of oscillation at an oscillation frequency. The system also includes an imaging surface disposed in the path of the scanning pattern so that the light beam scans across the imaging surface, and a mechanical drive to move the imaging surface.

Abstract: A method and device for managing and controlling a scanning system that incorporates multiple oscillating scanners is provided by the present invention. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, a resonant frequency is determined for each of the scanners. A drive signal for driving the oscillating scanners is generated based upon the determined resonant frequencies. An amplitude adjustment circuit determines the difference between the drive signal frequency and the resonant frequency of each oscillating scanner and adjusts the amplitude of the drive signal provided to that particular oscillating scanner such that scan amplitude of each oscillating scanner is approximately equal. The offset from the resonant frequency is also used to calculate a phase adjustment for the drive signal to insure that the oscillating scanners are operating in tandem.

Abstract: An image scanning apparatus and a torsion oscillator are capable of operating across a dynamic range of possible operating frequencies. The image scanning apparatus uses a light source to produce a light beam, and the oscillator scans the light beam through a scanning pattern. The oscillator includes a plate member having a non-rectangular shape. At least one magnet is disposed on the plate. A surface of the plate member includes a reflective surface for reflecting a light beam. A frame is disposed in a spaced apart relation to a lower surface of the plate member. The frame includes at least one coil configured to induce an electromagnetic force on the at least one magnet to thereby oscillate the reflective surface to a rotational angle of oscillation at an oscillation frequency. The system also includes an imaging surface disposed in the path of the scanning pattern so that the light beam scans across the imaging surface, and a mechanical drive to move the imaging surface.

Abstract: In bi-directional imaging, such as bi-directional printing, a galvanometric oscillator scans a light beam through a scan path across an imaging window. A controller enables transmission of video data to a modulator when the light beam is positioned for imaging on the imaging window. Video data is transmitted to the modulator when the light beam is traveling in a forward direction or a reverse direction across the imaging window, whereby a modulated light beam is capable of producing an image when traveling in the forward or reverse directions.

Abstract: An image scanning apparatus and a torsion oscillator are capable of operating across a dynamic range of possible operating frequencies. The image scanning apparatus uses a light source to produce a light bean, and the oscillator scans the light beam through a scanning pattern. The oscillator includes a plate member having a non-rectangular shape. At least one magnet is disposed on the plate. A surface of the plate member includes a reflective surface for reflecting a light beam. A frame is disposed in a spaced apart relation to a lower surface of the plate member. The fame includes at least one coil configured to induce an electromagnetic force on the at least one magnet to thereby oscillate the reflective surface to a rotational angle of oscillation at an oscillation frequency. The system also includes an imaging surface disposed in the path of the scanning pattern so that the light beam scans across the imaging surface, and a mechanical drive to move the imaging surface.

Abstract: An image scanning apparatus and a torsion oscillator are capable of operating across a dynamic range of possible operating frequencies. The image scanning apparatus uses a light source to produce a light beam, and the oscillator scans the light beam through a scanning pattern. The oscillator includes a plate member having a non-rectangular shape. At least one magnet is disposed on the plate. A surface of the plate member includes a reflective surface for reflecting a light beam. A frame is disposed in a spaced apart relation to a lower surface of the plate member. The frame includes at least one coil configured to induce an electromagnetic force on the at least one magnet to thereby oscillate the reflective surface to a rotational angle of oscillation at an oscillation frequency. The system also includes an imaging surface disposed in the path of the scanning pattern so that the light beam scans across the imaging surface, and a mechanical drive to move the imaging surface.

Abstract: A method and device for managing and controlling a scanning system that incorporates multiple oscillating scanners is provided by the present invention. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, a resonant frequency is determined for each of the scanners. A drive signal for driving the oscillating scanners is generated based upon the determined resonant frequencies. An amplitude adjustment circuit determines the difference between the drive signal frequency and the resonant frequency of each oscillating scanner and adjusts the amplitude of the drive signal provided to that particular oscillating scanner such that scan amplitude of each oscillating scanner is approximately equal. The offset from the resonant frequency is also used to calculate a phase adjustment for the drive signal to insure that the oscillating scanners are operating in tandem.

Abstract: Multiple light beams are reflected by a resonant oscillator through an optical system onto light sensitive drums of a printing system. Information is encoded onto the beams, and an image is printed based on the encoded information. Preferably four beams and four drums are used to print four colors. The oscillator includes an oscillating plate mounted on the torsion springs for resonant oscillation. A magnet is mounted on the oscillating plate and an oscillating magnetic field oscillates the magnet and the plate. Sensors detect the position of at least one of light beam to synchronize the operation and speed of the encoder, drums and oscillator. The oscillator may include multiple reflective surfaces on one or more sides of an oscillating plate, and one or more beams may be reflected from each surface.

Abstract: An image scanning apparatus and a torsion oscillator are capable of operating across a dynamic range of possible operating frequencies. The image scanning apparatus uses a light source to produce a light beam, and the oscillator scans the light beam through a scanning pattern. The oscillator includes a plate member having a non-rectangular shape. At least one magnet is disposed on the plate. A surface of the plate member includes a reflective surface for reflecting a light beam. A frame is disposed in a spaced apart relation to a lower surface of the plate member. The frame includes at least one coil configured to induce an electromagnetic force on the at least one magnet to thereby oscillate the reflective surface to a rotational angle of oscillation at an oscillation frequency. The system also includes an imaging surface disposed in the path of the scanning pattern so that the light beam scans across the imaging surface, and a mechanical drive to move the imaging surface.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for controlling a scanning laser are provided by the present invention. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a single feedback sensor is placed along the scan path of a scanning laser such that it senses the laser twice during each scan. The time intervals between the sensor sensing the laser are measured and examined to determine the position and direction of the scanning laser. These time intervals may also be used to ensure that the scanning device is operating at its resonant frequency. In systems that require detecting the laser as it enters and leaves the imaging window, a reflective device is used to create a beam path from the edge of the imaging window back to the single feedback sensor such that the sensor detects the laser four times during each scan.

Abstract: In bi-directional imaging, such as bi-directional printing, a galvanometric oscillator scans a light beam through a scan path across an imaging window. A controller enables transmission of video data to a modulator when the light beam is positioned for imaging on the imaging window. Video data is transmitted to the modulator when the light beam is traveling in a forward direction or a reverse direction across the imaging window, whereby a modulated light beam is capable of producing an image when traveling in the forward or reverse directions.

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.