Method of detecting a fault condition in a micro-electromechanical device
First Claim
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1. A method of detecting a fault condition in a micro-electromechanical device, the method comprising the steps of:
- applying at least one current pulse to an actuator of the device such that the actuator is cyclically displaced at least once;
determining an extent of displacement of the actuator;
calibrating the device by determining a relationship between an operational parameter and said displacement; and
testing the device by applying said parameter to the device, such that an error is detectable where said relationship is not achieved;
wherein the step of determining the extent of displacement of the actuator includes the step of generating an electrical signal when the actuator is displaced to said extent; and
wherein the step of generating the electrical signal includes the step of establishing a switch that is operable upon displacement of the actuator to direct the current from the actuator to processing circuitry upon displacement of the actuator to said extent, such that a switch contact is positioned to correspond with said extent of displacement.
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Abstract
A method of detecting a fault condition in a micro-electromechanical device includes the step of applying at least one current pulse to an actuator of the device such that the actuator is cyclically displaced at least once. The extent of displacement of the actuator is determined. The device is calibrated by determining a relationship between an operational parameter and said displacement. The device is tested by applying said parameter to the device, such that an error is detectable where said relationship is not achieved.
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4 Claims
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1. A method of detecting a fault condition in a micro-electromechanical device, the method comprising the steps of:
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applying at least one current pulse to an actuator of the device such that the actuator is cyclically displaced at least once;
determining an extent of displacement of the actuator;
calibrating the device by determining a relationship between an operational parameter and said displacement; and
testing the device by applying said parameter to the device, such that an error is detectable where said relationship is not achieved;
wherein the step of determining the extent of displacement of the actuator includes the step of generating an electrical signal when the actuator is displaced to said extent; and
wherein the step of generating the electrical signal includes the step of establishing a switch that is operable upon displacement of the actuator to direct the current from the actuator to processing circuitry upon displacement of the actuator to said extent, such that a switch contact is positioned to correspond with said extent of displacement. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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Specification