A micromirror device with a lower driving voltage is disclosed. The lower
driving voltage is achieved by projecting a partial light for image
display during a micromirror is oscillating from fully on state to a
fully off state. The micromirror device includes a reflective element
supported on a hinge for oscillating and positioning at least three
states. These three states are a fully on state, a fully off state, and a
partially ON angular positions in responding to a digital control signal.
The oscillation of the micromirrors is controlled by a two bits signal
inputted to two electrodes for controlling the voltage of these
electrodes respectively. The micromirrors are further controlled to
change the oscillation direction at an angular position between the fully
on and fully off positions at a fraction of an oscillation cycle. With
these inventive features, the micromirrors are controllable to provide
higher ranges of gray scales without increasing the driving voltage.