Derivative-based encoding for scanning mirror timing

One example provides, on a scanning mirror display system, a method for communicating timing information for light samples that are scanned to form a displayed image. The method comprises, for a line of light samples, encoding timing information for a first light sample of the line of light samples using a first, greater number of bits to form encoded timing information for the first light sample. The method further comprises encoding timing information for a subsequent light sample of the line of light samples by computing a derivative based upon a timing of the subsequent light sample compared to a prior light sample, encoding the derivative using a second, lesser number of bits to form encoded timing information for the subsequent light sample, and sending the information for the first light sample and the subsequent light sample across the communications channel.