Scanning and tracking using rotating polygons
US5557438A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 23, 1993 |
| Grant date | Sep 17, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 23, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S359/90
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system for scanning or tracking, which includes a polygon rotatable about a rotational axis. The system further includes a fixed radiation source directing radiation at the polygon along a path whose extension would intersect the rotational axis of the polygon. The intersection of the extended path with the rotational axis of the polygon constituting an original imaginary intersection point. Finally, the system includes a scanned region onto which the radiation is projected, the projection being characterized in that radiation emanating from the radiation source is reflected from the polygon and is made to propagate, prior to impinging on the scanned region, along a path which includes at least one additional path segment with the additional path segment passing through or directed at an additional intersection point, the additional intersection point being a real or imaginary image of the original intersection point.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.