Optical system
US7297934B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 13, 2005 |
| Grant date | Nov 20, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 21, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01J3/0289
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In preferred forms of the invention an array of MEMS mirrors or small mirrors inside an optical system operates closed-loop. These mirrors direct external source light, or internally generated light, onto an object—and detect light reflected from it onto a detector that senses the source. Local sensors measure mirror angles relative to the system. Sensor and detector outputs yield source location relative to the system. One preferred mode drives the MEMS mirrors, and field of view seen by the detector, in a raster, collecting a 2-D or 3-D image of the scanned region. Energy reaching the detector can be utilized to analyze object characteristics, or with an optional active distance-detecting module create 2- or 3-D images, based on the object's reflection of light back to the system. In some applications, a response can be generated. The invention can detect sources and locations for various applications.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.