Scanning system for lidar
US8072663B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 30, 2007 |
| Grant date | Dec 6, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 18, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S7/4972
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention relates to a scanning system optimized for lidar that includes a nodding mirror, a rotary electromagnetic drive, a rotary optical encoder, and control circuitry. The rotary electromagnetic drive includes a yoke incorporating a permanent magnet, and an arm having a coil at one end of the arm. The coil is enclosed within the yoke, and an opposite end of the arm is coupled to the nodding mirror, such that movement of the coil within the yoke in response to a current causes the nodding mirror to rotate. The rotary optical encoder produces an output signal in response to rotation of the nodding mirror, which serves as feedback to the control circuitry. The control circuitry adjusts the current provided to the rotary electromagnetic drive in response to the output signal, such that the nodding mirror rotates in a reference scan pattern.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.