Patent ID: 8289602
Filing Date: 2012-10-16
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. An optical pattern generator for directing an incident optical beam to generate a pattern of figures, the optical pattern generator comprising: a support structure that rotates around a rotational axis, the rotational axis defining a plane of rotation that is perpendicular to the rotational axis; a plurality of pairs of reflective surfaces supported by the support structure and rotating with the support structure around the rotational axis, all reflective surfaces positioned approximately in the plane of rotation at a same distance from the rotational axis, the reflective surfaces in each pair positioned approximately on opposite sides of the rotational axis and approximately facing each other; wherein for each pair of reflective surfaces, as one of the reflective surfaces in the pair rotates through the incident optical beam, the incident optical beam reflects off said reflective surface to the other reflective surface, and reflects off the other reflective surface to exit as an output optical beam, the output optical beam propagating in a direction that is substantially invariant as each pair of reflective surfaces rotates through the incident optical beam to generate an image point in the pattern of figures; and wherein normals for each of the reflective surfaces are substantially collinear with the incident optical beam as the incident optical beam reflects off of each reflective surface.