Patent ID: 6555803
Filing Date: 2003-04-29
Classification: G01C

Abstract:
A method of scanning a field of view of an imager across a field of regard using a scan mirror mounted on a gimbal having an inner axis and an outer axis, the method comprising:sweeping the field of view across the field of regard in a selected direction by rotating the gimbal about the inner axis while maintaining the gimbal at a fixed angle with respect to the outer axis; progressing to a subsequent scan position by rotating the gimbal about the outer axis by a predetermined increment angle while maintaining the gimbal at a fixed angle with respect the inner axis; repeating the act of sweeping such that the selected direction is chosen alternately from a first direction and a second direction that is opposed to the first direction; and repeating the act of progressing prior to each repeated act of sweeping; wherein a line of sight of the imager is perpendicular to the outer axis, so that there is substantially no rotation, with respect to the instantaneous direction of scan, of an image formed on the imager.