Patent ID: 7187445
Filing Date: 2007-03-06
Classification: G01S,G02B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for optically scanning a scene comprising: an emitting part adapted to project an optical emitted beam onto the scene and to move the emitted beam relative to the scene; and a receiving part adapted to receive and detect a reflected beam arising from a reflection of the emitted beam from the scene; wherein said emitting part comprises: an optical radiation source adapted to generate and emit the emitted beam; a first prism element that is bounded by plural side surfaces, and that is rotatable about a first rotation axis, and that is positioned in a beam path of the emitted beam emitted by the optical radiation source so that the emitted beam penetrates into said first prism element and is deflected by an internal total reflection of the emitted beam from a respective one of said side surfaces of said first prism element dependent on a rotational position of said first prism element.