Abstract: A light detection and ranging system includes synchronously scanning transmit and receive mirrors that scan a pulsed fanned laser beam in two dimensions. Imaging optics image a receive aperture onto an arrayed receiver that includes a plurality of light sensitive devices. Scanning mirror assemblies include stationary coils and MEMS devices with attached mirrors and permanent magnets.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein provide systems and methods that can improve performance in scanning laser devices. Specifically, the systems and methods utilize a non-uniform variation in optical expansion coupled with variation in the energy level of laser light pulses to provide an improved effective range over a scanning area. In general, the improved effective range varies over the scan field, with relatively long effective range in some areas of the scan field and relatively short effective range in other areas of the scan field. This varying range over the scan field is facilitated by expansion optics that provide a non-uniform variation in optical expansion for laser light pulses relative to position along a first axis in the scan field and by a light source controller that varies the energy level of the laser light pulses according to position along the first axis of the scan field.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein include scanners that can provide improved scanning laser devices. Specifically, the embodiments described herein provide scanners with a modular construction that includes one or more separately formed piezoelectric actuators coupled to a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) scan plate, flexure structures, and scanner frame. Such modular scanners can provide improved scanning laser devices, including scanning laser projectors and laser depth scanners, LIDAR systems, 3D motion sensing devices, gesture recognition devices, etc.

Abstract: A light detection and ranging system includes multiple scanning mirror assemblies to increase a receive aperture. The multiple scanning mirror assemblies are controlled to mimic the operation of one large scanning mirror. The multiple scanning mirror assemblies may be arranged in one-dimensional arrays or two-dimensional arrays. Two arrays of scanning mirror assemblies provide for scanning in two dimensions.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein provide systems and methods that can facilitate increased detector sensitivity and reliability in a scanning laser device. Specifically, the systems and methods utilize detectors with multiple sensors that are configured to receive reflections of laser light pulses from objects within a scan field. These multiple sensors are configured to receive these reflections through the same optical assembly used to scan the laser light pulses out to the scan field. Furthermore, the multiple sensors are configured to at least partially cancel the effects of back reflections from within the optical assembly itself. The cancellation of the effects of back reflections from within the optical assembly can improve the sensitivity of the detector, particularly for the detection of low energy reflections of laser pulses from within the scan field.

Abstract: A light detection and ranging system modulates laser light pulses with a channel signature to encode transmitted pulses with channel information. The modulated laser light pulses may be scanned into a field of view. Received reflections not modulated with the same channel signature are rejected. Multiple light pulses of different wavelengths may be similarly or differently modulated.

Abstract: A scanning laser projection system includes a virtual protective housing circuit to automatically reduce power levels of visible laser light pulses when necessary to render the laser projection system eye-safe. IR laser light pulses are scanned out in front of visible laser light pulses in a field of view, and emitted power of visible laser light pulses is modulated based on attributes of reflections of the IR laser light pulses.

Abstract: A mechanically resonant system exhibits a resonant mode frequency response. A conductor is included on a resonant member within the mechanically resonant system. A current in the conductor causes a modification of the resonant mode frequency response when in the presence of a magnetic field. The modification of the resonant mode frequency response may include an offset in the natural frequency of the mechanically resonant system.

Abstract: A scanning display system includes two detectors for rangefinding. Round trip times-of-flight are measured for reflections of laser pulses received at the detectors. A proportional correction factor is determined based at least in part on the geometry of the scanning display system. The proportional correction factor is applied to the measured times-of-flight to create estimates of more accurate times-of-flight.

Abstract: A scanning rangefinding system includes a MEMS device with a scanning mirror that sweeps a beam in two dimensions. Actuating circuits receive angular extents and offset information and provide signal stimulus to the MEMS device to control the amount and direction of mirror deflection on two axes. The scan angle and offset information may be modified to create a repeating pattern of different fields of view.

Abstract: Laser light pulses of at least two different wavelengths are reflected off a scanning mirror. A first time-of-flight distance measurement circuit receives reflected light pulses of a first wavelength and determines distances. A second time-of-flight distance measurement circuit receives reflected light pulses of a second wavelength and determines distances. The timing of transmission of laser light pulses of differing wavelengths are adjusted, and the data buffering of converted return pulses are adjusted, to compensate for laser light source misalignment.

Abstract: A projection system emits light pulses in a field of view and measures properties of reflections. Properties may include time of flight and return amplitude. Foreground objects and background surfaces are distinguished, distances between foreground objects and background surfaces are determined based on reflections that are occluded by the foreground objects and other properties of the projection system.

Abstract: A scanning light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system includes a scanning apparatus that scans laser light pulses sinusoidally in a vertical direction, and quasi-statically through angular extents in a horizontal direction. Multiple light sensors, each with a substantially nonoverlapping field of view, are multiplexed during the scan of the laser light pulses. Multiple scanning LIDAR systems may be combined to increase the effective horizontal angular extents.

Abstract: Laser light pulses of at least two different wavelengths are reflected off a scanning mirror. A first time-of-flight distance measurement circuit receives reflected light pulses of a first wavelength and determines distances. A second time-of-flight distance measurement circuit receives reflected light pulses of a second wavelength and determines distances. The laser light pulses of different wavelengths may be interleaved in time to increase resolution. The laser light pulses of different wavelengths may also be used for detecting safety violations and/or power control.

Abstract: Laser light pulses of at least two different wavelengths are reflected off a scanning mirror. A first time-of-flight distance measurement circuit receives reflected light pulses of a first wavelength and determines distances. A second time-of-flight distance measurement circuit receives reflected light pulses of a second wavelength and determines distances. The laser light pulses of different wavelengths may be interleaved in time to increase resolution. The laser light pulses of different wavelengths may also be used for detecting safety violations and/or power control.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described that provide for scanning surfaces and generating 3-dimensional point clouds that describe the depth of the measured surface at each point. In general, the devices and methods utilize. Specifically, the depth mapping devices and methods utilize multiple receiver channels, with each receiver channel configured to have a different effective sensing range. These multiple receiver channels together provide the depth mapping device with an increased overall effective sensing range. Thus, the depth mapping device can effectively map surfaces that are closer and/or farther than could be mapped using only one receiver channel.

Abstract: An angular velocity correcting optical device receives a sinusoidally swept input light beam and outputs a non-sinusoidally swept output beam. The output beam may have a constant angular velocity. The output beam may have a constant pitch on a target surface for a constant periodicity pulsed light beam. Optical surfaces may be freeform surfaces specified by polynomials.

Abstract: A projection system emits light pulses in a field of view and measures properties of reflections. Properties may include time of flight and return amplitude. Foreground objects and background surfaces are distinguished, distances between foreground objects and background surfaces are determined based on reflections that are occluded by the foreground objects and other properties of the projection system.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described herein to measure optical power in scanning laser projectors. In general, the devices and methods utilize a polarizing component and photodiode to measure optical power being generated by at least one laser light source. The polarizing component is configured to polarize at least a portion of the laser beam in a way that improves the accuracy and consistency of this optical power measurement. Specifically, the polarizing component filters at least a portion of the laser beam for one polarization state in a way that facilitates improved reliability in the amount of laser light directed into the photodiode.

Abstract: A scanning display system includes smart infrared pulsing to detect gestures and touch events with reduced power consumption. Infrared laser light pulses are emitted at a first density in a field of view and reflections are detected. Times of flight of the infrared laser light pulses are measured to determine if an object is in the field of view. The density of the infrared pulses may be increased based on various factors to detect gestures and touch events. Power consumption is reduced by reducing the density of laser pulses when possible.