Abstract: A light beam scanner unit includes a light beam generating unit for generating light beams at a fixed power, a polygon mirror for reflecting light beams generated from the light beam generating means toward a surface to be scanned, thereby scanning it, and a light beam power sensing unit for sensing light beam power for scanning a surface to be scanned with the polygon mirror. This light beam scanner unit further has a mirror contamination sensing unit for sensing contamination of the polygon mirror by comparing a sensing result obtained from the light beam power sensing unit when light beams are emitted by the light beam generating unit with a preset reference value.

Abstract: A galvano mirror system includes (1) a galvano mirror, (2) a mirror holder having a front portion to which the galvano mirror is mounted and a rear portion opposing to the front portion, (3) a stator which rotatably supports the mirror holder, (4) first and second reflecting surfaces provided to the rear portion of the mirror holder, and (5) first and second photo sensors provided to the stator. Each photo sensor includes a light-emitting device and a light-receiving device. A controller of the galvano mirror system detects the rotational position of the mirror holder according to on a difference in outputs of the light-receiving devices of the first and second photo sensors.

Abstract: An improved raster scanner, and electrostatographic printing machines which use such scanners, in which facet tracking is achieved by incorporating a semiconductor laser having an electronically tunable wavelength and a wavelength dispersive element which directs the laser beam onto the facets of a rotating polygon. The wavelength dispersive element is positioned, and the wavelength output from the laser is adjusted, such that as the polygon rotates the laser beam produces a spot on a facet which tracks the facet.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which can reduce the appearance of a vertical regist shift in a multiple beam writing system. A time interval detector is provided and is configured to detect a time interval between a start signal for scanning in a sub-scanning direction and a synchronous signal for scanning in a scanning direction. Further, this time interval is compared with at least first and second threshold values. Writing by the multiple beam sources is then controlled based on the results of the comparison. By utilizing such an operation the appearance of a vertical regist shift can be reduced.

Abstract: A document transport for a scanner (100) has a flexible, elongated finger (226) disposed adjacent to a document (134), and a force applied to the finger (226) urges teeth (233) on the finger (226) into contact with the document (134) which urges the document (134) along a path through the scanner (100). A piezoelectric plate (222), which applies the force to the finger (226), requires only a small amount of electrical power. To traverse the scanner (100), a document (134) may also be manually fed along a guide (272). First and second speed-sensing detectors (276a and 276b), disposed along the path traversed by the document (134), permit the scanner (100) to determine a speed at which the manually fed document (134) traverses the scanner (100). To conserve electrical energy, the scanner (100) also includes a document-presence detector (274) for activating the scanner (100) when a document (134) to be scanned is present.

Abstract: An optical scanning system for a printer, for example, includes: an optical scanning unit for scanning light onto an image print region of a photosensitive belt; a photodetector disposed at an edge of the photosensitive belt for receiving the light emitted from the optical scanning unit, and for outputting a pulse signal in response to the received light; a belt position calculator for counting a hold time of the pulse signal output from the photodetector in order to calculate an edge point of the photosensitive belt; a memory for storing information about the delay time from an end point of the pulse signal to a point in time at which the optical scanning unit starts scanning light onto a start point of the image print region of the photosensitive belt; a delay time setting unit for accessing the memory in order to locate delay time information, corresponding to the edge point of the photosensitive belt, output from the belt position calculator; a scanning start signal generator for counting a time duration

Abstract: A mirror is scanned to provide an image of a portion of the Earth to a multiband focal plane array (MBFPA) of optical detectors (an “imager”). Initially, the mirror is positioned relative to a first axis. The mirror is then scanned about a second axis and repositioned relative to the first axis while scanning the mirror about the second axis. This invention may be used in a weather satellite to remove prevent/reduce errors in pixel-to-pixel registration within an image frame and errors in band-to-band that occur when the various imaging bands (e.g., visual and infrared) of the MBFPA are used to image or scan selected areas of the Earth. The present invention positions the mirror relative to the first axis (e.g., elevation), and while scanning the mirror about the second axis (e.g., azimuth), the mirror is regularly repositioned in a prescribed manner relative to the first axis.

Abstract: A system using a scanning mirror for scanning the field of view of an optical objective. The scanning mirror is mounted for rotation about an axis transverse to the major plane of the mirror and for pivotal oscillation about an axis lying substantially within the major plane of the mirror. The combined effect of rotation and pivotal movement is to scan the field of view of an optical objective. The scanning angle and other significant characteristics of the scan pattern may be changed as desired by means external to the system, producing, for example, a rosette, spiral, or circular scanned pattern with or without dimensional changes in the total scanned field of view. Such a scanning system may be embodied in seeker systems used for the guidance of radiation-seeking missiles operating in single or multiple regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Abstract: An imaging system including a one-piece aluminum internal drum casting having reduced weight and increased stiffness. The internal drum is mounted to the frame structure of the imaging system using a plurality of mounts positioned in a plane substantially along the center of gravity of the internal drum. The mounts reduce the amount of sway of the internal drum within the frame structure.

Abstract: A multi-beam scanning optical device, includes a plurality of light sources, a scanning optical system that scans a scanned surface with the beams emitted from the light sources, a beam detecting sensor that detects scanning timings of respective scanning beams at upstream of a drawing area, a controller that modulates the respective beams from the light sources, and a compensation optical element that has dispersion to vary a deviation angle according to a wavelength of light. The controller starts to modulate each of the beams per scan after predetermined time interval when the beam detecting sensor detects the scanning timing. The compensation optical element is located on an optical path of the scanning beams to adjust incident timings of the scanning beams onto the beam detecting sensor.

Abstract: A method of monitoring distortion in a reflective surface of a spinning mirror, the method being constituted by (1) spinning the mirror; (2) directing a beam of radiation onto the reflective surface of the spinning mirror to generate a reflected beam; (3) positioning a radiation detector in the path of the reflected beam, whereby the radiation detector generates an electrical signal responsive to the shape of the reflected beam; and (4) monitoring the shape of the reflected beam by monitoring the electrical signal generated by the radiation detector.

Abstract: A multiple beam scanning apparatus and a light source unit employed in the multiple beam scanning apparatus and a method of multiple beam scanning. A multiple beam scanning apparatus is realized which utilizes a multiple beam system in which four or more light beams are employed with comparatively low cost without making a light source unit, deflection medium, focusing optical system, etc. large sized. The light source unit employed in the multiple beam scanning apparatus includes m (m.gtoreq.2) pieces of semiconductor laser arrays respectively having n (n.gtoreq.2) light-emitting points. A multiple beam system is realized utilizing n-times multiple beams without making the light source unit large sized. Furthermore, another multiple beam system is realized utilizing m-times multiple beams and enabling making such a multiple beam system on further profitable conditions.

Abstract: A light intensity control apparatus includes an optical beam splitter which splits light into monitor light and principal light; a polarization beam splitter which splits the monitor light into two polarized light components; a monitor light detector which detects the polarized light components; a polarization correction device which corrects the output of the monitor light detector so that the intensity of the output signal of the monitor light detector and the light intensity of the principal light on an object surface have a predetermined correlation, regardless of the polarization state of the light incident upon the optical beam splitter; and a humidity dependency correction device which corrects the output of the monitor light detector via the polarization correction device by detecting a variation in polarization dependency characteristics of the optical beam splitter, caused by a change in humidity, and feeding the variation back to the polarization correction device, so that the output signal intensi

Abstract: In a laser scan based recording apparatus, laser light from a measuring laser diode is directed to one reflecting surface of a polygonal mirror. The reflected light is detected with a measuring photodiode. The reflectance of laser light is calculated from the detection output of the measuring photodiode and a reference voltage is generated. When the reflecting surface has rotated to the position where the laser light from laser light source scans a photoreceptor drum, the emission output of the laser light source is controlled by a laser output control circuit on the basis of the generated reference voltage. Despite variation in reflectance among the multiple reflecting surfaces of the polygonal mirror, the photoreceptor is scanned with a constant optical intensity of laser light. Since automatic power control is performed at all times, overdriving of the laser diode is effectively prevented to protect it against breakdown, producing consistent and highly reliable laser power control.

Abstract: An optical microscope apparatus includes an illumination optical system for illuminating an observation target object; an observation optical system for introducing an observation image of the observation target object; and an image rotation device provided on a light path common to the illumination optical system and the observation optical system, for rotating the observation image. The image rotation device is arranged so as to reflect a light beam entering thereinto, for odd-numbered times and to thereafter emit the light bean therefrom, and is driven to be rotated around an entering/exiting optical axis, thereby to rotate the observation image.

Abstract: A synchronizing light beam applied to a reference grating passes through the reference grating as a pulsed synchronizing light beam, which is converged by a convex entrance surface of a light guide rod onto a rear surface thereof. The synchronizing light beam is then diffused and reflected by a diffusion surface on the rear surface, and applied to photodiodes on respective opposite ends of the light guide rod. The photodiodes converts the applied light to a synchronizing signal.

Abstract: A laser beam generated from a laser beam generating means 201 is reflected on a semiconductor mirror galvanometer 102. A region 105 to be inspected is scanned with the reflected laser beam 106. The laser beam 106 passing through the region 105 to be inspected is received by a light receiving device array 130. A pulse train included in an output signal produced from the light receiving device array 130 are monitored by a signal processing circuit 206. If an obstacle intrudes into the region 105 to be inspected and induces a pulse deficiency in the pulse train, the deficiency is detected by use of a pulse deficiency detecting circuit 204. A constitution mentioned above provides an optical barrier apparatus capable of reducing manufacturing costs without endangering a fail-safe property.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the perimeter of an object being scanned comprises a scanning chamber for receiving therein an object being scanned; a source of laser beam disposed within the scanning chamber for impinging on the object being scanned, the laser beam being adapted to orbit around the object; an array of sensors disposed within the chamber, each of the sensors being adapted to detect light emanating from the surface of the object due to the laser beam exiting from the object; and each of the sensors being disposed such that at least only one of the sensors generates a peak response to light emanating from a point on the surface at a predetermined distance from a reference point, such that at each angular position of the laser beam in the orbit, a specific point at a distance from the reference is determined, thereby to generate a set of points representing the perimeter of the surface after a complete orbit.

Abstract: A dual format pre-objective scanner optionally, usable as a laser printer, having an incident beam from input optics incident on a polygon tower which is comprised of a first polygon and a second polygon rotating about an axis common to both the first and second polygon, the polygon tower capable of moving in a vertical direction so that the incident light is directed in a plane approximately perpendicular to the axis rotation of the first and second polygon, at either the first polygon or the second polygon, and with the polygon tower further being capable of moving in a lateral direction approximately perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the polygon tower or moved simultaneously both vertically and laterally so that incident beams on the facets of the first polygon become incident on the facets of the second polygon at approximately the same distance from a scan lens.

Abstract: A video display system includes a laser beam that is reflected from a vertical scan rotating mirror, then from a horizontal scan rotating mirror and then toward a viewing surface. The rotational angles of the mirrors and the intensity of the laser are controlled by a controller that is driven by a video signal. Rotation of the horizontal mirror scans the laser beam across the viewing surface while the laser intensity is modulated to form pixels on the viewing surface. The vertical scan mirror then directs the beam to the next horizontal scan line. The resolution and aspect ratio of the image are adjusted by changing the rotation rate of the mirrors and by changing the rate at which the laser is modulated.

Abstract: A laser projection display apparatus including an optical separating device for separating a white light beam emitted from a first optical source into red, green, and blue monochromic light beams, an image signal processing unit for separating a received composite image signal into an image signal and horizontal and vertical synchronous signals, an optical modulator for modulating the monochromic beams according to the image signal output by the image signal processing unit, a galvanometer and a rotating polygonal mirror for vertically and horizontally projecting the modulated beams, respectively, on a screen, a second optical source for radiating light on the reflection planes of the rotating polygonal mirror, and an optical detector for detecting light emitted from the second optical source and reflected by the reflection planes of the rotating polygonal mirror, and transmitting the detection signal to the image signal processing unit, when a starting point of horizontal projection by the rotating polygonal

Abstract: A laser beam transmitting system is provided comprising at least one target, a laser detection module, an optical system, a rotary encoder, a dither zone memory, and a controller. The optical system is arranged to generate a reference laser beam selectively in one of a search mode and a target dither mode and to direct a laser beam reflected from the target to the laser detection module. The search mode is characterized by movement of the reference beam through a rotational arc defined about a central rotational axis and the target dither mode is characterized by movement of the reference beam through a selected discrete portion of the rotational arc. The rotary encoder is arranged to produce a rotary signal indicative of a rotary position of the reference beam relative to the rotational arc.

Abstract: An all-around observation device is provided for detecting a field of view having a large solid angle. The all-around observation device comprises an imaging optical system having objective means continuously rotating with a first rotary speed about a first axis and having a rotating imaging path of rays, and a polygon wheel rotating with a second rotary speed and being located in the rotating imaging path of rays. The polygon wheel is provided with beam deflecting means for continuously deflecting the imaging path of rays each time said rotating imaging path of rays passes one polygon face of the polygon wheel, such that a field of view sector is stationary imaged during a finite observation time on a detector having a two-dimensional arrangement of detector elements. A motor is arranged to continuously rotate, with a third rotary speed, the polygon wheel and the objective means about a second axis, which forms an angle with the first axis.

Abstract: An image scanner of the present invention includes an angle sensor for controlling subscanning and implemented by a position sensitive light detector (PSD). The angle sensor allows a subscanning mirror to be rotated at high speed without any vibration. A slit plate for causing a restricted part of light issuing from a light emitting element to be incident to the PSD is so configured as to cover the light emitting element, thereby reducing the size of the image scanner.

Abstract: A cascade scanning optical system which includes: a first laser scanning optical system having a first polygon mirror, provided with a plurality of first reflecting surfaces, for deflecting a first scanning laser beam to scan a part of a scanning surface to generate a first scanning line; a second laser scanning optical system having a second polygon mirror, provided with a plurality of second reflecting surfaces, for deflecting a second scanning laser beam to scan another part of the scanning surface to generate a second scanning line, wherein the first and second laser scanning optical systems are arranged so as to align the first scanning line with the second scanning line at a point of contact therebetween in a main scanning direction to form a single scanning line; means for measuring a degree of tilt of each of the plurality of first reflecting surfaces and the plurality of second reflecting surfaces; and means for determining combinations of the plurality of first reflecting surfaces with the plurality

Abstract: An original placement table is provided, on which an original sheet is placed. An original scanning device causes a light beam to scan the original sheet placed on the original placement table. A light receiving device receives a light beam which has been reflected by the original sheet placed on the original placement table after being emitted by the original scanning device. An original edge determining device monitors light intensity of the light beam received by the light receiving device. The original edge determining device determines that the light beam currently being received by the light receiving device is the light beam reflected by an edge of the original sheet placed on the original placement table when a significant variation is detected in the light intensity either for the first time or for the last time in one scanning operation of the original scanning device.

Abstract: A rotating laser apparatus having a reciprocating laser scanning system which facilitates visual recognition of a laser beam on an object to be measured by raising an effective energy level on the object. In the apparatus the laser beam is rotated by a rotation device. The reciprocating laser scanning system includes reflection members for reflecting the laser beam, a laser beam detector for detecting a return laser beam reflected from the reflection members, and a microcomputer for controlling a rotation of the rotation device in accordance with the output of the laser beam detector.

Abstract: A light beam, preferably from a laser, is reflected from a target, which is a potential intruder. The time period required for the beam to return to a light detector, as well as the intensity of the reflected light, is recorded. The system includes a computer and software for analyzing the measurements of distance and intensity of reflected light. The algorithm for detecting the presence of an intruder is based on changes in the measured distance and/or intensity of reflected light from initial measurements made during a "learning" period. The system tracks targets using data collected in consecutive searches of the area to be protected. Preferably, an alarm is sounded and/or a video camera is slaved to the system.

Abstract: Radiation beam scanning apparatus comprises a rotatable reflector for causing an incident radiation beam to undergo a scanning movement; and a compensating device on to which the radiation beam impinges before reaching the rotating reflector. The compensating device modifies the optical path of circumferentially spaced portions of the beam upstream of the reflector, in phase with the rotation of the reflector, so as to compensate for distortions in the reflected beam introduced by the reflector.

Abstract: Laser rotary irradiating system comprising a rotary irradiating system main unit and object reflectors including at least a first object reflector and a second object reflector. The rotary irradiating system main unit comprises a rotating and irradiating an irradiation light beam toward the object reflectors, a detector for detecting a reflection light beam reflected from the object reflectors and entering the rotary irradiating system main unit via the rotating unit, and a reflection light detection circuit for identifying the object reflectors from an output of the detector. The position and range of the scanning of the laser beam are determined based on the results of the detection, whereby each of the reflection surfaces of the object reflectors is divided into at least two portions, an irradiation position is confirmed by the first object reflector while the scanning position is confirmed by the second object reflector, and an irradiation light beam is irradiated for reciprocal scanning.

Abstract: An optical scanning device and synchronizing signal detecting method, in which beams before or after an effective scanning width are identically reflected in an opposite direction of a scanning path upon being incident to a reflection unit to return to a light source unit via a focal unit and a deflection unit and signal change is induced within the light source unit upon the return of the beams, thereby detecting a synchronizing signal according to the signal change to simplifying the construction. The optical device includes the light source unit having a laser diode for radiating the beams and a photodiode for detecting the beams output, the deflection unit for deflecting the beams outgoing from the light source unit by a regular angle of view, and the focal unit for converging the beams outgoing from the deflection unit and scanning them onto a photosensitive drum.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus. The scanning apparatus has a cascade scanning optical system in which a scanning line, made by a scanning laser beam emitted by a first laser scanning optical system of a plurality of laser scanning optical systems, and a second scanning line emitted by a second laser scanning optical system of the plurality of laser scanning optical systems, are prevented from deviating from each other in either a main scanning direction or a sub-scanning direction.

Abstract: An image scanning device is provided for reading an image of an object. The image scanning device includes: a linear image sensor outputting an image signal corresponding to a received image; an imaging lens positioned between the object and the image sensor; a scanning system rotatable through a predetermined scanning range around a predetermined axis parallel to the line of image receiving elements to scan an image of the object onto the image sensor; a focusing system for adjusting a focusing condition of the image scanning device; and a controller which, based on an image signal from the image sensor, adjusts the focusing system to set an in-focus focusing condition for a portion of the object located at a substantially central portion of the scanning range.

Abstract: A scanning device includes sheet a holding member provided with an arcuate support surface open to the upside and one side for holding a sheet to be scanned on the back surface of which a magnetic layer is formed, a light source for irradiating the sheet to be scanned with light, a spinner including a deflection mirror for deflecting light from the light source toward the sheet to be scanned and a converging optical system for converging light deflected by the deflection mirror onto a surface of the sheet to be scanned, a motor for rotating the spinner coaxially with a center axis of the arcuate support surface, a light detector for detecting light from the sheet to be scanned, a sub-scanning motor for translating the sheet holding member relative to the spinner in parallel with the center axis, magnetic material provided on the arcuate support surface of the sheet holding member, sheet end portion holding members provided at one end portion of the arcuate support surface of the sheet holding member and adapt

Abstract: A scanning optical device that includes a light source for emitting a light flux; a polygon mirror including a plurality of reflecting surfaces for deflecting the light flux to form a scanning beam spot on an image surface; a polygon mirror cover that covers the polygon mirror; and an optical sensor. The polygon mirror is provided with a mark on the top surface thereof that is eccentric from a rotation axis of the polygon mirror. Also, the polygon mirror cover includes a cylindrical rib formed on an inner surface of the top wall projecting toward the polygon mirror in a space between the top wall and the polygon mirror. The optical sensor is provided for detecting the mark and projects toward the polygon mirror from the inner surface of the top wall, through the cylindrical rib, such that the optical sensor forms a part of the cylindrical rib.

Abstract: In order to improve the accuracy of the absolute value of a wavelength of diffraction light in a diffraction grating, a gas absorption line resulting from an absorption cell 8 is used as a wavelength reference 8. When reference light is exited from a light source 7 in a wavelength reference light source 1, the reference light is transmitted to a diffraction grating 2 as transmitted light having a spectrum absorbing only light of a predetermined wavelength by the absorption cell 8 to allow it to be reciprocated in a predetermined angle range. The diffraction grating 2 produces a split light beam from the transmitted light from the absorption cell 8. The diffraction grating 2 splits the transmitted light from the absorption cell 8 to provide diffracted light and the diffracted light from the diffraction grating 2 is received by the reference light receiving unit 3.

Abstract: A system for scanning or tracking, which includes a polygon rotatable about a rotational axis. The system further includes a fixed radiation source directing radiation at the polygon along a path whose extension would intersect the rotational axis of the polygon. The intersection of the extended path with the rotational axis of the polygon constitutes an original imaginary intersection point. The system includes a first scanned region onto which the radiation is projected, the projection being characterized in that radiation emanating from the radiation source is reflected from the polygon and is made to propagate, prior to impinging on the first scanned region, along a path which includes at least one additional path segment with the additional path segment passing through or directed at an additional intersection point, the additional intersection point being a real or imaginary image of the original intersection point.

Abstract: An original placement table is provided, on which an original sheet is placed. An original scanning device causes a light beam to scan the original sheet placed on the original placement table. A light receiving device receives a light beam which has been reflected by the original sheet placed on the original placement table after being emitted by the original scanning device. An original edge determining device monitors light intensity of the light beam received by the light receiving device. The original edge determining device determines that the light beam currently being received by the light receiving device is the light beam reflected by an edge of the original sheet placed on the original placement table when a significant variation is detected in the light intensity either for the first time or for the last time in one scanning operation of the original scanning device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laser rotating and irradiating system, having a main unit, which comprises a light emitting means, a scanning means for rotating a laser beam for scanning, a reflection light detecting means for detecting reflection light from an object reflector, an angle detecting means for detecting an angle of an irradiating direction of the laser beam, a scanning control unit for controlling a scanning range of the laser beam based on detection results of the angle detecting means and the reflection light detecting means, and a rotation control unit for driving a scanning motor within the scanning range.

Abstract: An optical scanner comprising a light source unit, an optical deflector to scan a light beam from the light source unit, a first image formation optical system disposed between the light source unit and the optical deflector, and a second image formation optical system disposed between the optical deflector and the surface to be scanned, wherein the second image formation optical system comprises a first curved mirror to reflect the light beam from the optical deflector and a second curved mirror to focus the light beam from the first curved mirror on the surface to be scanned, having surface shapes of any of the group consisting of the first curved mirror having a toric surface with a convex shape in the main scanning direction, which is the direction a light beam is scanned in, and with a concave shape in the sub scanning direction, which is the direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction, and the first curved mirror having a toric surface with a concave shape in the main scanning direction and a

Abstract: An optical scanning device is described, which is provided with a scanning element having a reflecting measuring reference face (31), and a position detection system (80) which supplies, inter alia, a measuring signal (S.sub.z) for the position of the scanning element in a direction perpendicular to the reference face. By implementing the scanning element in a very thin form and by correcting said measuring signal (S) by means of the polygon bending signal (S.sub.b) supplied by the position detection system, a very rapid and accurate scanning can be realized.

Abstract: The current disclosure discloses methods of and systems for automatically adjusting or selecting a pitch between beams in a multi-beam scanning system. An array of light sources is mounted on a rotatable housing and emits light in a direction perpendicular to the rotational plane. The system or method measures a pitch on or near an intermediate image-forming surface. In response to the measured pitch, the scanning as well as sub-scanning pitch is automatically adjusted or selected by rotating a housing unit to maintain a desired pitch.

Abstract: A multiple beam scanning apparatus in which a plurality of light beams are repeatedly scanned at the same time, including a light source unit defining an optical axis and including plural laser diodes, collimator lenses for respectively converting light beams emitted by the laser diodes to respective parallel light fluxes, and a beam composing unit for superposing the light beams and emitting the superposed light beams therefrom. The light source unit is rotatively adjustable around the optical axis and is constructed such that respective light fluxes emitted from the beam composing unit are emitted with predetermined respective different angles at least in a main scanning direction.

Abstract: A technique for achieving both start-of-scan detection and dynamic beam intensity regulation in a multiple laser beam raster output scanner using a single photodetector. The raster output scanner includes a source or sources of a plurality of laser beams, a rotating polygon having at least one reflecting facet for sweeping the laser beams to form a scan line path, and a photodetector for receiving illumination from the multiple laser beams and for converting those beams into beam-dependent electrical currents. The raster output scanner further includes a scan detection circuit for producing a start-of-scan signal from the beam dependent current, and a beam intensity circuit for producing an electrical output signal which depends upon the difference in beam intensity of at least two of the laser beams. Beneficially, the raster output scanner also includes an optical fiber that collects a portion of the light flux in the sweeping laser beams which directs the light flux onto the photodetector.

Abstract: An optical detecting apparatus has a light source for emitting laser beams and a collimator and cylindrical lenses for collecting the laser beams. A mirror has first faces arranged in a polygon for rotating the mirror and reflecting some of the collected laser beams from the first faces, whereby each of the faces provides an effective width of scanning of the laser beams. Second faces also on the mirror respectively with the first faces are optically at a different angle from the first faces for reflecting others of the collected laser beams and an optical detector is spaced from the mirror for detecting the others of laser beams reflected from the second faces and producing synchronizing signals when the others of the collected laser beams reflected from the second faces are detected before or after the effective width of scanning.

Abstract: An obstacle detecting apparatus including a light projecting assembly for projecting the laser light generated in a laser light emitting element through a light emitting path, a light introducing assembly for introducing the laser light reflected by an obstacle into a light receiving element through a light receiving path, and a driving motor for driving the light emitting assembly and at least a portion of the light introducing assembly. The light path in the light projecting assembly is different from the light introducing path, and a distance to the obstacle is obtained based on a propagating delay time from emitting the laser light by the laser light emitting element until receiving the laser light by the laser light receiving element.

Abstract: An apparatus (5) for measuring the dimensions of an object (1) where a measuring carriage (6) moves the object at a distance thereabove. A polygonal mirror unit (32) receives laser light (16) and reflects it in a fan-shaped form toward a stationary angled mirror unit (37, 38) which directs the light towards a double-curved stationary mirror unit (39) which reflects the beam onto the object. Mirrors (40) of the polygonal unit are adjustable.

Abstract: A system for preventing collisions between a vehicle and other objects, the vehicle having a blind side, an opposite driver side, a from end and an opposite rear end, has side ranging capability that determines the distance from the blind side of the vehicle to an object in a lane immediately adjacent to the blind side while the vehicle is in the process of moving into a traffic lane immediately adjacent to the blind side. Rear ranging capabilities are employed to determine the distance from the rear side to an object behind the vehicle while the vehicle is in the process of backing up. A calculating capability, responsive to the side ranging capability and the rear ranging capability, determines when an object is in a lane immediately adjacent to the blind side while the vehicle is in the process of moving into the lane immediately adjacent to the blind side and also determines when an object is behind the vehicle while the vehicle is in the process of backing up.

Abstract: An original placement table is provided, on which an original sheet is placed. An original scanning device causes a light beam to scan the original sheet placed on the original placement table. A light receiving device receives a light beam which has been reflected by the original sheet placed on the original placement table after being emitted by the original scanning device. An original edge determining device monitors light intensity of the light beam received by the light receiving device. The original edge determining device determines that the light beam currently being received by the light receiving device is the light beam reflected by an edge of the original sheet placed on the original placement table when a significant variation is detected in the light intensity either for the first time or for the last time in one scanning operation of the original scanning device.

Abstract: A polygonal mirror used to scan a laser flux is inclined with respect to a mounting surface of a housing of the optical scanning device, in such a manner that the beam incident to the polygonal mirror is parallel to the mounting surface, enabling the reduction of the housing in the sub-scanning direction.