Optical scanning method and apparatus

A video player, comprising:

• (a) means for projecting an image of an information bearing medium along an optical path;
• (b) a solid-state linear image sensing array;
• (c) a first alternative optical path for conveying said projected image to said array, said first alternative optical path having an even number of reflections;
• (d) a second alternative optical path for conveying said projected image to said array, said second alternative optical path having an odd number of reflections;
• (e) light valve means for periodically switching the projected image between said first and second alternative optical paths;
• (f) scanning mirror means disposed in said optical path and pivotally movable for displacing said projected image relative to said array to effect a scan;
• (g) means for moving said scanning mirror back and forth at a substantially constant rate;
• (h) synchronizing means for synchronizing said light valve means and said mirror moving means such that said first alternative optical path is active when said mirror is moved in one direction, and said second alternative optical path is active when said mirror is moved in the opposite direction.

A video player, comprising:

• (a) means for projecting an image of an information bearing medium along an optical path;
• (b) a solid-state linear imager sensing array disposed in said optical path, for scanning said image line-wise in a first direction;
• (c) scanning mirror means disposed in said optical path and mounted for pivotal movement between first and second angular positions for deflecting the image relative to said image sensing array in a second direction substantially perpendicular to said first direction;
• (d) means for moving said scanning mirror back and forth between said first and second positions at a substantially constant rate;
• (e) means for periodically inverting the image in the second direction;
• and
• (f) means for synchronizing said mirror moving means and said image inverting means such that the image is inverted between successive movements of said scanning mirror.

A method for effecting sawtooth scanning in optical apparatus employing a moveable mirror to deflect the optical path of the apparatus, comprising the steps of:

• transmitting an image along the optical path;
• pivotally moving the mirror back and forth at a substantially constant rate to scan the image;
• and
• inverting the image, in the direction of the scan, between each back and forth movement of the mirror.

Optical scanning apparatus for periodically deflecting the optical path in an optical system, comprising:

• (a) a scanning mirror mounted for pivotal movement between first and second positions to deflect the optical path, thereby effecting a scan;
• (b) means for moving said scanning mirror back and forth between said first and second positions at a substantially constant rate;
• (c) means for periodically inverting an image transmitted along the optical path, said image inverting means including means for establishing a first light path including at least one reflecting surface, and means for inserting an additional one or other odd number of reflecting surfaces into said first light path to establish a second light path;
• and
• (d) means for synchronizing said mirror moving means and said image inverting means so that said image inverting means inverts said image between successive movements of said scanning mirror.