Electro-optical scanning system with gyrating scan head

A method of optically scanning a target comprising the steps of:

• mounting a moveable member to a fixed member at a pair of locations defining an axis;
• mounting an optical element to said moveable member;
• directing a beam of light at said optical element, whereby the light beam is redirected by said optical element toward a target area;
• and
• moving said moveable member with respect to said fixed member so that points on said moveable member have a component of motion in a first plane including said axis, whereby said optical element is moved by said moveable member and said redirected beam provides a scanning beam in said target area.

An optical scanning system comprising:

• a scan head having a fixed member, a moveable member mounted at a pair of locations to said fixed member for movement with respect to said fixed member from an equilibrium position, said locations defining at said equilibrium position an axis, and means for inducing an oscillating motion of said moveable member from said equilibrium position with respect to said fixed member, said oscillating motion having a component of motion in a first plane which includes said axis;
• an optical element coupled to said moveable member for movement therewith;
• a light source for directing a light beam at said optical element, whereby said optical element redirects said light beam toward a target area and provides a scanning beam in the target area in response to movement of said optical element;
• and
• means for receiving light from said target area and for producing electrical signals which are responsive to the received light.