Object detector and sensing apparatus

An object detector, comprising:

• a light source;
• a light deflector configured to deflect light emitted from the light source;
• and
• a photodetector configured to detect the light that is deflected by the light deflector and then is reflected at an object, wherein
• the light deflector includes a plurality of reflection planes that rotate on a rotation axis,
• the reflection planes are oblique to the rotation axis and are rotationally symmetrical about the rotation axis,
• the light that is emitted from the light source enters the light deflector in a direction parallel to the rotation axis,
• the light that is reflected at the object is deflected by the light deflector and then is detected by the photodetector, and
• a position at which the light reflected at the object enters the light deflector is closer to a center of rotation of the reflection planes than a position at which the light that is emitted from the light source enters the light deflector.

An object detector, comprising:

• a light source;
• a light deflector configured to deflect light emitted from the light source;
• and
• a photodetector configured to detect the light that is deflected by the light deflector and then is reflected at an object, wherein
• the light deflector includes a plurality of reflection planes that rotate on a rotation axis,
• the reflection planes are oblique to the rotation axis and are rotationally symmetrical about the rotation axis,
• the light that is emitted from the light source enters the light deflector in a direction parallel to the rotation axis,
• the light source includes a two-dimensionally arranged plurality of light-emitting units, and
• some of the light-emitting units are selected and switched on in synchronization with rotation of the reflection planes.