Hybrid 2D Scanner Using Meta-Surface and Mechanical Axes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 2D scanner systems face challenges in achieving rapid scanning with high resolution and simple configuration, as they often rely on complex mechanical structures or limited scanning capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid 2D scanner system combining a meta-surface based 1D scanner and a mechanical scanner, where the meta-surface scanner uses a channel array with individually controlled channels and a power supply, and the mechanical scanner employs two rotational axes with one axis fixed to operate as a 1D scanner, utilizing piezoelectric and electromagnetic/electrostatic methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a mechanical scanner with two rotational axes is used for 2D scanning, then the scanning coverage is improved, but the scanning speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the 2D scanning function into two separate 1D scanning components: a mechanical scanner handling one axis and a meta-surface scanner handling the other axis. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently at its optimal speed, with the meta-surface scanner providing rapid switching capability to compensate for the slower mechanical scanner, thereby maintaining high scanning speed while achieving complete 2D coverage.
2Speed
If a meta-surface based 1D scanner is used for rapid scanning, then the scanning speed is improved, but the scanning dimension is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a meta-surface based 1D scanner with a mechanical scanner to form a hybrid 2D scanner system. The meta-surface scanner provides rapid scanning in one dimension while the mechanical scanner handles the other dimension, merging their capabilities to achieve both high scanning speed and complete 2D scanning coverage.
3Productivity
If a hybrid 2D scanner system combining meta-surface and mechanical scanners is used, then the scanning efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scanning system into two independent 1D scanning units with distinct functions: a mechanical scanner for one axis and a meta-surface scanner for the other axis. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall control architecture, as each unit operates autonomously in its designated dimension, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining high scanning efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enables faster scanning speeds and increased resolution by leveraging the high-speed meta-surface scanner for wide field views and the mechanical scanner for narrow views, resulting in improved scanning efficiency and stability, particularly suitable for LiDAR systems in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
a meta-surface based 1D scanner which may include a base substrate, a meta-surface that is arranged on the base substrate and comprises a channel array, and a power supply for applying a voltage to the channel array
Implementation Method 2
The mechanical scanner may be an actuator that uses a piezoelectric material
Implementation Method 3
The mechanical scanner may be an electromagnetic MEMS type mechanical scanner that uses a Lorentz force
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a hybrid two-dimensional (2D) scanner system and a method of operating the same. The hybrid 2D scanner system includes a meta-surface based one-dimensional (1D) scanner and a mechanical scanner connected to the meta-surface based 1D scanner. In this scanner system, the mechanical scanner is operated as a 1D scanner. For this purpose, one of two rotational axes included in the mechanical scanner is maintained in a fixed position during a scanning operation. The meta-surface based 1D scanner may include a base substrate, a meta-surface that is arranged on the base substrate and includes a channel array, and a power supply configured to apply a voltage to the channel array.