LiDAR System Using MEMS Mirror and Fiber Optic Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LiDAR systems face limitations in scanning speed, detection area, cost, and longevity, particularly when integrated with moving vehicles, due to reliance on additional light sources and moving components which are prone to wear and tear.
Innovation Solution
A LiDAR system utilizing a microelectromechanical (MEM) component with a reflective surface that oscillates to modulate light beams along a vertical axis, combined with a fibre optic array for increased beam spread and detection density, allowing for broader area scanning without additional light sources or moving parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a rotational LiDAR system uses a rotatable laser to scan the region of interest, then the scanning area is covered, but the moving components are prone to wear and tear leading to premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotational laser system with a stationary light source combined with a micromechanical MEMS mirror that oscillates to steer the light beam. This substitution eliminates the need for a rotatable laser assembly, removing moving components that cause wear and tear while maintaining the ability to scan the region of interest through electronic control of the MEMS mirror oscillation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the rotation function from the laser itself and separates it into a stationary light source combined with a independently oscillating MEMS mirror. This extraction allows the laser to remain stationary while the mirror handles the beam steering, eliminating mechanical wear from the laser assembly while preserving the scanning capability.
2Productivity
If conventional LiDAR systems use additional light sources and moving components to increase scanning speed and detection area, then the scanning performance is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single stationary light source perform multiple functions by combining it with the oscillating MEMS mirror, which enables the system to scan across a wide detection area without requiring additional light sources. The MEMS mirror serves both as a beam steerer and as the mechanism for achieving high scanning speed through rapid oscillation, eliminating the need for complex multi-component arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic oscillation of the MEMS mirror at high frequencies to achieve rapid beam steering across the detection area. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain high scanning speed and cover a large detection area using a single stationary light source, avoiding the need for multiple static light sources or complex mechanical assemblies.
3Productivity
If the scanning speed is increased by emitting light pulses more frequently, then the productivity is improved, but the reflected light from a given emitted beam must be detected before the next pulse is emitted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses rapid oscillation of the MEMS mirror to dynamically steer the light beam across different spatial positions at high frequency. This dynamic beam steering allows the system to emit and detect multiple pulses in quick succession by directing each pulse to a different location, effectively increasing scanning speed without requiring the reflected light from one pulse to be fully detected before the next pulse is emitted, as the system is continuously scanning through space.
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
Enhances scanning speed and resolution over a larger area, reduces system complexity and cost, and extends the system's operational lifetime by minimizing wear on components.
Implementation Method 1
a microelectromechanical (MEM) component having a reflective surface for receiving the plurality of output beams and for reflecting the plurality of output beams towards the region of interest
Implementation Method 2
a receiving lens for focussing a given input beam of the plurality of input beams to a given receiving end of a given optical fibre of the fibre optic array
Implementation Method 3
the fibre optic array arranged to transmit the plurality of input beams to at least one photodetector
Implementation Method 4
the fibre optic array arranged to transmit the plurality of input beams to at least one photodetector
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed systems, and methods are directed to a LiDAR system comprising a radiation source for emitting a plurality of output beams, a microelectromechanical (MEM) component having a reflective surface for receiving the plurality of output beams and for reflecting the plurality of output beams towards the region of interest, a detection system for detecting a plurality of input beams from the region of interest, the detection system comprising a fibre optic array arranged to transmit the plurality of input beams to at least one photodetector, the fibre optic array comprising a plurality of optical fibres, each optical fibre having a receiving end, the receiving ends of the plurality of optical fibres being arranged in a two dimensional array and a receiving lens for focussing a given input beam of the plurality of input beams to a given receiving end of a given optical fibre of the fibre optic array.