LiDAR MEMS Beam Steering with Segmented Detector Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
LiDAR systems face challenges in accurately steering consecutive light pulses and correctly correlating returned signals, especially when increasing the repetition rate to improve point density, which can reduce the detection range and lead to mixed-up return signals.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a LiDAR system using a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) beam steering system, including a mirror and control circuitry, to selectively activate detector segments based on the optical path, and a multi-lens array with overlapping windows to filter out incorrect return pulses, ensuring accurate signal processing and enhanced scanning capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the repetition rate of light pulses is increased to improve point density, then scanning density is improved, but detection range is reduced and return signals may be mixed up
Solution Approach 1:
The detector array is divided into multiple independently controllable detector segments. By selectively activating only the detector segments corresponding to the current beam steering position, the system can process return signals more efficiently. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high repetition rates for improved scanning density while reducing signal mixing through precise spatial filtering at the detector level.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuitry pre-activates specific detector segments based on the anticipated beam steering position before the return signal arrives. This preliminary action ensures that the correct detector segments are ready to capture the return signal at the expected time, preventing signal mixing even at high repetition rates while maintaining extended detection range.
2Reliability
If all detector segments are activated to ensure comprehensive signal detection, then detection coverage is improved, but noise and incorrect signal detection increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different detector segments are selectively activated based on the local requirements of each beam steering position. Instead of uniformly activating all detector segments, the system activates only those segments that correspond to the current optical path, providing localized detection coverage. This reduces noise from inactive segments while maintaining comprehensive coverage where needed.
3Reliability
If a single large optic is used for signal reception, then detection coverage is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver system uses multiple smaller detector segments instead of a single large detector, with each segment corresponding to a specific beam steering position. This segmentation approach achieves comprehensive detection coverage through coordinated activation of multiple simple components rather than one complex large component, reducing overall system complexity and cost.
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 approach allows for precise steering and detection of light pulses within a field of view, improving scanning density and accuracy while maintaining or extending the detection range, even at higher repetition rates, by activating only necessary detector segments and filtering out noise.
Implementation Method 1
The beam steering system can include a micro-electrical mechanical system (MEMS) structure and a mirror
Implementation Method 2
The receiver system can include an optical lens and a detector array comprising a plurality of detector segments. The detector array is positioned at or near a focal plane of the optical lens
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments discussed herein refer to using LiDAR systems for steering consecutive light pulses using micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) to illuminate objects in a field of view. Embodiments discussed herein also refer to using a multiple lens array to process returned light pulses.