Adaptable Lidar Imaging via Digital Micromirror Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional Lidar systems are limited by non-adaptive scanning processes, which restrict resolution and rate, leading to inefficient data collection and processing, particularly in dynamic environments where priority areas need focused attention, such as in self-driving cars or situations with low return reflectivity coatings.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive Lidar system utilizing digital micromirror technology for high mechanical bandwidth and resolution beam steering, allowing for real-time adjustment of laser beam pointing and focusing to prioritize areas of interest, using a controller, lidar control software, and an emitter/detector subsystem with digitally controllable micromirrors to implement various focusing modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional oscillation-based scanning is used, then mechanical simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to prioritize areas of interest is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical oscillation-based scanning systems with an adaptive beam steering system that uses digitally controllable mirrors (such as DMD - Digital Micromirror Device) to direct laser beams. This substitution eliminates the need for repetitive mechanical oscillation while enabling dynamic adaptation to prioritize areas of interest through software-controlled beam positioning, thereby achieving adaptability without proportionally increasing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic beam steering capabilities where the laser beam can be rapidly repositioned to different areas of interest based on real-time priorities. The system transitions from static, repetitive scanning patterns to dynamic, adaptive scanning that responds to changing conditions, allowing the beam to focus on high-value areas such as detected objects or regions requiring enhanced surveillance.
2Productivity
If non-adaptive scanning is used, then data collection covers all areas, but processing workload increases due to collecting low-value data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing the laser beam with higher intensity and longer dwell time to specific areas of interest rather than uniformly scanning all areas. High-priority regions such as detected objects or critical zones receive concentrated measurement effort, while low-priority areas are scanned less frequently or with reduced resolution, thereby improving data collection efficiency and reducing processing workload by focusing resources where they provide maximum value.
3Speed
If repetitive scanning is used, then mechanical operation is simple, but response time to detect objects of interest is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by using initial low-resolution or rapid scanning to detect potential objects of interest, then preemptively directing the laser beam to those identified areas for detailed examination before other systems would naturally scan them again. This allows the system to proactively focus on promising targets, significantly reducing response time for object detection while maintaining manageable device complexity through a two-stage approach.
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 enhances data collection efficiency by focusing on high-value areas, reducing noise, and improving data quality, enabling faster object detection and processing, especially in situations with low reflectivity or dynamic priorities.
Implementation Method 1
an emitter/detector subsystem... responsive to commands from the focusing control subsystem to generate at least one laser beam
Implementation Method 2
The micromirrors may be used for controlling pointing of the at least one laser beam... and for reception of reflected optical signals from a selected portion of the scene
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an adaptive light detection and ranging (lidar) system. In one implementation the system may have a controller and lidar control software in communication with the controller. A focusing control subsystem may be included which is configured to control focusing and detection of a laser beam. An emitter/detector subsystem may be included which is responsive to commands from the focusing control subsystem to generate at least one laser beam which is used to implement a plurality of different focusing modes for imaging a scene.