Light Scanning Sensor Steering Transmit and Receive Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beam steering systems face challenges in maximizing signal to noise ratio, particularly in applications like Lidar sensors and projection displays, where improving detection accuracy is needed.

Innovation Solution

The technique involves steering both transmit and receive signals using a beam splitter and a scanning beam steerer, which splits the light beam to provide a reference signal for ambient condition probing, enhancing detection in conditions like darkness and fog.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If only the transmit beam is steered with a wide angle detector array, then the system structure is simple, but the signal to noise ratio is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal to noise ratioVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the transmit beam steering and receive signal steering functions into a single integrated optical path. The beam splitter combines the transmitted beam and received reflected beam, while the scanning mirror simultaneously steers both beams, eliminating the need for separate steering mechanisms and achieving high signal-to-noise ratio with simplified structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The scanning mirror serves multiple functions: it steers the transmitted beam toward the target and simultaneously steers the received reflected beam toward the detector. This multi-functional component resolves the contradiction by providing effective beam steering for both transmission and reception without adding system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If synchronized beam steering mechanisms are used for both transmit and receive, then beam steering accuracy is improved, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam steering accuracyVSAvoidsynchronized steering mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for synchronized dual steering mechanisms by merging the steering function into a single scanning mirror that operates independently for both transmit and receive paths. The beam splitter naturally directs the appropriate beams to their destinations without requiring complex synchronization control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The beam splitter acts as an intermediary that separates and directs the transmitted and reflected beams through the single scanning mirror. This mediator component enables accurate beam steering for both paths without requiring direct synchronization between separate steering mechanisms, thereby reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a beam splitter is used to split the light beam for reference signal, then ambient condition detection is enhanced, but light intensity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveambient condition detectionVSAvoidlight intensity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The beam splitter divides the light beam into two paths, with a portion directed to the scanning mirror for ambient condition detection and the main portion directed to the target. This partial action approach enables environmental sensing without significantly compromising the intensity of the primary transmitted beam, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 improves the signal to noise ratio, increases the range and resolution of light sensors, and simplifies the system design by eliminating the need for synchronized beam steering mechanisms, while reducing complexity and cost.

Implementation Method 1

A beam splitter is used, which is positioned to receive both the light beam transmitted by the light source and the return light beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBeam splitting: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a scanning beam steerer, which is positioned to receive both transmitted light from the beam splitter and returning light from the target

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

A light detector is positioned to receive at least a portion of the return light beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10942259B2Light scanning sensor capable of steering both transmit and receive signals

Publication Date: 2021.03.09 TDK CORP

AI summary

A technique that can maximize signal to noise ratio in systems that use beam steering, by steering both the transmit and receive signals. A beam splitter is used, which is positioned to receive both the light beam transmitted by the light source and the return light beam, and a scanning beam steerer, which is positioned to receive both transmitted light from the beam splitter and returning light from the target. Using a split portion of the beam, a reference signal can be provided to probe the ambient condition of the sensor, to sense conditions such as darkness and fog.