Magnetically Actuated Scanning Mirror for LIDAR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current scanning mirror systems in LIDAR technology face challenges in efficiently scanning and measuring distances with high angular resolution and range, particularly in automotive applications, where ambient light noise and range aliasing limit the accuracy and field of view.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of magnetically actuated scanning mirror assemblies with non-resonant drive signals and adjustable angular extents, synchronized between transmit and receive modules, allows for a configurable field of view and scan rates, enhancing angular resolution and increasing the non-ambiguous range without changing the acquired scene's angular resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If scanning mirror systems use traditional resonant drive signals, then scanning speed can be increased, but angular resolution and measurement accuracy deteriorate due to ambient light noise and range aliasing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies non-resonant drive signals with dynamically adjustable scan rates that can be independently controlled for different angular extents. This allows the system to optimize between scanning speed and angular resolution by adjusting the scan rate according to the required field of view, rather than being constrained by fixed resonant frequencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by using non-resonant drive signals instead of traditional resonant signals. This parameter change enables independent control of scan rates and angular extents, allowing the system to maintain high angular resolution while achieving desired scanning speeds by operating outside the resonant frequency constraints.
2Area of stationary object
If scanning mirror systems increase the field of view to enhance coverage, then the measurement range increases, but angular resolution deteriorates due to the fixed angular extent of traditional systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamically adjustable angular extents that can be independently controlled for each scanning axis. This allows the system to expand the field of view when needed while maintaining high angular resolution by adjusting the scan rates and angular extents independently, rather than being constrained by fixed mechanical limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning mirror system achieves multi-functionality by being able to operate in different angular extents and scan rates within the same physical hardware. The system can switch between narrow high-resolution scanning modes and wide low-resolution survey modes, providing universal applicability across different LIDAR application requirements.
3Device complexity
If scanning mirror systems use fixed scan rates to simplify control, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different driving conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamically adjustable scan rates that can be independently controlled for different angular extents and scanning axes. This dynamic control capability allows the LIDAR system to adapt to various driving conditions such as urban environments, highways, and parking scenarios, providing the necessary versatility without requiring multiple fixed-rate scanning systems.
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 solution improves the LIDAR system's ability to maintain high angular resolution and extend measurement range, reducing ambient light noise and range aliasing, while allowing for adaptive field of view adjustments based on vehicle speed and environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a coil, which defines an interior volume, is positioned about the scanning platform
Data Source
AI summary
A light detection and ranging system includes synchronously scanning transmit and receive mirrors that scan a pulsed fanned laser beam in two dimensions. Imaging optics image a receive aperture onto an arrayed receiver that includes a plurality of light sensitive devices. Scanning mirror assemblies include stationary permanent magnets and MEMS devices with attached mirrors and conductive coils.