Master Device Timing Control for MEMS Laser Scanning Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical scanning devices, the lack of a master-slave relationship between scanner units leads to unstable operation of slave devices due to unsynchronized laser light emissions, resulting in incorrect measurement results.
Innovation Solution
A master device is introduced with a light emission circuit, amplitude control circuit, timing data generation circuit, buffer, and data output circuit to generate and store timing data for the MEMS mirror's scanning angle, allowing the master device to control light emission and supply stable timing data to slave devices, ensuring synchronized operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a master-slave relationship is introduced between scanner units, then the operation stability and synchronization of slave devices are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A master device is introduced as an intermediary that generates and distributes timing data to slave devices. The master device includes a timing data generation circuit that creates reference timing signals based on the scanning angle of its MEMS mirror, and a data output circuit that transmits this timing data to slave devices. This intermediary structure enables synchronized operation without requiring complex bidirectional communication between all scanner units.
Solution Approach 2:
The master device generates its own timing data based on its own MEMS mirror scanning operation, rather than receiving timing data from external sources. The timing data generation circuit uses the scanning angle information from the master device's own MEMS mirror to create accurate timing references, making the system self-sufficient and reducing external dependencies.
2Speed
If timing data is generated in real-time without buffering, then the responsiveness to scanning changes is improved, but the stability during amplitude changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer stores timing data in advance before it is needed for light emission control. By pre-storing timing data in the buffer, the system ensures that valid timing information is available even when scanning amplitude changes occur, preventing instability while maintaining readiness for immediate use.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer acts as a cushion that absorbs disturbances caused by scanning amplitude changes. When the MEMS mirror scanning amplitude changes, the buffer provides pre-stored timing data that remains valid, cushioning the system against timing disruptions and ensuring stable light emission control during transitions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the scanning amplitude of the MEMS mirror is changed to adjust the angle of view, then the adaptability of the scanning system is improved, but the synchronization between master and slave devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the MEMS mirror scanning angle to generate timing data. The timing data generation circuit continuously monitors the scanning angle of the MEMS mirror and generates timing data that reflects the current scanning state. This feedback mechanism ensures that timing data remains synchronized with the actual scanning operation, even when amplitude changes occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer stores timing data in advance before amplitude changes occur. When the scanning amplitude is adjusted to change the angle of view, the buffer provides pre-stored timing data that maintains synchronization during the transition period, preventing desynchronization between master and slave devices while allowing adaptability.
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 configuration stabilizes the operation of slave devices by maintaining synchronized laser light emissions and preventing errors in three-dimensional point cloud data acquisition, even when the scanning amplitude or angle of view changes.
Implementation Method 1
a micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) mirror that scans the first laser light emitted by the light emission circuit in a raster scan method
Data Source
AI summary
A master device includes: a light emission circuit configured to emit first laser light; an amplitude control circuit configured to control a scanning amplitude of a micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) mirror that scans the first laser light in a raster scan method; a timing data generation circuit configured to generate timing data that indicates a timing when a scanning angle of the MEMS mirror becomes zero, based on an operation of the MEMS mirror; a buffer configured to store the timing data in one frame of the scanning of the MEMS mirror; a light emission control circuit configured to control light emission of the first laser light by the light emission circuit, based on the timing data generated by the timing data generation circuit; and a data output circuit configured to output data to a slave device that operates dependent on an own device.