MEMS Lidar Projection for Low-Power Real-Time Interaction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine-human interaction systems, particularly in robotics and drones, lack efficient, low-power, and compact solutions for timely sensing and projecting information, often relying on bulky and energy-inefficient methods like flashing bulbs or rotating lights.

Innovation Solution

A sensing and projection system fusion using MEMS Mirror-based vector graphics laser projection (VGLP) that integrates electromagnetic radiation sensors with MEMS mirrors for low-power, low-weight, and low-cost machine-human interaction, enabling real-time high-contrast information projection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If traditional flashing bulbs or rotating lights are used for machine-human interaction, then visibility and attention-grabbing capability are improved, but power consumption increases and device size/weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical systems (flashing bulbs, rotating lights) with an optical projection system using MEMS mirrors and laser sources. The MEMS-based vector graphics laser projection (VGLP) system projects light patterns directly onto surfaces to convey information, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical display components while maintaining visibility and attention-grabbing capabilities through programmable light patterns and colors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The projection system serves multiple functions: it provides visual attention-grabbing capabilities, displays informational content through vector graphics, and enables machine-human interaction. This multi-functionality replaces what previously required separate components (bulbs for attention, screens for information), reducing overall power consumption and device size while maintaining or improving visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Illumination intensity

If traditional flashing bulbs or rotating lights are used for machine-human interaction, then visibility and attention-grabbing capability are improved, but device size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovevisibilityVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical display systems (bulbs, rotating lights, screens) with a compact optical projection system based on MEMS mirrors. The MEMS-based VGLP architecture projects visual information onto external surfaces rather than requiring internal display screens, dramatically reducing device weight while maintaining visibility and information display capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of time

If sensing and projection systems are fused together, then response time and interaction speed are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse timeVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines sensing subsystems (LIDAR, cameras, other sensors) with the projection system into an integrated architecture. The sensing data is processed and directly used to control projection content, creating a unified machine-human interaction system. This fusion eliminates data transfer delays between separate systems and enables real-time response, with the added complexity managed through integrated control software that coordinates both sensing and projection functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The system provides fast, efficient, and safe machine-human interaction by processing data locally, reducing power consumption, size, and weight, suitable for battery-operated devices and applications like drones, ADAS, and smart city safety.

Implementation Method 1

a light source that is steered using a MEMS mirror over a field of view

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

an optical sensor based sensing that can rely on the reflected brightness, time of flight, imaging or other optical sensing methodologies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical reflection detection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

an optical sensor based sensing that can rely on the reflected brightness, time of flight, imaging or other optical sensing methodologies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS12529766B2Lidar system with projection capability

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 MIRRORCLE TECH

AI summary

A combined sensing and projection apparatus includes a LIDAR sensor, a scan module, a unified processor and a mechanical mounting. The LIDAR sensor is configured to detect light and sense a physical property of an object or environment. The scan module has a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) mirror configured to deflect one or more laser beams to project vector graphic content related to the physical property of the object. The unified processor is configured to reduce processing delays by fusion of processing of both vector graphic content and determination of the physical property of the object. The scan module and sensor are attached to the mechanical mounting.