MEMS Vehicle Lighting with Dual-Mode Scanning and Object Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Scanning illumination apparatuses with MEMS scanners in motor vehicles primarily focus on illumination and lack the capability to sense the environment, failing to provide a sensor function.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a MEMS scanner with a control apparatus that allows for both vector and raster scanning modes, enabling the generation of high illuminance light distributions while also capturing sensor data from the environment, using a single device that includes a tiltable mirror and actuator system, and optionally a sensor device for passive or active detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a MEMS scanner is used for illumination only, then high light intensity is achieved, but sensor function is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The MEMS scanner is designed to perform multiple functions: illumination (vector scan mode) and environmental sensing (raster scan mode). The same hardware components (MEMS device, light source, sensor) are utilized for both illumination and sensing purposes, making the system universal and versatile without requiring separate dedicated devices.
2Illumination intensity
If vector scan is used for illumination, then high illuminance light distribution is produced, but environmental sensing capability is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The MEMS scanner dynamically switches between two scanning modes: vector scan for illumination (producing high illuminance light distributions) and raster scan for environmental sensing. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt its function based on operational requirements, enabling both high-performance illumination and environmental sensing capabilities.
3Device complexity
If a single MEMS device is used, then device complexity is reduced, but functional versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
A single MEMS device is designed to perform both illumination and environmental sensing functions by switching between vector scan and raster scan modes. This universal design reduces device complexity compared to using separate dedicated illumination and sensing systems, while maintaining full functional versatility through mode switching.
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
Enables high illuminance light distributions through vector scanning and simultaneous environmental sensing via raster scanning, achieving a compact and efficient illumination and sensor function, with the ability to detect objects and communicate information through non-visible light.
Implementation Method 1
one or more light beams from a light source are deflected via a scanning movement and a light spot is moved thereby
Implementation Method 2
an electrostatic and/or magnetic actuator system
Implementation Method 3
an electrostatic and/or magnetic actuator system
Implementation Method 4
a sensor device is provided, which is designed such that, in the second operating mode, it captures as sensor data light radiation that is coming from the environment of the motor vehicle and is incident on the mirror
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting device for a motor vehicle includes a first light source for producing visible light and a MEMS scanner in which a single tiltable mirror is integrated. A light spot, which is generated by the lighting device at a distance from the latter, can be moved by a scanning movement of the mirror. A control apparatus is provided in the lighting device and can be used to operate the lighting device in a first mode of operation. The control apparatus is further configured to operate the lighting device in a second mode of operation. Moreover, a sensor apparatus is provided, such that in the second mode of operation, the apparatus detects as sensor data light radiation which originates from the surroundings of the motor vehicle and which is incident on the mirror. The control apparatus carries out object recognition by way of evaluation of the sensor data.