Integrated MEMS Spiral Scanner for 360° LiDAR Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current scanner-based solid-state LiDAR systems struggle to achieve a wide horizontal field of view beyond 120 degrees, necessitating multiple units on vehicles, which increases complexity and cost and introduces alignment issues.
Innovation Solution
An omni-view peripheral scanning system with an integrated MEMS spiral scanner that uses a scanning mirror and top reflector to achieve a 360-degree horizontal field of view by reflecting optical signals in a spiral pattern, utilizing MEMS-based comb drive actuators to tilt the scanning mirror and a cone-shaped reflecting surface to direct signals in various directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If multiple LiDAR units are mounted on the vehicle to achieve a 360-degree horizontal field of view, then the field of view is improved, but the device complexity and alignment issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning system is divided into functional components: a scanning mirror for beam deflection, a top reflector with a cone-shaped surface for omnidirectional reflection, and MEMS comb drive actuators for precise mirror positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, achieving 360-degree coverage without requiring multiple LiDAR units.
Solution Approach 2:
The top reflector acts as an intermediary element between the scanning mirror and the environment. It receives the scanned optical signals and redirects them in multiple directions simultaneously, enabling omnidirectional coverage. The cone-shaped surface of the top reflector ensures that signals are distributed across a wide angular range, achieving 360-degree horizontal field of view with a single LiDAR unit.
2Area of moving object
If multiple LiDAR units are mounted on the vehicle to achieve a 360-degree horizontal field of view, then the field of view is improved, but the cost worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple LiDAR units into a single integrated system. The scanning mirror, top reflector, and MEMS actuators work together as one unified unit to achieve the 360-degree field of view that would otherwise require multiple separate LiDAR units, thereby reducing manufacturing cost and system complexity.
3Area of moving object
If multiple LiDAR units are mounted on the vehicle to achieve a 360-degree horizontal field of view, then the field of view is improved, but the alignment issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The top reflector is pre-configured with a cone-shaped surface that is geometrically designed to receive and redirect optical signals from the scanning mirror. This preliminary geometric configuration ensures that the system achieves omnidirectional coverage without requiring complex post-installation alignment procedures, as the reflector's shape inherently guides the signal distribution.
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 enables a 360-degree horizontal field of view with a single LiDAR unit, reducing complexity and cost while eliminating alignment issues, and is applicable in advanced navigation technologies for autonomous driving and high-definition map generation.
Implementation Method 1
the scanning mirror is configured to reflect the optical signal back onto the top reflector following a spiral pattern
Implementation Method 2
The top reflector is configured to direct the optical signal towards the environment
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems)-based comb drive actuators that hold the scanning mirror, where the plurality of MEMS-based comb drive actuators are configured to tilt the scanning mirror to different normal directions
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure provide a transmitter containing an omni-view peripheral scanning system, an omni-view peripheral scanning system, and an optical sensing method. The optical sensing system includes an optical source configured to sequentially emit optical signals. The optical sensing system further includes an omni-view peripheral scanning system configured to receive the optical signals and sequentially direct the optical signals towards an environment following a peripheral scanning pattern. The peripheral scanning system may include a scanning mirror and a top reflector. Each optical signal may pass through the top reflector towards the scanning mirror, where the scanning mirror is configured to reflect the optical signal back onto the top reflector following a spiral pattern and the top reflector is configured to direct the optical signal towards the environment. The optical sensing system further includes a receiver configured to receive at least a portion of the optical signals reflected from the environment.