Meniscus Lens MEMS Optical Detection for Wide-Angle Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical object detection systems for motor vehicles, such as lidar systems, are limited in their ability to scan the environment in both horizontal and vertical directions due to the use of omnidirectional lenses, which require sensitive receivers and are restricted by the limited pivoting range of MEMS mirrors.
Innovation Solution
The use of a meniscus lens in conjunction with a controllable micromirror (MEMS) allows for a wider detection angle of up to 180° in the horizontal direction and limited vertical scanning, enabling detection of objects in blind spots and ahead of the vehicle, while maintaining higher radiation intensity for less sensitive receivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If an omnidirectional transmitting lens is used to emit the transmitted light beam in various spatial directions, then the detection range is expanded, but the power of the transmitting beam is divided into different directions requiring a very sensitive receiver
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitting lens is designed with different radii of curvature for its two surfaces (meniscus lens configuration), creating asymmetric optical properties that concentrate the transmitted beam power in specific directions rather than uniformly in all directions, thus maintaining higher power density for detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the transmitting lens by specifying different radii of curvature for the first and second surfaces, which modifies the beam emission pattern to achieve both wide detection range and sufficient beam power without requiring extremely sensitive receivers
2Area of stationary object
If a MEMS mirror is used to pivot the transmitted light beam to scan the surroundings, then the detection area is expanded, but the pivoting range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The meniscus lens introduces asymmetric refraction that works in conjunction with the MEMS mirror's pivoting action, allowing the optical system to achieve a wider effective scanning range than the MEMS mirror's mechanical pivoting range alone would permit
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitting lens acts as an optical intermediary that transforms the limited angular deflection from the MEMS mirror into a broader effective detection area through its specific curvature design, effectively extending the pivoting capability
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 enhances the detection range and sensitivity of the object detection system, allowing for broader area scanning and improved driver assistance systems with reduced receiver sensitivity requirements.
Implementation Method 1
At least along the first direction of rotation, the transmitting lens is designed as a concave-convex lens, which has, on the one hand, a concave curved surface facing the micromirror, and on the other hand, a convex curved surface
Implementation Method 2
a controllable micromirror (so-called MEMS) by means of which the transmitted light beam can be pivoted at least in a first direction
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention relates to an optical object-detection device (1) for a motor vehicle (26), comprising a transmitting unit (2) for emitting a transmitted light beam (5), a receiving unit (3) for receiving a received light beam (8), and an electronic evaluating device for detecting an object external to the vehicle in an environment of the motor vehicle (26) in dependence on the received light beam (8). The transmitting unit (2) comprises a transmitter (4) for producing the transmitted light beam (5), a controllable micromirror (11), by means of which the transmitted light beam (5) can be pivoted at least in a first pivoting direction (10), and a transmitting lens (17) arranged after the micromirror (11) in the transmitted beam path. At least along the first pivoting direction (10), the transmitted lens (17) is designed as a concave-convex lens having a concavely curved surface (18) facing the micromirror (11) and a convexly curved surface (19).