Oscillating Mirror Array Phase Control for LIDAR Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR systems face challenges in efficiently scanning and mapping environments due to variations in moments of inertia and resonant frequencies among oscillating mirrors, leading to phase and amplitude discrepancies that affect the accuracy and frequency of beam steering.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR device with an array of oscillating mirrors driven by electromagnets, where an orientation feedback system adjusts driving parameters to ensure the mirrors oscillate in phase at an operating frequency, compensating for variations in resonant frequencies and moments of inertia, allowing for precise beam steering and scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If an array of oscillating mirrors is used for beam steering, then the scanning coverage and resolution are improved, but phase and amplitude discrepancies occur due to variations in moments of inertia and resonant frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control mechanisms where sensors detect the actual oscillation state of each mirror, and control circuits adjust driving signals in real-time to compensate for phase and amplitude discrepancies. This closed-loop system ensures all mirrors oscillate in phase despite manufacturing variations in moments of inertia and resonant frequencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts driving parameters (frequency, phase, amplitude) for each individual mirror based on its specific characteristics. By dynamically modifying these parameters, the system compensates for variations in moments of inertia and resonant frequencies, ensuring synchronized oscillation across all mirrors.
2Ease of operation
If individual electromagnets are used to drive each mirror, then precise control of each mirror is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs electromagnets and control circuits that can be replicated and applied universally across all mirrors. Each mirror-electromagnet pair functions independently but follows the same control architecture, allowing precise individual control while using standardized components that simplify overall system design and manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the beam steering system into independent mirror-electromagnet units, where each unit can be controlled individually. This segmentation allows precise control of each mirror while enabling modular design, where identical units can be manufactured and assembled repeatedly, actually reducing overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If mirrors oscillate at high frequency, then scanning speed and real-time mapping capability are improved, but maintaining phase consistency becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system continuously monitors mirror oscillation at the operating frequency and dynamically adjusts driving signals to maintain phase consistency. This real-time correction capability allows the system to operate at high frequencies while preventing phase drift that would otherwise occur due to manufacturing variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of driving parameters during operation. By continuously adapting the frequency and phase of each mirror's driving signal based on real-time conditions, the system maintains synchronized oscillation even at high operating frequencies where small variations would cause significant phase drift.
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 solution enables the LIDAR device to maintain accurate and high-frequency scanning across a wide scanning zone, improving the generation of three-dimensional point maps and enhancing the navigation capabilities of autonomous vehicles by ensuring consistent and coordinated mirror oscillation.
Implementation Method 1
The mirrors are driven by a set of electromagnets arranged to apply torque on the mirrors
Implementation Method 2
The emitted light pulses are scanned through the scanning zone by reflecting the light from an array of oscillating mirrors
Implementation Method 3
determining the distance to the reflective object according to the time delay between the emitted pulse and the reception of the reflected pulse
Data Source
AI summary
A light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device scans through a scanning zone while emitting light pulses and receives reflected signals corresponding to the light pulses. The LIDAR device scans the emitted light pulses through the scanning zone by reflecting the light pulses from an array of oscillating mirrors. The mirrors are operated by a set of electromagnets arranged to apply torque on the mirrors, and an orientation feedback system senses the orientations of the mirrors. Driving parameters for each mirror are determined based on information from the orientation feedback system. The driving parameters can be used to drive the mirrors in phase at an operating frequency despite variations in moments of inertia and resonant frequencies among the mirrors.