Compact Remote Sensing Device Using MEMS Mirror and Low-Resolution FPA

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional remote sensing systems are bulky and large due to their high-resolution scanning mechanisms and focal plane arrays, making them unsuitable for compact applications and requiring higher power consumption and being more sensitive to vibrations.

Innovation Solution

A compact remote sensing device utilizing a small, fast scanning mechanism like MEMS or piezoelectric mirrors and a low-resolution focal plane array, capable of scanning and capturing light at multiple spots within pixels, allowing for high-resolution 3D imaging without the need for high-resolution FPAs and their digital receiver chains, and incorporating optical shutters or band-pass filters for improved performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a high-resolution focal plane array and large scanning mechanism are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging resolutionVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the imaging function by using a low-resolution focal plane array combined with a scanning mechanism. Instead of relying solely on a high-resolution detector array, the system divides the imaging task between the scanner (which provides angular resolution) and the detector array (which captures intensity information), thereby achieving high-resolution imaging with a compact device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional detector array resolution problem to a three-dimensional solution by adding the scanning dimension. The scanning mechanism introduces temporal and angular dimensions, allowing the system to achieve high resolution through repeated sampling of the same scene from different angles, rather than requiring a large number of detector elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If a high-resolution focal plane array is used, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging resolutionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters by using a low-resolution detector array that is repeatedly scanned rather than a high-resolution array that operates statically. This parameter change from spatial resolution to temporal-spatial resolution through scanning reduces the number of active detector elements, thereby lowering power consumption while maintaining imaging resolution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If a large scanning mechanism is used, then measurement precision is improved, but sensitivity to vibrations increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular position accuracyVSAvoidvibration sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces a large, complex mechanical scanning mechanism with a smaller, faster scanning mechanism combined with a low-resolution focal plane array. The scanning mechanism uses smaller angular deflections achieved through faster actuation (e.g., piezoelectric or MEMS actuators), which are less susceptible to mechanical vibrations while maintaining angular position accuracy through precise control and feedback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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-resolution 3D imaging in a compact form factor with lower power consumption and reduced sensitivity to vibrations, while maintaining remote sensing capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

a piezoelectric steering mirror (referred to as a piezo mirror), that scans a beam of light emitted by a light source across a field of view (FOV)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

an optical shutter located in the optical receiver path that acts to block unwanted light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

an optical band-pass filter on the optical receiver path to attenuate or reject light outside of a range of the beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Data Source

PatentUS10775508B1Remote sensing device

Publication Date: 2020.09.15 APPLE INC

AI summary

A compact remote sensing device is described that includes a transmit component that scans a beam of light across a scene or object field, and a receive component that receives return light from the object field. The transmit component includes a small, fast scanning mechanism such as a MEMS mirror or a piezo mirror that scans a beam of light emitted by a light source across a field of view (FOV). The receive component includes a focal plane array (FPA) with a FOV at least large enough to capture the FOV of the scanning mechanism. The FPA may be a low resolution FPA (i.e., with fewer pixels than the resolution of the scanning mechanism), and the light beam may be scanned and captured at multiple spots within the pixels of the FPA.