Solid State Beam Steering for LiDAR Resolution and Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional LiDAR systems have limited angular and vertical resolution and require significant power to rotate the optical measurement system, which limits their performance and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The use of a solid state device, such as a micromirror device or phased array device, to steer optical waveforms within the field of view, eliminating the need for a motorized system and allowing for increased resolution and reduced power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a rotating optical measurement system is used to determine distance information, then the field of view coverage is improved, but the power consumption increases and the angular resolution is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of view coverageVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical rotating optical measurement system with a solid-state device (such as a micromirror array or phased array) that electronically steers optical waveforms. This substitution eliminates the need for motorized rotation, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining full field of view coverage through electronic beam steering capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic beam steering capabilities where the solid-state device can rapidly change the direction of optical waveforms without mechanical movement. This dynamic electronic steering provides full 360-degree field of view coverage while consuming minimal power, as the steering is achieved through electronic control of micromirrors or phased array elements rather than mechanical rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If a rotating optical measurement system is used, then the field of view coverage is improved, but the angular resolution is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of view coverageVSAvoidangular resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the optical measurement function into multiple independent solid-state elements (such as individual micromirrors or phased array elements) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows each element to contribute to the overall field of view coverage while maintaining high angular resolution through precise electronic control of each segment's beam direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from mechanical rotation in one dimension to electronic beam steering in multiple dimensions simultaneously. The solid-state device can independently control the angular position in both azimuth and elevation directions, providing full 360-degree field of view coverage while achieving superior angular resolution through multi-dimensional electronic control rather than single-axis mechanical rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Area of stationary object

If a rotating optical measurement system is used, then the field of view coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of view coverageVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical rotating system with a solid-state device that achieves full field of view coverage through electronic beam steering. This substitution eliminates motors, gears, and mechanical linkages, significantly reducing system complexity while maintaining 360-degree coverage capability through electronic control of the solid-state elements.

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

This approach enhances the angular and vertical resolution of distance measurements while significantly reducing power requirements, enabling more efficient and accurate LiDAR systems.

Implementation Method 1

The first solid state device is configured to receive the first optical waveform and steer the first optical waveform toward a target object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBeam steering: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The receiver is configured to receive the first optical waveform reflected off of the first target object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

determine a distance to the first target object based on a time of flight from the transmitter to the first target object and back to the receiver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight measurement: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS12216270B2Optical distance measurement system using solid state beam steering

Publication Date: 2025.02.04 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC

AI summary

An optical distance measuring system includes a first transmitter, a first solid state device, and a receiver. The first transmitter is configured to generate a first optical waveform. The first solid state device is configured to receive the first optical waveform and steer the first optical waveform toward a target object. The receiver is configured to receive the first optical waveform reflected off of the first target object and determine a distance to the first target object based on a time of flight from the transmitter to the first target object and back to the receiver.