Spinning LiDAR With 1D MEMS Scanning for Reduced Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spinning LiDAR systems require numerous laser emitters and detectors, necessitating complex alignment and fixed scanning resolution, which is not adjustable post-assembly.
Innovation Solution
A spinning LiDAR system with a one-dimensional MEMS scanner, comprising a rotary base and a 1D optical sensing apparatus with an optical source, MEMS scanner, and receiver, allows for independent rotation around two axes to achieve 2D scanning with reduced alignment needs and adjustable scanning patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional spinning LiDAR systems use large numbers of laser emitters and detectors to form arrays, then scanning coverage is improved, but alignment complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scanning function into two independent segments: a rotary base that rotates the entire optical sensing apparatus to provide azimuthal coverage, and a 1D MEMS scanner that independently scans in the elevation dimension. This segmentation replaces the need for large 2D emitter-detector arrays with a single emitter-detector set, dramatically reducing alignment complexity while maintaining full 360-degree scanning coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar 2D array architecture to a spatial 3D architecture by adding the rotary base dimension. The single emitter-detector set sweeps through three-dimensional space by combining the rotary base's horizontal rotation with the MEMS scanner's vertical scanning, achieving comprehensive coverage without requiring multiple aligned elements in the horizontal plane.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional spinning LiDAR systems use fixed array configurations, then manufacturing is simplified, but scanning resolution and patterns become non-adjustable after assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control capabilities through independent rotation control of the rotary base and the 1D MEMS scanner. Both components can be controlled to rotate at variable speeds and ranges, allowing the scanning resolution and patterns to be adjusted programmatically after assembly. This dynamic control replaces fixed mechanical array configurations, providing versatility without complicating the basic assembly structure.
3Measurement precision
If conventional spinning LiDAR systems use multiple laser emitters and detectors, then scanning resolution is improved, but system cost and alignment time increase prohibitively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the scanning function from the emitter-detector array architecture and implements it through independent scanning mechanisms (rotary base + MEMS scanner). This extraction allows a single emitter-detector set to achieve the same scanning resolution as multiple aligned elements, eliminating the time-consuming alignment process while maintaining measurement precision through controlled rotational movements.
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 reduces alignment complexity, lowers costs, and enhances scanning precision while enabling a 360-degree field-of-view with a single emitter-detector set, simplifying backend circuitry and facilitating applications like advanced navigation and high-definition mapping.
Implementation Method 1
a 1D MEMS scanner configured to direct the optical signals towards an environment surrounding the optical sensing system
Implementation Method 2
a receiver configured to receive at least a portion of the optical signals reflected from the environment
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure provide an optical sensing system for two-dimensional (2D) environmental sensing and an optical sensing method for the optical sensing system. The optical sensing system includes a rotary base and a one-dimensional (1D) optical sensing apparatus supported by the rotary base. The 1D optical sensing apparatus includes an optical source configured to emit optical signals, a 1D MEMS scanner configured to direct the optical signals towards an environment surrounding the optical sensing system, and a receiver configured to receive at least a portion of the optical signals reflected from the environment. The rotary base is configured to drive the 1D optical sensing apparatus to rotate around a first axis to scan the optical signals in a first dimension and the 1D MEMS scanner is configured to independently rotate around a second axis to scan the optical signals in a second dimension in the 2D environmental sensing.