Liu Xin from China Science and Technology Fusion: Starting from MEMS micro-mirror chips, a full-stack solution to 3D machine vision challenges

Recently, at the "13th Songshan Lake China IC Innovation Summit Forum", Liu Xin, founder and CTO of Zhongke Fusion, introduced Zhongke Fusion's 3D vision solution.

The target markets of Zhongke Fusion include three-dimensional visual imaging and micro-display projection, and specific application scenarios include a wide range of scenarios such as smart manufacturing, AGV, home entertainment, AR/VR/XR, etc.

Liu Xin pointed out that the current mainstream 3D vision in the field of intelligent manufacturing in the industrial market mostly uses a combination of Texas Instruments' DLP and NVIDIA's Jetson, while in the field of augmented reality, NVIDIA's GPU is mainly used for image reconstruction, regardless of the type of application. There are common problems of large size, high power consumption and high cost.

Zhongke Fusion has a full set of knowhow including optical MEMS design and technology, SoC design, 3D imaging algorithms and intelligent point cloud post-processing algorithms. "Zhongke Fusion is one of the few companies at home and abroad that has opened up the entire technology chain. Only in this way can we carry out deep vertical integration and optimization across levels, and at the same time have higher technical barriers." Liu Xin said.

In terms of MEMS micro-mirror chips, they can be divided into four categories according to the driving method: electrostatic drive, piezoelectric drive, electrothermal drive and electromagnetic drive. Zhongke Fusion chose the electromagnetic drive technology route based on a comprehensive comparison of process, vision, reliability and drive. This also gives its module significant advantages in terms of size, power consumption, anti-interference, and simplicity.

Liu Xin said that 3D vision based on MEMS chips requires modules with high repetitive scanning accuracy. Zhongke Fusion has solved this challenge by self-developed a system that combines optical, mechanical, electrical, algorithmic drive and feedback.

The second difficulty is that the temperature drift of MEMS is greatly affected. The module designed by Zhongke Fusion has a high-precision temperature control system to ensure that it is not affected by the external environment.

The third is the need to analyze the speckle of the laser light source.

In terms of vision processing SoC chips, the universal 3D imaging processor developed by Zhongke Fusion is compatible with all mainstream 3D imaging technology solutions, including striped structured light, DOE imaging, etc.

Liu Xin said that in the industrial 3D vision market, actual verification by customers has shown that the Sino-Scientific Fusion solution is as good as international competitors in terms of point cloud visual effects and quantitative flatness effects.

In the 3D medical imaging market, Zhongke Fusion's 3D imaging module has become the first domestic non-contact optical 3D human back measurement system and has obtained a medical device certificate.

In three-dimensional image acquisition applications such as AR/VR, Zhongke Fusion's products can be used in a wide range of applications from medical beauty to digital humans.

In addition to MEMS+ AI SoC chips, the company has also launched terminal-level products ranging from laser projection modules to industrial camera modules, covering different wavelengths, projection distances, etc. according to application requirements.

In addition, Zhongke Fusion is also developing 2D micro-mirror chips and micro-mirror-based laser beam scanning (LBS) systems, which can be applied to products including projectors.