3D Scanning LiDAR Mirror Layout to Reduce Light Scattering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D LIDAR sensors face challenges in minimizing size and cost due to the need for multiple high-reflectivity mirrors and long distance beam paths, which complicates their manufacturing and application in micro LIDAR systems.
Innovation Solution
The design separates the transmitter and receiver modules with a blocking wall to minimize light scattering, allowing for a compact structure by restricting the movement range of a moving mirror connected to a gear system, and adjusts the angle of reflection regions to optimize light path alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple high-reflectivity mirrors and long distance beam paths are used in existing 3D LIDAR sensors, then beam alignment and scanning performance are improved, but device size and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple mirrors into a single moving mirror that performs both horizontal and vertical scanning. The moving mirror integrates the beam directing functionality that previously required separate optical components, thereby simplifying the overall optical path structure while maintaining precise beam alignment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The moving mirror serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the horizontal scanning mirror and vertical scanning mirror, and also functions as the beam director. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate high-reflectivity mirrors and reduces the number of optical components required in the system
2Reliability
If multiple high-reflectivity mirrors are used in existing 3D LIDAR sensors, then beam reflection efficiency is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple mirror functions into a single moving mirror component, reducing the total number of high-reflectivity mirrors required from multiple to just one. This consolidation maintains beam reflection efficiency while significantly reducing the cost associated with purchasing, aligning, and maintaining multiple precision optical mirrors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the transmitter's moving mirror to also serve the receiver's optical path, effectively copying the scanning function across both optical channels. This approach eliminates the need for separate receiver mirrors, reducing component costs while maintaining equal scanning performance for both transmission and reception
3Volume of moving object
If a compact structure is implemented in micro LIDAR, then device size is reduced, but light scattering and echo phenomena increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical path into distinct transmitted light path and received light path regions within the compact housing. By spatially separating these paths and using the moving mirror to dynamically direct them, the system minimizes interference between transmitted and received beams, reducing echo phenomena and light scattering effects despite the compact form factor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamically moving mirror that actively directs light beams rather than using fixed static mirrors. This dynamic configuration allows the optical paths to be continuously adjusted and optimized, preventing light scattering and echo phenomena by ensuring proper spatial separation of transmitted and received beams at all times during operation
4Volume of moving object
If the moving mirror range is restricted in compact LIDAR, then device size is minimized, but scanning coverage may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves comprehensive 3D scanning coverage by implementing scanning in two dimensional dimensions: horizontal scanning through rotation of the entire device and vertical scanning through the moving mirror's angular deflection. This two-dimensional scanning approach compensates for the restricted mirror movement range, maintaining full volumetric coverage while enabling a compact device design
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 enables efficient 3D scanning with reduced size and cost, allowing for precise point cloud data acquisition while minimizing echo phenomena and improving the vertical field of view.
Implementation Method 1
light emitted from a light source or light reflected from a transmission mirror is reflected from a first reflection region of a moving mirror and is then moved to a target object, after which the light reflected from the target object is reflected from a second reflection region of the moving mirror
Implementation Method 2
an existing Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) sensor adopts a specific tube for a transmitter or is implemented in a structure for securing a long distance from the transmitter and a receiver to a mirror
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) sensor which is capable of minimizing the size of a LIDAR sensor which is capable of performing 3D scanning and setting a region of interest for obtaining point cloud data with the removal of light scattering, by separating a transmitter module and a receiver module; disposing a transmitter, a mirror, and a receiver in a specific space so that light emitted from a light source or light reflected from a transmission mirror is reflected from a first reflection region of a moving mirror and is then moved to a target object, after which light reflected from the target object is reflected from a second reflection region of the moving mirror and is moved to the transmission mirror or a photodiode; installing a blocking wall separating movement paths of light; and adjusting the range of movement of the moving mirror.