Actuated Lens Assembly for Dynamic Beam Divergence Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Light beam scanning technologies face challenges in accurately generating images and 3D maps of scenes due to non-uniform beam divergence, which affects the accuracy of reflection point detection and correlation into point clouds, especially at varying distances and with objects of low reflectivity.
Innovation Solution
A light beam scanning device with a dynamically adjustable lens element assembly that controls beam divergence along cross-sectional axes, allowing for dynamic adjustment of beam spot size and shape to optimize between wide-divergence scanning for initial object detection and narrow-divergence scanning for high-resolution point cloud generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed divergence light beam is used for scanning, then the device structure is simple, but the detection accuracy of objects at varying distances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the beam divergence adjustable rather than fixed. The light beam scanning device dynamically changes its divergence angle based on detection requirements, allowing it to adapt to objects at varying distances. This resolves the contradiction by enabling high detection accuracy for both near and far objects while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure through controlled adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of beam divergence dynamically. By adjusting the divergence angle of the light beam according to distance requirements, the system optimizes detection accuracy for different ranges. This parameter change allows the same device to effectively scan both close and distant objects without requiring multiple fixed-divergence beams.
2Area of stationary object
If wide-divergence scanning is used, then the scan range is large, but the resolution of point cloud deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts beam divergence based on the scanning phase and requirements. During initial wide-area scanning, a larger divergence angle is used to cover more area. When detailed point cloud generation is required for specific regions, the divergence angle is reduced to improve resolution. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between scan range and point cloud resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using different beam divergence settings for different spatial regions and scanning purposes. Wide divergence is used for areas requiring broad coverage, while narrow divergence is applied to regions requiring high-resolution point clouds. This localized optimization allows the system to achieve both large scan ranges and high point cloud resolution where needed.
3Manufacturing precision
If narrow-divergence scanning is used, then the point cloud resolution is high, but the scan range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between narrow and wide divergence modes based on scanning requirements. Narrow divergence is activated when high point cloud resolution is needed for specific objects or regions. Wide divergence is used when broader area coverage is the priority. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to achieve high resolution when needed while maintaining the ability to scan large areas.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed divergence beams are used, then the adaptability to different distances is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple fixed-divergence beams simultaneously, the patent employs a single beam whose divergence can be dynamically adjusted. This approach provides adaptability to different distances through controlled change rather than through parallel fixed beams, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility across multiple distance ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes a single light beam multi-functional by enabling it to operate at different divergence angles. This universal beam can adapt to various scanning scenarios (wide-area scanning, detailed mapping, near-object detection, far-object scanning) without requiring separate dedicated beams for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
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 accuracy of image mapping and 3D mapping by improving the detection of objects with low reflectivity and resolving detailed features, while optimizing processing resources by quickly identifying objects in a wide-divergence scan and then focusing on high-resolution mapping of detected objects.
Implementation Method 1
The lens element assembly can include multiple lens elements, and one or more of the lens elements can be translated, relative to at least one other of the lens elements and in a direction parallel to a direction of the light beam, to implement dynamic divergence adjustment
Implementation Method 2
determining a distance to the object based on a 'time of flight' between an emitter of the light beam and a detector of the reflected light beam
Implementation Method 3
The device can include a scanner which scans the light beam, received from the lens element assembly, over a selected field of view of the scan range at one or more scan rates
Data Source
AI summary
A light beam scanning device includes a lens element assembly which dynamically adjusts a divergence of the beam. The lens element assembly can include multiple lens elements, one or more of which translates parallel to the light beam to adjust beam divergence. Divergence adjustment can include adjusting the beam divergence along one or more cross sectional axes of the beam. Beam divergence can be adjusted between consecutive scans, during a scan, etc. Beam divergence can be adjusted based on the field of view and scan rate. Beam divergence adjustment can enable dynamic adjustment of the spot size of the beam, which can enable the apparatus to adjust between scanning a wide divergence beam to detect objects in a scene and scanning a narrow divergence beam to generate detailed point clouds of the detected objects. Beam divergence adjustment can enable adjustment of reflection point intensity, enabling detection of low-reflectivity objects.