Compact LiDAR Optics With Common-Axis Scanning and No Blind Areas
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical sensing technologies face challenges in efficiently detecting and ranging objects in complex environments, particularly for movable objects like robots and vehicles, due to limitations in scanning precision and blind areas, especially at close distances.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR sensor system utilizing a collimated light source and a plurality of optical elements that rotate independently about a common axis, allowing for precise direction of light pulses and detection of reflected energy, with a monostatic scheme ensuring no blind areas by aligning the transmitting and receiving fields of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional optical scanning device is used, then the device can perform basic scanning, but it has blind areas and low scanning precision at close distances
Solution Approach 1:
The optical scanning device is divided into multiple independent optical components (first rotatable optical component and second rotatable optical component) that can rotate independently about a common optical axis. Each optical component handles a specific scanning function, eliminating blind areas and improving precision through segmented functional responsibilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a second rotational dimension by adding a second rotatable optical component that rotates about the same optical axis as the first component. This dual-rotation architecture creates a two-dimensional scanning capability that eliminates blind spots and improves measurement precision at close distances.
2Measurement precision
If multiple optical components are added to improve scanning precision, then scanning precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical components are merged around a common optical axis, sharing the same rotational center and optical path. This consolidation allows multiple scanning functions to be performed within a compact structure, improving precision while minimizing the increase in device complexity through shared infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
Each rotatable optical component is designed to perform multiple functions: beam deflection, scanning, and potentially focusing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby improving scanning precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the optical components rotate independently about a common axis, then scanning precision and coverage improve, but the manufacturing and alignment difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
All optical components are positioned at the same rotational potential around a common optical axis, ensuring that each component operates from an equivalent starting position. This equipotential arrangement simplifies alignment during manufacturing, as all components share the same reference axis and rotational center, reducing alignment complexity despite independent rotation capabilities.
4Area of stationary object
If the field of view is increased to cover more area, then coverage improves, but the signal-to-noise ratio decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The field of view is segmented into multiple zones handled by different optical components at different rotational positions. Each component can optimize its parameters for its specific zone, maintaining high signal-to-noise ratio in each segment while collectively covering a large total area through the coordinated rotation of multiple components.
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 achieves high scanning precision and minimal blind areas, enabling effective detection and ranging of objects in complex environments, including close distances, with improved signal-to-noise ratio and efficient use of optical aperture.
Implementation Method 1
a light source for generating a light pulse that is collimated
Implementation Method 2
a light source for generating a light pulse that is collimated
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of optical elements, each of which is configured to rotate independently about an axis that is substantially common, and wherein the plurality of optical elements operate to collectively direct the light pulse
Implementation Method 4
the plurality of optical elements operate to collectively direct the light pulse to one or more objects
Implementation Method 5
a detector configured to receive, via the plurality of optical elements, at least a portion of photon energy of the light pulse that is reflected back from the one or more objects and convert the received photon energy into at least one electrical signal
Implementation Method 6
A sensor system can comprise a light source for generating a light pulse... a detector configured to receive... photon energy of the light pulse that is reflected back
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~3(c)
AI summary
A sensor system (110) can comprise a light source (101) generating a light pulse that is collimated, and a plurality of optical elements. Each of the plurality of optical elements is configured to rotate independently about an axis (109) that is substantially common, and the plurality of optical elements operate to collectively direct the light pulse to one or more objects (104) in an angle of view of the sensor system (110). Furthermore, the sensor system (110) can comprise a detector (105) configured to receive, via the plurality of optical elements, at least a portion of photon energy of the light pulse that is reflected back from the one or more objects (104) in the angle of view of the sensor system (110), and convert the received photon energy into at least one electrical signal.