Dual-LiDAR Focus Control for Variable-Distance Surface Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LiDAR systems struggle with maintaining high-accuracy measurements when the distance to the measurement object changes due to varying shapes of structures, limiting their measurement range and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A dual-sensor system comprising a high-accuracy frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) LiDAR and a lower-accuracy time-of-flight (ToF) LiDAR, where the FMCW LiDAR's focus is adjusted based on distance measurements from the ToF LiDAR to maintain accurate focusing on the object surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-accuracy LiDAR is used to measure surface shape with high precision, then measurement accuracy is improved, but measurement range is limited due to the need for precise focusing of laser light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic focus adjustment by equipping the high-accuracy FMCW LiDAR with a focus adjustment mechanism that can change the focus position of laser light in real-time. The processor controls this mechanism based on distance information from the second LiDAR, allowing the system to adapt the focus position according to the actual distance to the measurement object, thereby extending the measurable range while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the second LiDAR (with wider measurement range) provides distance information to the processor, which then uses this information to control the focus adjustment mechanism of the first LiDAR. This feedback loop enables the high-accuracy LiDAR to automatically adjust its focus position based on the measured distance, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and measurement range.
2Reliability
If the distance to the measurement object changes suddenly due to diverse structure shapes, then the ability to detect delamination is compromised, but using a single fixed-focus LiDAR cannot adapt to these distance changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the focus position dynamic by implementing a focus adjustment mechanism that can change the focus position of laser light in real-time based on distance information. This allows the FMCW LiDAR to adapt to sudden distance changes caused by diverse structure shapes, maintaining reliable delamination detection across varying distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the focus position parameter dynamically based on the distance to the measurement object. By adjusting the focus position according to the actual distance, the system maintains optimal measurement conditions for delamination detection regardless of distance variations caused by different structure geometries.
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
Enables robust distance measurements despite changes in distance to the object, ensuring high accuracy and increased signal-to-noise ratio by aligning the focus position of the FMCW LiDAR with the object surface.
Implementation Method 1
a time-of-flight (ToF) LiDAR and a frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) LiDAR are known
Implementation Method 2
the first distance measurement sensor is a frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) LiDAR
Implementation Method 3
a focus adjustment mechanism that adjusts a focus position of laser light for measurement and that focuses the laser light for measurement on a surface of a measurement object
Implementation Method 4
light detection and ranging (LiDAR)
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a distance measurement device, a distance measurement method, and a program capable of performing measurement robust to a change in a distance to a measurement object. A distance measurement device includes a first distance measurement sensor, a second distance measurement sensor, and a processor, in which the first distance measurement sensor is a frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) LiDAR, and includes a focus adjustment mechanism that adjusts a focus position of laser light for measurement and that focuses the laser light for measurement on a surface of a measurement object, the second distance measurement sensor is configured as a LiDAR having lower measurement accuracy and a wider measurement distance range than the first distance measurement sensor, and the processor is configured to control the focus adjustment mechanism based on a distance to the surface of the measurement object, which is obtained from the second distance measurement sensor.