Dual Polygon Scanner Layout for Coherent LiDAR Range Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR systems face challenges in achieving high resolution and accurate range detection, particularly in environments with varying target ranges and scan speeds, due to limitations in beam walkoff, signal-to-noise ratio, and integration time.
Innovation Solution
The proposed system employs a high-resolution LIDAR system with a motor-driven scanner configuration, utilizing two polygon scanners rotating at different angular velocities to deflect laser beams into distinct planes, thereby optimizing scan patterns and improving range accuracy and detection sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single scanner is used to deflect laser beams, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and range accuracy deteriorate due to beam walkoff and limited scan pattern control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scanning function into two separate polygon scanners (first scanner 244a and second scanner 244b) that operate independently. Each scanner handles a specific scanning plane (lower scan region and upper scan region respectively), allowing precise control of beam deflection in two different planes simultaneously, thereby eliminating beam walkoff and improving range accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a second scanning dimension by adding another polygon scanner that operates in a different plane. The first scanner deflects beams in a first plane while the second scanner deflects beams in a second plane, creating two-dimensional scan pattern control that resolves the beam walkoff issue and enhances measurement precision.
2Productivity
If scan speed is increased to improve productivity, then the detection coverage rate increases, but the signal-to-noise ratio and measurement accuracy worsen due to reduced integration time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous scanning at high speeds by using two polygon scanners that operate simultaneously in different planes. This dual-scanner configuration allows the system to maintain high productivity while ensuring that each scanner can complete its scanning cycle with adequate integration time, preventing the signal-to-noise ratio from deteriorating despite increased overall detection coverage rate.
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 configuration enhances the system's ability to maintain high signal-to-noise ratios and accurate range measurements across varying target ranges and scan speeds, effectively addressing the limitations of existing LIDAR technologies.
Implementation Method 1
the motor is configured to rotate the first scanner at a first angular velocity about a rotation axis to deflect a first beam incident in a third plane on the first scanner into a first plane different from the third plane
Implementation Method 2
the motor is configured to rotate the second scanner at a second angular velocity different from the first angular velocity about the rotation axis to deflect a second beam incident in the third plane on the second scanner into a second plane different from the third plane
Implementation Method 3
The at least one collimator is configured to collimate the third beam from each respective at least one waveguide into a third plane
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus include a motor, a first scanner, and a second scanner. The first scanner is coupled to the motor, and the motor is configured to rotate the first scanner at a first angular velocity about a rotation axis to deflect a first beam incident in a third plane on the first scanner into a first plane different from the third plane. The second scanner is coupled to the motor, and the motor is configured to rotate the second scanner at a second angular velocity different from the first angular velocity about the rotation axis to deflect a second beam incident in the third plane on the second scanner into a second plane different from the third plane.