Ellipsoid Lidar Test System for Compact Distance Simulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lidar testing methods require specialized facilities to simulate the large distances, azimuth angles, and elevation angles that lidar devices need to function effectively, making it costly and impractical to test lidar devices during vehicle assembly.
Innovation Solution
A lidar test system utilizing an ellipsoid to receive and reflect light from a lidar device under test, coupled with optical waveguides and delay devices to simulate desired distances and angles, allowing for accurate testing in a controlled environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If specialized facilities are used to simulate large distances and angles for lidar testing, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
An ellipsoidal mirror is introduced as an intermediary component to reflect and redirect light paths. This allows the creation of virtual targets at desired distances and angles without physically constructing large-scale test facilities. The mirror acts as a mediator between the lidar device and the simulated environment, enabling compact testing while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating physical targets at actual distances (e.g., 300 meters), the system creates optical copies or virtual images of targets using the ellipsoidal mirror's reflective properties. This allows the lidar to measure distances and angles as if real targets were present, without requiring the physical space, thereby reducing facility complexity while preserving measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If specialized facilities are constructed to enable lidar testing, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ellipsoidal mirror serves as a compact intermediary that replaces the need for constructing large specialized facilities. By using optical reflection principles, the system achieves accurate lidar testing in standard environments, significantly improving ease of manufacture and deployment while maintaining measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If large distances are physically simulated for lidar testing, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms the testing problem from physical space to optical space. By using the ellipsoidal mirror to create virtual images at different positions, the system effectively adds an optical dimension to the testing setup. This allows measurement of large distances without occupying large physical volumes, as the distance simulation occurs through light path manipulation rather than physical extension.
Solution Approach 2:
Virtual target copies are created through optical reflection rather than physical construction. The ellipsoidal mirror generates images of targets at desired distances and angles, allowing the lidar to perform measurements on these optical copies instead of requiring actual physical targets at large distances, thereby dramatically reducing the space required for testing.
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 accurate and efficient testing of lidar devices over a wide range of distances and angles without the need for specialized facilities, reducing costs and improving the testing process during vehicle assembly.
Implementation Method 1
an ellipsoid (elliptical reflector) having a first focal point and a second focal point. The ellipsoid is adapted to receive the LIDAR DUT substantially at the first focal point, and light transmitted from the LIDAR DUT is substantially incident on the second focal point.
Implementation Method 2
a delay device that provides a delay to emulate a desired distance
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and components for testing a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device under test (DUT) are described. In one example, an ellipsoid is adapted to receive the LIDAR DUT at a first focal point, where light transmitted from the LIDAR DUT is incident on the second focal point. In another example a plurality of optical waveguides arranged in at least a portion of a circle, and the plurality of optical waveguides are adapted to receive light from the LIDAR DUT. In another example, a LIDAR distance simulator is adapted to receive an optical input, and includes optical switches that are selectively connected to one of a plurality of optical delay devices to an input of the one of a plurality of optical input channels. Illustrative delay elements may be realized through optical delay elements or a combination of optical and electrical delay elements.