Fan-Shaped LIDAR Light Signal for Small Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LIDAR systems struggle to detect smaller objects within an area of interest due to their sweeping light pattern, which may 'miss' these objects as they are positioned between pulses, resulting in inadequate energy density and detection challenges.
Innovation Solution
The use of an augmented light signal with a fan shape, directed away from object surfaces, maintains energy density within a predetermined region of interest, allowing for continuous signal transmission and increased likelihood of detecting smaller objects, along with a receiver programmed for time of flight analysis to filter out ambient noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a sweeping light pattern is used to scan a larger area, then the area of interest covered is increased, but smaller objects may be missed because they are positioned between pulses
Solution Approach 1:
The light signal is segmented into multiple planes that diverge from the optical axis, creating a fan-shaped pattern. This segmentation allows the light to cover a broader area while maintaining sufficient pulse density to detect smaller objects, as each plane provides continuous coverage in its specific angular sector.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane sweeping pattern to a multi-plane fan-shaped pattern by introducing angular divergence in multiple dimensions. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous coverage of a larger area while maintaining detection reliability through increased spatial sampling density.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the light signal is focused to high energy density, then detection capability is improved, but the beam remains narrow and requires sweeping to cover larger areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic fan-shaped light pattern where multiple planes diverge from the optical axis. This dynamic configuration allows the system to maintain high energy density in each plane while collectively covering a broader area, eliminating the need for mechanical sweeping to achieve area coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the angular parameters of the light signal by introducing divergence angles in multiple planes. This parameter modification transforms a narrow focused beam into an expanded fan-shaped pattern that maintains energy density through the lens assembly geometry while increasing the covered area.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple pulses are emitted in a sweeping pattern, then larger areas can be scanned, but smaller objects positioned between pulses are not detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates continuous light planes that extend across the field of view, ensuring that smaller objects are continuously illuminated rather than being exposed only during discrete pulse moments. This continuous action within each plane guarantees detection regardless of object position or motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning function is replaced by segmenting the light into multiple divergent planes that simultaneously cover different angular sectors. This segmentation eliminates the temporal gaps between pulses by providing continuous coverage across all planes at once.
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 detection of smaller objects by ensuring sufficient energy density and continuous signal coverage, improving the likelihood of object detection within the region of interest while reducing noise from outside sources.
Implementation Method 1
a first plane of an expanded light signal 304 generated by passing a focal light signal 308 through a diverging lens assembly 212
Implementation Method 2
a second plane of the augmented light signal 312 by passing the partially augmented light signal 310 through a converging lens assembly 216
Implementation Method 3
the receiver can be programmed to respond only to those objects within the predetermined region of interest. This programming may be based upon time of flight analysis
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an object detection system that comprises at least one laser component. The at least one laser component is configured to generate an augmented light signal with a fan shape in a first plane. The at least one laser component is also configured to receive and detect a reflected light signal when an object is within a predetermined region of interest of the augmented light signal. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one laser component is configured to receive a reflected light signal from small objects than may be detected by other known object detection systems.