Laser Scanner LIDAR Module Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR modules for autonomous vehicles face challenges in achieving a high frame rate and specific field-of-view requirements for effective road mapping, particularly needing a horizontal field-of-view of 80°, a smaller vertical field-of-view of ±25°, and an instantaneous vertical field-of-view of ±5°, with sufficient scan resolution and point density.
Innovation Solution
A laser scanner device equipped with a LIDAR module using time-of-flight waveform digitizing technology, incorporating a rotating mirror, galvano, polygon, or MEMS for beam steering, along with a tilt mechanism and a housing with multiple detectors, to achieve a horizontal field-of-view of at least 60°, instantaneous vertical field-of-view of ±2° to ±5°, and a frame rate of at least 10 Hz to 25 Hz, with adjustable scan resolution and point density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a LIDAR module uses diffraction limited beam divergence and avalanche photodiode for high precision measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to special components required for autonomous vehicle applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scanning function into two independent parts: a rotating mirror for horizontal scanning and a polygon/MEMS for vertical scanning. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve the required 80° HFOV and ±25° VFOV with high scan resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a tilt mechanism that enables the LIDAR device to adapt its orientation dynamically, allowing the same device to achieve both the required horizontal field of view of 80° and vertical field of view of ±25° through mechanical repositioning rather than requiring multiple specialized components
2Productivity
If the LIDAR module scans a large horizontal field of view of 80° with high frame rate of 25 Hz, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to requirements for new components and technology platforms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a rotating mirror for horizontal scanning and a polygon or MEMS for vertical scanning, making the scanning elements dynamic and capable of high-speed operation. The rotation speeds and angular positions are dynamically adjusted to maintain a frame rate of at least 25 Hz across the 80° horizontal field of view
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic scanning motion through the rotating mirror and polygon/MEMS, where the scanning elements rotate at controlled speeds to systematically cover the horizontal and vertical fields of view in repeating cycles, achieving the required 25 Hz frame rate through rhythmic, periodic scanning patterns
3Measurement precision
If the LIDAR device achieves uniform scan resolution of 0.15° across the field of view, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to requirements for uniform beam steering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a rotating mirror for horizontal scanning where the beam deflection angle varies with the mirror's rotational position. This allows the system to achieve uniform 0.15° scan resolution across the entire 80° horizontal field of view by adjusting the relationship between mirror angle and beam direction at different positions in the scan
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 solution enables efficient and accurate scanning of the road environment, enhancing the detection of objects and road features, especially under varying angles and conditions, by providing a high-resolution, high-frame-rate scanning capability suitable for autonomous vehicle mapping.
Implementation Method 1
a LIDAR module, in particular working based on emitted laser pulses and time-of-flight-measurement-principle
Implementation Method 2
emitted laser pulses and time-of-flight-measurement-principle
Implementation Method 3
the device comprises a rotating mirror for steering a scanning beam horizontally
Implementation Method 4
the device comprises a galvano for steering a scanning beam horizontally in a non-uniform manner
Implementation Method 5
for steering the scanning beam vertically in the instantaneous vertical field of view, the device comprises a polygon, a mirror and/or MEMS
Implementation Method 6
the device comprises a tilt mechanism for tilting the device to achieve an overall vertical field of view of at least ±25°
Implementation Method 7
the receiving unit with at least one avalanche photodiode
Data Source
AI summary
A laser scanner device adapted to be mounted to a vehicle, the device comprising a LIDAR module, the LIDAR module comprising at least one laser source, characterized by a horizontal field of view of at least 60°, an instantaneous vertical field of view of at least ±2°, a scan resolution of at least one point per 0.8° in horizontal and vertical direction, and a frame rate of at least 10 Hz for scanning at least the entire horizontal and instantaneous vertical field of view with said scan resolution.