Laser Scanner Near-Range Sensor Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser scanners face challenges in achieving satisfactory signal dynamics, especially in close-range detection, due to limitations in overlapping transmission and reception lobes, and are sensitive to dirty windshields, which can lead to incorrect triggering and reduced effective detection range.
Innovation Solution
A laser scanner design incorporating a first light transmitter and receiver for central and far areas, with a separate close-range sensor using a single photon avalanche diode for precise distance measurement, allowing independent optimization of near and far-range sensitivity and reducing the need for multi-zone lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single light transmitter and receiver are used for both close-range and far-range detection, then the device structure is simple, but the signal dynamics are poor and close-range detection capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into two separate segments: a first light transmitter/receiver for far-range detection and a second light transmitter/receiver for close-range detection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific range, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and close-range detection capability.
2Measurement precision
If multi-zone lenses are used to improve close-range detection, then close-range signal dynamics improve, but the effective aperture for long-range detection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multi-zone lenses that compromise the effective aperture, the patent segments the detection system into separate transmitters and receivers optimized for different ranges. This allows the full aperture to be available for long-range detection while close-range detection is handled by a dedicated second transmitter/receiver pair.
3Device complexity
If the optical axes of transmission and reception paths do not overlap in biaxial arrangements, then the device structure is simplified, but blind areas are created where objects cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses two separate transmitter-receiver pairs with different optical axis arrangements. The first pair handles far-range detection while the second pair handles close-range detection, ensuring comprehensive coverage without blind areas while maintaining structural simplicity through specialized segmentation.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the front screen is optimized to reduce backscattering, then sensitivity to dirty windshields is reduced, but close-range detection capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function so that the first transmitter/receiver optimized for reducing windshield backscattering sensitivity handles far-range detection, while the second transmitter/receiver handles close-range detection. This allows the front screen optimization to proceed without compromising close-range capability.
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
Enhances close-range detection capability, reduces sensitivity to windshield soiling, and improves overall detection robustness by allowing precise distance measurement across various ranges without compromising long-range detection.
Implementation Method 1
the second light receiver (12) forming at least one Single photon avalanche diode (16)
Implementation Method 2
Based on the principle of time-of-flight measurement, a laser scanner scans its surroundings like an optical radar and reliably detects objects in defined monitoring or protective fields
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
Laser scanner 1 based on the time-of-flight principle with a first light transmitter 2, which emits successive first light pulses 3 into a measuring area 5 or monitoring area, and with a first light receiver 4, which receives the light pulses reflected by an object 6 in the measuring area 5 and supplies them as electrical reception signals to an evaluation unit 7, which, taking into account the speed of light, determines a distance signal representative of the distance 8 of the object 6 to the laser scanner 1 from the time between emission and reception of the light pulse, and a light deflection unit 9 arranged between the first light transmitter 2 and the measuring area 5, which deflects the light pulses into the measuring area 5 in continuously changing directions, wherein a second light transmitter 10 is present, which emits successive second light pulses with reduced power for a near range 13, and a second light receiver 12 is arranged.which is designed to receive the second light pulses 11 reflected from the near range 13 and to supply the second light pulses reflected from an object 6 in the near range 13 to the evaluation unit 7 in the form of electrical receiving signals, wherein the second light transmitter 10 and the second light receiver 12 form a near range sensor 14.