LIDAR Distance Measurement Using Angle-Synchronized Emission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LIDAR devices face challenges in accurately measuring distances to objects in a scanning zone due to irregular rotational speeds of the scanning mirror, leading to inconsistent emission and detection intervals, which affects the precision of distance calculations.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR device comprising a light source, a light receiver, a rotatable mirror, a motor, and an angle sensor, where the controller emits a light beam based on predetermined rotation angles detected by the angle sensor, allowing for precise control and calculation of distance using time-of-flight techniques, correcting for errors with actual emission timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the scanning mirror rotates at variable speed, then the scanning coverage is increased, but the emission and detection intervals become inconsistent, reducing distance measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The angle sensor continuously monitors the rotation angle of the scanning mirror and provides feedback to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to determine precise emission intervals based on actual rotation position, compensating for variable rotation speed and ensuring consistent measurement timing throughout the scanning cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the emission timing parameter from fixed time intervals to variable time intervals synchronized with the mirror's rotation angle. By adjusting emission timing based on actual rotation position rather than fixed time periods, the system maintains measurement precision despite variable rotation speed.
2Ease of operation
If fixed time intervals are used for light emission, then the control is simple, but the irregular rotation speed causes inconsistent scanning intervals, reducing measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The angle sensor provides continuous feedback on mirror rotation position to the controller. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adjust emission timing based on actual rotation state, eliminating the need for complex manual synchronization while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical time-based timing with an optical/electrical timing mechanism. Instead of using fixed time intervals, the system uses the angle sensor's detection of mirror position to trigger emission, substituting mechanical timekeeping with optical sensing and electrical control for more precise timing.
3Productivity
If the scanning mirror rotates faster, then the scanning efficiency is improved, but the emission and detection timing becomes less accurate, reducing distance calculation precision
Solution Approach 1:
The angle sensor continuously monitors the mirror's rotation angle and provides real-time feedback to the controller. This feedback enables the system to accurately determine emission and detection timing even at high rotation speeds, as the timing is based on actual angular position rather than fixed time intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller pre-calculates emission timing based on the current rotation angle and expected scan pattern. By determining when emission should occur relative to the mirror's position rather than using fixed time intervals, the system maintains timing accuracy even as rotation speed increases.
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 accurate and precise distance measurement by ensuring consistent laser emission at predetermined angle intervals, improving scanning uniformity and reducing errors in distance calculations, thus enhancing the overall accuracy of the LIDAR device.
Implementation Method 1
The rotatable mirror is configured to reflect the light beam emitted from the light source toward the scanning zone
Implementation Method 2
calculating, with the controller, the distance to the object based on a timing at which the controller output the control signal and a timing at which light receiver output the return signal
Data Source
AI summary
A LIDAR device for measuring a distance to an object in a scanning zone includes a light source, a light receiver, a rotatable mirror, a motor, an angle sensor, and a controller. The rotatable mirror is configured to reflect the light beam emitted from the light source toward the scanning zone. The motor is configured to rotate the mirror back and forth between a first position and a second position. The angle sensor is configured to detect a rotation angle of the mirror and to output a detection signal indicative of the rotation angle of the mirror at a plurality of predetermined angle intervals during each rotation cycle between the first position and the second position of the mirror. The controller is configured to output a control signal to the light source to emit a light beam upon receiving the detection signal from the angle sensor.