Dynamic LiDAR Beam Diameter Control for Data Volume Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LiDAR systems face challenges in real-time data processing due to large amounts of point cloud data, leading to communication delays and high computational requirements, despite efforts to reduce processing complexity, as the total amount of data remains significant.
Innovation Solution
A distance measurement apparatus that dynamically adjusts the laser beam diameter based on emission direction and environmental conditions, using a collimating part, beam diameter change part, and emission direction control to minimize data acquisition, allowing for flexible data reduction and efficient data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a high-accuracy LiDAR apparatus is used to acquire detailed distance data, then measurement precision is improved, but the quantity of acquired data increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the laser beam diameter adjustable and variable. The beam diameter changing unit dynamically modifies the beam diameter based on detection results, allowing the system to adapt between high-precision detailed measurement (small beam diameter) and low-data-volume broad area measurement (large beam diameter), thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and data quantity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the laser beam diameter to control the measurement characteristics. By adjusting the beam diameter parameter, the system can switch between acquiring high-precision data with small beam diameter and reducing data quantity with large beam diameter, directly addressing the contradiction between measurement precision and data volume
2Loss of information
If a large amount of point cloud data is transmitted via network, then data completeness is improved, but communication delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary measurement data by dynamically adjusting the laser beam diameter to match the actual environmental needs. This selective data acquisition reduces the total amount of point cloud data that needs to be transmitted, thereby decreasing communication delay while maintaining data completeness for the relevant measurement areas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by acquiring data at appropriate levels of detail rather than uniformly high resolution across all areas. The beam diameter is adjusted to provide sufficient measurement detail for each specific area without excessive data acquisition, reducing overall data transmission requirements while maintaining necessary data completeness
3Productivity
If high-performance computing resources are combined with LiDAR apparatus, then data processing capability is improved, but system size and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and processes only the essential measurement data by using dynamic beam diameter adjustment to reduce data volume at the source. This approach decreases the amount of data that needs to be processed, allowing for reduced computing resources and smaller system size while maintaining effective data processing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary data reduction by adjusting the beam diameter before data acquisition to match the actual measurement needs. This preliminary action reduces the data volume that subsequent computing resources must handle, enabling the use of smaller, lower-power processing units
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 reduces the amount of acquired data, enabling real-time processing capabilities by adjusting the beam diameter according to measurement needs, thereby decreasing data transmission and processing delays.
Implementation Method 1
a collimating part that converts the distance measurement optical signal generated by the distance measurement optical signal generation part to collimated light which is parallel light
Implementation Method 2
a beam diameter change part that is capable of changing a beam diameter of the collimated light emitted by the collimating part
Implementation Method 3
A distance to the target is calculated based on information such as time required from output of the laser until detection of a reflected light
Data Source
AI summary
A distance measurement apparatus comprises a distance measurement optical signal generation part, a collimating part, a beam diameter change part, an emission direction control part, and a beam diameter change control part. The distance measurement optical signal generation part generates an optical signal for measuring the distance to a target. The collimating part collimates the optical signal. The beam diameter change part is able to change a beam diameter of the collimated light. The emission direction control part controls an emission destination of the collimated light with the diameter changed. The beam diameter change control part controls the changing of the beam diameter by the beam diameter change part according to the emission direction of an outgoing.