Non-Uniform Lidar Beam Distribution for Angular Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Lidar systems face issues with constant vertical angular resolution leading to wasted laser beams, low accuracy in target detection, high cost, and packaging difficulties due to the uniform distribution of laser beams, which limits their ability to achieve both high horizontal and vertical resolution and scanning frequency.
Innovation Solution
A Lidar system with a rotor and stator configuration, where the rotor comprises supporting bodies with non-uniformly distributed lasers, and an optical splitting apparatus such as a Dammann grating to split the laser beams into multiple beams with different propagation directions, resulting in a denser concentration of beams towards the center of the vertical field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If uniform distribution of laser beams is used in vertical field of view, then angular resolution is constant, but laser beams are wasted in upward directions and detection accuracy for ground targets is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the angular distribution of laser beams non-uniform in the vertical direction, with higher density in the horizontal direction and lower density in upward directions. This resolves the contradiction by concentrating laser beams where detection is most needed (ground level targets) while reducing waste in directions with fewer targets, thereby improving both detection accuracy and energy efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If more laser lines are used to achieve higher vertical resolution, then detection accuracy improves, but cost increases and device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of beam angular distribution from uniform to non-uniform. By adjusting the angular distribution parameters, the system achieves high vertical resolution without increasing the number of laser lines, thus improving detection accuracy while maintaining device simplicity and reducing cost.
3Ease of operation
If constant angular distribution is maintained, then system simplicity is preserved, but detection accuracy for targets at different distances is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing non-uniform angular distribution where beam density varies with angle. This provides higher detection accuracy for targets at different distances and positions without significantly complicating the system, as the non-uniform distribution is achieved through optical design rather than additional complex components.
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 configuration enhances vertical and horizontal angular resolution, reduces costs, and improves detection accuracy by optimizing the distribution of laser beams, allowing for more efficient target detection without the need for excessive laser lines.
Implementation Method 1
an optical splitting apparatus such as a Dammann grating to split the laser beams into multiple beams with different propagation directions
Data Source
AI summary
A Lidar system may comprise a rotor and a stator. The rotor is configured to rotate with respect to the stator. The rotor comprises at least one supporting body and a plurality of light sources disposed on the at least one supporting body, the plurality of light sources configured to emit a plurality of first light beams. The plurality of light beams are non-uniformly distributed along a vertical direction in a vertical field of view of the Lidar system.