Lidar Collimator Inversion for Compact Scanner Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional LIDAR devices face challenges in achieving increased spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio while minimizing physical space and power consumption, as larger laser scanners are required to maintain resolution, leading to increased complexity and costs.
Innovation Solution
The system employs non-parallel laser beam waves that are directed towards a laser beam scanner and then collimated into parallel waves by a collimator device, allowing for smaller scale scanners without sacrificing spatial resolution or signal-to-noise ratio, and enabling faster rotation with reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If larger laser scanners are used to maintain spatial resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and physical space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional LIDAR architecture by placing the collimator before the scanner instead of after it. This reversal allows the beam to be collimated first, then scanned, enabling smaller scanner components while maintaining spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional arrangement by positioning the collimator at a different location in the optical path relative to the scanner. This spatial reconfiguration of components allows for reduced scanner size while preserving measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If larger laser scanners are used to maintain spatial resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but physical space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional LIDAR architecture by placing the collimator before the scanner instead of after it. This reversal allows the beam to be collimated first, then scanned, enabling smaller scanner components while maintaining spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio.
3Measurement precision
If larger laser scanners are used to maintain spatial resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional LIDAR architecture by placing the collimator before the scanner instead of after it. This reversal allows the beam to be collimated first, then scanned, enabling smaller scanner components while maintaining spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio.
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 physical space and power usage of LIDAR devices while enhancing spatial resolution and scanning speed, enabling detection of smaller objects with improved angular resolution.
Implementation Method 1
the collimator device being configured to: collimate the plurality of non-parallel laser beam waves reflected by the laser beam scanner into a corresponding plurality of parallel plane waves
Implementation Method 2
the laser beam scanner being configured to reflect the non-parallel plurality of beam waves towards a collimator device
Implementation Method 3
a laser beam source configured to emit light resulting in a plurality of non-parallel laser beam waves
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes techniques for operating a lidar device. The techniques include emitting light resulting in a plurality of non-parallel laser beam waves; directing the plurality of non-parallel laser beam waves towards a laser beam scanner; reflecting the non-parallel plurality of beam waves by the laser beam scanner towards a collimator device; collimating, with the collimator device, the plurality of non-parallel laser beam waves reflected by the laser beam scanner into a corresponding plurality of parallel plane waves; and directing the plurality of plane waves from the collimator device towards a field of interest.