Laser Scanner Deflection Mirror for LIDAR Path Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LIDAR systems face challenges in efficiently scanning detection ranges with separate transmission and reception paths, leading to limitations in detector size, sensitivity, and optical resolution, particularly when using nonimaging detectors and requiring separate optical systems for directed and scattered laser light.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a laser scanner with spatially separate transmission and reception paths that utilize a single angularly movable deflection mirror to apply and compensate for beam angles, allowing for the use of simple, cost-effective nonimaging detectors and optimizing optical systems for both directed and scattered laser light, thereby enhancing sensitivity and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate optical systems are used for directed and scattered laser light, then detection performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical path into separate transmission and reception paths that are spatially separated. The transmission path guides directed laser light while the reception path collects scattered light, allowing independent optimization of each path without increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A single deflection mirror is used to perform multiple functions: it deflects the outgoing directed laser beam in the transmission path and simultaneously deflects the incoming scattered light into the detector in the reception path. This multi-functional use of one component improves detection performance while avoiding the complexity of separate optical systems
2Ease of manufacture
If nonimaging detectors are used, then cost is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A beam-deflecting element (deflection mirror) is introduced as an intermediary component between the scattered light and the nonimaging detector. This deflection mirror compensates for the incidence angle of scattered light, directing it precisely onto the detector surface, thereby achieving high measurement precision with a simple nonimaging detector
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the angular parameter of the scattered light by using the deflection mirror to compensate for the incidence angle. This angular adjustment ensures that scattered light from different directions is correctly directed to the detector, maintaining optical resolution precision while using cost-effective nonimaging detectors
3Device complexity
If a single deflection mirror is used for both transmission and reception, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transmission and reception paths to meet on opposite sides of a single deflection mirror. The mirror's angular position simultaneously controls both the outgoing directed beam and the incoming scattered light path, reducing component count while the coordinated control of both paths simplifies the overall operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback through the common deflection mirror: the same angular position control that directs the outgoing beam also correctly positions the incoming scattered light path. This feedback mechanism ensures that the mirror's position automatically coordinates both paths, making the system easier to operate despite using a single component for dual functions
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 design enables high sensitivity and flexibility in detecting objects by ensuring that reflected laser light is aligned with the detector, avoiding imaging errors and allowing for two-dimensional scanning with a single mirror, while maintaining a compact and cost-effective detector configuration.
Implementation Method 1
an angular position of the deflection mirror in the transmission path defining a scan angle of a laser light of the laser scanner, and the angular position in the reception path compensating for an incidence angle of a reflection of the laser light
Implementation Method 2
The laser scanner emits a laser beam, having a scan angle that is changeable in at least one axis, into a detection range. The laser beam is reflected on objects in the detection range. The LIDAR system may compute a distance and a direction from the object, based on a scan angle and a propagation time of the laser beam and its reflection
Implementation Method 3
When the laser beam strikes an object, for example an object in the detection range or the ground, the laser light of the laser beam is scattered on the object. A portion of the scattered laser light is reflected back in the direction of the laser scanner
Data Source
AI summary
A laser scanner that includes a transmission path and a reception path that is spatially separate from the transmission path, at least in areas. In the laser scanner, the transmission path and the reception path meet on opposite sides of an angularly movable deflection mirror of the laser scanner. An angular position of the deflection mirror in the transmission path defines a scan angle of a laser light of the laser scanner, and the angular position in the reception path compensates for an incidence angle of a reflection of the laser light.