LiDAR Wide-Viewing Angle Using Dual Rotatable Mirror Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LiDAR technologies face challenges in achieving wide-viewing angles and high-resolution 3D distance imaging, particularly for autonomous driving robots and factory automation, where simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) and obstacle avoidance are critical.
Innovation Solution
The proposed LiDAR apparatus utilizes a Pyramidal Mirror structure to achieve a wide-viewing angle of 180° or more horizontally and 30° or more vertically, by dividing the horizontal viewing angle into half-angles of a M-polygon mirror and using multiple LDs with different tilt angles to increase the vertical viewing angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a conventional LiDAR scanning system is used, then the structure is simple, but the viewing angle is limited and cannot achieve wide horizontal (180° or more) and vertical (30° or more) coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the viewing angle coverage into multiple segments by using a first mirror array for horizontal scanning and a second mirror array for vertical scanning. Each mirror array is divided into multiple mirrors with different inclination angles, allowing the system to achieve wide viewing angle coverage (180° horizontal, 30° vertical) through segmented angular distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane scanning system to a two-dimensional mirror array system. The first mirror array handles horizontal dimension scanning while the second mirror array handles vertical dimension scanning, creating a two-dimensional scanning pattern that achieves wide viewing angle coverage in both horizontal and vertical directions simultaneously.
2Area of stationary object
If the viewing angle is increased to 180° horizontally and 30° vertically, then the measurement coverage is improved, but scanning distortion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different inclination angles to different mirrors within each mirror array. The first mirror array contains mirrors with different horizontal inclination angles, and the second mirror array contains mirrors with different vertical inclination angles. This localized variation in mirror angles compensates for scanning distortion across different viewing directions, maintaining measurement precision throughout the wide viewing angle range.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple LDs with different tilt angles are arranged to increase vertical viewing angle, then the vertical coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple light sources with different tilt angles into a unified system. Instead of treating each LD as a separate device, the patent combines multiple LDs with the two-mirror array system, where the mirrors handle the angular distribution. This merging approach achieves wide vertical viewing angle coverage (30°) while managing device complexity through integrated optical path design.
4Measurement precision
If the horizontal viewing angle is divided into half-angles of M-polygon mirror, then the scanning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the horizontal viewing angle into half-angles corresponding to the M-polygon mirror structure. The first mirror array is configured with mirrors that divide the horizontal field of view into discrete angular segments, allowing precise scanning control in each segment while maintaining overall wide coverage. This segmentation approach achieves high scanning precision through controlled angular discretization.
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 the resolution and speed of measurement while minimizing scanning distortion, enabling accurate 3D state measurement of environments and secure wide viewing angles for autonomous navigation.
Implementation Method 1
the horizontal viewing angle is multi-divided into half an angle of a M-polygon mirror, the LD light source being placed for each area, the beam being scanned
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A light detection and ranging (LiDAR) apparatus with a wide viewing angle includes: a first rotatable mirror array including a first plurality of inclined mirrors arranged in a circumferential direction; a plurality of light sources configured to emit light toward the first rotatable mirror array; a second rotatable mirror array including a second plurality of inclined mirrors arranged in the circumferential direction, the second rotatable mirror array facing the first rotatable mirror array to reflect the light reflected by the first rotatable mirror array to an outside of the LiDAR apparatus; and a photodetector configured to detect the light reflected by the second rotatable mirror array, wherein the plurality of light sources may be provided in a plurality of sections into which an angle range of 180 degrees or more is divided in equal intervals in the circumferential direction.