Low-Profile LiDAR Using Dual Oscillating Mirrors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LiDAR systems with polygon mirrors face challenges in reducing height and improving scanline density due to the limitations of rotational speed, leading to increased noise, power consumption, and reduced reliability, while also protruding from vehicles, causing aerodynamic drag and aesthetic issues.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile LiDAR system is designed using a single rotatable polygon mirror and dual oscillating mirrors, specifically galvanometer scanners, to reduce overall height and rotational speed, while increasing scanline density by overlapping fields of view, thereby improving reliability and reducing noise and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the polygon mirror rotational speed is increased to improve scanline density, then scanline density is improved, but noise and power consumption increase and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scanning function into multiple independent oscillating mirrors (first and second oscillating mirrors) that work in parallel. Each mirror handles a portion of the scanning task, allowing the system to achieve high scanline density without requiring any single mirror to rotate at excessively high speeds, thereby maintaining reliability and reducing noise.
2Length of stationary object
If the polygon mirror size is reduced to lower height, then height is reduced, but scanline density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single high-speed rotating polygon mirror to multiple lower-speed oscillating mirrors arranged in a multi-dimensional configuration. The first and second oscillating mirrors are positioned at different locations and angles, creating overlapping fields of view that collectively achieve high scanline density while keeping each individual mirror compact and the overall system height low.
3Device complexity
If a single polygon mirror is used to simplify the system, then device complexity is reduced, but height reduction and scanline density improvement are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the scanning functions of multiple oscillating mirrors with a shared polygon mirror into a unified scanning system. The first and second oscillating mirrors work in conjunction with the polygon mirror, combining their fields of view to achieve comprehensive coverage. This merged approach reduces overall system height compared to fully independent scanners while maintaining improved scanline density through the coordinated operation of multiple 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
The solution effectively reduces the LiDAR system's height to less than 40 mm, enhances scanline density, and improves the reliability and lifespan of the polygon mirror, minimizing aerodynamic drag and enhancing vehicle integration.
Implementation Method 1
a first oscillating mirror disposed laterally on one side of the rotatable polygon mirror. The first oscillating mirror is configured to direct one or more first transmission light beams to a first reflective facet of the rotatable polygon mirror
Implementation Method 2
A combination of the first oscillating mirror, the second oscillating mirror, and the rotatable polygon mirror is arranged in the housing and configured to: scan the first transmission light beams in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to a first field-of-view
Implementation Method 3
Using the difference between the time that the return light pulse is detected and the time that a corresponding light pulse in the light beam is transmitted, the LiDAR system can determine the distance to the object based on the speed of light. This technique of determining the distance is referred to as the time-of-flight (ToF) technique
Data Source
AI summary
A low-profile LiDAR system is provided. The low-profile LiDAR system comprises a housing; a rotatable polygon mirror having a plurality of reflective facets; and a first oscillating mirror disposed laterally on one side of the rotatable polygon mirror. The first oscillating mirror is configured to direct one or more first transmission light beams to a first reflective facet of the rotatable polygon mirror. The LiDAR system may also include a second oscillating mirror disposed laterally on another side of the rotatable polygon mirror. The second oscillating mirror is configured to direct the one or more second transmission light beams to a second reflective facet. A combination of the first and second oscillating mirrors, and the rotatable polygon mirror is configured to: scan the first and second transmission light beams to a first field-of-view and a second field-of-view, respectively, and direct return light to one or more detectors.