LiDAR Enclosure with Reflective Surfaces for Concealed Field of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conspicuous LiDAR units in applications like homeland security are undesirable due to visibility concerns, and existing solutions for hidden configurations either require reflective surfaces or multiple units, which are costly and power-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A LiDAR enclosure with parallel reflective surfaces that redirect laser beams out of the enclosure, allowing the LiDAR unit to remain concealed while maintaining a wide field of view, using materials like aluminum or gold for high reflectance and transparent windows for laser transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If LiDAR unit is mounted prominently to ensure unobstructed view, then field of view is improved, but visibility and discreetness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an enclosure as an intermediary structure that houses the LiDAR unit. This enclosure acts as a mediator between the need for concealed mounting and the requirement for unobstructed laser beam transmission, allowing the LiDAR to operate effectively while maintaining discreetness.
Solution Approach 2:
The LiDAR unit is nested within the enclosure structure. This nesting approach allows the LiDAR to be concealed inside the housing while still projecting laser beams outward through strategically positioned openings, achieving both camouflage and functional performance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If reflective surfaces or multiple LiDAR units are used to achieve hidden configuration, then discreetness is improved, but cost and power consumption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reflective surfaces from the enclosure design, eliminating the need for costly reflective materials. Instead, the enclosure uses direct line-of-sight openings to allow laser beams to exit and return, significantly reducing material costs while maintaining the concealed configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a single LiDAR unit to perform the work that would otherwise require multiple units. By strategically positioning the LiDAR within the enclosure and designing appropriate beam exit paths, one unit can achieve the same surveillance coverage as multiple exposed units would provide.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple LiDAR units are used to cover the same area, then field of view is improved, but weight and cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple LiDAR units into a single concealed unit. By carefully designing the enclosure geometry and beam exit paths, one LiDAR unit can achieve comprehensive area coverage that would traditionally require multiple units, thereby reducing total system weight.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If LiDAR unit is concealed within enclosure, then discreetness is improved, but field of view deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the enclosure structure to create multiple beam exit paths. By dividing the enclosure into sections with strategically positioned openings, the LiDAR unit can transmit laser beams in multiple directions while remaining fully concealed, thereby maintaining a wide effective field of view without compromising discreetness.
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 enables a concealed LiDAR setup that reduces weight, cost, and power consumption while preserving the field of view, allowing for efficient data collection and image construction of the environment.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective material disposed on an interior of a second side and a third side of the four-sided container
Implementation Method 2
transparent windows for laser transmission
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to light detection and ranging. In one aspect, a method comprises providing an apparatus. The apparatus comprises a LiDAR unit and a LiDAR enclosure. The LiDAR enclosure comprises a four-sided container having a square or rectangular cross-section with a first open end and a second open end comprising two opposite ends of the four-sided container. The LiDAR unit is attached to a mounting area inside the four-sided container. A reflective material is disposed on an interior of a second side and a third side of the four-sided container. Laser light is generated with the LiDAR unit. The laser light that has interacted with environment surrounding the LiDAR enclosure and that has been reflected back to the LiDAR unit is detected. The detected laser light is processed to construct an image of the environment surrounding the LiDAR enclosure.