LIDAR Mirror Array Selective Scanning for Inertia Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LIDAR scanners face limitations due to significant rotational inertia, resulting in inefficient scanning as they struggle to rapidly jump between positions, leading to unnecessary data collection from empty spaces or objects out of range.
Innovation Solution
A system employing a broad-beam laser transmitter, a mirror array, and a piezoelectric motor for 360-degree azimuth rotation with 25 degrees of elevation coverage, enabling sparse scanning to focus on regions of interest and reduce unnecessary data acquisition by selectively directing the scanning signal with a digital micro-mirror array.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional LIDAR scanners use continuous rotation to scan objects, then they can cover a wide area, but they waste time collecting data from blank space or objects out of measurement range due to significant rotational inertia preventing rapid position changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous scanning beam into multiple discrete focal spots that can be independently positioned. The laser beam is divided and focused at different locations along the scan path, allowing the system to jump between regions of interest without scanning through empty spaces, thereby reducing scanning time and improving data acquisition efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic focal spot positioning where the focal spots can be rapidly repositioned along the scan path. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to moving objects and change scanning patterns in real-time, eliminating the need for continuous rotation and reducing the impact of rotational inertia
2Measurement precision
If conventional LIDAR scanners continuously scan all areas, then they maintain comprehensive coverage, but they acquire unnecessary data from empty spaces reducing measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating scanning resources only on regions of interest rather than uniformly scanning the entire field. Multiple focal spots are positioned specifically at locations where objects are expected or detected, providing high measurement precision for relevant areas while eliminating data collection from empty spaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by scanning only the necessary portions of the field rather than the entire area. By positioning focal spots selectively at regions of interest and skipping blank spaces, the system acquires sufficient data for measurement precision without the excess of collecting unnecessary information from empty areas
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 allows for efficient wide-range three-dimensional scanning, reducing scanning time and data acquisition while maintaining high precision, enabling effective tracking of moving objects and adaptable scanning patterns for various applications, including robotics and autonomous vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
A photoelectric detector is provided that is adapted to convert the focused directed scanning signal into at least one electronic representation of a two-dimensional image
Implementation Method 2
a scanning signal collection lens adapted to receive the portion of reflected scanning signal and to direct the reflected scanning signal to a mirror array, the mirror array adapted to selectively direct a directed portion of the reflected scanning signal to a detector lens adapted to receive the directed scanning signal, the collection lens adapted to focus the directed scanning signal resulting in a focused directed signal
Implementation Method 3
a scanning signal collection lens adapted to receive the portion of reflected scanning signal and to direct the reflected scanning signal to a mirror array, the mirror array adapted to selectively direct a directed portion of the reflected scanning signal to a detector lens
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed to enable a system for wide-range scanning of objects in three-dimensions. A broad-beam, laser-based transmitter is provided that is adapted to generate a scanning signal to be transmitted in a scanning direction toward an object to be scanned, a portion of the scanning signal being reflected by the object to be scanned. Additionally, a scanning signal collection lens is provided that is adapted to receive the portion of reflected scanning signal and to direct the reflected scanning signal to a mirror array, the mirror array adapted to selectively direct a directed portion of the reflected scanning signal as well as a detector lens adapted to receive the directed scanning signal, the collection lens adapted to focus the directed scanning signal resulting in a focused directed signal and a photoelectric detector adapted to convert the focused directed scanning signal into at least one electronic representation of a two-dimensional image. A rotational motor is provided that is adapted to rotate the system with respect to the area being scanned.