LiDAR Ranging System with Movable Mirror for Dynamic Angle Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

LiDAR systems face a trade-off between angle of view and resolution, limiting their ability to accurately detect subjects at long distances while maintaining required resolution, and they struggle to adapt their ranging direction effectively in dynamic environments.

Innovation Solution

A ranging system that includes a LiDAR apparatus with a movable mirror and a control circuit, allowing it to adjust its ranging direction based on external signals, thereby changing the emission timing of laser light to focus on specific areas of interest while maintaining a fixed angle of view, and optionally using a movable mount for further directional control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the angle of view of LiDAR is increased to detect long-distance subjects, then the detection range is improved, but the resolution of distance information deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection rangeVSAvoidresolution of distance information
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The LiDAR system dynamically changes its angle of view based on detection needs. The control unit adjusts the angle of view to be smaller when high resolution is needed and larger when wide coverage is needed, making the system adaptive rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the angle of view to vary dynamically rather than being fixed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of angle of view according to different operational requirements. By controlling the angle of view to be smaller than a reference value when subject detection is prioritized, and larger when coverage is prioritized, the system optimizes performance for different scenarios, resolving the fixed trade-off between range and resolution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the angle of view is reduced to improve resolution, then the measurement precision is improved, but the detection range and coverage area deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresolution of distance informationVSAvoiddetection range
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the angle of view parameter based on real-time requirements. When high resolution is needed for subject detection, the angle of view is reduced; when wide area coverage is needed, the angle of view is increased. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for either resolution or range depending on operational context.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit changes the angle of view parameter to match operational needs. By setting the angle of view to be smaller than a reference value when resolution is prioritized and larger when coverage is prioritized, the system flexibly manages the trade-off between precision and detection range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If the LiDAR uses a fixed angle of view, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to dynamic environments deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of LiDAR configurationVSAvoidability to adapt ranging direction
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The LiDAR system transitions from a static fixed angle of view to a dynamic adjustable angle of view. The control unit enables real-time modification of the angle of view parameter, allowing the system to adapt to changing environmental requirements while maintaining relatively simple hardware architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces the capability to change the angle of view parameter based on operational context. By controlling the angle of view to be smaller or larger than a reference value depending on whether subject detection or coverage is prioritized, the system gains adaptability without requiring complex structural modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enhances detection accuracy for long-distance subjects by optimizing ranging direction and resolution, ensuring required ranging resolution in noted ranges and improving safety in transportation equipment operations by acquiring information in regions inaccessible to cameras.

Implementation Method 1

A LiDAR emits laser light to a ranging target. The emitted laser light is reflected by the ranging target, and detected by an optical sensor of the LiDAR.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

measure a distance to the subject based on a timing of emission of the first laser light by the light source and a timing of detection of the second laser light by the light sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentEP4418003A1Ranging apparatus and ranging system
Publication Date: 2024.08.21 KK TOSHIBA
  • EP4418003A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4418003A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4418003A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

According to one arrangement, a ranging apparatus includes a light source (23), a movable mirror (251), a light sensor (26), a measurement circuit (27), and a first control circuit (21). The movable mirror reflects each of first and second laser lights. The second laser light corresponds to the first laser light reflected by an external subject. The light sensor detects the second laser light reflected by the movable mirror. The measurement circuit measures a distance to the subject based on a timing of emission of the first laser light by the light source and a timing of detection of the second laser light by the light sensor. The first control circuit changes an emission direction of the first laser light based on a first signal from outside.