Scanning LiDAR Optical Switching for Higher Scan Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
LIDAR systems suffer from limited scan cycle utilization due to reflective facets being properly oriented for efficient scanning only during a limited portion of the scan period, leading to idle time and reduced effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
Scanning the field of view (FOV) through multiple optical paths using different reflective facets of a rotatable scanner, each oriented effectively during distinct time segments of the scan period, with optical switches switching between facets to maximize scanning time and data capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single reflective facet is used for scanning, then the optical path is simple, but the scan cycle utilization is limited to a small portion of the scan period
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning system divides the scan period into multiple time segments, with each segment using a different reflective facet. This segmentation allows the scanner to utilize multiple facets sequentially, increasing the portion of the scan period that is productively used while managing complexity through temporal division rather than simultaneous multi-path operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different reflective facets during the scan period using optical switches. This dynamic reconfiguration of the optical path allows the system to adapt which facet is active at any given time, maximizing scan cycle utilization while keeping the overall device architecture relatively simple through controlled temporal switching.
2Duration of action of moving object
If multiple reflective facets are used to increase scanning time, then the scanning utilization increases, but the device complexity increases due to multiple optical paths
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic switching between multiple reflective facets in a predetermined sequence during each scan period. This periodic action ensures that each facet is utilized for a specific time segment, extending the effective scanning time while maintaining manageable device complexity through regular, predictable switching patterns rather than complex arbitrary sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
By switching between multiple reflective facets in sequence during the scan period, the system maintains continuous useful scanning action throughout the entire period. Instead of having idle time when a single facet cannot provide useful scanning, the continuous switching ensures that useful scanning action persists across all time segments, maximizing the duration of productive operation.
3Productivity
If optical switches are added to switch between facets, then the scanning utilization increases, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Optical switches serve as intermediary components that enable the system to transition between different reflective facets. These switches act as mediators in the optical path, allowing the system to achieve higher scanning effectiveness by facilitating controlled switching between facets while isolating the complexity of the switching mechanism from the rest of the scanning system.
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
Increases scan period utilization, enhances data capture, improves detection accuracy and reliability, and expands the angular extent of the FOV, reducing distortions and increasing the effective scanning time to 70-90% of the scan period.
Implementation Method 1
one or more optical switches having at least two states. The one or more optical switches interposed between the one or more light sources and the one or more rotatable light deflectors are configured to switch between the at least two states such that: in a first state, the one or more optical switches direct the emitted light towards the FOV via a first reflective facet
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are methods and systems for scanning an environment using a LIDAR system comprising one or more light sources configured to emit light, one or more rotatable light deflectors having a plurality of reflective facets to direct light emitted by the light source(s) to scan a Field of View (FOV) of the LIDAR system, and one or more optical switches having at least two states. The optical switch(es) interposed between the light source(s) and the rotatable light deflector(s) is configured to switch between the at least two states such that, in a first state, the one or more optical switches direct the emitted light towards the FOV via a first reflective facet of the plurality of reflective facets, and in a second state, the one or more optical switches direct the emitted light towards the FOV via a second reflective facet of the plurality of reflective facets.