LiDAR Scanner With Oscillating Prism and Mirror
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LiDAR systems face challenges in achieving a compact design due to the large dimensions and clearance requirements of rotatable optical components, which makes them difficult to fit into small spaces such as vehicle rearview mirrors or corners, and they often suffer from reliability issues due to high-speed rotation of electronic components.
Innovation Solution
A compact LiDAR system is developed using an optical refraction device and a mirror that oscillate instead of rotating, allowing for a reduced dimension and enabling the system to fit into smaller spaces, with movement profiles configured for alternating motion to achieve flat scanlines in both horizontal and vertical directions, and real-time position feedback for improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If rotatable optical components are used in conventional LiDAR systems, then the scanning function can be achieved, but the system dimension and clearance requirements increase making it difficult to fit into small spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional rotational scanning approach by using oscillating optical components (prism and mirror) that move back and forth within a limited angular range instead of rotating 360 degrees. This inversion of the motion paradigm dramatically reduces the clearance space required while maintaining the ability to scan the entire field of view through coordinated oscillation of multiple components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic oscillation of the optical prism and mirror at different frequencies and amplitudes to achieve comprehensive spatial scanning. By dynamically adjusting the motion parameters of multiple oscillating components, the system maintains full scanning capability with significantly reduced physical dimensions compared to static or purely rotational designs
2Productivity
If high-speed rotation is used in conventional LiDAR systems, then scanning speed can be improved, but reliability issues arise due to high-speed rotation of electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic oscillation of optical components instead of high-speed rotation, achieving fast scanning through coordinated motion of multiple components oscillating at optimized frequencies. This dynamic approach maintains high scanning speed while avoiding the reliability problems associated with high-speed rotation of electronic components, as the oscillating optical components have no electrical connections that would be stressed by rotation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical rotational system with an oscillating optical system that uses refraction and reflection principles. By substituting the mechanical rotation paradigm with optical oscillation and redirection, the system achieves comparable or superior scanning performance while eliminating the reliability issues of rotating electronic components, as the optical path remains stable and the moving parts have no electrical interfaces
3Measurement precision
If oscillating components with position feedback are used, then position accuracy can be improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates position feedback sensors on the oscillating prism and mirror to precisely monitor their angular positions during oscillation. This feedback is fed to the controller which adjusts the motion profiles in real-time to compensate for deviations and maintain accurate beam positioning. The feedback mechanism enables high measurement precision while the controller integrates this functionality efficiently, managing the complexity through coordinated control 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 compact design enhances the LiDAR system's ability to fit into small spaces while maintaining performance by reducing the overall dimension and improving position accuracy through oscillating components, resulting in a more reliable and efficient scanning mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
an optical refraction device coupled to a first actuator configured to oscillate the optical refraction device
Implementation Method 2
a mirror optically coupled to the optical refraction device and coupled to a second actuator configured to oscillate the mirror
Data Source
AI summary
A light detection and ranging (LiDAR) scanning system is disclosure. In one embodiment, the system includes an optical refraction device coupled to a first actuator configured to oscillate the optical refraction device. The system further includes a mirror optically coupled to the optical refraction device and coupled to a second actuator configured to oscillate the mirror. The system further includes one or more controllers communicatively coupled to the first and second actuators. The controllers are configured to control oscillation of the optical refraction device and oscillation of the mirror to steer one or more light beams both vertically and horizontally to illuminate one or more objects within a field-of-view, obtain return light, the return light being generated based on the steered one or more light beams illuminating the one or more objects within the field-of-view, and redirect the return light to a collection lens disposed in the system.