Lidar Reflector Encoder Timing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lidar apparatuses face challenges in maintaining high horizontal resolution and cost-effectiveness due to the requirement for constant motor speed, which is difficult to achieve with existing control methods, and they also suffer from noise signal detection issues that increase data processing capacity.
Innovation Solution
A lidar apparatus with a reflector having multiple reflective surfaces and a magnetic or optical encoder that detects specific rotational positions, allowing the controller to emit pulsed light at predetermined positions and control light sensor detection time, enabling improved horizontal resolution and reduced motor specifications while blocking unnecessary noise signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a motor is used to rotate the reflector at constant speed, then the horizontal resolution of the lidar apparatus is maintained, but the manufacturing cost increases and jitter performance specification (0.5% or less) cannot be satisfied
Solution Approach 1:
The encoder detects the rotational position of the reflector in advance, and the controller pre-determines the emission timing of the light source based on this detected position. This preliminary detection and timing adjustment allows the system to achieve consistent horizontal resolution without requiring precise constant-speed motor control, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and jitter.
2Reliability
If the light sensor detects reflected light continuously, then all signals are captured, but noise signals are detected and data processing capacity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller determines the detection time of the light sensor in advance based on the encoder's rotational position detection. By pre-setting the detection window to coincide with when the reflector is at the correct angular position to return light to the sensor, the system captures valid signals while excluding noise, thereby reducing data processing requirements without compromising detection reliability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If feedback control is used to maintain constant motor speed, then rotation stability is improved, but the system complexity increases and jitter performance cannot be satisfied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical feedback control system (motor speed sensors and controllers) with an optical/electronic timing system using an encoder and controller. Instead of mechanically maintaining constant speed, the system uses the encoder to detect reflector position and the controller to adjust light emission timing accordingly, achieving rotation stability without complex mechanical feedback control.
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 solution enhances horizontal resolution and reduces manufacturing costs by allowing the use of lower-spec motors and minimizing noise signal detection, thereby optimizing data processing capacity.
Implementation Method 1
a light source for emitting pulsed light; a light sensor for detecting reflected light by an object from which the pulsed light is reflected and returned
Implementation Method 2
an encoder for detecting a rotational position of the reflector and outputting a detection signal
Implementation Method 3
an encoder for detecting a rotational position of the reflector and outputting a detection signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a lidar apparatus, comprising: a light source for emitting pulsed light; a light sensor for detecting reflected light by an object from which the pulsed light is reflected and returned; a reflector having a plurality of reflective surfaces, and for reflecting the pulsed light and transmitting it to the object, and reflecting the reflected light and transmitting it to the light sensor; a motor for rotating the reflector; an encoder for detecting a rotational position of the reflector and outputting a detection signal; and a controller for controlling emission timing of the light source and detection time of the light sensor using the detection signal.