Lidar Device With Rotating Beam Shaping Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LIDAR devices have limited vertical resolution and a fixed vertical scan angle, which cannot be adjusted depending on the situation, restricting their adaptability to various environments and applications.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR device with a horizontally rotatable radiation source and generating optics that can variably shape the beam, allowing for synchronous horizontal rotation of the transmitting and receiving units, enabling adjustable vertical resolution and range by using changeable lenses and passive optical elements like holographic or liquid lenses to adapt the scanning angle and range based on the environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional LIDAR devices use a fixed beam shaping configuration, then the device structure is simple, but the vertical resolution and scanning angle cannot be adjusted depending on the situation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the beam shaping system adjustable rather than fixed. The generating optics can be rotated to different angular positions around the beam path, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of the beam profile. This enables the LIDAR device to adapt its vertical resolution and scanning angle based on situational requirements, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and fixed structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a multi-functional beam shaping system where a single generating optics assembly can perform multiple functions by rotating to different positions. The same optical elements can shape beams for different vertical scanning angles and resolutions, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated optical systems and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
2Area of stationary object
If the vertical scanning angle is increased for wider coverage, then the coverage area is improved, but the range and resolution for long-distance scanning are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling real-time switching between different beam shaping configurations based on the required scanning scenario. When long-range high-resolution scanning is needed, the generating optics is positioned to create a narrow vertical scanning angle with high resolution. When wide-area coverage is prioritized, the optics is rotated to produce a broader scanning angle, dynamically optimizing the trade-off between coverage and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by allowing different portions of the vertical scanning angle to have different resolution characteristics. The beam shaping optics can be configured to concentrate resolution resources where needed (e.g., forward scanning direction for long range) while providing broader coverage in other directions, creating non-uniform but optimized resolution distribution across the scanning area.
3Length of stationary object
If the beam is focused for long-range scanning, then the range is improved, but the vertical scanning angle is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the beam focus and scanning angle adjustable through rotation of the generating optics. The system can switch between a focused narrow beam configuration for long-range scanning and a divergent wide-angle configuration for short-range wide-area scanning, allowing the beam shape to be dynamically optimized for the specific operational requirement.
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 LIDAR device can dynamically adjust its vertical resolution and scanning angle to suit different environments, such as increasing range with reduced vertical angle for long-distance scanning or enhancing vertical angle for closer areas, improving its adaptability and effectiveness in various driving conditions and complex environments.
Implementation Method 1
A generating optic, in particular a liquid lens, can serve to shape the at least one generated beam
Implementation Method 2
The generating optics can consist of several optical elements, such as lenses, diffractive optical elements, holographic optical elements
Implementation Method 3
a horizontally rotatable receiving optic for receiving at least one beam reflected from an object and for deflecting the at least one reflected beam onto a detector
Implementation Method 4
The radiation source can be, for example, an infrared semiconductor laser, a laser bar
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a LIDAR device for scanning solid angles with at least one beam, at least one beam source arranged in a horizontally rotatable manner for producing at least one beam, at least one beam emitter for forming the at least one produced beam, and a horizontally rotatable beam collector for receiving at least one beam reflected by the object and for deflecting the at least one reflected beam towards a detector, the at least one produced beam being formed in a variable manner.