Lidar Dynamic Range via Segmented Receiving Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lidar sensor systems face challenges in improving dynamic range performance without increasing complexity, volume, mass, and cost, which is particularly critical for space applications where simplicity and efficiency are paramount.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an optical lidar dynamic control device featuring a freeform optics component that adjusts the focus of returning beams based on target range, allowing for improved light collection and focus onto a detector, thereby enhancing dynamic range performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard methods (dual lidar sensors, dual laser transmitters, or dual receiver sets) are used to extend lidar range, then lidar dynamic range performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (focusing for different range zones) into a single integrated receiving lens assembly. The first receiving lens handles long-range detection while the second receiving lens handles short-range detection, and both are merged into one unified optical component rather than using separate lidar sensors or receiver sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving optics are segmented into multiple zones with different focal lengths. The receiving lens is divided into a first region for long-range detection and a second region for short-range detection, allowing each segment to optimize for its specific range zone while maintaining a single integrated structure.
2Measurement precision
If dual lidar sensors or dual receiver sets are installed to improve dynamic range, then measurement precision is improved, but mass increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of what would traditionally require separate lidar sensors or receiver sets into a single integrated receiving lens assembly. This consolidation eliminates the need for duplicate components, thereby reducing overall system mass while maintaining the capability to detect both long-range and short-range targets effectively.
3Measurement precision
If dual lidar sensors or dual receiver sets are installed to extend lidar range, then measurement precision is improved, but volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple receiving functions into a single receiving lens assembly, eliminating the volume occupied by separate lidar sensors or receiver sets. The first and second receiving lenses are positioned within the same optical path and share common structural support, significantly reducing the overall volume required to achieve extended dynamic range performance.
4Measurement precision
If dual laser transmitters or dual receiver sets are installed to improve dynamic range, then measurement precision is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functionality of multiple laser transmitters and receiver sets into a single integrated system. The receiving lens assembly with its multiple focal regions works in conjunction with a single laser transmitter, eliminating the need for duplicate components while maintaining the capability to detect targets across extended range zones.
5Measurement precision
If dual receiver sets with different sensitivities are installed to extend lidar range, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different focal lengths to different regions of the receiving lens. The first receiving lens region is optimized for long-range detection while the second receiving lens region is optimized for short-range detection. This spatial differentiation of optical properties allows each region to specialize in its respective range zone, improving measurement precision without requiring separate receiver sets with different sensitivities.
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 enables a simpler and less complicated lidar sensor system with improved range performance, maintaining performance while reducing mass, size, and power consumption, making it suitable for space applications.
Implementation Method 1
a receiving lens configured to receive a returning beam from a target object and focus the returning beam from the target object to a detector
Implementation Method 2
an optical lidar dynamic control lens placed on a section of the receiving lens, wherein a part of the returning beam from the target object traverses through the optical lidar dynamic control lens, and the optical lidar dynamic control lens is configured to focus the returning beam from the target object to the detector
Data Source
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AI summary
A lidar device, and a system for improving the dynamic range performance of a lidar sensor is provided. The Light Detection and Ranging sensor system comprises: a laser transmitter (410), configured to transmit a laser beam to a target object; a receiving optics apparatus, further comprising: a receiving lens (420) configured to receive a returning beam from the target object and focus the returning beam from the target object to a detector (430); an optical lidar dynamic control lens (450) placed on a section of the receiving lens, wherein a part of the returning beam from the target object traverses through the optical lidar dynamic control lens, and the optical lidar dynamic control lens configured to focus the returning beam from the target object to a detector; and the detector, configured to receive the returning beam from the receiving optics apparatus to measure a range between the sensor system and the target object.