3D Scanning LIDAR Sensor Compact Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR sensors face challenges in minimizing size and cost due to the need for multiple high-reflectivity mirrors and complex beam paths, which limits their application in micro systems and increases manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves separating the transmitter and receiver modules, using a moving mirror with distinct reflection regions, and a blocking wall to isolate light paths, allowing for a compact design and efficient beam management, enabling 3D scanning with improved cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple high-reflectivity mirrors and complex beam paths are used to achieve efficient light management, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple mirror functions into a single moving mirror with distinct reflection regions. The first reflection region directs transmitted light to the target object, while the second reflection region directs reflected light to the photodiode. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate mirrors and complex beam paths, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through optimized light management
Solution Approach 2:
The moving mirror is segmented into distinct reflection regions (first and second reflection regions) that perform different functions. This segmentation allows the single mirror to efficiently manage separate light paths for transmission and reception, achieving complex optical functionality through a simplified structure that reduces both device complexity and manufacturing cost
2Measurement precision
If multiple high-reflectivity mirrors are used to form efficient beam paths, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple mirror components into a single moving mirror assembly with distinct reflection regions. This consolidation reduces the number of high-reflectivity mirrors needed from multiple to just one, significantly lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the efficiency of beam path management required for precise distance measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The single moving mirror serves multiple functions simultaneously: it directs transmitted light through its first reflection region and directs reflected light through its second reflection region. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized mirrors, reducing manufacturing cost while preserving measurement precision through efficient light path control
3Measurement precision
If a long distance is secured from transmitter and receiver to mirror, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the temporal dimension by sequentially switching the moving mirror between different reflection regions. The motor drives the mirror to alternate between the first reflection region (for transmitting light) and the second reflection region (for receiving light). This time-based switching allows sufficient optical path length for precise measurement while maintaining a compact physical structure, effectively resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device size
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 approach minimizes the size of the LIDAR sensor, reduces manufacturing costs, and enhances its ability to measure precise distances by removing scattering light and optimizing the movement range of the mirror, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of 3D scanning.
Implementation Method 1
light emitted from a light source or light reflected from a transmission mirror is reflected from a first reflection region of a moving mirror and is moved to a target object and light reflected from the target object is reflected from a second reflection region of the moving mirror and is moved to the transmission mirror or a photodiode
Implementation Method 2
installing a blocking wall separating movement paths of light, and restricting a range of a movement of the moving mirror
Implementation Method 3
an optical receiver configured to receive light from the second reflection region of the first angle adjusting unit
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a LIght Detection And Ranging (LIDAR) sensor which is capable of minimizing a size of a LIDAR sensor which is capable of performing 3D scanning and setting a region of interest for obtaining point cloud data by removing scattering light by separating a transmitter module and a receiver module, disposing a transmitter, a mirror, and a receiver in a specific space so that light emitted from a light source or light reflected from a transmission mirror is reflected from a first reflection region of a moving mirror and is moved to a target object and light reflected from the target object is reflected from a second reflection region of the moving mirror and is moved to the transmission mirror or a photodiode, installing a blocking wall separating movement paths of light, and adjusting a range of a movement of the moving mirror.