Automated Lidar Test Module Tracking Scanning Beam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Lidar test solutions face challenges in capturing the entirety of the laser beam emission due to the limited collection angle of optical front-end modules, leading to performance errors and increased complexity with multiple modules, making it difficult to verify the proper operation of Lidar sensors in various scenarios.
Innovation Solution
An automated positioning apparatus for an optical test module relative to a Lidar sensor, utilizing a sensor platform, a test module platform, and actuators to move the optical test module in vertical and horizontal arcs, and rotationally, allowing it to follow the scanning path of the Lidar sensor, ensuring accurate alignment and simulation of target reflections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the collection angle of the optical front-end module is increased to capture the entire laser beam emission, then the coverage of laser beam capture is improved, but the focus characteristics deteriorate resulting in performance errors
Solution Approach 1:
The optical front-end module is made movable through vertical, horizontal, and rotational actuators, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and orientation to track the scanning laser beam. This dynamic positioning enables the module to maintain optimal focus characteristics while capturing the entire laser beam emission across different angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds multiple degrees of freedom (vertical, horizontal, and rotational dimensions) to the optical module's positioning capability. By moving the module in three-dimensional space rather than relying solely on increasing the collection angle, the system captures the full laser beam emission while preserving focus quality.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple optical modules are provided to capture all laser beam emissions, then the coverage is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple static optical modules, the invention employs a single optical module that can dynamically reposition itself to track the scanning laser beam. This dynamic tracking approach eliminates the need for multiple modules while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
A single optical module is designed to perform multiple functions by moving to different positions and orientations. The module can capture laser beams from various angles and positions in the scanning field, making one module equivalent to multiple fixed modules in terms of coverage capability.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple optical modules are used to capture the laser beam, then the coverage is improved, but the interface and synchronization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single movable optical module is controlled by actuators that can be synchronized with the Lidar sensor's scanning pattern. This dynamic control system simplifies the interface requirements compared to coordinating multiple independent optical modules, as only one module needs to be precisely positioned and timed.
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 setup enables comprehensive testing of Lidar sensors by increasing the capture angle and maintaining precise distance and orientation, reducing the need for multiple optical modules and simplifying the interface, thus enhancing testing efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The optical front-end module is operative to capture a laser beam emitted from a Lidar sensor under test, and to return a simulated reflection light signal back to the Lidar
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus automatically positions an optical test module relative to a Lidar sensor during a target simulation test of the Lidar sensor. The apparatus includes a sensor platform configured to support a Lidar sensor, and a test module platform configured to support an optical test module such that an optical window of the optical test module faces in a direction towards the Lidar sensor supported by the sensor platform. The apparatus further includes a vertical actuator configured to convey the test module platform relative to the sensor platform such that the optical test module moves in a vertical arc while the optical window of the optical test module faces the Lidar sensor, a horizontal actuator configured to convey the test module platform relative to the sensor platform such that the optical test module moves in a horizontal arc while the optical window of the optical test module faces the Lidar sensor, and a rotational actuator configured to rotate the optical test module about a vertical axis of the test module platform.