LIDAR Testing Device Using Optical Copying
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Solution Overview
Problem
LIDAR sensors in automated transportation systems face challenges in testing their maximum range due to the lack of a suitable measuring section, as their transmitting and receiving objectives are focused to infinity, making direct close-range testing impractical.
Innovation Solution
A testing device with an imaging optical system comprising optical elements like off-axis parabolic mirrors and a signal attenuator, which simulates a shorter measuring distance and attenuates light to mimic free-space conditions, allowing for effective testing of LIDAR sensors within a compact setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If LIDAR sensors are tested for maximum range, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the required measuring section length increases to 100m-300m
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an optical copy of the distant environment by reflecting light through a plane mirror positioned at the object plane. This mirror image allows the sensor to perceive objects at the full measuring distance without physically traveling that distance, thereby achieving accurate range measurement in a compact setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a linear spatial measurement approach to an optical dimensional transformation. By using the mirror to create a virtual image at the object plane, the system maps the three-dimensional spatial measurement problem into an optical imaging problem, allowing measurement over short physical distances while maintaining accuracy for long-range detection.
2Reliability
If transmitting and receiving objectives are focused to infinity, then sensor performance is improved, but close-range testing becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a plane mirror as an intermediary element that bridges the contradiction between infinity focus and close-range testing. The mirror positioned at the object plane creates a virtual image that allows the sensor's infinity-focused optics to effectively focus on close-range objects, enabling both sensor performance maintenance and close-range testing capability.
3Measurement precision
If a long measuring section is provided for range testing, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and facility requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a plane mirror to create an optical copy of the distant environment, allowing accurate range measurement without requiring a physically long measuring section. This eliminates the need for extensive facility space while maintaining measurement precision, thereby reducing device complexity and facility requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically measuring long distances with an optical system using mirrors and image formation. This substitution transforms the mechanical measurement problem into an optical imaging problem, achieving accurate measurement in a compact setup without requiring long physical space or complex mechanical measurement systems.
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
Enables accurate testing of LIDAR sensors over reduced distances, maintaining beam-forming properties and simulating real-world conditions, thereby facilitating efficient evaluation of their performance without the need for extensive measuring sections.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging optical system, the imaging optical system including at least a first optical element and a second optical element, each of which has a beam-forming effect
Implementation Method 2
each of which has a beam-forming effect and predefined optical properties
Implementation Method 3
portions of the emitted light beams reflected or scattered from the surroundings to the active optical sensor
Implementation Method 4
portions of the emitted light beams reflected or scattered from the surroundings to the active optical sensor
Implementation Method 5
An additional reduction of a signal strength of the light emitted by the active optical sensor via the testing device, which simulates an attenuation during a free space test
Data Source
AI summary
A testing device for an active optical sensor. The testing device includes an imaging optical system including a first optical element and a second optical element, each having a beam-forming effect. The imaging optical system is situatable at a predefined position with a predefined orientation with respect to a surroundings interface of an active optical sensor to be tested, in such a way that light beams emitted by the active optical sensor into the surroundings of the active optical sensor and portions of the emitted light beams reflected or scattered from the surroundings to the active optical sensor in each case pass through the imaging optical system. The first optical element and the second optical element are configured to guide incoming light beams over an optical path of the testing device so that the light beams are imaged over a distance that is shorter than a predefined measuring distance.