Multi-Beam LiDAR for Object Size Differentiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
LiDAR devices face challenges in accurately detecting objects within a monitored area due to varying beam diameters affecting scan density and real-time performance, and struggle to differentiate between objects of different sizes and floating debris, leading to potential false detections.
Innovation Solution
An optical monitoring apparatus that emits multiple lights with different beam diameters to an area, allowing for distance measurement and feature extraction of objects based on the results, enabling the differentiation between objects of varying sizes and floating debris by combining the results from lights with varying beam diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the laser beam diameter is increased to improve detection coverage and reduce beam passing through objects, then the scan density decreases with increasing distance, reducing detection precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single laser beam into multiple separate laser beams that scan different regions. Each beam maintains its own scan density while collectively covering a wider area, thus resolving the contradiction between coverage and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-beam approach to a multi-beam array approach, adding spatial dimensionality to the scanning system. This allows simultaneous coverage of multiple regions with appropriate scan density in each region.
2Measurement precision
If the laser beam is finely scanned to increase scan density and reduce beam passing through objects, then the time required for scanning increases, impairing real-time performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scanning task across multiple laser beams that operate simultaneously. Each beam scans a specific region with appropriate density, and the combined results provide comprehensive coverage in real-time, resolving the contradiction between precision and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous scanning of multiple regions simultaneously through parallel beam operation, maintaining real-time performance while achieving adequate scan density in each region through the multi-beam configuration.
3Reliability
If a single beam diameter is used for monitoring, then it is difficult to differentiate between objects of different sizes and floating debris, leading to false detections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection task by using multiple laser beams with different beam diameters. Each beam diameter is optimized for detecting objects of specific size ranges, allowing the system to differentiate between various object types and reduce false detections from floating debris.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different beam diameters (different local qualities) to different detection scenarios. Smaller beam diameters are used for detecting small objects with high precision, while larger beam diameters are used for detecting larger objects or providing broader coverage, thus improving overall detection accuracy.
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 apparatus effectively extracts features of objects in the monitored area, improving detection accuracy by distinguishing between large, solid objects and scattered small objects, while maintaining real-time performance by adjusting scanning density.
Implementation Method 1
A part of the laser beam irradiated to the object is reflected thereby, and the LiDAR device receives the reflected light of the irradiated laser beam
Implementation Method 2
the beam diameter of each wavelength is expanded for each wavelength by using a beam expander
Data Source
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Figure 3A
AI summary
It is possible to extract features of an object present in an area to be monitored in an optical monitoring apparatus. A light irradiating means (12) irradiates a plurality of lights emitted from a plurality of light sources (11) to an area to be monitored (16). The light irradiating means (12) irradiates at least one of the plurality of lights and at least another one of the plurality of lights to the area to be monitored (16) with mutually different beam diameters. A light reception means (13) receives reflected lights of the plurality of lights incident from the area to be monitored (16). A distance measuring means (14) measures, for each of the plurality of lights, the distance to an object present in the area to be monitored based on the reflected lights. A feature extracting means (15) extracts a feature of the object present in the area to be monitored based on results of measurement of the distance for the plurality of lights.