Multiple Beam LIDAR System for Moving Object Metrology
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR systems are slow and inefficient in metrology applications, particularly in characterizing moving objects, due to limitations in range and velocity measurement accuracy caused by vibrations and multiple settling times.
Innovation Solution
A multiple beam LIDAR system with multiple laser subsystems that transmit and analyze simultaneous laser beams from different locations, allowing for simultaneous range and velocity measurements, reducing settling times and improving accuracy by accounting for vibrations and Doppler shifts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single laser beam is used for range measurement in known LIDAR systems, then the system structure remains simple, but the measurement process becomes slow and inefficient due to multiple settling times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single laser beam into multiple separate laser beams (first laser beam, second laser beam, etc.) that can be transmitted simultaneously at different locations on the object. This segmentation allows parallel measurements at multiple points, eliminating the sequential settling time requirements of single-beam systems and significantly improving measurement speed while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular laser subsystems.
2Productivity
If multiple laser beams are transmitted simultaneously at different locations, then measurement efficiency increases, but the system complexity increases with multiple laser subsystems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs each laser subsystem to perform multiple functions: transmitting laser beams for range measurement, enabling velocity measurement through Doppler shift analysis, and providing vibration compensation data. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each measurement type, thereby improving measurement efficiency without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If measurements are taken at different locations on a moving object, then comprehensive characterization is improved, but velocity variations between locations complicate the measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the analyzer calculates velocities at multiple locations and uses this information to identify and compensate for vibrations and velocity variations across the object. By continuously monitoring and adjusting for these variations, the system maintains high measurement precision and reliability even when characterizing moving objects with complex motion patterns.
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 system significantly accelerates measurement processes while enhancing the accuracy of range and velocity estimates, reducing relative and absolute errors in range, azimuth, and elevation measurements by leveraging simultaneous measurements across closely spaced points.
Implementation Method 1
an analyzer configured to calculate a first velocity based on a first reflected laser beam reflected from the object in response to the first laser beam
Implementation Method 2
Multiple beam laser LIght Detection And Ranging (LIDAR) system
Implementation Method 3
allowing for simultaneous range and velocity measurements, reducing settling times and improving accuracy by accounting for vibrations and Doppler shifts
Data Source
AI summary
In one general aspect, an apparatus can include a first laser subsystem configured to transmit a first laser beam at a first location on an object at a time and a second laser subsystem configured to transmit a second laser beam at a second location on the object at the time. The apparatus can include an analyzer configured to calculate a first velocity based on a first reflected laser beam reflected from the object in response to the first laser beam. The analyzer can be configured to calculate a second velocity based on a second reflected laser beam reflected from the object in response to the second laser beam. The first location can be targeted by the first laser subsystem and the second location can be targeted by the second laser subsystem such that the first velocity is substantially the same as the second velocity.