Omnidirectional Lens for Laser Radar Beam Synchronization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Large detection-angle separate-channel laser radars face synchronization challenges between transmission and reception beams, leading to unreliable measurements due to the need for precise alignment of multiple mirrors.

Innovation Solution

An omnidirectional lens arrangement using an 'inverting' lens design, where a single rotatable mirror can guide both transmitted and reflected light, eliminating the need for synchronization between two mirrors by altering the light path to form an acute angle, allowing the same beam-guidance component to handle both directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two separate mirrors are used for transmitting and receiving beams in large detection-angle laser radars, then the detection area is expanded, but the synchronization between transmission and reception beams becomes difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection areaVSAvoidbeam synchronization
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of two separate mirrors (transmission mirror and reception mirror) into a single omnidirectional lens that performs both beam transmission and beam collection functions. This merging eliminates the synchronization problem between two mirrors while maintaining the ability to scan large detection areas, as the single lens inherently keeps the transmitted and received beams synchronized through its omnidirectional light-guiding properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The omnidirectional lens serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a transmission beam guide and a reception beam collector, replacing the need for separate dedicated mirrors for each function. This multi-functionality resolves the technical contradiction by enabling large detection area coverage through universal beam handling while maintaining reliable synchronization inherently

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If two separate mirrors are used for beam guidance, then beam direction control is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam direction controlVSAvoidnumber of mirrors
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two separate mirror components into a single omnidirectional lens component that performs both beam transmission and reception guidance. This reduction from two mirrors to one lens simplifies the device structure, reduces alignment complexity, and maintains full beam direction control capability through the lens's omnidirectional light-guiding properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The omnidirectional lens provides universal beam guidance functionality, replacing multiple specialized mirror components. This multi-functional component achieves beam direction control for both transmission and reception while reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for separate mirror assemblies and their associated mounting and alignment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 design simplifies laser radar systems by reducing the number of required mirrors, enhancing reliability and enabling smaller, more compact devices without compromising measurement accuracy or range.

Implementation Method 1

an edge portion, which is around the central portion, and which is arranged to guide the light arriving at the edge portion omnidirectionally relative to the said first direction and essentially transversely to the said first direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

the departing direction of the beam is deviated by 180° on the detection plane of the omnidirectional lens, compared to typical omnidirectional lenses

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP2526452B1Omnidirectional lens, optical devices utilizing the lens and method for optical measurement
Publication Date: 2021.11.17 TEKNOLOGIAN TUTKIMUSKESKUS VTT OY
  • EP2526452B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2526452B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2526452B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to an omnidirectional lens, an optical measuring device, and a method for optical measurement. The lens comprises a central portion, collecting optically in a first direction, and an edge portion, which surrounds the central portion, and which is arranged to guide the light arriving at the edge portion omnidirectionally relative to the said first direction essentially transversely relative to the said first direction. According to the invention, the edge portion is arranged to guide the light through the central portion. With the aid of the invention, it is possible to create, for example, a simpler laser radar.