Omnidirectional Lidar Stationary Imaging Arrangement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing object detection devices, such as scanning laser rangefinders, face challenges in covering large angular ranges like 360° without moving heavy components, which increases power consumption and reduces service life due to the need for rotating parts.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an imaging arrangement that covers the entire detection area, combined with spatial resolution means to distinguish reflected radiation, allowing for simultaneous detection of multiple reflection locations without moving components, and utilizing optically effective elements like panoramic lenses to achieve all-round vision without rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If a motor-driven rotating prism or rotating mirror is used to scan the detection area, then the angular range of detection can be covered, but the power consumption increases and the service life is reduced due to moving heavy components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice lifeVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical rotating mirror or prism system with a stationary imaging arrangement that uses optical elements (such as a lens or mirror) to scan the detection area. The beam is deflected by the stationary imaging arrangement rather than by a mechanically rotating component, eliminating the need to move heavy masses and thereby reducing power consumption and extending service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging arrangement is divided into a stationary component (the imaging arrangement itself) and a movable component (the beam). By separating the function of scanning from the mechanical rotation, the system achieves angular coverage without moving the entire optical system, thus reducing the mass that needs to be accelerated and the associated power requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a motor-driven rotating prism or rotating mirror is used to scan the detection area, then the angular range of detection can be covered, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to rotating parts

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical rotating parts by using a stationary imaging arrangement with optical elements to deflect the beam. This substitution of mechanical scanning with optical scanning reduces device complexity and removes wear-prone components, thereby improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the rotation function from the imaging arrangement itself and replaces it with a stationary optical system. By taking out the mechanical rotation requirement, the system becomes simpler and more reliable while still achieving the necessary angular coverage through optical beam deflection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Area of stationary object

If the entire electro-optical unit is made to rotate to cover 360°, then the detection area is fully covered, but large masses have to be moved significantly increasing power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection area coverageVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical rotation of the entire electro-optical unit with a stationary imaging arrangement that uses optical elements to deflect the beam across the detection area. This substitution eliminates the need to move large masses while maintaining full angular coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from mechanical rotation in one dimension (rotating the entire unit) to optical deflection in another dimension (beam direction control through stationary optical elements). This dimensional shift allows full angular coverage without moving the heavy electro-optical unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 approach minimizes the need for moving massive components, reduces power consumption, and significantly extends the service life of the detection device while maintaining spatial resolution and enabling detection over a wide angular range.

Implementation Method 1

imaging arrangement which at all times covers the entire detection area on the transmission side and/or reception side

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical deflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

transmission device for emitting electromagnetic radiation in a transmission area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation emission: Light

Implementation Method 3

reception device for receiving radiation reflected from a reception area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2124069B1Omnidirectional Lidar system
Publication Date: 2012.01.25 SICK AG
  • EP2124069B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2124069B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2124069B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An imaging system (29) is installed in the propagation paths of the radiation wave and reflected wave for covering the detection region at the transmission side and the receiving side. A rotary wedge-shape optical element (31) identifies the reflected wave regarding the reflective position. An independent claim is included for usage method of imaging system.