Optical Fiber Movement for Wide-Area LiDAR Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LiDAR systems face limitations in scanning a large region of interest due to the use of rotating components that are prone to wear and tear, and increasing the number of light sources or MEM components increases cost and decreases system longevity.
Innovation Solution
A LiDAR system utilizing optical fibers with actuators to modulate the angle of spread of the output beam, allowing for a larger scanning area without additional light sources or moving parts, using piezoelectric components for controlled movement of the optical fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If rotating components are used to scan a large region of interest, then the scanned area is increased, but the system reliability decreases due to wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation system with an optical fiber-based scanning mechanism. Instead of physically rotating mirrors or lenses, the system uses optical fibers to transmit light beams that can be directed to different angles through controlled fiber movement, eliminating mechanical wear and tear while maintaining the ability to scan large areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control of optical fiber positioning to achieve scanning functionality. By dynamically adjusting the position and orientation of optical fibers through actuators, the system can redirect light beams across different regions of interest without mechanical rotation, thereby improving reliability while preserving area coverage.
2Area of stationary object
If the number of light sources or MEM components is increased to enlarge the region of interest, then the scanned area is increased, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes optical fibers multi-functional by enabling them to perform both light transmission and scanning functions. A single optical fiber system can direct light beams to multiple different angles and regions by adjusting fiber positioning, replacing the need for multiple separate light sources or MEM components, thereby reducing device complexity while enlarging the scanned area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of optical fibers by controlling their position, orientation, and movement. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system can redirect light beams to cover different regions of interest using the same physical components, effectively enlarging the scanned area without adding more light sources or complex components.
3Area of stationary object
If the number of light sources is increased to obtain a larger region of interest, then the scanned area is increased, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables optical fibers to serve multiple functions - both light transmission and beam direction control. This multi-functionality allows a single optical fiber system to replace multiple light sources, reducing the bill of materials and manufacturing cost while maintaining or expanding the scanned area coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple light sources and scanning mechanisms into a single integrated optical fiber system. By combining light transmission, beam direction, and scanning capabilities into one unified platform using optical fibers, the system reduces component count and simplifies manufacturing processes, thereby lowering production costs while achieving large area coverage.
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
Enhances the scanned area without increasing costs or complexity, improving system longevity by minimizing moving components and maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical fiber with an input end communicatively coupled to the radiation source for receiving the output beam and configured to transmit the output beam having an optical axis along the first optical fiber to an output end
Implementation Method 2
using piezoelectric components for controlled movement of the optical fibers
Implementation Method 3
an optical lens positioned by a focal distance from the output end of the first optical fiber, the optical lens being configured to transmit the output beam through the optical lens towards the region of interest and to cause the output beam to spread
Data Source
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AI summary
LiDAR systems and methods for detecting objects in a region of interest (ROI) comprising radiation source for emitting an output beam; optical fiber communicatively coupled to radiation source for receiving and transmitting output beam, and emitting output beam from output end with first spread; actuator coupled to the optical fiber for imparting movement to output end, the movement comprising positions of the output end defining total first spread of output beam; optical lens positioned by focal distance from output end and configured to transmit output beam towards the ROI and to cause output beam to spread by second spread which is larger than first spread, and a total second spread when output end is moving being larger than total first spread; and a processor for controlling the actuator and the movement to modulate angle of spread of the output beam in the ROI.