Optical Radar Non-Mechanical Scanning Distance Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical radar apparatuses face challenges in achieving cost reduction without compromising the maximum measurable distance, particularly due to the need for mechanical rotation mechanisms and low light collection efficiency in non-mechanical-scanning types.
Innovation Solution
A non-mechanical-scanning-type optical radar apparatus that includes a light emitting section for scanning and a light receiving system with a focusing optical element and distance sensor, where the target field of view is projected onto a light receiver with an activation region to measure distance using a signal from that region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a mechanical rotation mechanism is used to scan laser light, then strong beam intensity at the object is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation mechanism with a non-mechanical scanning approach using a single laser source that scans across the field of view. The scanning is achieved through optical steering mechanisms rather than physical rotation of multiple laser sources and receivers, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining beam intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the mechanical rotation mechanism from the system by using a stationary single laser source combined with optical scanning. This removes the need for rotating assemblies while preserving the ability to direct laser light across the entire field of view with sufficient intensity.
2Device complexity
If non-mechanical scanning with small laser emitting part is used, then device complexity is reduced, but light collection efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a two-dimensional scanning pattern where a single laser source scans across the field of view in both horizontal and vertical dimensions. This dimensional approach allows the small laser emitting part to cover the entire measurement area through systematic scanning, compensating for the small aperture size and maintaining sufficient light collection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a focusing optical element positioned in front of the light receiver to pre-converge reflected light onto the detector before the detection process occurs. This preliminary focusing action enhances the collection efficiency of the small light receiver, compensating for its limited aperture size and ensuring sufficient signal strength from distant objects.
3Device complexity
If overall radiation method is used, then device complexity is reduced, but signal intensity at distant objects weakens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic scanning of the laser beam across the field of view, concentrating optical energy sequentially on different regions rather than distributing it statically across the entire area. This dynamic concentration of energy maintains high signal intensity at distant objects while using a simple non-mechanical scanning system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a focusing optical element to pre-converge reflected light onto the light receiver, enhancing signal intensity before detection. This preliminary focusing compensates for the inherent signal weakness that would result from using a simple non-mechanical scanning system, allowing distant objects to be detected with sufficient intensity.
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 configuration allows for cost reduction without affecting the maximum measurable distance, enhancing detection sensitivity and achieving high S/N ratio and long maximum measurable distances.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting section configured to emit light so as to scan the light with respect to a target field of view
Implementation Method 2
a light receiving system configured to receive reflected light... the light receiving system at least including a focusing optical element
Implementation Method 3
a distance sensor that includes a light receiver... measure a distance to the object with use of a signal from the activation region
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a non-mechanical-scanning-type optical radar apparatus that is capable of long distance measurement and its cost is reduced. The optical radar apparatus includes: a light emitting section; and a light receiving system, the light receiving system at least including a focusing optical element and a distance sensor that includes a light receiver, the target field of view being projected on the light receiver through the focusing optical element, the distance sensor being configured to set an activation region in a part of the light receiver depending on the scanning with the light and measure a distance to the object with use of a signal from the activation region.