Micro-LiDAR Camera Imaging for 3D Particulate Trajectory Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for measuring particulate matter concentrations, such as impact weighing and lidar technology, are limited by single-point observations, poor spatial and temporal resolution, and high operational costs, and fail to accurately quantify multi-dimensional dynamic changes of particulate matter.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising micro lidar measurement equipment with a laser array and a CMOS camera, capable of capturing particulate matter concentrations through grayscale analysis and height determination, combined with a particulate matter concentration prediction model, to track movement trajectories in real time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If traditional single-point observation methods are used, then the measurement system is simple, but the spatial distribution and dynamic variation information of particulate matter cannot be obtained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial distribution informationVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from single-point observation to multi-dimensional observation by arranging multiple low-cost sensors in a three-dimensional spatial array. This allows simultaneous measurement of particulate matter concentration at multiple discrete points in space, capturing spatial distribution characteristics that single-point methods cannot provide.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement space is segmented into multiple discrete observation points through the sensor array configuration. Each sensor measures at a specific location, and the collective data from all sensors reconstructs the overall spatial distribution of particulate matter, transforming a single comprehensive measurement into multiple localized measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If low-cost sensor arrays are used, then temporal resolution is improved, but measurement accuracy and repeatability deteriorate due to calibration errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemporal resolutionVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a calibration system that uses reference sensors with known accuracy to continuously monitor and adjust the readings from low-cost sensors. This feedback mechanism compensates for drift and calibration errors, maintaining measurement accuracy over time while preserving the high temporal resolution advantage of low-cost sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts measurement parameters and calibration factors based on environmental conditions and sensor performance characteristics. By changing calibration parameters in response to observed drift or environmental changes, the system maintains accuracy without sacrificing the rapid response capability of low-cost sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If sensor arrays are used, then spatial coverage is improved, but spatial resolution is limited by equipment placement conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial coverageVSAvoidspatial resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement of sensors to achieve comprehensive coverage of the measurement volume. By positioning sensors at different heights and horizontal locations, the system captures vertical and horizontal concentration gradients, transforming limited two-dimensional plane measurements into true three-dimensional spatial characterization.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates movable or reconfigurable sensor platforms that can dynamically adjust their positions and orientations. This allows the sensor array to adapt to different spatial configurations based on pollution source locations and environmental conditions, optimizing both coverage area and resolution for various measurement scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Loss of information

If lidar technology is used, then vertical profile information is obtained, but multi-dimensional dynamic changes cannot be described

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevertical profile informationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines lidar vertical profiling capability with a multi-point sensor array to achieve comprehensive three-dimensional measurement. The lidar provides vertical concentration profiles while the sensor array captures horizontal distribution and temporal variations at multiple levels, merging these complementary data sources to describe full multi-dimensional dynamic changes of particulate matter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system integrates vertical measurement capability (added dimension) with horizontal multi-point observation. The lidar contributes the vertical dimension to the measurement space, while the sensor array provides horizontal distribution, together creating a complete three-dimensional characterization that neither system could achieve alone.

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

5Loss of information

If particle image velocimetry is used, then airflow velocity information is obtained, but real-time quantitative information on particulate matter concentration distribution cannot be obtained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveairflow velocity informationVSAvoidparticulate matter concentration measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses tracer particles as an intermediary that serves dual purposes: they enable velocity field measurement through PIV techniques while simultaneously providing concentration information through their scattering properties. The tracer particles mediate between the laser illumination and the detection system, allowing simultaneous extraction of both velocity and concentration data from the same optical signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 provides real-time, accurate 3D temporal and spatial dynamic changes of particulate matter concentrations, improving detection accuracy and revealing diffusion mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

Through the scattering of the laser by the particulate matter, a particulate matter concentration profile on a vertical profile of the atmosphere can be obtained

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentUS12455377B2System and method for capturing movement trajectories of particulate matter
Publication Date: 2025.10.28 PEKING UNIV
  • US12455377B2 patent drawing
  • US12455377B2 patent drawing
  • US12455377B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a system and method for capturing movement trajectories of particulate matter. The system includes: micro lidar measurement equipment and a camera. The micro lidar measurement equipment includes: a laser device, a pitching platform, and a protective casing for the laser device, and the laser device is located on the pitching platform. The laser device is configured to emit a laser. The camera is configured to shoot the laser, determine particulate matter concentrations according to a grayscale of pixels and a height of the pixels in a photo shoot, and compare differences in spatial distribution of particulate matter concentrations at different time to obtain the movement trajectories of the particulate matter.