Polygon Scanner Facets for Long-Range LIDAR Sampling Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LIDAR systems face limitations in accurately determining range and velocity, especially at long distances and in environments with low reflectivity objects, due to limited field of view and interference issues, which can impact the safety and efficiency of autonomous vehicle operations.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR system utilizing a polygon scanner with varying facet lengths and angles, allowing for increased sampling density and improved signal-to-noise ratio, enables the system to transmit and receive beams over different fields of view, enhancing the detection of objects and determining range and velocity with greater accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional LIDAR system uses a polygon scanner with uniform facets, then the system structure is simple, but the field of view is limited and sampling density is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The polygon scanner is divided into multiple facets with different field of view angles. Each facet is segmented to cover a specific angular range, with first facets having a first field of view angle and second facets having a second field of view angle. This segmentation allows the system to achieve higher sampling density and better measurement precision without requiring a single complex facet design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different facets are assigned different local qualities in terms of their field of view angles. First facets are configured with a first field of view angle optimized for certain detection ranges, while second facets have a second field of view angle optimized for other ranges. This local differentiation enables the system to maintain high measurement precision across varying detection scenarios without uniform complexity throughout the entire scanner.
2Measurement precision
If the LIDAR system increases sampling density, then measurement accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The polygon scanner facets are segmented into different types (first facets and second facets) with distinct field of view angles. This segmentation enables the system to achieve high sampling density by distributing measurement tasks across multiple specialized facets rather than requiring excessive complexity in a single facet design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which facets to use based on the detection requirements. By having facets with different field of view angles, the system can adaptively adjust the sampling density for different angular ranges, achieving high measurement precision without permanently increasing the physical complexity of the scanner structure.
3Measurement precision
If the LIDAR system uses facets with different field of view angles, then detection accuracy at long distances improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The polygon scanner is manufactured by segmenting it into multiple facets with different field of view angles. Each facet type (first facets and second facets) can be manufactured using standardized processes, and then assembled into the complete scanner. This segmentation approach makes the manufacturing process more manageable compared to creating a single complex facet design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different local qualities (field of view angles) are assigned to different facets based on their intended detection functions. First facets are manufactured with specifications optimized for certain angular ranges, while second facets are manufactured with specifications optimized for other ranges. This local differentiation allows for specialized manufacturing processes for each facet type while maintaining overall system manufacturability.
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 improves the LIDAR system's performance by increasing its maximum design range, enabling more accurate detection of objects at greater distances and velocities, thereby enhancing the safety and efficiency of autonomous vehicle operations, particularly in commercial trucking applications.
Implementation Method 1
a laser source configured to output a first beam
Implementation Method 2
Each facet of the plurality of facets is configured to transmit a second beam responsive to the first beam
Data Source
AI summary
A LIDAR system includes a laser source configured to output a first beam and a polygon scanner. The polygon scanner includes a plurality of facets. Each facet of the plurality of facets is configured to transmit a second beam responsive to the first beam. The plurality of facets include a first facet having a first field of view over which the first facet transmits the second beam and a second facet having a second field of view over which the second facet transmits the second beam. The first field of view is greater than the second field of view.