Rotating Prism Beam Steering for Wide-View High-Resolution LiDAR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LIDAR systems face limitations in resolution and field of view, requiring multiple units and complex configurations to achieve effective scanning of environments, which can be cumbersome and reduce efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a LIDAR system with a rotatable prism disk and mirror optics, where the prism disk refracts laser beams to reduce angular spacing and improve resolution, and the mirror expands the field of view by reflecting refracted beams, allowing for a wider scanning area without physical movement of units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If multiple LIDAR units are used to expand field of view, then the field of view is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple LIDAR units into a single integrated system with shared optical components. Multiple emitters and detectors are arranged within a common housing, sharing the same prism disk and mirror assembly, thereby achieving expanded field of view without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The optical components, particularly the prism disk and mirror, serve multiple functions simultaneously. The prism disk both refracts laser beams to reduce angular spacing and directs beams across different angular ranges, while the mirror expands the field of view and directs reflected beams to detectors, allowing a single component to perform multiple optical functions
2Area of moving object
If physical movement of LIDAR units is used to scan environments, then the scanning coverage is improved, but the operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical movement of entire LIDAR units with optical beam steering using rotating prism disks and mirrors. The emitters and detectors remain stationary while optical components redirect laser beams to scan different angular positions, eliminating mechanical wear and improving operational efficiency while maintaining comprehensive scanning coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamically rotating optical components (prism disk and mirror) to achieve scanning functionality. The rotational speeds of these components are optimized to control beam deflection angles and scanning patterns, enabling flexible and efficient environmental mapping without physical displacement of the LIDAR units
3Area of moving object
If angular spacing between laser beams is increased, then the coverage area is improved, but the resolution decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the prism disk to change the angular parameter of laser beams through refraction. By adjusting the prism's rotational position and orientation, the system reduces the angular spacing between adjacent beams while maintaining wide coverage, thereby improving resolution without sacrificing coverage area
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 enhances the resolution and field of view of the LIDAR system, enabling more efficient scanning and improved environmental mapping without the need for extensive unit movement, thereby improving the system's operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The prism disk is configured to refract the plurality of laser beams
Implementation Method 2
each of a plurality of refracted laser beams exiting the prism disk reflect off of the second optic
Data Source
AI summary
A LIDAR system includes a LIDAR unit. The LIDAR unit includes a housing defining a cavity. The LIDAR unit further include a plurality of emitters disposed on a circuit board within the cavity. Each of the emitters emits a laser beam along a transmit path. The LIDAR system further includes a first optic rotatable about a first axis at a first rotational speed and a second optic rotatable about a second axis at a second rotational speed that is faster than the first rotational speed. The first optic is positioned relative to the LIDAR unit such that a plurality of laser beams exiting the LIDAR unit pass through the first optic. The second optic is positioned relative to the first optic such that each of a plurality of refracted laser beams exiting the prism disk reflect off of the second optic.