Pyramidal Mirror Lidar Scanning Reduces Device Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LIDAR devices require very sensitive detectors due to their low numerical aperture, limiting the range of sensitivities that can be used for accurate measurements, and they often rely on multiple narrow light beams steered by spinning mirrors, which complicates the detection process.
Innovation Solution
The proposed measurement device uses a disk with prisms and a rotating reflecting apparatus to generate a scanning light pattern with a large two-dimensional field of view using a single light source and detects backscattered light using as few as one detector, allowing for broader sensitivity ranges while maintaining accurate measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple narrow light beams are steered by spinning mirrors, then the field of view can be covered, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light steering function into two separate rotating components: a disk with multiple prisms for vertical angle control and a pyramidal mirror for horizontal angle control. Each component handles one dimension of the 2D field of view, replacing the need for complex single-mirror steering mechanisms and enabling broader coverage with simpler individual elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 1D linear mirror rotation to 2D angular coverage by combining two rotating elements with different geometric functions. The prism disk provides vertical steering while the pyramidal mirror provides horizontal steering, creating a two-dimensional scanning pattern that expands the field of view without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Device complexity
If low numerical aperture is used, then the device structure is simplified, but the detector sensitivity requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved mirrors instead of flat mirrors to focus the scattered light back to the detector. The curved geometry provides optical focusing that increases the numerical aperture effect, allowing broader light collection angles while maintaining a relatively simple device structure without requiring ultra-sensitive detectors.
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 approach enables the use of sensors with a broader range of sensitivities for LIDAR systems, achieving accurate measurements with a single detector and reducing the complexity of light beam steering, thus improving measurement capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a disk with prisms and a rotating reflecting apparatus to generate a scanning light pattern
Implementation Method 2
a disk with prisms and a rotating reflecting apparatus to generate a scanning light pattern
Implementation Method 3
detects backscattered light using as few as one detector
Implementation Method 4
a focusing apparatus arranged to focus the backscattered light from the disk towards the detector
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a detector and a light source configured to emit light. The apparatus further includes a disk with a set of prisms and that is configured to rotate, arranged to receive and direct the emitted light, and arranged to receive and direct backscattered light. The apparatus further includes a reflecting apparatus with multiple reflective facets and configured to rotate, arranged to reflect the emitted light, and arranged to reflect the backscattered light. A focusing apparatus is arranged to focus the backscattered light from the disk towards the detector.