Scanning Rangefinder Variable Field of View Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Scanning rangefinding systems face limitations in achieving high spatial resolution and dynamic field of view adjustments, as the spatial resolution is dependent on the distance and angular extents of the scanner deflection, which can result in inconsistent depth map quality and limited adaptability to varying environments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a variable field of view controller that dynamically modifies the angular extents, offsets, pulse power, and frame periods of the scanning mirror to create adaptable scan trajectories, allowing for real-time adjustments of the field of view and improved depth map resolution based on detected objects and environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the scanner deflection angular extents are increased to improve spatial resolution, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases due to the need for dynamic adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the scanner deflection angular extents by modifying the scan trajectory parameters in real-time. The system dynamically changes the horizontal and vertical scan angles based on detected objects and environmental conditions, allowing the spatial resolution to be optimized without requiring multiple fixed-configuration scanners. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by making the angular extents adaptable rather than fixed, improving measurement precision while avoiding the complexity of multiple hardware configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the scanner, specifically the angular extents (θH, θV), to optimize spatial resolution. By adjusting these parameters based on the imaging requirements and detected scene characteristics, the system achieves high measurement precision when needed while maintaining operational flexibility. This parameter-based control resolves the contradiction by allowing the same hardware to deliver varying levels of resolution appropriate to each imaging scenario.
2Measurement precision
If the field of view is reduced to improve depth map resolution, then the measurement precision improves, but the adaptability to varying environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic field of view adjustment by modifying the scan trajectory parameters (horizontal angular extent θH and vertical angular extent θV) in real-time. The system can expand the field of view when environmental adaptability is needed and contract it when high depth map resolution is required. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to switch between wide-field scanning for environmental awareness and focused scanning for high-resolution depth mapping of specific objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the field of view parameters (angular extents) based on imaging requirements. When high depth map resolution is needed, the system reduces the angular extents to concentrate scanning points on a smaller area. When environmental adaptability is needed, the system expands the angular extents to cover a wider area. This parameter-based control resolves the contradiction by making the field of view adjustable rather than fixed.
3Device complexity
If the scanning system uses fixed scan trajectories, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different objects and environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic scan trajectory adjustment by modifying the horizontal and vertical scan angles (θH, θV) based on detected objects and environmental conditions. The system generates adaptive scan patterns that respond to real-time scene understanding, allowing it to focus on objects of interest while maintaining awareness of the broader environment. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by enabling the same hardware to adapt its scanning behavior to different scenarios without requiring multiple specialized scanning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from object detection and environmental analysis to adjust scan trajectories in real-time. The scan parameters are modified based on feedback about detected objects, their positions, and environmental conditions, creating an adaptive scanning system that responds to scene characteristics. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to adapt to different objects and environments while using a single configurable scanning hardware platform.
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 enhances the spatial resolution and adaptability of the scanning rangefinding system, enabling more accurate and flexible depth mapping in diverse scenarios, such as automotive and interactive applications.
Implementation Method 1
scan a pulsed light beam in a raster pattern in a field of view
Implementation Method 2
measure times-of-flight (TOF) of received reflections
Data Source
AI summary
A scanning rangefinding system includes a MEMS device with a scanning mirror that sweeps a beam in two dimensions. Actuating circuits receive angular extents and offset information and provide signal stimulus to the MEMS device to control the amount and direction of mirror deflection on two axes. The scan angle and offset information may be modified to create a repeating pattern of different fields of view.