Refractive Polygon Deflector for Wider LIDAR Field of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional polygon reflectors in LIDAR systems limit the field of view and duty cycle due to the incident light beam being coplanar with reflective facets, restricting the collection of useful return beam data and reducing scanning efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A refractive beam-steering assembly using a polygon deflector that deflects or refracts the incident light beam from within the deflector, enhancing both the field of view and duty cycle by directing the beam from an interior position, allowing for more comprehensive scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional polygon reflector is used with coplanar incident beam and reflective facets, then the structure is simple, but the field of view and duty cycle are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a 2D coplanar reflection geometry to a 3D non-coplanar refraction geometry. The incident beam enters the polygon deflector from one face and exits through a different face at a non-zero angle relative to the incident beam plane, utilizing the third dimension to expand the field of view beyond the limitations of conventional coplanar reflection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental optical parameter from reflection to refraction. By using refractive facets with different refractive indices and configuring the beam path through the polygon deflector material, the system achieves enhanced angular deflection and expanded field of view compared to conventional reflective systems.
2Productivity
If a conventional polygon reflector is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the duty cycle is reduced due to limited scanning efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing non-coplanar beam paths and 3D refraction geometry, the polygon deflector can scan through larger angular ranges more efficiently, reducing the time spent in blind zones and improving the duty cycle for useful scanning operations.
3Loss of information
If the incident light beam is coplanar with reflective facets, then the optical path is simple, but the collection of return beam data is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The non-coplanar refraction geometry allows the outgoing beam to access angular regions that are not available in coplanar reflection systems, enabling collection of return beam data from a broader range of angles and improving the completeness of the scanned information.
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 refractive polygon deflector improves scanning efficiency by expanding the field of view and increasing the duty cycle, enabling more effective data collection and processing in LIDAR systems.
Implementation Method 1
Each facet is configured to refract the beam in the first plane between a first angle and a second angle as the polygon deflector is rotated about the first axis
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 1D
AI summary
A LIDAR apparatus can include a polygon deflector that includes a plurality of facets. The LIDAR apparatus can include a motor rotatably coupled to the polygon deflector. The motor is configured to rotate the polygon deflector about a first axis orthogonal to a first plane. The LIDAR apparatus can include an optic positioned within an interior of the polygon deflector. The optic collimates a first beam to be incident on a particular facet of the plurality of facets. The particular facet of the plurality of facets refracts the first beam in the first plane between a first angle and a second angle as the polygon deflector rotates about the first axis to output a second beam. For use in an autonomous vehicle.