Refractive Polygon Lidar Scanning for Wider Field of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR systems using polygon reflectors have limited field of view and duty cycle due to the inherent limitations of reflective beam steering, which restricts the range resolution and scanning efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The use of a refractive beam-steering assembly with a polygon deflector that refracts an incident light beam over a field of view, rather than reflecting it, enhances both the field of view and duty cycle by directing the incident beam from within the deflector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a polygon reflector is used for beam steering, then the system structure is simple, but the field of view is limited and duty cycle is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental optical parameter from reflection to refraction. By using a polygon reflector with refractive facets instead of reflective surfaces, the system achieves a larger field of view while maintaining structural simplicity. The refractive index of the polygon material enables broader angular coverage without increasing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by using refraction instead of reflection for beam steering. This inversion of the optical mechanism allows the beam to be directed over a wider angular range, effectively increasing the field of view while avoiding the inherent limitations of reflective systems.
2Device complexity
If a polygon reflector is used for beam steering, then the system structure is simple, but the duty cycle is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical mechanism from reflection to refraction, which fundamentally alters the duty cycle characteristics. The refractive system allows for continuous beam steering without the mechanical interruptions inherent in reflective polygon systems, thereby increasing the duty cycle while keeping the structure simple.
Solution Approach 2:
By inverting the optical approach from reflection to refraction, the patent eliminates the duty cycle limitations associated with reflective beam steering. The refractive polygon can operate continuously with smoother beam control, improving productivity without adding structural complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a reflective beam steering system is used, then the system is conventional and easy to implement, but the range resolution is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the beam steering mechanism from reflective to refractive, which improves range resolution by enabling more precise beam direction control. The refractive facets provide smoother and more accurate angular positioning, enhancing measurement precision while remaining practical to implement.
4Ease of manufacture
If a reflective beam steering system is used, then the system is conventional and easy to implement, but the scanning efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the steering mechanism to refraction, which significantly improves scanning efficiency. The refractive polygon enables faster and more continuous beam sweeping across the field of view, increasing productivity while maintaining ease of implementation through a straightforward structural design.
Solution Approach 2:
By inverting from reflection to refraction, the patent achieves superior scanning efficiency. The refractive system allows for more rapid beam steering and continuous operation, enhancing productivity without complicating the implementation.
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 allows for improved range resolution and scanning efficiency, with a potentially larger field of view and higher duty cycle compared to traditional reflective systems, enabling more effective LIDAR applications such as autonomous vehicle navigation.
Implementation Method 1
a refractive beam-steering assembly with a polygon deflector that refracts an incident light beam over a field of view
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 1D
AI summary
A LIDAR system includes a first polygon scanner, a second polygon scanner, and an optic. The first polygon scanner includes a plurality of first facets around an axis of rotation. The second polygon scanner includes plurality of second facets that are outward from the plurality of first facets relative to the axis of rotation. The optic is inward from the first polygon scanner relative to the axis of rotation. The optic is configured to output a first beam to the first polygon scanner. The first polygon scanner is configured to refract the first beam to output a second beam to the second polygon scanner. The second polygon scanner is configured to refract the second beam to output a third beam.