Scanning LIDAR Angle Detection with Reflected Light Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Determining the angle of rotation of light in scanning LIDAR systems is challenging due to factors like mechanical instability, cost, and complexity of existing methods, which often require external sensors and additional light sources.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a pattern in the light path of the LIDAR system, which reflects a portion of the transmitted light onto optical sensors, allowing the angle of rotation to be determined based on the detected reflections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external sensors and additional light sources are used to determine angle of rotation, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The LIDAR system uses its own transmitted light to determine its angle of rotation by detecting light reflected from a known pattern on the housing. The optical sensor receives the transmitted light that reflects off the pattern, allowing the system to self-measure its angular position without external sensors or additional light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitted light from the illumination source serves dual purposes: it illuminates target objects for distance measurement and simultaneously reflects off the housing pattern to provide angular position information. The optical sensor also performs dual functions by detecting both target reflections and pattern reflections for angle determination.
2Measurement precision
If external sensors are used to determine angle of rotation, then measurement accuracy is improved, but mechanical instability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates external mechanical sensors by using its own light source and optical sensor to determine angular position. The angle determination is based on optical detection of the light pattern reflection rather than mechanical position sensing, reducing mechanical instability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical angle sensing methods with an optical-based angle determination method. Instead of using mechanical encoders or position sensors that can introduce instability, the system uses optical detection of light reflections from a known pattern to determine angular position.
3Measurement precision
If additional light sources are used for angle determination, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination source performs multiple functions: it provides light for target illumination and distance measurement, and simultaneously provides the light that reflects off the housing pattern for angle determination. No separate light source is needed for angle measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The LIDAR system uses its own transmitted light for angle determination rather than requiring external or additional light sources. The system is self-sufficient by utilizing its operational light output for both primary LIDAR function and angular position sensing.
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 LIDAR system to accurately determine the angle of rotation without external sensors, reducing mechanical instability and operational complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a pattern, provided in an optical path of the light generated by the illumination source and configured to reflect at least a portion of the light generated by the illumination source to be incident on at least one of one or more optical sensors
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for determining an angle of the light transmitted by an illumination source of a scanning LIDAR system are disclosed. An example LIDAR system includes a pattern, provided in an optical path of the light transmitted by the illumination source as the light is transmitted out of the system, and configured to reflect at least a portion of the transmitted light to be incident on at least one of one or more optical sensors of the LIDAR system. The LIDAR system further includes, or is associated with, a controller, configured to determine an angle of the transmitted light based on a light detected by at least one of the optical sensors, where at least a portion of the light detected by the optical sensor(s) includes at least a portion of the light transmitted by the illumination source and reflected by the pattern.