Scanning Lidar With Stacked Polygon Mirrors for Vertical Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lidar systems face challenges in achieving high vertical resolution and compact design while maintaining efficient scanning capabilities, particularly in achieving discrete vertical steps and interlaced scanlines within a field of view.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a scanning lidar system that utilizes a rotating mirror for horizontal scanning and a routing mirror for vertical positioning, with the routing mirror configured to step between different tilt angles and receive a dithering signal to position light from multiple lasers with discrete vertical steps, allowing for interlaced scanlines and increased vertical resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a routing mirror is used to position light vertically with discrete steps, then vertical resolution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a stacked polygon mirror configuration where multiple polygon mirrors are arranged vertically in a nested structure. Each polygon mirror handles a specific vertical angular range, and they work together to achieve full vertical coverage with discrete steps. This nesting approach allows the system to achieve high vertical resolution without requiring a single complex mirror mechanism, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical scanning function is segmented across multiple polygon mirrors, each responsible for a specific angular sector. Instead of using one complex mirror to handle the entire vertical range, the system divides the vertical scanning task into discrete segments handled by individual mirrors. This segmentation simplifies each individual mirror's design and control, reducing the complexity of the overall mirror system while achieving the desired vertical resolution.
2Area of moving object
If multiple polygon mirrors are stacked to increase vertical FOV, then vertical coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a stacked configuration where multiple polygon mirrors are vertically arranged in a compact nested structure. Each mirror contributes to a specific portion of the vertical field of view, and their combined effect achieves extended vertical coverage. The nested arrangement allows these multiple mirrors to be integrated in a space-efficient manner, increasing vertical FOV without proportionally increasing the overall device footprint or complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane mirror arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. By arranging polygon mirrors vertically along the optical axis, the system exploits the third dimension to expand the vertical field of view. This dimensional change allows multiple mirrors to work in concert, achieving broader vertical coverage while maintaining a compact lateral footprint, thereby improving vertical FOV without linearly increasing device complexity.
3Productivity
If continuous vertical scanning is used, then scanning efficiency is improved, but mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes periodic rotational action of multiple polygon mirrors to achieve vertical scanning. Each polygon mirror rotates continuously at a controlled speed, and by coordinating the rotation periods and speeds of multiple mirrors, the system achieves efficient vertical scanning through discrete angular steps. This periodic rotational mechanism is mechanically simpler than continuous variable positioning systems, as it relies on standard rotational motors and fixed angular increments, thereby improving scanning efficiency while reducing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic coordination between multiple polygon mirrors, where each mirror rotates at potentially different speeds and phases to achieve the desired scanning pattern. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize scanning efficiency by distributing the scanning workload across multiple mirrors, with each mirror performing simple rotational motion. The dynamic control of multiple simple rotational mechanisms is less mechanically complex than a single mechanism attempting to achieve the same scanning capability through continuous variable positioning.
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 configuration enhances the vertical resolution and compactness of the lidar system, reducing mechanical complexity and power consumption while maintaining efficient scanning, thereby improving data density and coverage within the field of view.
Implementation Method 1
a mirror arranged to rotate to reflect light from the illumination source to scan light from the plurality of lasers horizontally within the field of view
Implementation Method 2
the mirror system is arranged to reflect light from the illumination source to position light from the plurality of lasers vertically within the field of view with discrete vertical steps
Implementation Method 3
the second mirror is arranged to receive a dithering signal that dithers the second mirror at a dithering frequency
Data Source
AI summary
A scanning lidar has an illumination source comprising a plurality of lasers and a mirror system. The mirror system reflects light from the illumination source into an environment within a field of view. The mirror system includes a mirror arranged to rotate to reflect light from the illumination source to scan light from the plurality of lasers horizontally within the field of view of the system. The mirror system reflects light from the illumination source to position light, in discrete vertical steps, from the plurality of lasers vertically within the field of view.