Solid-State Laser Radar Triangulation Without Mechanical Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ranging technologies face issues such as low accuracy due to diffuse reflections on curved surfaces, susceptibility to environmental factors, and mechanical scanning systems with high costs, large volumes, and short lifespans.
Innovation Solution
A miniature solid-state laser radar system utilizing linear laser emission, asymmetric optical lenses, and electronic switching for triangulation, combined with a control and data processing apparatus to perform ranging and generate point cloud data, minimizing mechanical components and enhancing system stability and miniaturization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical scanning laser radar is used to complete 360-degree scanning, then ranging coverage is improved, but device volume increases and reliability decreases due to motor rotation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical scanning system with a solid-state laser triangulation system. Instead of using a motor-driven rotating scanner, the invention uses a fixed laser emitter combined with an imaging sensor that captures reflected light from multiple angles simultaneously, eliminating moving parts and improving reliability while maintaining comprehensive environmental coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional mechanical scanning (rotating a single point laser) to two-dimensional imaging capture. The imaging sensor array captures spatial information across multiple dimensions simultaneously, allowing 360-degree coverage without mechanical rotation by detecting light reflections from different angles at once
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical scanning laser radar is used to complete 360-degree scanning, then ranging coverage is improved, but device volume increases due to motor and rotation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical scanning subsystem entirely, replacing it with a compact solid-state configuration. The fixed laser emitter and imaging sensor assembly occupies minimal space compared to a motor, rotation mechanism, and housing required for mechanical scanning, while achieving the same 360-degree environmental coverage through optical field expansion
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging sensor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it detects laser reflections for ranging, captures spatial information for 360-degree coverage, and eliminates the need for separate mechanical scanning components. This multi-functionality reduces overall device volume while maintaining comprehensive ranging capabilities
3Device complexity
If ultrasonic ranging is used, then device simplicity is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to diffuse reflection on curved surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the ranging wave from acoustic (ultrasonic) to optical (laser). Light waves have shorter wavelengths and higher directionality compared to ultrasonic waves, enabling precise measurement even on curved surfaces where diffuse reflection occurs. The imaging sensor captures the spatial distribution of reflected light, maintaining accuracy while preserving system simplicity
4Device complexity
If ultrasonic ranging is used, then device simplicity is improved, but interference resistance deteriorates due to susceptibility to wind and natural factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the medium and properties of the ranging wave from acoustic to optical. Laser light is not affected by wind, air density changes, or other atmospheric conditions that significantly impact ultrasonic wave propagation. This parameter change maintains system simplicity while dramatically improving resistance to environmental interference
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 solution provides accurate ranging with improved system stability, reduced size, extended lifespan, and enhanced resistance to environmental interference, while enabling operation under sunlight and ensuring eye safety with low average power.
Implementation Method 1
The laser emitter is used to emit linear laser
Implementation Method 2
After the light emitted by the laser emitter irradiates a surface of an object, the light is reflected by the surface of the object
Implementation Method 3
the imaging lens is used to collect reflected laser light and image same on the imaging sensor
Implementation Method 4
the imaging lens is used to collect reflected laser light and image same on the imaging sensor
Implementation Method 5
the imaging lens is an asymmetric optical lens which has an asymmetric focusing characteristic, that is, an equivalent focal length of the imaging lens in a direction of a connecting line between the laser emitter and the imaging lens is greater than an equivalent focal length in a direction which is perpendicular to the connecting line between laser emitter and the imaging lens
Implementation Method 6
the imaging sensor receives the light focused through the imaging lens and images the same
Data Source
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AI summary
A miniature solid-state laser radar and a data processing method therefor. The miniature solid-state laser radar includes a laser emitter (1), an imaging lens (2), an imaging sensor (3), and a control and data processing apparatus (4). The laser emitter (1) is used to emit linear laser; the imaging lens (2) is used to collect reflected laser light and image same on the imaging sensor (3); the imaging sensor (3) receives light focused through the imaging lens and images the same; and the control and data processing apparatus (4) is used to control working of the laser emitter (1), receive imaging data from the imaging sensor (3), run a structural light algorithm, and finally acquire point cloud data in a space environment. By means of the linear laser for triangulation and in combination with a laser short-pulse working means used in the data processing method, a working distance can be increased under the premise of relatively low average power and the safety of human eyes, the cost of a scanning apparatus due to a spot-shaped laser and mechanical scanning is avoided; and moreover, the system stability can be improved, the service life can be prolonged, and the system volume can be reduced.