Static Laser Radar System for 3D Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ladar systems face challenges in aligning laser modules and optical detectors for 3-D imaging, require high laser pulse power for high frame rates, and have high manufacturing costs due to complex structures and separate substrates for ROIC and optical detector arrays, limiting their application and popularity.
Innovation Solution
A laser radar system with a static unified detector configuration that eliminates the need for high-priced optical detector arrays and ROICs, using a beam transmitter to emit a laser beam that is deflected in a scanning direction, and a static beam receiver with a large-area detecting area to acquire high-resolution 3-D images without rotation or individual pixel detection, allowing for simpler composition and reduced implementation costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a panoramic scan ladar with multiple laser generating modules and optical detector array is used to acquire 3-D image, then the 3-D imaging capability is improved, but the alignment complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple laser generating modules and optical detectors into a single integrated module where all components are co-located and scan together in one line form, eliminating the need for separate alignment of multiple modules and detector arrays
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated module serves multiple functions simultaneously - it performs both laser generation and optical detection within a single unified structure that scans the entire field of view, replacing the need for separate alignment procedures for different components
2Measurement precision
If the entire transmission/reception module is rotated to acquire 3-D images, then the 3-D imaging coverage is improved, but the mechanical complexity and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scanning function into two independent parts: the integrated module remains stationary while a beam deflector separately performs the scanning operation by deflecting laser beams across the field of view, eliminating the need for mechanical rotation of the entire module
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation system with an optical beam deflection system that uses mirrors or prisms to redirect laser beams electronically, eliminating moving parts and improving reliability
3Productivity
If Related Art 2 uses high laser pulse power to achieve high frame rate, then the imaging speed is improved, but the laser module implementation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single laser generating module with moderate power output combined with a beam deflector that sweeps the beam across the field of view multiple times, achieving high frame rates through repeated scanning rather than requiring extremely high single-pulse power
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 system achieves high-speed operation with reduced blind spots and variable resolution settings, enabling efficient 3-D imaging across wide areas with lower manufacturing costs and simplified alignment, making it suitable for mass production and various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a beam transmitter to emit a beam
Implementation Method 2
detect the laser beam reflected from the target
Implementation Method 3
a beam deflector disposed between the beam source and the target, and configured to deflect the laser beam emitted from the beam source in a scanning direction
Implementation Method 4
a receiving optical system disposed between the target and the optical detector and configured to converge the laser beam reflected from the target
Implementation Method 5
an optical detector configured to detect the laser beam reflected from the target
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a laser radar system and a method for acquiring an image of a target, and the laser radar system includes: a beam source to emit the laser beam; a beam deflector disposed between the beam source and the target, and configured to deflect the laser beam emitted from the beam source in a scanning direction of the target as time elapses; and an optical detector configured to detect the laser beam reflected from the target, which is provided a plurality of beam spots having a diameter DRBS; and a receiving optical system disposed between the target and the optical detector and configured to converge the laser beam reflected from the target, and the optical detector includes a detecting area having a diameter DDA that satisfies an equation of √{square root over (2)}×PRBS+2×DRBS≦DDA≦2×Dlens and an equation of (4/π)×λ×F_number<DRBS<Dlens.