Telecentric Multi-Channel LiDAR Optics for Wider Field Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LIDAR systems face limitations in resolution and field of view, requiring multiple units and complex configurations to achieve effective scanning of environments, which can be cumbersome and reduce efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a LIDAR system with a rotatable prism disk and mirror optics, where the prism disk refracts laser beams to reduce angular spacing and improve resolution, and the mirror expands the field of view by reflecting refracted beams, allowing for a wider scanning area without physical movement of units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple LIDAR units are used to expand field of view and improve resolution, then measurement precision and area of stationary object are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the LIDAR functionality into multiple independent channels, each with its own emitter-detector pair, allowing parallel processing of different angular sectors. This segmentation enables high resolution through multiple discrete measurement points while keeping each channel relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces angular diversity by arranging emitters and detectors at different angular positions around the central axis. This adds an angular dimension to the measurement space, enabling expanded field of view and improved resolution without requiring multiple complete LIDAR units, thus reducing overall system complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple LIDAR units are used to expand field of view, then area of stationary object is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each LIDAR channel is designed to be multi-functional, capable of detecting objects across multiple angular sectors through the use of mirrors and beam steering mechanisms. This universality allows a single channel to serve multiple purposes, expanding the effective field of view without requiring proportionally more LIDAR units, thereby reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system expands field of view by utilizing angular positioning of emitters and detectors around a central axis, adding an angular dimension to the detection space. This approach allows coverage of a wider area without simply stacking more LIDAR units, thus avoiding the linear increase in system complexity that would otherwise be required.
3Ease of operation
If LIDAR units are made stationary to reduce complexity, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity decreases due to limited scanning capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates movable mirrors and beam steering mechanisms within each LIDAR channel that can dynamically redirect laser beams across different angular sectors. This dynamic capability allows stationary LIDAR units to achieve scanning functionality, maintaining productivity without the mechanical complexity and mobility requirements of traditional rotating LIDAR systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the scanning function into multiple independent angular channels, each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows the use of simple stationary emitters and detectors in each channel while collectively achieving comprehensive scanning coverage through the combined output of all channels, thus improving ease of operation without sacrificing productivity.
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 resolution and field of view of the LIDAR system, enabling more efficient scanning and improved environmental mapping with reduced complexity and mobility requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The prism disk is configured to refract the plurality of laser beams
Implementation Method 2
each of a plurality of refracted laser beams exiting the prism disk reflect off of the second optic
Data Source
AI summary
A LIDAR unit includes a housing defining a cavity. The LIDAR unit further include a plurality of emitters disposed on a circuit board within the cavity. Each of the emitters emits a laser beam along a transmit path. The LIDAR system further includes a first telecentric lens assembly positioned within the cavity and along the transmit path such that the laser beam emitted from each of the plurality of emitters passes through the first telecentric lens assembly. The LIDAR further includes a second telecentric lens assembly positioned within the cavity and along a receive path such that a plurality of reflected laser beams entering the cavity pass through the second telecentric lens assembly. The first telecentric lens assembly and the second telecentric lens assembly each include a field flattening lens and at least one other lens.