Tilted Offset Optical Cavity for Asymmetric LIDAR Scanning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LIDAR systems are limited by laser safety considerations and operational parameters, restricting the range and sensitivity of object detection, particularly due to constraints on laser energy emission and the nominal vertical angle range of scanning, which affects their ability to detect objects at longer distances with high resolution.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR system with a rotatable base and mirror assembly that allows for a tilt and offset of the optical cavity relative to the rotation axes, enabling an asymmetric emission pattern and increased field of view, which can direct light pulses into disjoint fields of view and improve resolution by overlapping fields of view at certain ranges, thereby enhancing detection capabilities at longer ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laser energy emission is increased to improve detection range, then detection range is improved, but laser safety constraints and operational parameters are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by tilting the optical cavity relative to the rotation axis, creating an asymmetric emission pattern that directs more light pulses into specific disjoint fields of view. This asymmetric configuration allows the system to achieve extended effective detection range in critical directions without proportionally increasing laser energy emission in all directions, thereby maintaining safety constraints while improving detection capability where needed.
2Measurement precision
If nominal vertical angle range scanning is used, then device complexity is kept simple, but detection resolution at longer ranges is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension to the scanning mechanism by tilting the optical cavity at an angle relative to the rotation axis. This tilting creates disjoint fields of view that overlap at certain ranges, adding a dimensional aspect to the scanning pattern that improves detection resolution at longer ranges without requiring complex multi-axis scanning mechanisms or additional moving parts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical cavity is tilted and offset to create asymmetric emission pattern, then field of view and detection capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively tilting and offsetting only the optical cavity component while keeping the rest of the LIDAR system structure simple. This localized modification to the optical cavity's angular position relative to the rotation axis creates the desired asymmetric emission pattern and disjoint fields of view without requiring complex changes to the entire device architecture, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
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 allows for improved detection of objects at longer ranges with higher resolution by adjusting the tilt and offset of the optical cavity, effectively increasing the effective range and resolution of the LIDAR system beyond conventional limitations.
Implementation Method 1
Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR or lidar) systems emit light into the environment so as to determine information about objects based on emitted light that is reflected from those objects
Implementation Method 2
Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR or lidar) systems emit light into the environment so as to determine information about objects based on emitted light that is reflected from those objects
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that facilitate a scanning light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device configured to provide an asymmetric illumination pattern. An example system includes a rotatable base configured to rotate about a first axis and a mirror assembly. The mirror assembly is configured to rotate about a second axis, which is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The system also includes an optical cavity coupled to the rotatable base. The optical cavity includes a photodetector and a photodetector lens arranged so as to define a light-receiving axis. The optical cavity also includes a light-emitter device and a light-emitter lens arranged so as to define a light-emission axis. At least one of the light-receiving axis or the light-emission axis forms a tilt angle with respect to the first axis.