Variable-Resolution Multi-Beam LIDAR Scanning for Precise Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR systems face challenges in accurately determining the position and orientation of light deflectors, which affects the precision of scanning and object detection in varying environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR system with a laser emission unit generating multiple laser beams and a common scanning unit that projects these beams across a field of view, utilizing a monolithic laser array and biaxial scanning mirrors, along with processors to control the scanning pattern, enabling precise scanning and object detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a light deflector is used to project light into the environment, then the LIDAR system can scan the field of view, but the position and orientation of the light deflector cannot be determined with sufficient precision
Solution Approach 1:
A fiducial marker is introduced as an intermediary element between the light deflector and the imaging sensor. The marker serves as a reference object that enables precise determination of the light deflector's position and orientation without requiring direct measurement of the deflector itself, thus resolving the measurement precision issue while keeping the system relatively simple
2Productivity
If multiple laser beams are scanned simultaneously across the field of view, then the scanning efficiency is improved, but the resolution and precision of object detection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The field of view is divided into multiple scan lines, with each laser beam assigned to a specific scan line. This segmentation allows simultaneous scanning of multiple regions while maintaining precise resolution for each individual line, thus achieving both high scanning efficiency and preserved detection precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from scanning a single line sequentially to scanning multiple lines simultaneously by adding spatial distribution of laser beams across different scan lines. This dimensional expansion from 1D sequential scanning to 2D parallel scanning improves productivity while maintaining precision through proper beam allocation and timing control
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
Enhances the precision and efficiency of scanning and object detection in diverse conditions, allowing for accurate reconstruction of three-dimensional models and improved performance in autonomous vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
A laser is one example of a light source that can be used in a LIDAR system
Implementation Method 2
The light deflector may be controlled to pivot around at least one axis for projecting the light into a desired location
Implementation Method 3
A light detection and ranging system. (LIDAR a/k/a LADAR) is an example of technology that can work well in differing conditions, by measuring distances to objects by illuminating objects with light and measuring the reflected pulses with a sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A LIDAR system may include a laser emission unit configured to generate a plurality of laser beams. The LIDAR system may also include an optical system configured to transmit the plurality of laser beams from the laser emission unit to a scanning unit. The scanning unit may be configured to project the plurality of laser beams toward a field of view of the LIDAR system to simultaneously scan the field of view along a plurality of scan lines traversing the field of view.