Variable-Resolution Multi-Beam LiDAR Scanning for Faster Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR systems face challenges in accurately determining the position and orientation of light deflectors, which affects their ability to reliably scan and interpret the surrounding environment under varying conditions such as rain, fog, darkness, and bright light.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR system with a monolithic laser array and biaxial scanning mirror that projects multiple laser beams across a field of view, utilizing a processor to activate and deactivate subsets of laser emitters and tilt the scanning mirror to achieve precise scanning patterns, enhancing the system's ability to detect objects and generate detailed three-dimensional models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single laser beam is used for scanning, then the system structure is simple, but the scanning speed and coverage are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scanning function into multiple independent laser beams (first laser beam, second laser beam, etc.) that can operate simultaneously. Each beam is directed by its own deflector, allowing parallel scanning across different fields of view and significantly increasing overall scanning productivity without requiring a single complex high-speed scanning mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-beam sequential scanning to multi-beam parallel scanning, adding the dimension of temporal parallelism. Multiple laser beams scan simultaneously in different spatial regions, converting a one-dimensional sequential process into a multi-dimensional parallel process that dramatically improves scanning speed.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple laser beams are scanned sequentially, then the system structure remains simple, but the field of view coverage is incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the field of view into multiple regions, with each laser beam responsible for a specific portion. The first laser beam covers a first field of view while the second laser beam covers a second field of view, ensuring complete spatial coverage through division of labor among multiple scanning units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous scanning coverage by having multiple laser beams operate simultaneously in different fields of view. While one beam scans its designated area, other beams are scanning their respective areas, eliminating idle time and ensuring uninterrupted scanning coverage of the entire field of view.
3Measurement precision
If precise positioning of light deflector is critical, then measurement precision is high, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the control circuit receives signals from sensors that detect the position and orientation of light deflectors. This feedback information is used to adjust and calibrate the scanning system, ensuring precise positioning while automatically compensating for measurement difficulties through iterative correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary sensing components and processing circuits that mediate between the physical light deflector positioning and the control system. These intermediaries convert difficult-to-measure physical quantities into measurable electrical signals, simplifying the detection and measurement process while maintaining high precision.
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 provides improved precision in scanning and object detection, enabling reliable operation in diverse environmental conditions and generating high-resolution three-dimensional models of the surroundings.
Implementation Method 1
a laser emission unit configured to generate a plurality of laser beams
Implementation Method 2
an optical system configured to transmit the plurality of laser beams from the laser emission unit to a common scanning unit
Implementation Method 3
The common scanning unit may be configured to project the plurality of laser beams toward a field of view of the LIDAR system
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 common scanning unit. The common 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.