Camera-style lidar setup
US8958057B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 29, 2008 |
| Grant date | Feb 17, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 10, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S7/481
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Separate reception/transmission apertures enhance pointing: reception is more efficient than transmission (kept smaller for MEMS steering). Apparatus aspects of the invention include lidar transmitters emitting laser beams, and scan mirrors (or assemblies) angularly adjustable to deflect the beams in orthogonal directions. In one aspect, afocal optics magnify deflection; a transmitter aperture transmits the beam; a lidar receiver doesn't share the transmitter aperture. In another aspect, auxiliary optics calibrate the deflection.A method aspect of the invention notices and responds to a remote source—using a similar local laser, adjustable scan mirror or assembly, afocal deflection magnifier, transmission aperture and separate receiver. Method steps include operating the receiver to notice and determine location of the remote source; and controlling the transmitter to direct laser light back toward that location.Among preferences: receiver aperture exceeds five times transmitter aperture; receiver is segmented; beam expander between laser and mirror(s) controls waist or divergence, for selecting Gaussian or Rayleigh divergence and “zoom”.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.