LiDAR Technology: Comprehensive Analysis of Principles, Usage, Common Faults, and Repair Methods

Overview of LiDAR

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technology that utilizes laser pulses for ranging and speed measurement. By emitting laser pulses and measuring the time difference for their reflection back, it calculates the distance between objects and sensors. LiDAR is widely applied in autonomous driving, robotic navigation, surveying and mapping, terrain modeling, and is gradually penetrating consumer electronics such as smartphones, providing users with more precise and diverse functional experiences.

Principles

The working principles of LiDAR mainly involve the following steps:

• Laser Pulse Emission: The LiDAR emitter sends out short, intense laser pulses, typically with wavelengths of 905nm or 1550nm in the near-infrared spectrum.
• Target Reflection: When the laser pulses hit the surface of the target object, part of the laser energy is reflected back to the LiDAR system.
• Time Measurement: The LiDAR receiver detects the reflected pulses and precisely measures the time difference from pulse emission to reception.
• Distance Calculation: Knowing the speed of light, the distance between the LiDAR and the target object is calculated using the measured time difference.
• Data Processing: The received signals are amplified, filtered, and digitized to extract information such as distance, speed, and shape of the target, which is used for imaging or further analysis.

Usage Method

Taking the LiDAR scanner on an iPhone as an example, the usage method is generally as follows:

1. Enable Function: Go to the phone’s settings menu, find the “Camera” option under “Privacy”, and enable the “Measure” function.
2. Open Camera App: In the camera app interface, the measuring tool icon will be displayed at the top; tap to enter LiDAR scanner mode.
3. Align Target: Align the phone with the target object to be measured and move the phone to focus on different parts of the object.
4. Perform Scan: Tap the white button on the screen to scan. The system will use LiDAR technology to quickly measure the object’s dimensions and distance, displaying the information on the screen.

Faults and Repair Methods

LiDAR may encounter various faults during usage. Common fault types and repair methods include:

• Sensor Error:
  • Phenomenon: May cause communication interruption, abnormal scanning, etc.
  • Solution: Check if the device communication lines are unobstructed and confirm if there is any loosening or damage. Restart the device or replace the sensor if necessary.
• Laser Beam Issue:
  • Phenomenon: May lead to inaccurate measurements or abnormal phenomena such as scattered points.
  • Solution: Calibrate the laser emitter and receiver to ensure stable beam quality. If the problem is severe, consider replacing the laser or repairing the device.
• Data Transmission Problem:
  • Phenomenon: Data interruption, data loss, etc., may occur.
  • Solution: Check the contact and functionality of the device’s transmission pathways and communication lines. Replace the lines or device if faulty. For software issues, try upgrading or reinstalling the software.
• Environmental Interference:
  • Phenomenon: Factors such as light and reflection may affect measurement results.
  • Solution: Ensure sufficient and stable ambient light during scanning and avoid interference from intense light sources or reflective objects.
• Mechanical Component Fault (For Mechanical Rotating LiDAR):
  • Phenomenon: Issues like mirrors or prisms not rotating smoothly may limit the scanning range.
  • Solution: Check if the mechanical components are well-lubricated and clean and maintain them if necessary.

Summary

As a high-precision remote sensing technology, LiDAR plays a crucial role in multiple fields. By understanding its working principles and usage methods, users can better leverage this technology to enhance work efficiency and experience. Simultaneously, for potential faults, promptly adopting effective repair measures can ensure the stable operation and accurate measurement of the LiDAR system. With continuous technological advancements, the application prospects of LiDAR will become even broader.

Brands and Models of LiDAR Repaired by Longi Electromechanical

1. Velodyne Lidar
   • Alpha Prime™: Advanced LiDAR sensor
   • VLS-128™: High-resolution 128-channel LiDAR
   • VLP-32C Ultra Puck™: High-performance, compact LiDAR
   • Puck™ (VLP-16): Compact, 16-channel LiDAR
   • Puck LITE™: Lightweight version of VLP-16
2. Ouster
   • OS1 Series: OS1-16, OS1-32, OS1-64
   • OS2 Series: OS2-128
   • OS0 Series: OS0-32, OS0-64
3. Quanergy
   • M8 Series: M8-1, M8-2
   • S3 Series: S3-2, S3-Qi
4. Innoviz
   • InnovizOne: Solid-state LiDAR sensor
   • InnovizPro: Automotive-grade LiDAR
5. Luminar
   • Iris: Automotive-grade LiDAR
   • Hydra: High-performance LiDAR for autonomous vehicles
6. Hesai
   • Pandora: Combined camera and LiDAR sensor
   • Pandar40P: 40-channel LiDAR
   • Pandar64: 64-channel LiDAR
   • PandarQT: Automotive-grade, long-range LiDAR
7. RoboSense
   • RS-LiDAR-M1: MEMS solid-state LiDAR
   • RS-LiDAR-16: 16-channel mechanical LiDAR
   • RS-Ruby: High-performance, mechanical LiDAR
8. Livox
   • Horizon: High-density, long-range LiDAR
   • Mid-40: High-precision, medium-range LiDAR
   • Mid-70: Wide field of view, medium-range LiDAR
9. Velarray (by Velodyne)
   • H800: Solid-state, high-performance LiDAR
   • M1600: Automotive-grade, solid-state LiDAR
10. Valeo
    • Scala 2: Automotive-grade, high-resolution LiDAR
11. Cepton
    • Vista Series: Vista-P60, Vista-X90
    • Sora Series: Sora-P60, Sora-X90
12. AEye
    • iDAR (Intelligent Detection and Ranging): 4Sight M, 4Sight A
13. LeddarTech
    • Leddar Pixell: 3D flash LiDAR
    • Leddar Vu8: Solid-state LiDAR
14. Leica Geosystems
    • Leica BLK360: Imaging laser scanner
    • Leica BLK2GO: Handheld imaging laser scanner
    • Leica PegasusUltimate: Mobile mapping solution
15. SICK
    • MRS1000: Multi-layer scanner
    • LMS1000: Long-range scanner
16. RIEGL
    • VZ Series: VZ-400i, VZ-2000i
    • LMS Series: LMS-Q780, LMS-Q1560
17. Topcon
    • GLS-2000: Laser scanner
    • RL-SV2S: Rotating laser
18. Faro
    • Focus3D Series: Focus3D X 330, Focus3D X 130
    • S Series: S350, S150
19. Trimble
    • X7: 3D laser scanner
    • TX8: High-speed laser scanner

Longi Electromechanical Company has nearly 30 years of experience in repairing LiDAR, enabling quick repairs for various instruments. Additionally, we recycle and sell various types of LiDAR. Welcome to consult.