How a Spinning Lidar Sensor Creates 3D Maps
This patent describes a 3D Lidar sensor that uses a laser bar for one-dimensional sensing and a spinning part to scan in two dimensions, all inside a static outer case with a special window.
Original patent title: “Three-dimensional lidar sensor based on two-dimensional scanning of one-dimensional optical emitter and method of using same”
This patent describes a 3D Lidar sensor that uses a laser bar for one-dimensional sensing and a spinning part to scan in two dimensions, all inside a static outer case with a special window. Granted to Quanergy Systems in 2020 with 4 claims and 7 forward citations, and it is expected to expire in 2038.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
This patent details a 3D Lidar system designed to map environments. It uses a laser bar that emits light in a line (one-dimensional sensing) and at least one light sensor. The key is a spinning turret inside a stationary outer box. This turret rotates both the laser and the sensor, allowing them to scan across a two-dimensional area. The outer case has a window that looks opaque to us but lets the infrared laser light pass through. This setup allows for 3D mapping by measuring the time it takes for the laser light to bounce off objects and return to the sensor.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Lidar systems where the entire external case moves to scan.
- Lidar systems that use a single point laser source instead of a laser bar.
- Lidar systems that scan in only one or three dimensions.
- Lidar systems without a spinning component for scanning.
- Lidar systems where the window is transparent to visible light.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
The innovation lies in using a single, elongated laser bar for one dimension of sensing and a simple spinning mechanism for the second dimension, all housed within a static external case. This simplifies the mechanical design compared to systems requiring more complex scanning mirrors or multiple emitters.
The Patent Drawing
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
Autonomous vehicle sensor suites
Robotic navigation systems
3D mapping drones
Why it matters
The bigger picture
This patent is part of the foundational technology for autonomous vehicles and advanced robotics. Lidar is crucial for creating detailed 3D maps of surroundings, enabling self-driving cars to perceive obstacles and navigate. The specific design of a compact, mechanically scanned sensor with a static exterior was an important step in making Lidar more practical and cost-effective for widespread adoption.
Filed
June 26, 2018
Granted
April 7, 2020
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Quanergy Systems Inc., the assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →, was a significant player in solid-state lidar. While the company has faced financial challenges, the principles of mechanically scanned lidar with specialized optical components continue to be explored by various automotive and robotics companies developing advanced sensing solutions.
Market impact
This patent contributes to the development of more compact and potentially lower-cost Lidar units. By defining a specific architecture for 3D scanning using a line sensor and a rotating turret, it influenced the design choices for Lidar systems aiming for mass production in sectors like autonomous driving and industrial automation.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
This patent details a 3D Lidar system designed to map environments. It uses a laser bar that emits light in a line (one-dimensional sensing) and at least one light sensor. The key is a spinning turret inside a stationary outer box. This turret rotates both the laser and the sensor, allowing them to scan across a two-dimensional area. The outer case has a window that looks opaque to us but lets the infrared laser light pass through. This setup allows for 3D mapping by measuring the time it takes for the laser light to bounce off objects and return to the sensor.
The clever bit
The innovation lies in using a single, elongated laser bar for one dimension of sensing and a simple spinning mechanism for the second dimension, all housed within a static external case. This simplifies the mechanical design compared to systems requiring more complex scanning mirrors or multiple emitters.
What it does not cover
- Lidar systems where the entire external case moves to scan.
- Lidar systems that use a single point laser source instead of a laser bar.
- Lidar systems that scan in only one or three dimensions.
- Lidar systems without a spinning component for scanning.
- Lidar systems where the window is transparent to visible light.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Application published, typically 18 months after filing
Patent officially issued
Patent enters public domain
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Early stage
Citation count
18/40
Early citations
Claim breadth
3/20
Narrow claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
10/20
Granted 5–10 years ago
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$72K – $230K
Midpoint $144K · 11.7 yr remaining · industry ×1.5
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
Claim text not yet imported for this patent
The original legal language
Original claims
4 claims as filed with the patent office.
Concepts involved
Citations
Patent lineage
Cite this patent
Eldada, L., & Pacala, A. (2020). How a Spinning Lidar Sensor Creates 3D Maps (U.S. Patent No. 10,613,201). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10613201/three-dimensional-lidar-sensor-based-on-two-dimensional-scanning-of-one-dimensio
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does How a Spinning Lidar Sensor Creates 3D Maps cover?
This patent describes a 3D Lidar sensor that uses a laser bar for one-dimensional sensing and a spinning part to scan in two dimensions, all inside a static outer case with a special window.
Who owns patent US 10613201?
Quanergy Systems owns this patent, granted in 2020.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on June 26, 2038, when the invention enters the public domain.
What is patent US 10613201 cited by?
This patent has been cited by 7 later patents that build on its ideas.
What problem does this patent solve?
This patent is part of the foundational technology for autonomous vehicles and advanced robotics. Lidar is crucial for creating detailed 3D maps of surroundings, enabling self-driving cars to perceive obstacles and navigate. The specific design of a compact, mechanically scanned sensor with a static exterior was an important step in making Lidar more practical and cost-effective for widespread adoption.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Lidar systems where the entire external case moves to scan.
Patent monitoring