[Andrew Duerner]

Reading through the datasheet on the RPLIDAR it was very interesting what they made. Even though the RPLIDAR looks very similar on the outside to the Scanse Sweep, they work in very different ways.

From what I understand RPLIDAR images a laser spot with an imagery array and uses triangulation to determine the range. This method is usually associated with laser range finding, but I haven't seen it on a rotating head before.

The Sweep uses a time of flight method where it sends out a pulse coded laser signal and looks for that signal in a detector return (the code is to help pick out the signal in the background noise). Based on how long it took for the pulse to go out and return, that length of time and the speed of light determines how far away the object is.

It can be very difficult to compare range performance (distance and accuracy) because of details of the test can dramatically impact results. Particularly the target type is very important, its albedo, reflectance, angle of incidence, size, all come into play.

What would be really neat to see, recorded side by side data collection in FRC match play between these two sensors. Added video of the match (preferably from an overhead top view) would help in identifying what the detected objects are. Any teams have the manpower to take this on?

Have a great build season!