Lidar system and method

Abstract

A Lidar system is provided. The Lidar system comprises: a set of light sources configured to emit a plurality of light beams; a set of optical fiber elements, wherein each of the set of light sources is optically coupled to a first end of one or more optical fiber elements from the set of optical fiber elements; and at least one mounting unit comprising a structure configured to receive a second end of the set of optical fiber elements at one or more directions thereby affecting a direction of the plurality of light beams individually.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE[0001]This application is a continuation application of International PCT Application No. PCT / CN2018 / 086768, filed May 14, 2018, which claims priority to Chinese Application No. 201810291177.X, filed Apr. 3, 2018, each of which is entirely incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Lidar technology can be used to obtain three-dimensional information of an environment by measuring distances to objects. A Lidar system may include at least a light source configured to emit a pulse of light and a detector configured to receive returned pulse of light. The returned pulse of light or light beam may be referred to as echo light beam. Based on the lapse time between the emission of the pulse of light and detection of returned pulse of light (i.e., time of flight), a distance can be obtained. The pulse of light can be generated by a laser emitter then focused through a lens or lens assembly. The returned pulse of light may be received by a detector locat...

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Benefits of technology

[0004]A need exists for improved Lidar system for three-dimensional measurement. A further need exists for a multiline Lidar with improved spatial resolution or greater field of view without increasing the size of the overall system. The provided Lidar system may address the above needs by providing a flexible and spatially configurable emitting device of the Lidar system. The provided Lidar system may be configured to allow for three-dimensional imaging with improved accuracy and better performance. In particular, the cost of the provided Lidar system may be lowered by providing an emitting apparatus that may be easy to assemble. Additionally, the provided Lidar may exhibit improved performance and better device reliability with improved heat dissipation capability.

[0008]In some embodiments, the second end of the set of optical fiber elements has an angled light emitting surface to affect a direction of the corresponding light beams. In some embodiments, the plurality of light beams emitted from the second ends of the set of optical fiber elements are directed to an optical element to collimate the plurality of light beams into collimated light beams to propagate in different directions. In some embodiments, the Lidar system further composes a receiving device to receive echo light beams and wherein the receiving device may be disposed on a rotor of the Lidar system. In some embodiments, the Lidar system further comprises a second mounting unit stacked to the at least one mounting unit along a vertical direction. In some embodiments, the set of light sources are located in close proximity to at least one heat sink to facilitate heat dissipation.

Problems solved by technology

In some cases, the set of slots are non-uniformly spaced along the vertical direction.

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