3D Image Sensor Ranging System with Variable Divergence Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Lidar systems face challenges in reducing size, increasing range, and minimizing interference between emitted and reflected light, while maintaining efficiency and effective scanning capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A 3D image sensor ranging system comprising a light-emitting unit array, a photosensitive unit array, and a computing component that calculates distance and light intensity based on sensing tensors, with a divergence angle that fluctuates to achieve optimal scanning coverage and reduce system costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the Lidar system uses a fixed, small divergence angle to improve spatial resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but the scanning coverage area is reduced and system efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the divergence angle variable rather than fixed. The light-emitting unit adjusts its divergence angle dynamically based on scanning requirements: using smaller angles for high-resolution measurements and larger angles for broad coverage scanning, thereby resolving the contradiction between spatial resolution and scanning efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of divergence angle from a constant value to a variable parameter that can be adjusted according to different scanning scenarios. This parameter change allows the system to optimize between measurement precision and scanning coverage by selecting appropriate divergence angles for different operational modes
2Length of stationary object
If the Lidar system increases the power of light source to improve detection range, then the detection range is extended, but the interference between emitted light and reflected light increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using pulsed light emission instead of continuous illumination. The light source emits light in periodic pulses, allowing the system to measure the time of flight for each pulse. This periodic emission reduces the overlap between emitted and reflected light, thereby reducing interference while maintaining extended detection range
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous useful action by using overlapping pulses from multiple light-emitting units. While individual pulses are periodic, the combined effect of multiple units creates continuous coverage, ensuring that detection range is maintained without interruption while managing interference through temporal separation of pulses
3Productivity
If the Lidar system uses multiple light-emitting units with overlapping beams to improve scanning coverage, then productivity is improved, but the complexity of controlling and coordinating the units increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining multiple light-emitting units to work together as a coordinated system. The units emit overlapping beams that cover different angular ranges, and their outputs are integrated to achieve comprehensive scanning coverage. This merging approach improves productivity while the centralized control architecture manages complexity
4Volume of moving object
If the Lidar system reduces the size of individual components to reduce overall system size, then the system becomes more compact, but the detection range and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the light-emitting function into multiple independent units arranged in an array. Each unit can be miniaturized individually, and their collective arrangement provides extended detection range through angular diversity. This segmentation allows the system to maintain compact size while achieving long-range detection capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single light source to a two-dimensional array of light-emitting units. This dimensional change allows the system to achieve extended detection range through spatial distribution in the angular domain rather than increasing the size of individual components, thereby maintaining compact form factor while improving detection capabilities
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves efficient and cost-effective long-range scanning with improved spatial resolution and reduced interference, enabling effective detection of distant objects with enhanced photoelectric efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the photosensitive unit array may include at least one photosensitive unit configured to receive at least a part of light emitted by the light-emitting unit array and reflected by the target scenario, and generate a sensing tensor based on the received light
Implementation Method 2
The Lidar system may determine a distance from an object to the Lidar system based on a time difference (i.e., time of flight of light) between the light source emitting light and the receiver receiving the light
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a 3D image sensor ranging system, a ranging method using the same, and an apparatus for optical ranging. The system comprises: at least one light-emitting unit array, each of the light-emitting unit array comprising at least one light-emitting unit, configured to emit light to a target scenario; at least one photosensitive unit array, each of the photosensitive unit array comprising at least one photosensitive unit, configured to receive at least a part of light emitted by the light-emitting unit and reflected by the target scenario, and generate a sensing tensor based on received light; and at least one computing component, configured to calculate at least one of a distance between the light-emitting unit and the target scenario or a light intensity of the reflected light of the emitted light, where the distance and the light intensity correspond to an angle of the emitted light, based on the sensing tensor generated by the at least one photosensitive unit.