Actuated Eye-Safe Long-Range LiDAR for High-Resolution Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LIDAR systems face challenges in achieving a balance between long measurement range, high angular resolution, and reliability while maintaining low cost and compact size, particularly in autonomous vehicles, where mechanical parts can be prone to wear and limit performance.
Innovation Solution
The development of a pulsed time-of-flight LIDAR system using a highly collimated laser beam with a small field of view, combined with advanced receiver designs and electronic control of laser and detector arrays, allows for improved signal-to-noise ratio and eye-safe operation, eliminating gaps in coverage and enhancing range and resolution without moving parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical scanning parts are used in LIDAR systems to achieve long-range measurement and high angular resolution, then measurement precision and range are improved, but reliability deteriorates due to wear and mechanical failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning components with an acousto-optic modulator (AOM) that uses acoustic waves to diffract and steer laser beams. This substitution eliminates moving mechanical parts while maintaining the ability to achieve high angular resolution through acoustic field control, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic acoustic wave modulation in the AOM to steer laser beams across different angles. By using periodic acoustic cycles to control beam direction, the system achieves scanning functionality without mechanical movement, improving reliability while maintaining angular resolution through precisely controlled periodic acoustic signals
2Length of moving object
If high power laser beams are used to extend measurement range, then range is improved, but harmful factors increase due to eye safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process into multiple low-power laser pulses rather than using a single high-power continuous beam. By transmitting multiple lower-energy pulses and integrating the returned signals, the system extends measurement range while keeping each individual pulse below eye safety thresholds, thus resolving the contradiction between range and eye safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic pulsed laser transmission with duty cycle control to extend range while maintaining eye safety. By transmitting laser energy in periodic low-power pulses rather than continuous high-power operation, the system accumulates sufficient signal for long-range detection while ensuring each pulse remains within safe exposure limits
3Volume of moving object
If compact design is implemented to reduce system size, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the laser source, acousto-optic modulator, and detector into a tightly integrated compact module. By combining these components in close proximity with shared optical paths, the system reduces overall size while the acoustic field-based beam steering eliminates the need for precise mechanical alignment, thereby resolving the contradiction between compact design and manufacturing precision requirements
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
This approach results in a reliable, cost-effective, and compact LIDAR system with improved range and resolution, reducing the risk of mechanical failure and ensuring safe operation at high speeds, capable of accurately mapping environments with fine detail.
Implementation Method 1
an acousto-optic modulator (AOM) that uses acoustic waves to diffract and steer laser beams
Implementation Method 2
pulsed time-of-flight LIDAR system
Data Source
AI summary
A LIDAR system includes a plurality of lasers that generate an optical beam having a FOV. A plurality of detectors are positioned where a FOV of at least one of the plurality of optical beams generated by the plurality of lasers overlaps a FOV of at least two of the plurality of detectors. The lens system collimates and projects the optical beams generated by the plurality of lasers. An actuator is coupled to at least one of the plurality of lasers and the lens system to cause relative motion between the plurality of lasers and the lens system in a direction that is orthogonal to an optical axis of the lens system so as to cause relative motion between the FOVs of the optical beams generated by the plurality of lasers and the FOVs of the detectors.