Adjustable LiDAR Illuminator for Wide Field of View and Long Detection Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flash LiDAR systems face a trade-off between field of view (FOV) and detection distance, where a large FOV results in a short detection distance and vice versa, limiting their application in scenarios requiring longer detection ranges, such as autonomous lane changing or full autonomous driving.
Innovation Solution
The LiDAR system incorporates an adjustable field of view (FOV) mechanism, utilizing a multi-facet polygon or rotatable light reflecting surfaces to illuminate multiple FOVs with divergent light beams, allowing for a combined FOV with increased detection distance while maintaining safety by concentrating light output within smaller FOVs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a wide diverging laser beam is used to illuminate the entire field of view with a single pulse, then the field of view is widened, but the detection distance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the field of view into multiple smaller FOVs that can be illuminated sequentially. Instead of using a single wide diverging beam to illuminate the entire FOV at once, the system uses multiple narrower beams directed at different angles to cover the same total area. This segmentation allows each beam to maintain higher intensity and thus extend detection distance while the collective coverage provides the required wide field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control of the illuminator to adjust the field of view size in real-time. The system can switch between different FOV configurations (e.g., first FOV, second FOV, combined FOV) based on detection needs. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize between field of view width and detection distance depending on the specific application requirements, such as detecting fast-moving objects versus measuring long distances.
2Measurement precision
If a narrow beam is used to increase detection distance, then the detection distance is extended, but the field of view is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection task into multiple narrower beam illuminations. Each narrow beam provides extended detection distance for its specific FOV, and by combining the results from multiple such beams covering different angular regions, the system achieves both long detection distance and wide overall field of view coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple detection results from different FOVs into a unified combined FOV analysis. By combining detection outputs from multiple narrower beam illuminations, the system reconstructs a comprehensive view of the entire scene with extended detection capability, effectively merging the advantages of narrow-beam long-range detection across multiple angular sectors.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple FOVs are illuminated with divergent light beams, then the combined FOV is widened and detection distance is extended, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal illuminator design that can perform multiple functions: illuminating different FOVs, adjusting beam directions, and switching between detection modes. By making the illuminator multi-functional and programmable, the system avoids the need for separate dedicated components for each FOV illumination task, thereby managing device complexity while achieving enhanced detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the illuminator control system to achieve different FOV configurations. By dynamically adjusting parameters such as beam direction, divergence angle, and illumination timing, the system can switch between various FOV modes (first FOV, second FOV, combined FOV) without requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration, thus managing device complexity through software-based parameter control.
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 enables a wider FOV and longer detection distance, supporting more advanced applications like autonomous lane changing and full autonomous driving by enhancing the LiDAR system's ability to detect fast-moving objects with improved image correlation and reduced motion blur.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more light reflecting surfaces are configured to reflect the light at a first angle of reflection and a second angle of reflection with respect to one or more normal axes of the one or more light reflecting surfaces to illuminate, respectively, the first FOV and the second FOV
Implementation Method 2
A detector, which can include a one-dimensional (1-D) or two-dimensional (2-D) array of photodetectors, can then detect reflected beam from different points within the FOV
Implementation Method 3
measuring the time the reflected light takes to return the sensor. A time difference between the transmission time of the light and the detection time of the reflected light can be used to measure a distance between the LiDAR system and the target
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises: an illuminator having an adjustable field of view (FOV), the FOV being adjusted based on setting a direction of propagation of light to illuminate the FOV; a light detector; and a controller configured to: control the illuminator to project the light along a first direction of propagation to illuminate a first FOV; control the illuminator to project the light along a second direction of propagation to illuminate a second FOV; detect, using the light detector, reflected light received from the first FOV and the second FOV to generate one or more detection outputs for a combined FOV including the first FOV and the second FOV; and perform at least one of a detection operation or a ranging operation of an object in the combined FOV based on the one or more detection outputs.