Amplitude Shift Keying LIDAR Signal Modulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current LIDAR systems face challenges in efficiently modulating light signals for advanced functionalities like data transmission and illumination control, leading to issues such as over-illumination, crosstalk, and high costs due to the need for sophisticated circuitry for linearity and dynamic performance.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR module that modulates light signals by combining partial electrical and optical signals as a function of a sequence of symbols, enabling control over the emitted light signal's properties, such as amplitude and pulse shape, to achieve efficient data transmission and illumination while maintaining high linearity and dynamic performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sophisticated circuitry is used for linearity and dynamic performance, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrical circuitry with optical components. Specifically, it uses optical modulators and beam combining optics to achieve amplitude modulation and signal combination, eliminating the need for sophisticated electrical amplifiers and linearization circuits. This substitution maintains measurement precision while reducing electrical circuit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal optical components that perform multiple functions. The optical modulator simultaneously controls amplitude and enables data transmission, while the beam combining optics handles both signal integration and spatial filtering. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed for achieving linearity and dynamic performance.
2Length of stationary object
If high amplitude light signals are emitted for long-range detection, then detection range is improved, but harmful effects such as over-illumination and crosstalk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical signal into multiple wavelength channels or spatial modes. By dividing the total optical power across multiple segments rather than using a single high-amplitude signal, the system achieves extended detection range through coherent integration while keeping the peak intensity of each individual segment below harmful thresholds, thus preventing over-illumination and crosstalk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical code division multiplexing as an intermediary mechanism. Unique coding sequences are assigned to different transmitters, allowing the receiver to distinguish between multiple sources through correlation processing. This intermediary coding layer enables multiple systems to operate simultaneously without crosstalk, while still achieving long-range detection through integrated signal processing.
3Power
If multiple light sources are combined for higher power output, then detection capability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple low-power light sources into a single high-power equivalent beam using optical combining techniques. The individual beams are co-aligned and interferometrically combined in the spatial domain, achieving power scaling without requiring complex beam switching or mechanical scanning systems. This merging approach maintains system simplicity while achieving the desired power output for enhanced detection capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A LIDAR module includes: a light emitting device configured to emit a light signal in accordance with a combination of a plurality of partial signals; and one or more processors configured to: encode a sequence of symbols, wherein each symbol of the sequence of symbols is associated with a respective combination of the plurality of partial signals, and control the light emitting device to combine the plurality of partial signals as a function of the encoded sequence of symbols to emit the light signal.