Anamorphic Directional Detection Device for Compact LIDAR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LIDAR systems face challenges in achieving high resolution and high image contrast for distance measurement and scene detection, particularly in compact and cost-effective designs suitable for vehicle applications.
Innovation Solution
A directional light detection device with an anamorphic optical system that includes a waveguide and an injection reflector with positive optical power, allowing for high collection efficiency and reduced aberrations, enabling high fidelity image capture and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional LIDAR system uses a scanned beam with rotating or oscillating mirrors, then the system can achieve distance measurement capability, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical scanning system (rotating or oscillating mirrors) with a solid-state beam deflection apparatus. This substitution eliminates moving parts while maintaining the ability to scan and measure distances, thereby reducing device complexity and size while preserving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the scanning function from the mechanical mirror system and implements it through a solid-state beam deflection mechanism. This separation allows the system to maintain distance measurement capability without the complexity of mechanical scanning components
2Device complexity
If a flood illumination beam is used to illuminate the scene, then the detection system can function like a camera with simple detector array, but the collection efficiency and image contrast decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the illumination pattern from a wide flood beam to a scanned or structured beam configuration. This parameter change in the light distribution enables the system to achieve both simple detector array operation and high image contrast through controlled illumination of specific scene regions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic scanning of the illumination beam across the scene. This periodic action allows the simple detector array to capture time-correlated information that reconstructs high-contrast images with depth information, combining simplicity with effective performance
3Loss of energy
If the light injection aperture height is increased to improve light collection, then the collection efficiency increases, but the aesthetic appearance and compactness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality optimization by concentrating light collection in specific directional zones rather than requiring a large vertical aperture. The optical system is designed to efficiently collect light from relevant angular ranges while maintaining a compact vertical profile, achieving good collection efficiency without excessive aperture height
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a vertical aperture dimension to horizontal or angular dimension optimization. By spreading the light collection function across a wider horizontal field or using angularly selective optics, the system achieves adequate light collection efficiency while maintaining a compact vertical form factor suitable for aesthetic appearance
4Measurement precision
If an anamorphic optical system with transverse anamorphic component is added, then the two-dimensional scene detection with high fidelity is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the optical system to perform multiple functions: the waveguide structure simultaneously guides light and provides anamorphic transformation, while the injection reflector serves both to couple light into the waveguide and to shape the beam. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, achieving two-dimensional detection fidelity without proportionally increasing device complexity
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 solution provides high resolution detection of light cones with increased image contrast and reduced aberrations, achieving efficient and cost-effective distance measurement and scene detection, particularly suitable for vehicle-mounted LIDAR systems.
Implementation Method 1
an injection reflector arranged to reflect the input light received through at least one of the guide surfaces and inject the input light into the waveguide for guiding by the front and rear guide surfaces
Implementation Method 2
an optical system arranged to input light from a remote scene and direct the input light to the light detection system, wherein the optical system comprises a waveguide that comprises: front and rear guide surfaces arranged to guide the input light along the waveguide to the light detection system
Data Source
AI summary
An anamorphic directional detection device comprises an array of light detectors arranged to detect light from an anamorphic optical system. The anamorphic optical system comprises a transverse anamorphic component arranged to provide optical imaging of an external scene to the array of light detectors in a transverse direction. Opposed guide surfaces are arranged to guide input light along a waveguide towards the transverse optical system from an injection reflector arranged to inject the input light. The injection reflector is a lateral anamorphic component arranged to image the external scene towards the array of detectors in a lateral direction orthogonal to the transverse direction. A thin and high efficiency directional detection device is provided that can be used for LIDAR and other light detection purposes such as cameras. A thin display apparatus comprising a high efficiency camera arranged behind a light transmitting spatial light modulator may be provided.