Anamorphic LIDAR Receiver Optics for Independent Field-of-View Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
LIDAR systems face challenges in differentiating between fields of view and achieving optimal spatial resolution due to the conflict between required scene field-of-view and instantaneous field-of-view, particularly in systems using line sensors, which complicates the design and manufacturing of anamorphic lenses.
Innovation Solution
The proposed optical design incorporates a combination of non-anamorphic and anamorphic lenses, utilizing cylindrical lenses with different focal lengths in vertical and horizontal directions to independently control the field-of-view and spatial resolution, allowing for optimization of image quality without the need for custom anamorphic lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If custom anamorphic lenses are used to independently control field-of-view and spatial resolution, then image quality and system performance are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into two separate functional components: a first lens group (rotationally symmetric) that controls the field-of-view, and a second lens group (cylindrical/anamorphic) that controls the spatial resolution. This segmentation allows each lens group to be optimized for its specific function without the complexity of a single custom anamorphic lens, while still achieving independent control of both parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hybrid lens system where the first rotationally symmetric lens group can serve multiple purposes in conjunction with the second cylindrical lens group. The combination allows the system to achieve both field-of-view control and spatial resolution optimization that would normally require a single complex custom anamorphic lens, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining performance.
2Ease of manufacture
If rotationally symmetric lenses are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but independent control of instantaneous field-of-view and scene field-of-view is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lens system into a first rotationally symmetric lens group (easy to manufacture) and a second cylindrical lens group (provides anamorphic functionality). This segmentation allows the system to maintain ease of manufacture for the majority of the optical components while adding only the minimal complexity needed for independent field-of-view control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetry through the second cylindrical lens group, which has different focal lengths in orthogonal directions. This asymmetric component is combined with the symmetric first lens group to achieve the desired anamorphic effect, allowing independent control of horizontal and vertical fields-of-view without requiring complete asymmetry throughout the entire optical system.
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 design enables independent adjustment of the instantaneous field-of-view without altering the optics controlling the field-of-view, reducing implementation complexity and maintaining image quality comparable to rotationally symmetric lens designs, while allowing for greater flexibility in LIDAR system performance.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing cylindrical lenses with different focal lengths in vertical and horizontal directions to independently control the field-of-view and spatial resolution
Implementation Method 2
anamorphic lenses, the anamorphic lenses having focal lengths that are different in the vertical and horizontal directions
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods are provided for using a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) receiver optical design. A vehicle anamorphic LIDAR system may include a group of rotationally symmetric lenses, a first cylindrical lens, and a second cylindrical lens, wherein the first cylindrical lens is arranged between the group of rotationally symmetric lenses and the second cylindrical lens, wherein the vehicle anamorphic LIDAR system is associated with a first focal length in a first direction associated with a scene field of view, and a second focal length in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and associated with an instantaneous field of view, and wherein the first focal length is different than the second focal length.