Centralized Multiwavelength LiDAR Laser Delivery System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LiDAR systems using a single scanner are inadequate for fully autonomous driving due to limited detection coverage and resolution, and implementing multiple scanners with individual laser sources and detectors is costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A centralized laser delivery system that uses a single high-quality fiber-based laser source to generate multiple wavelength laser signals, allowing multiple LiDAR scanners to operate within different wavelength ranges, reducing cross-talk and enhancing detection sensitivity with Si-APDs, and incorporating a frequency modifier to convert 1550 nm signals to 775 nm for detection by Si-APD-based scanners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple LiDAR scanners with individual laser sources and detectors are implemented, then detection coverage and resolution are improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple laser sources into a single centralized laser source that serves multiple LiDAR scanners. This consolidation reduces the total number of laser sources from multiple to one, thereby reducing system cost and complexity while maintaining the capability to support multiple scanners with different wavelength requirements through frequency conversion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a frequency converter as an intermediary device between the centralized laser source and the LiDAR scanners. This mediator enables a single laser source to generate multiple wavelengths by converting the base laser output, allowing different scanners to operate at their optimal wavelengths without requiring separate laser sources
2Device complexity
If a single laser source is shared among multiple scanners, then system cost is reduced, but wavelength-specific detection capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the laser output by incorporating a frequency converter. This allows a single laser source operating at one wavelength to be transformed into multiple wavelengths, enabling different LiDAR scanners to detect at their specific optimal wavelengths while sharing the same physical laser source
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 system improves 3D LiDAR performance by reducing alignment requirements, enhancing manufacturing efficiency, and allowing flexible system partitioning, while minimizing mechanical scanning and interference between scanners, thus enabling more comprehensive object detection and environment analysis.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating a frequency modifier to convert 1550 nm signals to 775 nm for detection by Si-APD-based scanners
Data Source
AI summary
A method for enabling light detection and ranging (LiDAR) scanning is provided. The method is performed by a system disposed or included in a vehicle. The method comprises receiving a first laser signal. The first laser signal has a first wavelength. The method further includes generating a second laser signal based on the first laser signal. The second laser signal has a second wavelength. The method further includes providing a plurality of third laser signals based on the second laser signal; and delivering a corresponding third laser signal of the plurality of third laser signals to a respective LiDAR scanner of the plurality of LiDAR scanners. Each of the LiDAR scanners are disposed at a separate location of the vehicle such that each of the LiDAR scanners is capable of scanning a substantial different spatial range from another LiDAR scanner. LiDAR systems can use multi-wavelength to provide other benefits as well.