Coherent Fiber Optic Image Bundle for Remote LIDAR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR systems face challenges in providing unobstructed views of surroundings while minimizing cost and weight, and in constructing detailed 3-D depth images with multiple LIDARs, as external placement is aesthetically and reliability-wise inefficient and costly, and current solutions do not effectively address the need for wide-range directional measurements.
Innovation Solution
A distributed LIDAR system utilizing coherent fiber optic image bundles (CFOBs) to transfer light reflections from multiple fields of view to a remotely located ranging subassembly, allowing for centralized range sensing and reducing the number of LIDARs required by time multiplexing or spatially combining light reflections onto a shared photodetector array.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple LIDARs are placed around a vehicle to provide adequate coverage, then the field of view coverage is improved, but the cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple LIDAR fields of view into a single shared photodetector array through optical combining techniques. Multiple LIDAR units share common ranging electronics and photodetectors, merging their detection capabilities to achieve wide-area coverage without proportionally increasing weight and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared photodetector array serves multiple LIDAR fields of view simultaneously, making it a universal component that performs multiple detection functions. The ranging electronics and processing systems are designed to handle inputs from multiple LIDAR units, enabling one system to perform what would traditionally require multiple separate systems.
2Area of stationary object
If LIDAR is placed on the exterior of the host platform, then direct access to field of view is improved, but reliability and aesthetics deteriorate due to weather and damage exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The LIDAR system is segmented into separate functional components: light emitters and lenses that can be positioned externally for FOV access, and sensitive photodetector arrays and electronics that are housed internally for protection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimally positioned and protected according to its functional requirements.
3Measurement precision
If multiple LIDARs are used to construct detailed 3-D depth images, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ranging electronics, timing circuits, and signal processing systems into a shared centralized unit that serves multiple LIDAR fields of view. This consolidation maintains the measurement precision needed for detailed 3-D imaging while reducing the overall system complexity by eliminating redundant components across multiple LIDAR units.
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 solution enables remote placement of LIDAR electronics, protecting them from environmental damage, improving accuracy and reliability, reducing system cost and complexity, and enhancing design flexibility by allowing for adaptive field of view configurations while maintaining directional information.
Implementation Method 1
a coherent fiber optic image bundle (CFOB). The distributed LIDAR can further comprise a ranging subassembly with a photodetector array (e.g. a single photon detector array), that is remotely located from the FOV and coupled to the FOV by a coherent fiber optic image bundle (CFOB)
Implementation Method 2
The lens is operable to focus light reflections from the FOV onto an input surface of the CFOB
Implementation Method 3
a ranging subassembly with a photodetector array (e.g. a single photon detector array), that is remotely located from the FOV
Data Source
AI summary
Optical time-of-flight detector arrays are costly and therefore enhancing their utilization (e.g. angular coverage range) is desirable. In one embodiment, a vehicle-based distributed LIDAR is disclosed, comprising a plurality of coherent fiber optic image bundles that transfer laser reflections from fields of view (FOVs) around the vehicle to a shared remotely located detector array. An optical multiplexor timeshares the FOVs from the coherent fiber bundles onto the remote detector array. Individual fibers in the coherent bundles gather laser reflections from distinct portions of a FOV, thereby enabling correlation of the original reflection directions with fiber locations within a bundle. Unlike an externally mounted LIDAR with direct access to a single FOV, or a LIDAR using a single optic fiber that loses direction data associated with laser reflections, the coherent fiber optic image bundles transfer both the timing and direction of laser reflections from multiple FOVs to a shared remote detector array.