Depth Sensor Uneven Vertical Light Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solid-state depth sensors lack an optimal method for unevenly distributing light beams, leading to inefficient energy consumption and detection range optimization in their field of view, particularly in LiDAR systems used for automotive applications.
Innovation Solution
A depth sensor design that includes one or more light sources and optical structures configured to unevenly distribute light beams in a vertical field of view, creating a dense area with higher beam density and a sparse area, without mechanically movable parts, using techniques such as VCSEL arrays, optical diffusers, or micro-lens arrays to optimize light distribution and detection ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If uniform light distribution is used in the field of view, then the illumination is even across all areas, but energy consumption increases and detection range optimization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing uneven light distribution where different regions of the field of view receive different beam densities. Specifically, the vertical field of view is divided into a dense area with higher beam density and a sparse area with lower beam density, allowing each region to receive appropriate illumination levels for its specific detection requirements, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective detection capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If scanning mechanisms are used to cover the field of view, then detection coverage is achieved, but mechanically movable parts are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with a solid-state light distribution approach. Instead of using mechanically movable mirrors or scanners to cover the field of view, the system uses an array of light sources with optical structures to directly project light beams into different regions. This substitution eliminates mechanically movable parts while achieving comprehensive detection coverage through the unevenly distributed light beam pattern.
3Measurement precision
If high beam density is applied across the entire field of view, then resolution is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by providing high beam density only where needed (in the dense area of the vertical field of view) and lower beam density in other regions (the sparse area). This selective application of illumination intensity allows the system to maintain high detection resolution in critical regions while reducing overall energy consumption by avoiding excessive illumination throughout the entire field of view.
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 approach enhances the detection range distribution and reduces energy consumption while maintaining high resolution in LiDAR systems, improving the overall performance and efficiency of depth sensors in automotive applications.
Implementation Method 1
optical diffusers, or micro-lens arrays to optimize light distribution
Implementation Method 2
optical diffusers, or micro-lens arrays to optimize light distribution
Implementation Method 3
using the difference between the time that the return light pulse is detected and the time that a corresponding light pulse in the light beam is transmitted, the LiDAR system can determine the distance to the object based on the speed of light
Data Source
AI summary
A depth sensor is provided. The depth sensor comprises one or more light sources configured to provide a plurality of light beams; and one or more optical structures coupled to the one or more light sources. The one or more optical structures are configured to receive the plurality of light beams. At least one of the one or more light sources or the one or more optical structures are configured to unevenly distribute the plurality of light beams in a vertical field-of-view (FOV) such that the vertical FOV comprises a dense area and a sparse area. The dense area of the vertical FOV has a higher beam density than the sparse area of the vertical FOV, and the depth sensor comprises no mechanically movable parts configured to scan light.