Distributed Lidar Using Coherent Fiber Optic Image Bundles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LIDAR systems face challenges in providing enhanced coverage range, measurement density, and accuracy, especially in environments with obstructed fields of view, such as those encountered by autonomous vehicles, due to limited directional measurement capabilities and external mounting issues that expose components to weather and damage.
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, enabling centralized range sensing and reducing the number of LIDARs required, while protecting expensive components and improving reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If LIDAR components are mounted externally to provide direct access to field of view, then measurement coverage and reliability are improved, but components are exposed to weather and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The LIDAR system is divided into separate functional modules: light source module, optical path module, and detection module. This segmentation allows the sensitive detection components to be protected internally while maintaining external optical access through specialized openings, thus improving reliability without exposing components to harsh environments.
Solution Approach 2:
A protective cover with specifically designed openings acts as an intermediary between the external environment and internal LIDAR components. This cover allows light to pass through while protecting sensitive components from weather and physical damage, resolving the contradiction between external access and component protection.
2Measurement precision
If multiple LIDARs are deployed to enhance coverage range and measurement density, then measurement capability is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The LIDAR system is designed with a unified optical path and detection module that can process light from multiple directions and fields of view. This multi-functional design allows a single LIDAR unit to perform the work of multiple conventional LIDARs, improving measurement density without increasing the number of units deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes multi-dimensional optical path design with openings at different positions and orientations, allowing light from multiple spatial dimensions to reach the detection module. This dimensional approach enables enhanced coverage range and measurement density through a single integrated unit rather than multiple separate LIDARs.
3Measurement precision
If LIDAR provides direct field of view access for distance measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but field of view is limited by system design and platform obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover is segmented with multiple openings at different positions, angles, and orientations. Each opening provides access to a specific field of view sector, allowing the system to maintain direct measurement accuracy for multiple directions simultaneously without requiring a single large opening that would compromise component protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable optical paths that can dynamically adapt to different measurement scenarios. The openings and optical components can be positioned or adjusted to optimize field of view coverage for specific application requirements, enhancing adaptability while maintaining measurement precision.
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 distributed LIDAR system enhances measurement accuracy and reliability by allowing remote placement of sensitive components, reducing system cost and complexity, and improving design flexibility, while also enabling effective detection and utilization of remote mirrors to expand the field of view.
Implementation Method 1
a coherent fiber optic image bundle (CFOB) to transfer light reflections from the FOV to a remotely located ranging subassembly
Implementation Method 2
The lens is operable to focus light reflections from the FOV onto an input surface of the CFOB
Implementation Method 3
the time associated with the reflections from each of the one or more directions is used to measure distance to objects in the associated direction
Data Source
AI summary
Vehicle-based distributed LIDAR apparatuses and methods. These apparatuses may include coherent fiber optic image bundles (CFOBs) that transfer laser reflections from several fields of view (FOVs) around the vehicle to a shared remotely located detector array, thereby enabling correlation of the original reflection directions with fiber locations within a bundle. These apparatuses may operate with a remotely located mirror (e.g. a convex roadside mirror); the apparatus and methods can track the mirror region as it moves in the local environment with an increased density of outgoing laser pulses and thereby interrogate the remote mirror for reflection data from a wide indirect field of view.