Distributed LiDAR with Shared Optical Fiber Transceiver
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-cost and large-volume issues associated with multi-channel LiDAR systems, which limit their application due to the high costs of transmitters and receivers.
Innovation Solution
A distributed LiDAR system that utilizes an optical transceiver assembly, multiple distributed scanning units, and a distributed optical fiber connector assembly, where the detection light is shared among multiple scanning units via optical fibers, reducing the need for multiple light sources and detectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple laser emitters and detectors are distributed in multiple channels to improve scanning coverage and resolution, then the scanning capability and resolution are improved, but the cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the LiDAR system into a central control unit and multiple distributed scanning units. Each scanning unit contains only scanning components (mirrors, galvanometers) while the light source and detector are centralized. This segmentation allows multiple scanning channels to share a single laser emitter and detector, reducing the number of expensive components while maintaining multi-channel scanning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized laser emitter and detector serve multiple scanning units simultaneously, making these components universal rather than dedicated to single channels. The optical fiber network enables the same light source to illuminate multiple scanning directions and the same detector to receive echoes from all scanning units, achieving multi-functionality that reduces overall system cost and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of channels in LiDAR is increased to improve scanning coverage, then the scanning capability is improved, but the cost increases due to more transmitters and receivers
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments scanning functions from light generation and detection functions. Multiple scanning units are distributed to provide wide coverage, while the light source and detector remain centralized and shared through optical fiber connections, avoiding the need to replicate expensive transmitters and receivers for each channel.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical fibers act as intermediaries to connect the centralized laser emitter and detector with multiple distributed scanning units. The optical fiber network enables light to be transmitted to multiple scanning positions and echoes to be collected from multiple positions, allowing expanded scanning coverage without proportionally increasing the number of transmitters and receivers.
3Measurement precision
If multiple LiDARs are coupled to improve point cloud density and resolution, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple scanning units into a single integrated LiDAR system that shares common light source and detector. Instead of coupling separate LiDAR units (which would increase volume and complexity), the design combines multiple scanning functions within one compact structure, achieving high point cloud density through synchronized data processing from multiple scanning channels while maintaining a single system footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple scanning units are nested within a single LiDAR housing, with each scanning unit containing scanning components that operate independently but share the common optical path through fiber connections. This nested arrangement allows multiple scanning functions to coexist in a compact volume, avoiding the need for multiple separate 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
The distributed LiDAR system achieves cost reduction and improved vertical resolution by sharing laser emitters and detectors among multiple scanning units, while maintaining high scanning frequency and resolution.
Implementation Method 1
the distributed optical fiber connector assembly is in coupled connection with the optical transceiver assembly and the multiple distributed scanning units; the detection light emitted by the light source in the optical transceiver assembly is coupled to the distributed optical fiber connector assembly, and synchronously transmitted by the distributed optical fiber connector assembly to the multiple distributed scanning units
Data Source
AI summary
A distributed LiDAR comprises: an optical transceiver assembly, multiple distributed scanning units, and a distributed optical fiber connector assembly. The optical transceiver assembly includes: a light source emitting detection light, and a light receiving unit used for receiving a detection echo. The multiple distributed scanning units are distributed on the carrier of the distributed LiDAR. The distributed optical fiber connector assembly is in coupled connection with the optical transceiver assembly and the multiple distributed scanning units. The detection light emitted by the light source in the optical transceiver assembly is synchronously transmitted by the distributed optical fiber connector assembly to the multiple distributed scanning units. The multiple distributed scanning units emit the detection light to a detected area with a scanning device, and receive a reflected echo from the detected area. The reflected echo is transmitted to the optical transceiver assembly by the distributed optical fiber connector assembly.