Dynamic DOE Phase Coding for Lidar Channel Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lidar systems face challenges in increasing the number of sensing channels while minimizing complexity, size, and cost, as outfitting them with multiple optical modulators leads to increased complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dynamic diffraction optical element (DOE) that dynamically modifies its configuration to split an incident beam into multiple beams with distinct phase signatures, using a single optical modulator for efficient channel multiplexing, preventing cross-talk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple optical modulators are used to increase the number of sensing channels, then the sensing channel count increases, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing channels into a single optical beam by merging their functions. A single optical modulator imparts unique phase signatures to multiple virtual channels, and a single detector receives and processes signals from all channels. This merging approach increases sensing channel count while avoiding the complexity and cost of multiple separate optical modulators and detectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes a single optical modulator and detector perform multiple functions by enabling them to handle multiple sensing channels simultaneously. The optical modulator imparts different phase signatures for different channels, and the detector processes signals from all channels through computational separation, making these components universal rather than dedicated to a single channel.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple optical modulators are used to increase the number of sensing channels, then the sensing channel count increases, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing channels into a single optical beam by merging their functions. A single optical modulator imparts unique phase signatures to multiple virtual channels, and a single detector receives and processes signals from all channels. This merging approach increases sensing channel count while avoiding the complexity and cost of multiple separate optical modulators and detectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of sensing channels through computational methods rather than physical hardware copies. By using a single optical modulator to generate multiple phase-coded beams and a single detector to receive them, the system creates software-defined channel copies that are much cheaper than physical hardware copies.
3Device complexity
If a single optical modulator is used for channel multiplexing, then device complexity is reduced, but cross-talk between channels may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving each virtual sensing channel a unique local characteristic in the form of a distinct phase signature. The single optical modulator imparts different phase codes to different channels, creating local differentiation that allows the detector to distinguish between channels and prevent cross-talk through computational separation of these unique phase signatures.
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 allows for simultaneous production of multiple sensing channels without interference, enhancing scanning efficiency and reducing the time needed to obtain a full sensing frame, thereby improving the precision and safety of autonomous vehicle operations.
Implementation Method 1
a diffraction optical element (DOE) to generate, based on the first beam configured to have a first phase information, one or more second beams
Data Source
AI summary
The subject matter of this specification can be implemented in, among other things, a system that includes a light source to produce a first beam, a diffraction optical element (DOE) to generate, based on the first beam configured to have a first phase information, one or more second beams. The system further includes a DOE control module to configure the DOE, for each of a plurality of times, into a respective one of a plurality of DOE configurations, and cause each of the one or more second beams to have a phase information that is different from a phase information of the first beam, wherein the phase information of each of the one or more second beams is determined by a time sequence of the plurality of DOE configurations.