Embedded Photodetector LiDAR for Depth and Visible Light Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lidar and luminosity-based sensors are typically fabricated on separate integrated circuit substrates, requiring synchronization and calibration of data from different sensors, which can lead to alignment errors and inefficiencies in processing.
Innovation Solution
A single sensor package is developed that integrates visible light sensors and coherent light sensors, such as FMCW sensors, allowing simultaneous capture and processing of both visible light and continuous wave signals, eliminating the need for separate sensors and reducing alignment errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If lidar sensors and luminosity-based sensors are fabricated on separate integrated circuit substrates, then each sensor can be optimized for its specific function, but data synchronization and alignment between sensors become complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines lidar photodetectors and luminosity-based sensor photodetectors into a single integrated photodetector array on one substrate. Each pixel element in the array can function as either a lidar photodetector or a luminosity-based sensor photodetector, eliminating the need for separate sensors and their associated synchronization systems. This merging approach directly resolves the alignment accuracy problem while managing integration complexity through a unified architecture.
2Productivity
If separate sensors are used for lidar and luminosity detection, then functional optimization is achieved, but processing time and data fusion complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating both sensor types into a single photodetector array with shared readout circuitry, the system processes lidar and luminosity data simultaneously through a unified pipeline. This eliminates the sequential processing and synchronization delays inherent in separate sensor systems, thereby improving processing efficiency and reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The photodetector array is designed with universal pixel elements that can operate in multiple modes (lidar or luminosity detection). This multi-functionality allows the same hardware infrastructure to handle both sensor types, enabling parallel data acquisition and processing without the overhead of coordinating separate systems, thus enhancing productivity and reducing synchronization time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate sensors are deployed, then comprehensive environmental data is captured, but system cost and calibration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of lidar and luminosity sensors into a single photodetector array with shared optical and electronic infrastructure reduces the number of components that need to be calibrated and manufactured. The unified design allows for standardized production processes and simplifies calibration procedures compared to coordinating multiple independent sensors, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining comprehensive sensing capabilities.
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 integration enhances sensor capabilities, improves processing efficiency, reduces time, and provides improved safety features by enabling simultaneous data fusion, leading to faster object detection and enhanced user experiences in applications like autonomous navigation and augmented reality.
Implementation Method 1
The array of photodetectors that detect FMCW light signals and visible light signals are on a same substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A light sensor and apparatus capable of determining depth and image data simultaneously from a target in an environment is discussed herein. The apparatus includes an array of photodetector elements comprising a first portion to detect frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) signals from the reflected light signals and one or more additional portions that detect visible light signals from the environment.