FMCW LIDAR Multiplexed Readout for Compact Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR systems, particularly FMCW LIDAR systems, require high-power laser sources for reliable object recognition at long distances, and there is a need for a cost-effective and space-saving readout concept to improve their performance.
Innovation Solution
An optical measuring system with multiple emitters and detectors configured to alter the frequency of electromagnetic radiation, where the measuring device is connected successively to each detector, allowing for simultaneous emission and detection of signals, and the frequency is increased and decreased during specific time periods to optimize measuring time based on detector distance from the object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple detectors are used to detect signals from multiple emitters, then measurement precision and coverage are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single measuring device by time-multiplexing the connection to multiple detectors. The measuring device is successively connected to each detector in the multiplicity of detectors, allowing one device to perform the work of multiple simultaneous measurement channels through sequential activation and signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic frequency modulation of the electromagnetic radiation and periodic switching of the measuring device connection to different detectors. The modulation device alters the frequency periodically, and the measuring device is successively connected to each detector during specific time periods, creating a periodic measurement cycle that enables multiplexed operation.
2Reliability
If high-power laser sources are used for long-distance object recognition, then detection capability is improved, but energy consumption and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic frequency modulation of the laser source instead of continuous high-power emission. The modulation device increases and decreases the frequency during different time periods, allowing the laser to be activated in pulsed or modulated cycles rather than continuously, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining detection capability through signal processing of the modulated returns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the frequency parameter of the electromagnetic radiation over time using the modulation device. By varying the frequency during different time periods and processing the returned signals at different frequency states, the system can achieve long-distance detection with lower average power by exploiting frequency diversity and signal processing techniques rather than relying solely on high continuous power.
3Device complexity
If the measuring device is connected to each detector sequentially, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic frequency modulation during the sequential measurement process. While the measuring device is successively connected to different detectors, the frequency is continuously modulated according to a periodic pattern. This allows parallel processing of different frequency components and enables the system to maintain measurement efficiency despite the sequential nature of the connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The frequency modulation continues uninterrupted during the sequential detector measurements. The modulation device maintains continuous frequency variation throughout the entire measurement cycle across all detectors, ensuring that useful measurement action is continuously performed rather than having idle periods, thereby minimizing the impact of sequential connections on total measurement time.
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 configuration enables a compact, cost-effective, and efficient distance and speed measurement system, reducing the number of required measuring devices and allowing for faster data capture with improved resolution based on object distance.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a superposition signal comprising the emitted electromagnetic radiation and electromagnetic radiation reflected at an object
Implementation Method 2
a modulation device for altering a frequency of the respectively emitted electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
AI summary
An optical measuring system includes a multiplicity of apparatuses for emitting electromagnetic radiation, said apparatuses being configured to emit a signal simultaneously. The optical measuring system further includes a modulation device for altering a frequency of the respectively emitted electromagnetic radiation and a multiplicity of detectors which are suitable for detecting a superposition signal, which comprises the emitted electromagnetic radiation and electromagnetic radiation reflected at an object, and a measuring device, wherein the measuring device is suitable for being successively connected to each individual detector of the multiplicity of detectors.