Focal Plane Occlusion Imager for LIDAR Defect Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical aberrations and defects in LIDAR devices and cameras lead to erroneous point cloud and distance information, affecting the accuracy of object identification and autonomous vehicle operations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for detecting occlusions and defects within optical components using a light source to emit a signal that interacts with the component, with a detector capturing the interaction signal to identify defects, and a processor determining their presence based on the signal, allowing for corrective actions such as cleaning or replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate occlusion imager is placed away from the focal plane, then the main imaging function is maintained, but the occlusion detection capability is reduced due to increased optical path length and potential additional aberrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the occlusion detection function with the main imaging function by placing the occlusion imager at or near the focal plane, sharing the same optical path and focal plane. This merging approach allows both functions to coexist without requiring separate optical paths, thereby maintaining occlusion detection accuracy while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the focal plane as a shared spatial dimension for both main imaging and occlusion detection. By positioning the occlusion imager to capture images at the focal plane where the main imaging occurs, the system detects occlusions in a different dimensional context (focus vs. non-focus) without adding physical separation, thus improving detection accuracy while minimizing added complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the occlusion imager is positioned at the focal plane, then occlusion detection accuracy is improved, but the main imaging function may be affected by light blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detector array into different regions: one region for capturing main imaging light and another region for detecting occlusion light. This segmentation allows both functions to operate simultaneously at the focal plane without significant light blocking interference, as each region processes its designated signal type independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical element or filtering mechanism that separates the main imaging light path from the occlusion detection light path at the focal plane. This intermediary allows the occlusion imager to detect occlusions accurately while preventing light blocking from degrading the main imaging function.
3Reliability
If a separate occlusion detection system is added, then defect detection capability is enhanced, but the overall system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the occlusion imager to serve multiple functions: detecting occlusions, identifying defects in optical components, and potentially characterizing the nature of these defects. This multi-functionality approach enhances defect detection capability while avoiding the need for separate specialized systems for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The occlusion imager utilizes the existing optical path and focal plane infrastructure of the main imaging system to perform defect detection, rather than requiring completely independent detection hardware. This self-service approach leverages available system resources, enhancing defect detection capability while minimizing additional complexity and cost.
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 enables accurate detection and correction of optical defects, improving the reliability of LIDAR and camera systems by ensuring proper functionality and reducing errors in object identification and distance determination.
Implementation Method 1
one or more light sources configured to emit a light signal
Implementation Method 2
a detector configured to detect at least a portion of the interaction light signal as a detected light signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to optical systems and methods of their operation. An example optical system includes an optical component and one or more light sources configured to emit a light signal. The light signal interacts with the optical component so as to provide an interaction light signal. The optical system also includes a detector configured to detect at least a portion of the interaction light signal as a detected light signal. The optical system additionally includes a controller configured to carry out operations including causing the one or more light sources to emit the light signal and receiving the detected light signal from the detector. The operations also include determining, based on the detected light signal, that one or more defects are associated with the optical component.