Foveated Lidar Optical System for Large Field of View Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Lidar technologies face challenges in achieving large field-of-view detection with high precision and durability, particularly in automotive applications, due to complex mechanical components and performance degradation under high-frequency vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state Lidar apparatus utilizing an area array light source, emitting lens group, and receiving lens group with a foveated optical system, where the area array light source is located in the front focal plane of the emitting lens group and the area array detector in the back focal plane of the receiving lens group, enabling long-range detection with uneven angular resolutions and a simple structure that is easier to assemble and test.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If mechanical scanning components are used to achieve large-angle detection range, then the detection range is improved, but the assembly difficulty and reliability deteriorate due to complex mechanical structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning components with a solid-state light source array and electronic control system. Instead of using mechanical mirrors or moving parts to scan laser beams, the invention uses multiple fixed light sources arranged in an array, where each light source corresponds to a specific detection angle. This substitution eliminates mechanical complexity while maintaining large-angle detection capability through electronic beam steering and parallel detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the detection field into multiple angular sectors, with each sector monitored by a dedicated light source and detector pair in the array. This segmentation allows the system to achieve wide detection coverage through parallel operation of multiple independent detection channels, replacing the need for a single mechanical scanner that would require complex assembly and maintenance.
2Device complexity
If a single laser light source is used in flash Lidar, then the structure is simplified, but the field of view and detection range are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single laser light source into multiple light sources arranged in an array configuration. Each light source in the array is positioned to emit laser beams at different angles, collectively covering a wide field of view. This segmentation maintains relative structural simplicity while dramatically expanding the detection coverage compared to a single light source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional single light source to a two-dimensional light source array. By arranging light sources in both horizontal and vertical dimensions, the system achieves expanded field of view in multiple directions simultaneously, transforming the detection capability from point-by-point scanning to parallel area detection.
3Device complexity
If MEMS device is used for scanning, then solid-state structure is achieved, but high-frequency vibration causes performance degradation and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the MEMS scanning mechanism with a completely static light source array and detector array configuration. Instead of using a vibrating or moving MEMS mirror to steer beams, the invention uses fixed light sources at predetermined positions that naturally emit beams at different angles. This eliminates high-frequency vibration entirely while maintaining solid-state structure, improving reliability without control complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a dynamic MEMS scanning system requiring high-frequency vibration to a static array system where all detection angles are simultaneously available. The dynamic scanning function is replaced by the spatial arrangement of fixed light sources, eliminating vibration-related reliability issues while maintaining the ability to cover the required field of view.
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 solution provides a Lidar system with a large field of view and high detection precision, particularly in the directly front direction, while being robust enough to pass automotive-grade tests, with a simplified structure and reduced assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an emitting lens group, a receiving lens group... the emitting lens group transmits the laser beam to an object to be detected
Implementation Method 2
the receiving lens group transmits a reflected laser beam to the area array detector
Implementation Method 3
reflected by the object to be detected
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a Lidar apparatus. The Lidar apparatus includes an area array light source, an emitting lens group, a receiving lens group, and an area array detector, where the area array light source is located in the front focal plane of the emitting lens group, and the area array detector is located in the back focal plane of the receiving lens group; a laser beam emitted from the area array light source is transmitted, through the emitting lens group, to an object to be detected and reflected by the object to be detected, and a reflected laser beam is transmitted to the area array detector through the receiving lens group; and a foveated optical system is used for each of the emitting lens group and the receiving lens group, and the image height of the foveated optical system is directly proportional to a tangent value of a field of view, such that angular resolutions of the Lidar apparatus are approximately distributed evenly. The disclosure further relates to a Lidar device and a vehicle. The technical solutions of the Lidar apparatus proposed by the disclosure may implement long-range solid-state Lidar detection with a large field of view and uneven angular resolutions.