Integrated CMOS LIDAR Sensor with Modulated Light Emitter
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current LIDAR systems face challenges in integration complexity and cost due to the need for polarization beam splitters and expensive modulators, limiting their miniaturization and resolution.
Innovation Solution
The system modulates the light source's intensity rather than the receiver, simplifying the optical beam path and integrating a polarization beam splitter with a CMOS imaging sensor, using a light emitter like VCSELs or LEDs, and a synchronization circuit to encode distance information in the image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a CMOS imager is used in conjunction with a receiving modulator to achieve high-resolution LIDAR, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to discrete optical components and integration challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source and detector array into a single integrated imaging sensor device. The light emitter is positioned in optical communication with the detector array, eliminating the need for separate discrete optical components and complex beam paths. This integration maintains high-resolution distance measurement capability while significantly reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging sensor performs multiple functions: it acts as both the light source (via the light emitter) and the detector array simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate modulators and receiving components, reducing integration complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If polarization beam splitters and complex modulators are integrated into the optical path to enable LIDAR functionality, then measurement capability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to integration challenges and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light source and detector array into a single integrated imaging sensor device. The light emitter is positioned in optical communication with the detector array, eliminating the need for separate polarization beam splitters and complex modulators. This integration significantly improves ease of manufacture while maintaining full LIDAR detection capability.
3Measurement precision
If discrete optical components are used in the LIDAR system to achieve distance measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and miniaturization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source and detector array into a single integrated imaging sensor device, eliminating the need for separate discrete optical components. This integration dramatically reduces system volume while maintaining high-distance measurement precision, enabling miniaturization for mobile device applications.
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 reduces system complexity, enables high-resolution LIDAR systems suitable for automotive and autonomous driving, and allows for compact, low-profile designs with improved signal-to-noise ratio and reduced noise filtering.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter which is arranged to emit light of modulated intensity
Implementation Method 2
the modulator is made such that at the beginning of the frame the modulator is attenuating the signal. At the end of the frame the modulator allows for full transparency and the signal is not attenuated anymore
Implementation Method 3
The backward travelling light pulse is then collected with a CMOS imaging sensor or sensor array
Implementation Method 4
The time difference between the light pulse emission and the receiving light pulse is measured with a time-to-digital converter, TDC
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system comprises a light emitter, a detector array and a synchronization circuit. The light emitter is arranged to emit light of modulated intensity, wherein the intensity is modulated monotonously during the acquisition of a frame. The synchronization circuit is arranged to synchronize the acquisition with the light emitter.