Laser-Array LIDAR Dense Point Cloud Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LIDAR devices fail to create dense point cloud density data at sufficient rates and ranges to meet market needs, and FLASH imaging LIDAR devices are expensive, making them less suitable for commercial applications.
Innovation Solution
A laser-array LIDAR device with an array of transmitting lasers and corresponding receivers, a combiner to redirect light, and control circuitry to operate the lasers and receivers, including a driver circuit with an isolated gate driver and separate source for the gate transistor, to achieve dense 3D point cloud mapping with near-unity fill factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If FLASH imaging LIDAR devices are used to increase acquisition rates, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase making them less suitable for commercial applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the LIDAR system into an array of individual laser transmitters and corresponding receivers, where each element operates independently. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple spatial locations simultaneously, achieving high acquisition rates without requiring complex FLASH imaging hardware. Each laser element can be controlled and measured separately, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high productivity.
2Measurement precision
If an array of lasers and receivers is used to achieve dense point cloud mapping, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple laser transmitters and receivers into a unified array system with shared control and processing electronics. The array elements are arranged in corresponding spatial relationships, allowing the system to achieve dense point cloud mapping through coordinated operation. This merging approach maintains measurement precision while reducing overall device complexity through shared components and integrated control.
3Reliability
If driver circuitry with isolated gate drivers is used to control laser arrays, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal driver circuit designs that can control multiple laser elements through multiplexing techniques. The isolated gate drivers are designed with standard interfaces and configurations that can be replicated across the array, enabling reliable electrical control while simplifying manufacturing. The driver circuitry incorporates common components and standardized architectures that reduce manufacturing complexity compared to fully customized control circuits for each laser element.
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 enables dense 3D point cloud mapping with precise angular spacing and optimized optical throughput, overcoming challenges of parallax and electrical inductance issues, while reducing costs and improving manufacturability.
Implementation Method 1
an array of lasers, each configured to generate a beamlet of an angularly continuous beam
Implementation Method 2
a combiner configured to redirect light that has been generated by the array of lasers and reflected from a target to the array of corresponding receivers
Implementation Method 3
a lens interposed between the array of lasers and the combiner
Implementation Method 4
an array of receivers, each having a field of view corresponding to the beamlet of one of the lasers
Data Source
AI summary
A LIDAR device includes an array of lasers and an array of corresponding receivers. The spatial distribution of the lasers corresponds to that of the receivers. The array of lasers creates an array of beamlets and correlated receiver fields of view for dense three-dimensional point cloud mapping with precise angular spacing defined by lithographically grown transmitter and receiver arrays. A transmitter lens may be provided that maximizes optical throughput in a coaxial LIDAR by crossing the transmitter beamlets at the focus of the transmitter lens, where a transmit and receive combiner is also located. A single transmitter lens may be used to both collimate and steer the transmitter beamlets to generate a desired spot pattern in angle space. Control circuitry for the lasers may include a drive transistor with a power source coupled to a source terminal and an isolated gate driver coupled to a gate terminal.