LCOS Lidar Scanner Multiple Light Sources Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCOS) technology for LIDAR scanners is limited by a small steering range and low refresh rate, making it difficult to achieve high-resolution, high-speed scanning required for applications like self-driving vehicles and pattern recognition.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR system utilizing multiple light sources and a Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCOS) device for controllable light beam steering, where the LCOS device is configured to redirect light from multiple sources to desired locations, and can also steer reflected light to corresponding detectors, with a controller adjusting the optical configuration to enhance scanning speed and resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current LCOS technology is used for LIDAR scanning, then the device can be controlled to change light direction, but the steering range is limited to a few degrees and the refresh rate is only about 100 Hz
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the LCOS device into multiple independently controllable pixel regions or segments. Each segment can be controlled to steer light in different directions simultaneously, effectively increasing the overall steering range while maintaining a manageable control complexity for each individual segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temporal multiplexing by rapidly switching between different pixel segments or using multiple LCOS devices in sequence. This temporal dimension allows the system to achieve higher effective refresh rates by presenting different beam directions at different times, overcoming the limited spatial steering range of individual segments.
2Extent of automation
If current LCOS technology is used for LIDAR scanning, then light direction can be changed controllably, but the acquisition data rate cannot reach significantly greater than 100 points/second
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures multiple pixel segments or LCOS devices with predetermined steering angles and directions before the scanning sequence begins. This allows the system to rapidly switch between pre-programmed beam directions without real-time recalibration, significantly increasing the acquisition data rate while maintaining precise controllable light direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous scanning by ensuring that at least one pixel segment or LCOS device is always active and steering light, eliminating idle time between measurements. Multiple segments can be activated in overlapping time windows, creating continuous acquisition flow that dramatically increases the data rate while maintaining automated directional control.
3Measurement precision
If multiple light sources are used with LCOS device, then scanning resolution and speed can be improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the LCOS device and control system to serve multiple functions: it can steer beams from different light sources, direct them to various target locations, and handle both transmission and reflection modes. This multi-functionality allows a single LCOS device to manage multiple light sources and detectors, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high scanning resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple light sources and detectors into a unified scanning system where the LCOS device acts as a common beam steering element for all sources and detectors. By merging the control functions and sharing the LCOS device, the system achieves high resolution with multiple sources without proportionally increasing complexity, as all components are coordinated through a single control architecture.
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 increases the scanning speed and resolution of LIDAR systems by allowing for fine steering control of light beams and efficient redirection of reflected light, overcoming the limitations of existing LCOS technology.
Implementation Method 1
a Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCOS) device configured to receive light from the plurality of light sources and controllably redirect the light toward a target region
Implementation Method 2
The LCOS device is configured to receive light from the plurality of light sources and controllably redirect the light toward a target region
Implementation Method 3
The LCOS device may be configured to reflect light incident thereon at one or more controllable angles
Implementation Method 4
a plurality of light detectors configured to detect reflected light. The reflected light is due to reflection, by objects in the target region, of light from the plurality of light sources
Data Source
AI summary
A LIDAR includes multiple light sources and a Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCOS) device for controllably redirecting beams from each of the multiple light sources. The same or a different LCOS device can be used to controllably redirect reflected light to each of several corresponding light detectors. The LCOS device can be adjusted on a slower time scale while the light sources can be sequentially activated on a faster time scale. The LCOS device provides for fine steering control of LIDAR beams. The use of multiple light sources and detectors allows for a higher LIDAR scan rate.