LiDAR Active Optical Alignment via Image Sensor Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in manufacturing LiDAR devices is the misalignment of optical components, which affects the precision and resolution of the devices, particularly in advanced solid-state LiDAR systems, where mechanical adjustments are not feasible, necessitating an automated method for optical alignment.

Innovation Solution

A manufacturing method for LiDAR devices that involves providing a LiDAR module with a laser emitting and detecting module, positioning and adjusting the optic modules based on specific data patterns and image data, and fixing these positions using adhesive materials to ensure accurate optical alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated alignment method is used, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveproductivityVSAvoidoptical alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated active alignment system that uses optical feedback (image sensors detecting laser patterns) to control positioning stages. This substitution enables automated positioning while maintaining high precision through optical measurement and closed-loop control, resolving the contradiction between automation and precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control by using image sensors to detect laser patterns and provide real-time position information to the control system. The system continuously monitors the actual position and adjusts the positioning stages to achieve the desired alignment, ensuring high precision during automated manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If mechanical adjustments are used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the alignment system to perform self-alignment through automated feedback control. The image sensors automatically detect laser patterns, the control system calculates required adjustments, and positioning stages execute corrections without manual intervention. This self-service capability simplifies operation while the automated system manages the complexity internally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment operations with an automated control system that uses optical feedback and electronic positioning. This substitution improves ease of operation by eliminating manual mechanical adjustments while the automated system handles the complexity of precise positioning through software control and electronic actuation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If adhesive materials are used for fixing, then reliability is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidease of repair

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies adhesive materials during the manufacturing process to permanently fix the aligned positions of optical components. By performing the alignment and fixation actions in advance during manufacturing rather than relying on reversible mechanical fixtures, the system achieves high reliability for the final product. The preliminary alignment action is performed with high precision before permanent fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method enables precise and automated optical alignment of LiDAR device components, enhancing the productivity and accuracy of LiDAR devices by maintaining the adjusted relative positions of the emitting and detecting optic modules, thereby improving the device's resolution and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a laser emitting module, a laser detecting module, an emitting optic module, and a detecting optic module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

laser detecting module... first detecting data obtained from the laser detecting module... second detecting data obtained from the laser detecting module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric detection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

adjusting a relative position of the emitting optic module with respect to the laser emitting module based on an image data obtained from at least one of image sensors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImage sensing: Photography

Data Source

PatentUS20240125908A1Method for manufacturing lidar device, and active align device for implementing method for manufacturing lidar device

Publication Date: 2024.04.18 SOS LAB CO LTD

AI summary

A method for manufacturing a LiDAR device is proposed. The method may include providing a LiDAR module including a laser emitting module and a laser detecting module to a target region. The method may also include adjusting, on the basis of first detecting data obtained from the laser detecting module, a relative position of a detecting optic module with respect to the laser detecting module. The method may further include adjusting, on the basis of image data obtained from at least one image sensor, a relative position of an emitting optic module with respect to the laser emitting module.