LiDAR Beam Array Collimation for Wide Coverage and Higher SNR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LiDAR systems face increased mechanical complexity and cost due to rastering movements of light points to cover larger areas, which also lead to reduced signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in distance measurements.
Innovation Solution
The use of an array of light sources and a lens array to collimate light beams in multiple directions, allowing for simultaneous probing of a field of view with elongated light beams that can be swept by scanning mirrors, improving SNR and reducing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If rastering movement of light points is used to cover larger areas, then the coverage area is improved, but the mechanical complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single light source into multiple light sources arranged in an array. Each light source emits light in a specific direction, collectively covering a wide area without requiring mechanical movement. This segmentation of the light emission function eliminates the need for complex rastering mechanisms while achieving comprehensive area coverage.
2Area of stationary object
If rastering movement of light points is used to cover larger areas, then the coverage area is improved, but the signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a lens array where each lens is positioned to receive light from a corresponding light source and collimates it in a specific direction. This creates localized, high-intensity collimated beams that maintain strong signal strength while covering different areas. Each beam path is optimized independently, preserving signal-to-noise ratio across the entire coverage area without the dilution effect of rastering a single point.
3Measurement precision
If multiple light sources are added to increase signal-to-noise ratio, then the signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but the cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources with a corresponding lens array in an integrated configuration. Each light source-lens pair works together to produce collimated beams, and the entire array operates in unison to provide both wide coverage and high signal-to-noise ratio. This merged structure achieves multiple objectives (area coverage, SNR improvement) simultaneously without requiring separate complex subsystems.
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 enables more accurate and efficient 3D mapping with improved SNR, longer sensing ranges, and reduced sensitivity to atmospheric conditions like rain and fog, while using less expensive components and lower power laser sources.
Implementation Method 1
a lens array configured to receive the separate beams of light from the light sources and to collimate the separate beams of light into collimated outgoing light that is directed toward an examined area of interest
Implementation Method 2
a light sensitive detector configured to sense reflection of at least part of the collimated outgoing light
Implementation Method 3
The LiDAR system examines the time delay between emitting the light and receiving the reflection of the light (also referred to as a time of flight of the reflected light)
Data Source
AI summary
A light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system includes light sources configured to generate separate beams of light, a lens array configured to receive the separate beams of light from the light sources and to collimate the separate beams of light into collimated outgoing light that is directed toward an examined area of interest, a light sensitive detector configured to sense reflection of at least part of the collimated outgoing light, and one or more processors configured to determine a distance to one or more objects off which the at least part of the collimated outgoing light was reflected toward the light sensitive detector. The one or more processors are configured to determine the distance based on the reflection of the at least part of the collimated outgoing light.