Lidar Light Detector Non-Uniform Sensitivity Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LIDAR systems face challenges with wide dynamic range requirements, leading to complexity and high costs due to the need for time-dependent amplification in light detectors, which are not effectively addressed by existing uniform sensitivity detectors.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR system with a light detector featuring a non-uniform sensitivity response, achieved through a gradient optical filter or avalanche photodiode array with varying pixel sensitivities, ensuring constant power output across a range of target distances by adjusting sensitivity based on distance from the LIDAR system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional uniform sensitivity detectors are used, then the detector structure is simple, but the dynamic range is insufficient and time-dependent amplification is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a non-uniform sensitivity response across different regions of the detector. The detector is designed with varying sensitivity zones where different areas respond differently to light pulses based on their distance from the target, eliminating the need for time-dependent amplification and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining wide dynamic range capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If time-dependent amplification is implemented, then wide dynamic range is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the amplification function from the time domain and replaces it with a spatially varying sensitivity response. By removing the need for time-dependent amplification circuits and replacing them with a detector that has inherent non-uniform sensitivity across its surface, the system achieves wide dynamic range without the associated complexity and cost
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform sensitivity is used across the detector, then manufacturing is simpler, but light pulses from different distances have varying detected power levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by designing the detector with non-uniform sensitivity distribution. Different regions of the detector are engineered to have different sensitivity levels, allowing light pulses from various distances to be detected with consistent power levels, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining manufacturability through structured sensitivity variation
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 provides a cost-effective and less complex light detection system that maintains consistent power output over varying target distances, reducing dynamic range and ambient noise, thereby simplifying the detection process.
Implementation Method 1
The light detector comprises an array of light sensors and a gradient optical filter interposed between the array of light sensors and the first scanning mirror
Implementation Method 2
The light sensor is configured to detect reflected light pulses from the first scanning mirror
Implementation Method 3
The first scanning mirror is configured to rotate about a first axis and to reflect incident light pulses toward the light sensor at different angles of rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system includes a light detector having a first scanning mirror and a light sensor aligned with the first scanning mirror. The first scanning mirror is configured to rotate about a first axis and to reflect incident light pulses toward the light sensor at different angles of rotation with respect to the first axis. The light sensor is configured to detect reflected light pulses from the first scanning mirror over a range of the angles of rotation. An input area of the light detector has a non-uniform sensitivity response along a first direction.