LIDAR Dichroic Optic Widen Vertical Field of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LIDAR systems have limited field of view, which restricts their ability to effectively sense and map environments, particularly in autonomous vehicles where wide and varied sensing is crucial for navigation and object detection.
Innovation Solution
The LIDAR system employs a dichroic optic with a beam splitter and mirror to direct laser beams of different wavelengths in a manner that widens the field of view along the vertical axis, using a combination of emitters emitting at distinct wavelengths and a rotatable mirror to enhance sensing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional LIDAR systems use a single emitter or limited emitters, then the device complexity is low, but the field of view is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple emitters emitting at different wavelengths (first plurality at first wavelength, second plurality at second wavelength) into a single LIDAR unit. This merging approach allows the system to achieve a wider field of view through the dichroic optic while maintaining a compact integrated structure rather than using separate LIDAR units.
Solution Approach 2:
The dichroic optic serves multiple functions: it directs first wavelength beams along a first path and second wavelength beams along a second path, effectively acting as both a beam splitter and directional guide. This multi-functionality allows a single optical component to manage multiple laser sources and expand the field of view without proportionally increasing system complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If the vertical height of the LIDAR unit is increased to widen the field of view, then the field of view along the vertical axis is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of expanding the field of view by increasing vertical height, the patent uses a dichroic optic to direct beams along different spatial paths (first path and second path) that diverge in the vertical direction. This approach expands the effective field of view by utilizing angular separation rather than physical vertical expansion, effectively trading dimensional growth for optical path differentiation.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple emitters at different wavelengths are used, then the field of view is widened, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dichroic optic acts as an intermediary component that manages the interaction between multiple laser sources emitting at different wavelengths. By using this specialized optical element, the system can integrate multiple emitters without requiring complex alignment mechanisms or custom-designed optical paths, thereby facilitating manufacturing while achieving the wider field of view.
4Area of stationary object
If a dichroic optic is used to direct different wavelength beams differently, then the field of view is widened, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dichroic optic serves multiple functions: it directs first wavelength beams along a first path and second wavelength beams along a second path, effectively acting as both a beam splitter and directional guide. This multi-functionality allows a single optical component to manage multiple laser sources and expand the field of view without proportionally increasing system complexity.
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 configuration significantly widens the field of view without increasing the vertical height of the LIDAR unit, improving object perception and motion prediction, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency and performance of autonomous vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The optic is configured to optically act on the first laser beam and the second laser beam in a different manner to widen a field of view of the LIDAR unit along the vertical axis
Implementation Method 2
The LIDAR system employs a dichroic optic with a beam splitter and mirror to direct laser beams of different wavelengths
Implementation Method 3
using a combination of emitters emitting at distinct wavelengths and a rotatable mirror to enhance sensing capabilities
Implementation Method 4
Each of the first plurality of emitters is configured to emit a first laser beam at a first wavelength. Conversely, each of the second plurality of emitters is configured to emit a second laser beam at a second wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
A LIDAR assembly defining a horizontal axis and a vertical axis is provided. The LIDAR assembly includes a LIDAR unit. The LIDAR unit includes a housing defining a cavity. The LIDAR unit further includes a first plurality of emitters disposed within the cavity and a second plurality of emitters disposed within the cavity. Each of the first plurality of emitters is configured to emit a first laser beam at a first wavelength. Conversely, each of the second plurality of emitters is configured to emit a second laser beam at a second wavelength that is different than the first wavelength. The LIDAR assembly includes an optic positioned outside of the housing. The optic is configured to optically act on the first laser beam and the second laser beam in a different manner to widen a field of view of the LIDAR unit along the vertical axis.