LIDAR Diffractive Optical Element for Self-Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LIDAR devices face challenges in efficiently ascertaining properties of components like angular velocity and electromagnetic radiation characteristics within limited installation space, which affects safety and functionality, especially in automotive applications.
Innovation Solution
The LIDAR device incorporates a diffractive optical element with distinct diffraction areas and a rotating deflection unit, allowing for the diversion and focusing of electromagnetic radiation to multiple detectors, enabling efficient property ascertainment and activation of components without additional light sources, and allowing for quick identification of malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a diffractive optical element with multiple diffraction areas is used to divert and focus electromagnetic radiation to multiple detectors, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diffractive optical element is segmented into multiple diffraction areas (first diffraction area, second diffraction area, etc.), each with different diffraction efficiencies. This segmentation allows the single element to perform multiple functions: diverting specific portions of electromagnetic radiation to different detectors, enabling simultaneous measurement of multiple properties (angular velocity, wavelength, power) without requiring multiple separate optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffractive optical element serves multiple functions within a single component: it acts as a beam splitter, a focusing element, and a wavelength-dependent director. By incorporating multiple diffraction areas with varying efficiencies, it enables the LIDAR device to perform self-diagnosis, measure rotational speed, and detect electromagnetic radiation characteristics simultaneously, reducing the need for additional dedicated components.
2Volume of stationary object
If the diffractive optical element is made from foil material to reduce installation space, then volume of stationary object is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The diffractive optical element is implemented as a foil material, which is a thin film structure. This allows the element to be mounted in compact spaces and integrated into the LIDAR device with minimal installation volume. The foil format enables flexible arrangement within the device while maintaining the required optical functionality through precise diffraction area patterning.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention controls the diffraction efficiency of each diffraction area by adjusting parameters during manufacturing, such as the depth, spacing, and geometry of the diffraction grating structures in the foil. By varying these parameters across different diffraction areas, the desired efficiency distribution is achieved, enabling precise control of radiation diversion to different detectors.
3Reliability
If multiple detectors are used to detect different portions of electromagnetic radiation, then reliability is improved through quick malfunction identification, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LIDAR device performs self-diagnosis by using its own emitted electromagnetic radiation as the test signal. The diffractive optical element directs specific portions of the emitted radiation to the second detector unit, which monitors the radiation characteristics. This self-testing mechanism enables the system to detect malfunctions in the rotating deflection unit and other components without requiring external test equipment, improving reliability while avoiding the complexity of separate diagnostic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The second detector unit provides feedback about the electromagnetic radiation characteristics (angular velocity, wavelength, power) back to the control unit. This feedback enables real-time monitoring of system performance and quick identification of malfunctions. The control unit can then activate appropriate responses, such as warning signals or system shutdowns, based on the detected conditions.
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 solution enhances the safety and reliability of LIDAR devices by efficiently determining component properties, ensuring proper activation and quick response to malfunctions, while maintaining compact design and flexibility in spatial arrangement.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one diffractive optical element includes at least one first diffraction area and at least one second diffraction area, an at least first diffraction efficiency assigned to the at least first diffraction area being different from an at least second diffraction efficiency assigned to the at least second diffraction area
Implementation Method 2
at least one rotating deflection unit for deflecting the emitted electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 3
at least one detection lens system for receiving electromagnetic radiation, which was reflected by the object in the surroundings, and for directing the received electromagnetic radiation at a first detector unit
Implementation Method 4
at least one transmitter for emitting electromagnetic radiation into the surroundings
Implementation Method 5
receiving electromagnetic radiation, which was reflected by the object in the surroundings
Data Source
AI summary
A LIDAR device for detecting an object in the surroundings, including at least one transmitter for emitting electromagnetic radiation into the surroundings; at least one rotating deflection unit for deflecting the emitted electromagnetic radiation; at least one detection lens system for receiving electromagnetic radiation which has been reflected by the object in the surroundings, and for directing the received electromagnetic radiation at a first detector unit; at least one second detector unit; and at least one diffractive optical element. The at least one diffractive optical element includes at least one first diffraction area and at least one second diffraction area, an at least first diffraction efficiency assigned to the at least first diffraction area being different from an at least second diffraction efficiency assigned to the at least second diffraction area.