LIDAR Radiation Emitter Asymmetrical Vertical Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automotive LIDAR systems face inefficiencies due to homogeneous light intensity distribution from matrix emitters, leading to insufficient intensity in central directions and excessive energy waste in peripheral directions, limiting detectable range and increasing costs with individually addressable emitters.
Innovation Solution
A radiation emitting device with a non-imaging optical system that shapes the radiation characteristic to be asymmetrical vertically and symmetrical horizontally, using semiconductor laser diodes and optical elements like microlenses to direct light intensity where needed, reducing unnecessary light emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a matrix of uniformly distributed emitters is used for illumination, then the light source is simple to manufacture, but the intensity distribution becomes homogeneous resulting in insufficient intensity in central directions and excessive energy waste in peripheral directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the emission characteristics of different emitters within the matrix based on their spatial positions. Emitters in central regions are configured to provide higher intensity while peripheral emitters provide reduced intensity, matching the actual detection requirements of different angular ranges. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining simple matrix structure while achieving non-uniform intensity distribution through localized emitter configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the vertical direction by differentiating between upward-pointing and forward-pointing emitters. Upward emitters are configured with reduced intensity since objects above 5 meters are not of interest, while forward emitters maintain higher intensity for critical detection ranges. This asymmetric configuration optimizes energy distribution according to actual application needs, resolving the energy waste problem while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
2Loss of energy
If individually addressable emitters are used to control light intensity distribution, then energy efficiency improves, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the emitter matrix into distinct functional groups based on spatial position and emission direction (central vs. peripheral, upward vs. forward). Each segment is configured with appropriate emission characteristics for its specific angular range requirements. This segmentation approach achieves energy efficiency through localized optimization without requiring individual addressability of every emitter, thus resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and device complexity.
3Length of stationary object
If high light power is emitted in all directions to ensure sufficient range, then detectable range is improved, but energy consumption increases and peripheral intensity becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring emitters with direction-specific power levels matched to actual detection requirements. Central forward-pointing emitters operate at high power to achieve maximum detectable range in critical directions, while peripheral and upward-pointing emitters operate at reduced power since their angular ranges have less stringent requirements. This localized power optimization resolves the contradiction by maintaining sufficient range where needed while reducing energy consumption overall.
4Ease of operation
If the emitter array resolution is increased to enable appropriate intensity modulation, then intensity distribution control improves, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing intensity modulation only where necessary - specifically for central vs. peripheral regions and upward vs. forward directions. Rather than requiring fine-grained control of every individual emitter, the system achieves sufficient intensity distribution control through coarse segmentation into a limited number of emitter groups with distinct emission characteristics. This resolves the contradiction by providing adequate intensity control without the manufacturing complexity of high-resolution emitter arrays.
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
Achieves desired intensity distribution in relevant directions, enhancing detectable range while minimizing energy waste and reducing system complexity and cost by optimizing light emission patterns.
Implementation Method 1
a laser light source for emitting electromagnetic radiation, wherein the laser light source emits the light along an emission direction during operation
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation emitting device for emitting light may include a laser light source configured to emit light along an emitting direction, and a non-imaging optical system arranged downstream of the laser light source in the emitting direction. The optical system may include a plurality of optical elements arranged along the emitting direction for shaping a radiation characteristic of the radiation emitting device in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction, such that the radiation characteristic is asymmetrical along the vertical direction. A first optical element of the optical system may be configured to cause spreading of the light along the horizontal direction; a second optical element of the optical system may be configured to cause collimation of the light along the vertical direction, and a third optical element of the optical system may be configured to cause radiation asymmetry along the vertical direction.