LiDAR Emitter-Receiver FOV Layout for Stable Channel Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LiDAR systems face challenges in achieving high light alignment accuracy and consistency in distance measurement capabilities due to optical-mechanical deformations and structural variations, which affect the performance and cost-effectiveness of high-definition LiDARs.
Innovation Solution
A light emitter and receiver module design where the fields of view of the emitter and receiver modules overlap vertically, with specific size relationships in perpendicular directions, and shared cathodes or anodes among light emitter units to enhance energy density and alignment accuracy, combined with staggered arrangements of emitter and detector units to improve vertical resolution and reduce overall size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If VCSEL and SiPM are used to improve light alignment stability and resolution, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to the need for high alignment accuracy between emitter and receiver channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light emitter module into multiple independent emitter units, each with its own optical path. This segmentation allows each unit to be independently aligned and calibrated, reducing the cumulative alignment error that would occur in a monolithic structure. Each emitter unit can be precisely positioned relative to its corresponding detector unit, improving overall measurement precision while managing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical-mechanical structure that serves as an intermediary between the circuit boards and the optical components. This intermediary structure provides stable mechanical support and precise optical alignment interfaces, acting as a mediator that translates electrical circuit positioning into accurate optical alignment. It compensates for circuit board warping and positioning errors, maintaining high light alignment accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If multiple emitter and detector units are arranged to improve vertical resolution and coverage, then measurement precision increases, but device complexity increases due to more components and alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple emitter units and detector units into integrated modules where shared cathodes or anodes are used. This merging approach reduces the number of independent electrical connections and control circuits needed, simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining multiple emission and detection channels for high vertical resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs emitter and detector units with universal interfaces and standardized mounting structures that can be replicated across multiple channels. The optical-mechanical structure provides universal alignment features that work for all emitter-detector pairs, reducing the need for custom alignment procedures for each individual unit and thereby managing device complexity.
3Productivity
If circuit boards are made larger to accommodate more components, then productivity and functionality improve, but optical-mechanical deformation increases causing light alignment shifts
Solution Approach 1:
The optical-mechanical structure acts as an intermediary that decouples the circuit boards from direct optical alignment responsibilities. It provides a stable mechanical platform that is less susceptible to circuit board warping and thermal expansion, maintaining precise optical paths even when circuit boards deform due to size increases or environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates compensation mechanisms in the optical-mechanical structure that anticipate and counteract circuit board deformation. These mechanisms pre-position optical components to account for expected thermal expansion and mechanical stress, cushioning against alignment shifts before they occur during operation or assembly.
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 design enhances light alignment accuracy, ensures consistency and stability of distance measurements, increases energy utilization, and reduces the size and production costs of LiDAR systems, making them suitable for automotive-grade mass production.
Implementation Method 1
the VCSEL emits light vertically
Implementation Method 2
a silicone photomultiplier ('SiPM')... configured to receive an echo beam of a detection beam reflected by a target object and convert the echo beam into an electrical signal
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A
AI summary
Embodiments of this disclosure provide a light emitter and receiver module and a LiDAR. The light emitter and receiver module includes: a light emitter module and a light receiver module. The light emitter module is configured to emit a detection beam; the light receiver module is configured to receive an echo beam of the detection beam reflected by a target object and convert the echo beam into an electrical signal; and a field of view of the light emitter module configured to overlap vertically with a field of view of the light receiver module. In a first direction, a size of the field of view of the light emitter module is larger than a size of the field of view of the light receiver module, in a second direction, a size of the field of view of the light emitter module is smaller than a size of the field of view of the light receiver module, and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. The above solution can increase the design margin of a light-emitting surface of the light emitter module and a light-sensing surface of the light receiver module. In such a case, the light alignment accuracy can be improved, and the consistency and stability of the distance measurement capabilities of various channels can be ensured.