LIDAR Channel Separation via Frequency Domain Multiplexing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current LIDAR systems face challenges in generating data for larger fields of view, increased numbers of sample regions, and faster refresh rates, particularly as distance and refresh rate requirements increase, making it difficult to satisfy specifications for applications like self-driving vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A LIDAR system utilizing multiple reference and comparative light channels with different frequencies, where the comparative channels are used to generate LIDAR data for sample regions and the reference channels provide a basis for separating and processing the data, allowing for concurrent generation and separation of LIDAR signals across multiple channels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple light channels with different frequencies are used to generate LIDAR data for multiple sample regions concurrently, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for multiple reference and comparative channels

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveLIDAR data generation rateVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the LIDAR field of view into multiple sample regions and assigns different frequency channels to different regions. Each channel independently processes LIDAR data for its assigned region, enabling parallel data generation across multiple regions simultaneously, thus improving productivity while managing complexity through functional segmentation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a universal processing architecture where multiple reference and comparative channels share common processing resources. The frequency-domain separation allows a single processing unit to handle multiple channels by exploiting their different frequencies, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Area of stationary object

If the distance to sample regions increases, then the field of view coverage is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to signal attenuation and reduced signal strength

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of view coverageVSAvoidLIDAR data precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from spatial-domain multiplexing to frequency-domain multiplexing. By assigning different frequencies to different sample regions, the system can distinguish signals from various distances and regions more effectively, maintaining measurement precision across extended field of view coverage through spectral separation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If the refresh rate increases, then productivity is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases due to reduced time for signal processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefresh rateVSAvoidsignal processing difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs frequency-domain separation and channel decomposition in advance during the signal reception phase. By pre-separating the composite signal into individual frequency channels before full processing, the system reduces the computational burden for subsequent LIDAR data extraction, enabling high refresh rates without compromising processing accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 approach enables accelerated LIDAR data generation for larger fields of view and increased sample regions, meeting the demands of advanced applications by improving data processing efficiency and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

optical components configured to generate a composite signal that includes light from multiple different reference channels combined with light from multiple different comparative channels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical superposition: Interference

Implementation Method 2

a photodetector configured to convert the composite signal to an electrical signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

A processing component is configured to separate an electrical signal into multiple different electrical LIDAR data signals that each carries the LIDAR data from a different one of the comparative channels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency domain separation:

Data Source

PatentUS11262453B2Separation of lidar channels from a common signal

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 SILC TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A LIDAR system includes a reference light source configured to generate an outgoing light signal that includes multiple reference channels that each has a different frequency. The system also includes a comparative light source configured to generate an outgoing light signal that includes multiple comparative channels. Each of the comparative channels has a different frequency. The comparative channels are each associated with one of the reference channels in that LIDAR data is generated for a sample region on a field of view using a comparative channel and the associated reference channel. The comparative channel and the associated reference channel have different frequencies.