LiDAR Line-Beam Optics for Wide-Area 3D Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LiDAR systems face challenges in efficiently covering larger areas due to mechanical complexity and increased cost, as well as signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) issues caused by rastering light points over large areas.
Innovation Solution
The LiDAR system employs elongated shapes of light, such as lines of light, and utilizes an array of light sources and photodetectors, along with a lens array that collimates light in multiple directions, to determine distances and detect objects within a field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If rastering of light points is used to cover larger areas, then the coverage area is improved, but mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical rastering systems with an optical field expansion approach. Instead of physically moving light sources or detectors to scan areas, the system uses optical fields to illuminate and detect multiple points simultaneously, eliminating complex mechanical scanning components while maintaining large area coverage capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional sequential scanning to two-dimensional parallel detection by arranging detectors in arrays. This allows simultaneous measurement across multiple spatial dimensions, achieving area coverage without mechanical movement through spatial multiplexing of the detection plane
2Area of stationary object
If rastering of light points is used to cover larger areas, then the coverage area is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection function into multiple independent detector elements arranged in arrays. Each detector element can be manufactured using standard, cost-effective processes, and the segmented architecture allows modular assembly. This segmentation enables large area coverage through parallel detection without requiring expensive monolithic scanning mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple copies of simple detector elements arranged in spatial arrays to achieve the function of a single complex scanning system. Each detector copy performs the same basic detection function but at different spatial positions simultaneously, providing area coverage through replication rather than mechanical movement
3Area of stationary object
If individual points of light cover larger areas during rastering, then the coverage area is improved, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the SNR degradation by transitioning from temporal scanning to spatial parallelism. Instead of concentrating light intensity on a single moving point, the system distributes illumination and detection across multiple spatial points simultaneously, maintaining sufficient photon collection at each location while achieving area coverage through the extended detector array geometry
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 allows for improved SNR, reduced mechanical complexity, and increased sensing range, enabling the creation of high-fidelity 3D maps of the environment while reducing costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a lens array configured to receive separate beams of light from the light sources and to collimate the separate beams of light into collimated outgoing light that is directed toward an examined area of interest
Implementation Method 2
a light sensitive detector configured to sense reflection of at least part of the collimated outgoing light
Implementation Method 3
The LiDAR system examines the time delay between emitting the light and receiving the reflection of the light (also referred to as a time of flight of the reflected light)
Data Source
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AI summary
A light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system 100; 200 includes light sources 302 configured to generate separate beams of light 104, a lens array 106 configured to receive the separate beams of light 104 from the light sources 302 and to collimate the separate beams of light 104 into collimated outgoing light 108 that is directed toward an examined area of interest, a light sensitive detector 126; 208 configured to sense reflection of at least part of the collimated outgoing light 108, and one or more processors 130 configured to determine a distance to one or more objects off which the at least part of the collimated outgoing light 108 was reflected toward the light sensitive detector. The one or more processors 130 are configured to determine the distance based on the reflection of the at least part of the collimated outgoing light 108.