Lidar Matrix Sensor Defocusing for Spatial Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LIDAR systems face limitations in resolution and operating speed due to mechanical mirror systems, which result in high inertia and wear, and require high pulse energies and limited temporal resolution, especially in applications requiring large ranges and fast object detection.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR system with a pivotable mirror arrangement and a matrix sensor, using defocused light pulses and time-of-flight measurements to achieve improved spatial and temporal resolution, allowing for subpixel accuracy and self-calibration, and reducing noise and mechanical stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical mirror system is used for scanning, then the 3D scene can be rasterized, but the system has high inertia and wear, limiting operating speed and reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical mirror scanning system with a sensor array that performs scanning through electronic address selection. Each sensor element can be individually addressed to scan across the 3D scene, eliminating mechanical moving parts while achieving the same rasterization function. This substitution of mechanical scanning with electronic scanning resolves the contradiction by removing mechanical wear and inertia limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the scanning function into multiple parallel sensor elements that can independently scan the 3D scene. Instead of a single mechanical mirror scanning line by line, the sensor array segments the scanning task across multiple elements, enabling parallel operation and higher effective scanning speed without mechanical constraints.
2Measurement precision
If a single sensor is used with a mirror system, then timing electronics with high resolution can be employed, but the measurement repetition rate is limited due to mechanical scanning speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensor elements into a single sensor array that simultaneously performs multiple scanning functions. The sensor array combines the high timing resolution of individual sensors with the high repetition rate capability of parallel measurement channels, achieving both precise timing and fast measurement rates without the mechanical bottleneck.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from temporal scanning (single sensor scanning over time) to spatial parallel scanning (sensor array scanning across space). By distributing sensors across a spatial array, the system can perform multiple measurements simultaneously, increasing the effective repetition rate while maintaining timing precision through electronic synchronization.
3Ease of operation
If a flash LiDAR system with sensor array is used, then no moving parts are required, but high pulse energies are needed to illuminate the entire 3D scene at once
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination task by using multiple low-power laser pulses directed at different portions of the 3D scene simultaneously through the sensor array. Instead of requiring a single high-energy flash to illuminate the entire scene, the system uses distributed low-energy pulses from multiple sources, reducing the energy burden on individual components while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
4Measurement precision
If the laser pulse is focused sharply onto a single sensor, then spatial resolution is achieved, but the input signal from neighboring light sensors cannot be compared for noise reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by intentionally defocusing the laser pulse to create a localized light spot that overlaps with multiple sensor elements. This controlled defocus ensures that each light point is distributed across a specific group of neighboring sensors, enabling local comparison and averaging of signals from multiple sensors to reduce noise while maintaining spatial resolution through the known spatial distribution pattern.
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
The system provides enhanced spatial and temporal resolution, increased operating speed, and reduced noise, enabling maintenance-free long-term operation and improved accuracy in capturing 3D scenes, suitable for terrestrial and extraterrestrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
the distance of the light points to the matrix sensor is determined by means of a time-of-flight measurement
Implementation Method 2
by means of light pulses from the transmitter, light points are generated with spatial resolution at pixels of a point cloud of the 3D scene by pivoting the mirror arrangement
Implementation Method 3
by means of the single-beam optic, a defocused input signal comprising several light sensors of a light point is imaged
Implementation Method 4
an input signal is detected from each of the light points by the light sensors
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to methods for capturing a 3D scene (2) using a LIDAR system (1) comprising a transmitter (3) and a receiver (4) as well as a pivotable mirror arrangement (6) arranged between the transmitter (3) and the 3D scene (2), wherein the transmitter (3) is operated as a laser light source (5) and the receiver (4) is designed as a matrix sensor (12) with a single-beam optic (11) and light sensors (14) arranged laterally distributed over a surface (13), wherein, by means of light pulses (7) from the transmitter (3) and by pivoting the mirror arrangement (6), light points (17) are generated with spatial resolution at pixels (19) of a point cloud (18) of the 3D scene (2), and an input signal is detected from the light points (17) by the light sensors (14) and a distance of the light points (17) to the matrix sensor (12) is determined by means of a time-of-flight measurement.To simplify the design of a LIDAR system (1), a defocused input signal comprising several light sensors (14) of a light point (17) is imaged using the single-beam optics (11) and the input signals of the light sensors (14) are compared with each other.