LiDAR Optical Antenna Directivity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LiDAR systems face limitations in image resolution due to the speed of light and the constraints of time-of-flight measurement methods.
Innovation Solution
The LiDAR device employs optical antenna elements with optical phased array elements to control directivity and block unwanted reflected light, allowing for improved image resolution by selectively receiving and transmitting light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If time-of-flight measurement method is used, then distance measurement capability is achieved, but image resolution is limited due to speed of light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light detection function into multiple optical antenna elements (first optical antenna element, second optical antenna element) with different directivities. Each element is responsible for detecting light from specific directions, allowing simultaneous measurement of multiple spatial positions without waiting for sequential scanning, thereby improving image resolution while working within the speed of light constraint
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the dimension of spatial directivity control through optical antenna elements. By controlling the directivity of each optical antenna element to receive light from different directions, the system achieves multi-point simultaneous detection in the spatial domain, transforming a sequential time-based measurement into a parallel spatial measurement, thus improving image resolution
2Reliability
If optical antenna elements with controlled directivity are used, then unwanted reflected light is blocked, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separates the directivity control function into independent optical antenna elements. Each optical antenna element is designed with specific directivity characteristics to selectively receive light from target objects while blocking light from other directions. This extraction of the directivity function allows the system to achieve reliable light reception by taking out only the necessary directional sensitivity from each element
Solution Approach 2:
The optical antenna elements serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as light receivers, directionality controllers, and spatial filters. By making each optical antenna element multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby managing device complexity while achieving reliable light reception accuracy
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 enhances the image resolution of LiDAR systems by enabling more precise control over light reception and transmission, effectively overcoming the limitations imposed by the speed of light.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of phase control elements configured to independently control phases of the pieces of light formed by splitting the first reflected light
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of grating groups configured to split the first reflected light into pieces of light and receive the pieces of light formed by splitting the first reflected light
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of optical couplers configured to combine the phase-controlled pieces of light into one light
Implementation Method 4
the first light detection element is configured to detect the first reflected light
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Provided is a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) device including a light emitter configured to emit light, a first light detector, and a second light detector, wherein the first light detector includes a first optical antenna element having a first directivity with respect to a first direction, and a first light detection element configured to detect first reflected light received by the first optical antenna element, wherein the second light detector includes a second optical antenna element having a second directivity with respect to a second direction different from the first direction, and a second light detection element configured to detect second reflected light received by the second optical antenna element.