LiDAR Beam Steering Using Optical Phase Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) apparatuses rely on motors for beam direction control, which limits mechanical reliability, size reduction, and measurement range, especially in the vertical direction, and are inefficient in acquiring comprehensive object information.
Innovation Solution
A LiDAR apparatus that emits multiple beams in different directions using a beam splitter and optical phase arrays, eliminating the need for motors by using beam steering units to direct beams without rotation, and includes a light receiving unit with optical phase arrays and filters to enhance measurement accuracy and signal-to-noise ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a motor is used to mechanically move the beam direction, then the beam can be directed toward objects in several directions, but the mechanical reliability is reduced and the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical motor-based beam direction control system with an optical phase array system that uses optical paths and phase modulation to achieve beam steering. This substitution eliminates moving parts and mechanical wear, thereby improving reliability while maintaining multi-directional beam capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the measurement range in the vertical direction by adding multiple light sources and detectors arranged in different spatial dimensions, enabling three-dimensional scanning capability without relying on mechanical rotation
2Adaptability or versatility
If a motor is used to mechanically move the beam direction, then the beam can be directed toward objects in several directions, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the motor and associated mechanical structures by using an optical phase array system, significantly reducing the device volume while maintaining the capability to direct beams in multiple directions through optical path control
3Reliability
If a light collecting lens is used in the light receiving unit, then the backward-propagating light can be received, but the measurement efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the light collecting lens from the light receiving unit, extracting this component that was causing efficiency losses. The system achieves effective light collection through the optical phase array and direct optical paths without the need for additional focusing lenses
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources and detectors are used to extend the measurement range in the vertical direction, then the measurement range is extended, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each light source and detector unit multi-functional by equipping them with optical phase array capabilities, allowing a single unit to perform both transmission and reception functions across multiple directions, thereby extending measurement range without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
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 solution allows for extended measurement ranges without mechanical rotation, improving mechanical reliability, reducing size and manufacturing costs, enhancing measurement accuracy, and simplifying signal processing while achieving two-dimensional scanning with fewer light sources.
Implementation Method 1
a beam splitter configured to split light emitted from the at least one light source into a first beam and a second beam
Implementation Method 2
an optical phase array for transmission configured to generate the plurality of third beams emitted in different directions from the second beam without rotating
Implementation Method 3
an optical phase array for reception configured to receive the plurality of backward-propagating lights at different angles and to generate light at a predetermined angle without rotating
Implementation Method 4
a filter disposed between the light detector and the receiving optical system to filter a light having at least one necessary wavelength band
Data Source
AI summary
A light detection and ranging apparatus according to one embodiment includes a light transmitting unit for emitting a plurality of beams in different directions from each other and a light receiving unit for allowing backward-propagating lights returning after the emitted beams hit an object and are reflected from the object, to be incident at angles different from each other, and measuring information on the object by using the plurality of incident backward-propagating light, wherein the light transmitting unit includes at least one light source for emitting light; a beam splitter for splitting the light emitted from the at least one light source into a first beam and a second beam; and a beam steering unit for dividing the second beam split by the beam splitter into a plurality of third beams and for emitting the divided third beams in directions different from each other, wherein the plurality of beams emitted from the light transmitting unit include the first beam and the plurality of third beams.