LiDAR Optical Switching With WDM for Compact Multi-Channel Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
LiDAR systems become bulky when multiple channels are installed, which affects their compactness and practicality.
Innovation Solution
A LiDAR system with multiple laser light sources emitting different wavelengths, utilizing an optical switch component with wavelength division multiplexer and optical chips to output optical signals in a time-division manner, reducing the need for multiple beam splitters and detectors, and incorporating a dispersion component to deflect signals at different angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple channels of laser light sources and detectors are installed inside the LiDAR casing, then the resolution of the LiDAR is higher and the point cloud image is clearer, but the LiDAR becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical channels into a single integrated optical path by using optical switches to time-division multiplex multiple laser light sources and detectors. Instead of having separate physical channels for each laser source, the system combines them share a common optical path, reducing the overall volume while maintaining multi-channel detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic switching between multiple laser light sources and detectors using optical switches. The system dynamically allocates which laser source and detector are active at any given time, allowing flexible resource utilization within a compact structure. This dynamic approach enables multiple channels to share limited physical components, reducing the bulkiness of the LiDAR.
2Loss of information
If multiple channels of laser light sources and detectors are installed inside the LiDAR, then captured details of objects are richer, but the quantity of optical components increases causing the LiDAR to be bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes optical components universal by designing them to serve multiple functions across different channels. The same optical path, detectors, and processing units are used by multiple laser light sources through time-division multiplexing. This multi-functionality reduces the total quantity of optical components needed while maintaining the capability to capture rich details from multiple channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic switching between multiple laser light sources and detectors in a time-division manner. Each channel is activated in periodic intervals, allowing the system to reuse the same physical components for different channels at different times. This periodic action reduces the need for simultaneous presence of multiple complete optical channels, thereby reducing overall device 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
The system achieves miniaturization by optimizing the use of optical components, allowing for increased channel density without increasing size, enhancing detection capabilities and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a wavelength division multiplexer optically connected to the at least two optical switches, and a quantity of the at least two optical switches is equal to a quantity of the at least two laser light sources
Implementation Method 2
receive a return optical signal reflected by a target object after the portion of each of the at least two optical signals is incident on the target object
Implementation Method 3
a light detection and ranging system is provided. The system includes: at least two laser light sources, wherein the at least two laser light sources are configured to emit at least two optical signals
Implementation Method 4
allowing for time-division multiplexing of optical signals to reduce the number of optical components and miniaturize the system
Data Source
AI summary
A light detection and ranging system and a mobile device are provided. The system includes laser light sources, an optical switch component and an optical chip. Wavelengths of the optical signals emitted by the laser light sources are different. The optical switch component includes optical switches and a wavelength division multiplexer. The wavelength division multiplexer includes first input ends and a first output end, each first input end is optically connected to an optical switch, and the first output end outputs optical signals of different wavelengths in a time-division manner.