LIDAR Pixel Density Control via Wavelength-Dependent Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR systems face inefficiencies in generating LIDAR data when objects of interest are concentrated in specific regions within the field of view, as the current systems do not efficiently allocate system output signals to maximize detection and resolution in these areas.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR system that includes an optical component assembly capable of concurrently outputting multiple system output signals with the same wavelength channel, steered by solid-state beam steerers to densely populate pixels in concentrated regions of the field of view, and adjustable to shift the location of these concentrated regions in response to changes in the wavelength channel or sensor outputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the LIDAR system uses a uniform pixel density distribution across the field of view, then the system structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the detection efficiency and resolution are reduced when objects are concentrated in specific regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements non-uniform pixel density distribution by varying the spacing between adjacent pixels across different regions of the field of view. Specifically, pixels in regions where objects are likely to be concentrated are positioned closer together (higher density), while pixels in other regions are positioned farther apart (lower density). This local differentiation of pixel density optimizes detection efficiency for concentrated objects without requiring complete system redesign.
2Measurement precision
If the LIDAR system allocates system output signals uniformly across all pixels, then the signal allocation is simple, but the resolution and detection capability are insufficient in concentrated regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allocates system output signals to pixels based on their spatial location and the expected object distribution. Regions with higher pixel density (where objects are concentrated) receive a correspondingly higher allocation of system output signals, while regions with lower pixel density receive fewer signals. This localized signal allocation enhances detection resolution in concentrated regions while maintaining simple overall system operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the LIDAR system uses fixed pixel density distribution, then the system is easy to operate, but the system cannot adapt when objects shift to different regions in the field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic adjustment of pixel density distribution and concentrated region location in response to changing object positions. When objects shift to different regions within the field of view, the system dynamically reconfigures which regions have higher pixel density and receives more system output signals. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain high detection efficiency without requiring manual reconfiguration, preserving ease of operation.
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 configuration allows for more efficient allocation of system output signals, enhancing the detection of objects and providing improved resolution by dynamically adjusting the pixel density and region focus within the field of view.
Implementation Method 1
solid-state beam steerers that are each configured to steer one of the system output signals to multiple different pixels within the field of view
Implementation Method 2
The optical component assembly is configured such that the location of the concentrated region of the field of view shifts within the field of view in response to a change in a wavelength of the wavelength channel carried by the system output signals
Data Source
AI summary
The imaging system includes a LIDAR system with an optical component assembly that concurrently outputs multiple system output signals in a field of view. The system output signals carry the same wavelength channel. The imaging system includes solid-state beam steerers that are each configured to steer one of the system output signals to multiple different pixels within the field of view. The pixels are arranged such that a density of the pixels in the field of view is higher in a concentrated region of the field of view than in a diluted region of the field of view. The optical component assembly is configured such that the location of the concentrated region of the field of view shifts within the field of view in response to a change in a wavelength of the wavelength channel carried by the system output signals.