LiDAR Prism Redirects Light to Reduce Dead Zone Impact
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Solution Overview
Problem
LiDAR devices face reduced light reception efficiency due to dead zones between light detection elements, which prevent light from being detected and affect measurement accuracy, especially when measuring distant objects.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a prism between the lens and light detection array in LiDAR devices to split and redirect light, allowing it to be received by adjacent light detection elements and reducing the impact of dead zones, thereby enhancing light reception efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a high reverse bias voltage is applied to light detection elements to improve detection sensitivity, then the detection capability is improved, but a dead zone is created between elements that reduces light reception efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension (vertical displacement) to resolve the contradiction. By moving the imaging position up or down using a movable platform, light that would normally fall into dead zones between detection elements can be redirected to valid detection areas, thereby maintaining high detection sensitivity while recovering lost light reception efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The movable platform acts as an intermediary between the fixed detection element array and the incoming light. It provides a mechanism to dynamically adjust the imaging position, allowing light to be redirected around dead zones and onto active detection elements, thus resolving the conflict between maintaining detection sensitivity and improving light reception efficiency
2Area of stationary object
If the pitch between adjacent light detection elements is reduced to increase detection element density, then the coverage area is improved, but the dead zone impact increases and light reception efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing vertical movement capability through the movable platform, the system can compensate for the increased dead zone impact caused by reduced element pitch. The imaging position can be adjusted in the vertical dimension to ensure light falls on active elements rather than dead zones, thereby maintaining both high density coverage and light reception efficiency
3Area of stationary object
If the field of view is expanded to improve measurement coverage, then the detection range is improved, but the light intensity per detection element decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable platform introduces dynamic adjustment capability to the otherwise static detection system. By dynamically changing the imaging position in response to light intensity conditions, the system can optimize the distribution of light across detection elements, thereby maintaining adequate light intensity even when the field of view is expanded
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 prism configuration increases light reception efficiency by dispersing light onto multiple detection elements, reducing the influence of dead zones and improving the accuracy of distance measurements for distant objects.
Implementation Method 1
a lens configured to focus the light reflected from the object on the plurality of light detection elements
Implementation Method 2
a prism provided between the lens and the light detection array, the prism being configured to split the light output from the lens and direct the light to be incident on the light detection array
Implementation Method 3
a light detection array including a plurality of light detection elements configured to receive light that is output from the light source and reflected from an object and to convert the light into a corresponding electric signal
Data Source
AI summary
A laser induced light detection and ranging (LiDAR) device includes a light source configured to output light, a light detection array including a plurality of light detection elements configured to receive light that is output from the light source and reflected by an object and to convert the light into a corresponding electric signal, a lens configured to focus the light reflected by the object on the plurality of light detection elements, a prism provided between the lens and the light detection array, the prism being configured to split the light output from the lens and direct the light to be incident on the light detection array, and a processor configured to process the electrical signal, and obtain a time of flight (TOF) of the received light based on the processed electrical signal.