Integrated LiDAR Detection for Ranging and 3D Surface Topography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object detection systems require multiple detectors for ranging and area-sensing, increasing system complexity and design complexity.
Innovation Solution
A dual-function LiDAR apparatus with a first light-emitting module for ranging and a second light-emitting module for area-sensing, integrated with a pixel array and processing circuit to determine distance and 3D imaging information, allowing for surface topography detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple independent detectors are used for ranging and area-sensing functions, then the detection capabilities are improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ranging and area-sensing functions into a single integrated LiDAR detector. The device includes a light source for emitting light pulses, a photodetector array for receiving reflected light, and processing circuitry that performs both ranging calculations (time-of-flight measurements) and area-sensing operations (3D imaging) using the same hardware components. This merging eliminates the need for multiple independent detectors while maintaining both detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The LiDAR detector is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple functions: ranging (distance measurement), area-sensing (3D imaging), and surface topography detection. The same light source, photodetector array, and processing circuitry are used across all these functions, making the device multi-functional and eliminating the need for separate specialized detectors for each function.
2Measurement precision
If multiple independent detectors are used for ranging and area-sensing, then the measurement functions are improved, but the design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges ranging and area-sensing measurement functions into a single integrated LiDAR system. The processing circuitry performs both time-of-flight ranging calculations and 3D imaging processing using the same photodetector array and light source, thereby maintaining measurement precision for both functions while eliminating the design complexity of coordinating multiple independent detectors.
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 apparatus simplifies system design by combining ranging and area-sensing functions, providing accurate and precise surface topography information for applications like autonomous driving and space landing.
Implementation Method 1
process, by the first circuit and from the first sub-array, a portion of the first type of light reflected from the object to determine a distance information to the object
Implementation Method 2
The detection apparatus uses a ranging function to measure the distance information to an object
Data Source
AI summary
An object detection apparatus includes: first and second light-emitting modules configured to emit first and second types of light toward an object, a pixel array of a plurality of photodetectors including first and second sub-arrays for receiving the first and second types of light, and a processing circuit including a first circuit coupled to the first sub-array and a second circuit coupled to the second sub-array. The pixel array includes a first sub-array configured to receive the first type of light and a second sub-array configured to receive the second type of light. The processing circuit: activates the first light-emitting module to determine a distance information, activate the second light-emitting module to determine a 3D imaging information, and obtain a surface topography information of the object based on the distance information and the 3D imaging information.