LiDAR Receiver Macro-Cells for Combined Color and Depth Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in integrating 2D image capture and 3D depth measurement for autonomous systems like autonomous mobile robots and ADAS, requiring a new type of receiver that can perform both visible light imaging and nonvisible depth measurement effectively.
Innovation Solution
A receiver comprising detector macro-cells with a first detector for capturing reflected light and a second detector for capturing external light, both arranged in an array with non-overlapping or partially non-overlapping frequency ranges, allowing for simultaneous 2D image capture and 3D depth measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate sensors are used for 2D imaging and 3D depth measurement, then each sensor can be optimized for its specific function, but the system complexity increases and data fusion becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detectors with different frequency response characteristics into a single detector macro-cell that can simultaneously perform 2D imaging and 3D depth measurement. The first detector captures reflected light for depth information while the second detector captures external light for color information, integrating multiple sensing functions into one unified sensor structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector macro-cell is designed as a multi-functional unit that can perform both 2D image capture and 3D depth measurement simultaneously. By incorporating detectors with non-overlapping frequency ranges, the single sensor unit serves multiple purposes: capturing reflected light for time-of-flight depth measurement and capturing external light for color imaging, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional image sensors are used, then 2D imaging is achieved, but 3D depth information cannot be simultaneously captured
Solution Approach 1:
The detector macro-cell is segmented into multiple detectors with distinct frequency response characteristics. The first detector is optimized for capturing reflected light in a first frequency range for depth measurement, while the second detector is optimized for capturing external light in a second frequency range for color imaging. This segmentation allows each detector to specialize in its function while working together as an integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a frequency dimension to differentiate between the functions of multiple detectors within the same spatial location. By assigning non-overlapping or partially non-overlapping frequency ranges to different detectors, the system can simultaneously capture both reflected light (for depth) and external light (for color) without spectral interference, adding a frequency dimension to the traditional spatial imaging approach.
3Reliability
If multiple separate sensors are deployed for comprehensive environmental perception, then functional requirements are met, but processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the sensing functions into a single detector macro-cell that simultaneously captures both 2D and 3D information, the patent eliminates the need for temporal or spatial separation of sensing operations. The integrated sensor captures all necessary data in a single measurement event, reducing processing time and computational load compared to systems that require multiple separate sensors operating independently.
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
Enables comprehensive distance and color information acquisition for objects, providing a color image and 3D point cloud data efficiently, enhancing processing efficiency and reducing decision-making delays in autonomous systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first detector, configured to capture reflected light, wherein the reflected light represents light emitted from a transmitter and reflected by an object
Implementation Method 2
a second detector, configured to capture first external light reflected by the object
Implementation Method 3
light emitted from a transmitter and reflected by an object
Data Source
AI summary
A color depth integration method, a receiver, and a light detection and ranging apparatus thereof are disclosed to integrate image capturing with 3D depth measuring efficiently. A receiver includes at least one detector macro-cell, each of which includes a first detector configured to capture reflected light and a second detector configured to capture first external light. The first detector and the second detector are arranged in an array to constitute one detector macro-cell. The reflected light represents light emitted from a transmitter and reflected by at least one object. A frequency range of the first external light and a frequency range of the reflected light is non-overlapping or at least partially non-overlapping.