LiDAR Sensor Device Single Lens Optical System Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
LiDAR systems are large, costly, and have low resolution and sensitivity due to poor light condensing properties, lacking image formation and high sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A compact sensor device with an irradiation unit, light receiving unit, and waveguide, where the irradiation and light receiving units are on the optical axis of an external lens system, enabling high-resolution and high-sensitivity operation by guiding laser light and receiving reflected light efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a LiDAR system with separate irradiation and light receiving optical systems is used, then distance measurement capability is achieved, but the system becomes large and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the irradiation optical system and light receiving optical system into a single integrated optical system. The one lens optical system simultaneously performs both irradiation and light receiving functions, eliminating the need for separate optical systems. This merging approach reduces the number of components, decreases system size, and lowers cost while maintaining distance measurement capability through the use of a single lens with appropriate optical design.
Solution Approach 2:
The single lens in the one lens optical system serves multiple functions: it acts as both the irradiation lens for emitting laser light and the light receiving lens for collecting reflected light. This multi-functional design allows one optical component to replace what would traditionally require two separate optical systems, thereby simplifying the overall device structure and reducing complexity.
2Device complexity
If no image formation is performed in the LiDAR system, then system simplicity is maintained, but resolution is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a microlens array as an intermediary component between the single lens and the photodetector array. This microlens array performs local image formation for each pixel, enabling high-resolution detection without requiring a complex multi-lens optical system. Each microlens focuses light from a specific angular direction onto its corresponding photodetector, achieving angular resolution while maintaining overall system simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a scanner such as a galvanometer mirror is included in the irradiation system, then scanning capability is achieved, but the system becomes large and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical scanning system (galvanometer mirror) with a purely optical scanning approach using the single lens optical system. By utilizing the optical properties of the single lens and the microlens array, the system achieves scanning capability through optical path control rather than mechanical movement. This substitution eliminates bulky mechanical components, reduces system size, and removes moving parts while maintaining the ability to scan and measure multiple points.
4Reliability
If two lens optical systems are used for irradiation and light receiving, then optical functionality is complete, but light condensing properties are poor and sensitivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the irradiation and light receiving optical systems into a single lens system, which improves light condensing properties. The single lens is optimized to efficiently emit laser light in the irradiation direction and simultaneously collect reflected light from the target object with high efficiency. This unified optical design eliminates light loss at multiple optical interfaces and achieves better light condensing performance, thereby improving detection sensitivity.
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 solution results in a compact, high-resolution, and high-sensitivity sensor device, capable of accurate distance and velocity measurements with improved image formation and sensitivity, reducing system size and cost.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide that guides the laser light generated from a light source to the irradiation unit
Implementation Method 2
The irradiation unit and the light receiving unit are located on the optical axis of an external lens optical system
Data Source
AI summary
The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a compact, high-resolution, and high-sensitivity sensor device. The sensor device according to the present invention includes: an irradiation unit that emits laser light to the object (OBJ); a light receiving unit that receives reflected light from the object; and a waveguide that guides the laser light generated from a light source to the irradiation unit. The irradiation unit and the light receiving unit are located on the optical axis of an external lens optical system.