LiDAR Sensor Tilt for Infinite Depth of Field
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle LiDAR systems face limitations in light receiving efficiency for targets at far distances, often requiring high-energy laser sources or large apertures, and struggle to maintain a wide field of view while achieving a theoretically infinite depth of field.
Innovation Solution
The LiDAR system incorporates a light-intensity receiver with sensors and lens assemblies configured to form non-zero angles, allowing for a focal plane that intersects with both sensor and lens planes at a single point, aligned with the illumination direction and vehicle movement, enabling a theoretically infinite depth of field and a vertical angle of view greater than forty degrees to handle road topography changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional LiDAR optical layout is used, then the system can detect objects at certain distances, but light receiving efficiency for far field targets deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Scheimpflug principle by tilting the sensor plane relative to the lens plane, creating a non-parallel configuration where the focal plane intersects both planes. This dimensional change in the optical layout allows the focal plane to extend from near to far field distances, dramatically improving light receiving efficiency for far field targets without requiring larger apertures or high-energy lasers.
2Measurement precision
If high-energy laser sources or large apertures are used to enhance light receiving efficiency, then far field target detection improves, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the optical system by tilting the sensor plane at a non-zero angle relative to the lens plane. This parameter change in the optical layout configuration enables the system to achieve theoretically infinite depth of field and maintain high light receiving efficiency for far field targets without increasing laser energy or aperture size, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.
3Device complexity
If the sensor plane is parallel to the lens plane, then the optical layout is simple, but the depth of field is limited and cannot achieve theoretically infinite depth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tilt angle between the sensor plane and lens plane, transforming the parallel configuration into a non-parallel Scheimpflug configuration. This dimensional change causes the focal plane to intersect both the sensor plane and lens plane, extending the depth of field from a limited range to theoretically infinite depth, covering from near field to far field distances.
4Ease of manufacture
If the LiDAR system uses a fixed optical layout, then manufacturing is easier, but the system cannot handle road topography changes effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic optical layout where the sensor plane is tilted relative to the lens plane, creating a Scheimpflug configuration that adapts to varying distances. This dynamic geometric relationship allows the focal plane to extend across a wide range of depths, enabling the system to handle road topography changes and maintain focus from near to far field targets, improving adaptability while remaining manufacturable.
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 enhances LiDAR light receiving efficiency, allowing for effective detection of objects at extended distances with a theoretically infinite depth of field and a wide field of view, improving autonomous driving perception systems.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to direct illumination in an illuminating direction
Implementation Method 2
one or more lens assemblies configured with respect to the one or more light-intensity sensors
Implementation Method 3
the focal plane intersects both the sensor plane and the lens plane at a single point
Implementation Method 4
one or more light-intensity sensors configured to detect light intensity
Implementation Method 5
at least one sensor plane from the one or more light-intensity sensors is tilted to form a non-zero angle between zero and ninety degrees with at least one equivalent lens plane from the one or more lens assemblies
Data Source
AI summary
In an exemplary embodiment, a LiDAR is provided that is configured for installation in a mobile platform. The LiDAR includes a scanner and a light-intensity receiver. The scanner includes a light source configured to direct illumination in an illuminating direction. The light-intensity receiver includes one or more light-intensity sensors; and one or more lens assemblies configured with respect to the one or more light-intensity sensors, such that that at least one sensor plane from the one or more light-intensity sensors is tilted to form a non-zero angle with at least one equivalent lens plane from the one or more lens assemblies, transferring the sensor focal plane to be align with the main light illumination direction and be consistent with the direction of movement of a mobile platform.