LIDAR Material Identification Using Shared Polarization Signal Paths
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
LIDAR systems face signal loss due to changes in polarization states during reflection, leading to increased costs and complexity from duplicated electronics to process multiple polarization states.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR system employs a first transform component for complex transforms and a second transform component for real transforms, using electronics to combine their outputs to generate LIDAR data, reducing the need for duplicate electronics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If duplicated electronics are used to process multiple polarization states separately, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the processing of multiple polarization states into a single electronic processing path by using a polarization-independent detector. Instead of having separate electronics for each polarization state, the system merges all polarization state detection into one channel, eliminating the need for duplicated electronics while maintaining the ability to process multiple polarization states through optical components before detection
2Measurement precision
If duplicated electronics are used to process multiple polarization states separately, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple polarization state detection paths into a single electronic processing channel, reducing the total number of electronic components required. This consolidation directly lowers manufacturing costs by eliminating duplicate electronics while maintaining measurement precision through optical preprocessing that separates polarization states before they reach the single detector
3Measurement precision
If polarization state changes during reflection are accounted for, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical system between the reflected light and the detector that handles polarization state changes. This intermediary component (such as a polarization-diversity receiver or optical circulator) preprocesses the light to separate different polarization states optically before they reach the single detector, allowing the electronics to remain simple while still accounting for polarization changes
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 approach reduces complexity and costs by utilizing fewer electrical components, particularly analog-to-digital converters, while maintaining accurate LIDAR data generation.
Implementation Method 1
A LIDAR system includes a first transform component configured to perform a complex mathematical transform on first signals
Implementation Method 2
The LIDAR system also includes a second transform component configured to perform a real mathematical transform on second signals
Implementation Method 3
The LIDAR system directs the received light signal to a light sensor that converts the light signal to an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
The LIDAR system includes a first transform component configured to perform a complex mathematical transform on first signals. The LIDAR system also includes a second transform component configured to perform a real mathematical transform on second signals. Electronics are configured to use an output of the first transform component in combination with an output of the second transformation component to generate LIDAR data.