Adaptive Optical Shutter in Solid-State LiDAR for Higher SNR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LIDAR systems face challenges in achieving sufficient signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and measurement range for detecting objects at distances, particularly in automotive applications, due to Class 1 eye safety standards limiting optical power and the need for high reliability with minimal moving parts, while also requiring adaptability to varying environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
The development of a noise-adaptive solid-state LIDAR system that employs an adaptive optical shutter or mirror to control the field-of-view, reducing ambient light interference and optimizing the number of detectors and lasers to enhance SNR and measurement range, with the ability to adjust parameters such as wavelength and field-of-view configuration to meet specific performance requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Class 1 eye safety standards are applied to limit optical power, then safety is improved, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptation of system parameters including optical power, field-of-view, and detector configuration based on real-time noise conditions and detection requirements, allowing the system to operate at maximum safe power levels while maintaining eye safety standards
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes multiple parameters simultaneously including wavelength selection, optical power level, field-of-view angle, and detector configuration to optimize signal-to-noise ratio while remaining within Class 1 eye safety limits
2Adaptability or versatility
If the field-of-view is increased to detect more objects, then detection coverage is improved, but ambient light interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the field-of-view parameter based on detection requirements and ambient noise conditions, allowing the system to expand coverage when needed while minimizing ambient light interference during critical measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The system coordinates changes in field-of-view with complementary parameter adjustments including optical power level and detector configuration to maintain optimal signal-to-noise ratio across varying detection scenarios
3Measurement precision
If the number of detectors is increased to improve resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration of detector arrays where the number and arrangement of active detectors are adjusted based on detection requirements, allowing high resolution when needed while reducing complexity for standard operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes detector configuration by coordinating the number of detectors with adjustments in optical power, field-of-view, and wavelength to achieve required measurement precision with minimal detector count
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 enables improved signal-to-noise ratio and extended measurement ranges, allowing for reliable detection of objects at distances exceeding 100 meters, while maintaining reliability and adaptability to changing conditions, thereby enhancing safety in automotive applications.
Implementation Method 1
a laser transmits a plurality of optical pulses over time, each optical pulse reflecting off a respective object at a target range and returning to a detector
Implementation Method 2
an adaptive optical shutter or mirror to control the field-of-view, reducing ambient light interference
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A LIDAR system includes an optical transmitter comprising a plurality of lasers, each illuminating a FOV in an illumination region. A transmitter controller has outputs connected to respective laser inputs. The transmitter controller generates electrical pulses at the outputs so that the lasers generate light in a desired pattern in the illumination region. An optical receiver has an input FOV in the illumination region and comprises a plurality of detectors, each having a FOV and being positioned to detect light over the illumination region; and a TOF measurement circuit that measures the TOF from the lasers to the detectors. The receiver calculates range information. An adaptive optical shutter positioned between the optical transmitter and the optical receiver has a transparent or reflected region FOV, where the optical shutter restricts illumination at the input of the optical receiver to a region which is smaller than the optical receiver FOV.