LIDAR Signal Selector for Concurrent Wavelength Channels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR systems face limitations in generating LIDAR data at high rates and resolving objects at longer distances due to sequential data acquisition and interference during signal transitions.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR system that concurrently transmits multiple wavelength channels, using a signal selector to output and combine return signals with reference signals, allowing continuous data generation across signal transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If LIDAR systems sequentially illuminate sample regions to generate LIDAR data, then the system structure remains simple, but the LIDAR data generation rate is limited and field of view scanning frequency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the LIDAR system into multiple independent wavelength channels, each capable of sequentially illuminating different sample regions. By dividing the field of view into multiple sample regions and assigning different wavelength channels to different regions, the system can generate LIDAR data for multiple regions simultaneously through time-division multiplexing, thereby increasing the overall data generation rate without requiring complex parallel hardware for each region
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic modulation of the laser source to generate chirped signals at different wavelength channels in a sequential manner. Each wavelength channel is activated in periodic cycles, with the modulation frequency and duty cycle optimized to maximize data generation rate. This periodic action allows the system to systematically cycle through multiple wavelength channels and sample regions, maintaining simple hardware while achieving high productivity through temporal multiplexing
2Speed
If LIDAR systems increase scanning frequency to improve field of view coverage, then the temporal resolution decreases and objects at longer distances cannot be resolved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the laser source to create multiple distinct wavelength channels. By modulating the laser at different wavelengths and using wavelength-division multiplexing, the system can maintain longer integration times for each wavelength channel while still achieving high scanning frequencies. This parameter change allows simultaneous measurement of multiple sample regions with sufficient temporal resolution to resolve objects at longer distances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the wavelength dimension to the traditional time-space LIDAR measurement. Instead of only varying time and spatial position, the system introduces wavelength as an additional dimension for multiplexing. This allows the system to scan multiple sample regions at different wavelengths simultaneously, effectively increasing the scanning frequency without sacrificing the integration time needed to resolve distant objects, as each wavelength channel maintains its own temporal measurement window
3Productivity
If LIDAR systems use sequential data acquisition for multiple sample regions, then the system complexity remains low, but signal interference occurs during signal transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wavelength-division multiplexing as an intermediary mechanism to separate signals from different sample regions. By assigning unique wavelength signatures to different spatial regions and using spectral filtering at the receiver, the system can distinguish and isolate signals from multiple regions simultaneously. This intermediary wavelength dimension prevents signal interference during transitions, as each wavelength channel carries independent information that can be cleanly separated through optical filtering
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary spectral encoding to each sample region's signal before detection. By modulating each wavelength channel with a predetermined frequency signature and applying pre-calibration factors, the system prepares the signals in advance for clean separation. This preliminary action ensures that when signals from multiple regions are combined during high-speed scanning, they can be independently decoded without interference, maintaining signal integrity even at high data generation rates
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
Enhances LIDAR data generation rate and improves performance at longer object distances by minimizing signal interference and enabling simultaneous data calculation across multiple channels.
Implementation Method 1
a light signal combiner that combines light from the system return signal with light from a reference signal
Implementation Method 2
each of the cycles includes a chirp period where the frequency of the outgoing LIDAR signal is chirped at a constant rate
Data Source
AI summary
The LIDAR system has a signal selector configured to receive multiple outgoing LIDAR signals that each carries a different wavelength channel. The LIDAR system includes a selector controller configured to operate the signal selector such that the signal selector serially outputs multiple different selections of the outgoing LIDAR signals. Each of the selections of the system output signals includes multiple different outgoing LIDAR signals that are concurrently output by the signal selector. The LIDAR system is also configured to concurrently transmit multiple system output signals that each includes light from a different one of the outgoing LIDAR signals that have been output from the signal selector.