LIDAR ToF Sensor Omni-Directional Scanning Without Mechanical Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D laser scanning systems using multiple laser outputting devices and sensors are expensive and limited by mechanical rotation, which restricts their viewing update period and increases manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR time of flight (ToF) sensor capable of simultaneous input and output, featuring a substrate with a light receiving element array, readout circuits, and metal lines that connect light receiving elements to readout circuits in a one-to-one correspondence, allowing omni-directional scanning without mechanical rotation, while blocking noise wavelengths and minimizing chip area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple laser outputting devices and laser sensors are used for 3D scanning, then scanning coverage and measurement capability are improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple laser outputting devices into a single integrated laser source that can emit laser beams in multiple directions simultaneously. Multiple laser sensors are merged into a single sensor unit with multiple detection elements. This merging approach maintains comprehensive scanning coverage while significantly reducing the number of separate components, thereby lowering manufacturing cost and simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal laser scanning system where a single laser source can perform multiple scanning functions (different angles, directions, and patterns) and a single sensor unit can detect laser beams from multiple directions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices, reducing both complexity and cost while maintaining versatile scanning capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical rotation is used for omni-directional scanning, then 360-degree coverage is achieved, but viewing update period increases and scanning efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation system with a stationary scanning architecture. Instead of physically rotating the laser source and sensor, the system uses fixed laser beams emitted at multiple angles and a stationary sensor array that simultaneously detects reflections from all directions. This eliminates mechanical movement, reduces the viewing update period, and significantly improves scanning efficiency while maintaining 360-degree coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional mechanical rotation approach to a multi-dimensional stationary detection approach. By arranging laser outputting devices and sensor elements in different spatial dimensions and angles, the system achieves omni-directional scanning capability without mechanical movement, allowing simultaneous detection from multiple directions and improving scanning speed.
3Reliability
If metal lines are added to block noise wavelengths, then signal quality is improved, but chip area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies wavelength-blocking metal lines selectively in specific regions of the chip where noise filtering is most critical. Instead of covering the entire chip surface, the metal lines are strategically positioned to block noise wavelengths only in areas where they interfere with signal detection, thereby maintaining signal quality while minimizing the additional chip area required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the parameters of the metal lines (such as thickness, material composition, and spacing) to achieve effective noise wavelength blocking with minimal area occupation. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves the desired signal quality improvement while keeping the increase in chip area to the minimum necessary.
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
Enables cost-effective, high-performance omni-directional scanning in 360 degrees without mechanical rotation, reducing manufacturing costs and improving scanning efficiency by blocking unwanted wavelengths, thus addressing the limitations of conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
a light receiving element array provided on the substrate and including a plurality of light receiving elements
Implementation Method 2
a signal in a noise wavelength band which is incident according to an arrangement of metal lines may be blocked and a signal in a desired wavelength band may be received
Data Source
AI summary
A light detection and ranging (LIDAR) time of flight (TOF) sensor for inputting and outputting simultaneously and 3-dimensional laser scanning system including the same are disclosed. In one aspect, the sensor includes a substrate and a light receiving element array provided on the substrate and including a plurality of light receiving elements. The sensor also includes readout circuits configured to receive electrical signals from the light receiving elements and perform signal processing on the electrical signals. The sensor further includes metal lines disposed on the light receiving element array in parallel, provided to correspond to the number of the light receiving elements, and configured to connect the light receiving elements to the readout circuits in one-to-one correspondence.