LIDAR Spatial Resolution Adjustment via Waveguide Selection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR systems face challenges in dynamically adjusting the spatial resolution of sample regions due to the inertia of mechanical scanners, which limits their ability to quickly respond to changing scanning requirements.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR system that uses a signal director to direct an outgoing LIDAR signal to different portions of multiple waveguides, allowing the system output signal to change direction and adjust spatial resolution by selecting different waveguide configurations during scans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the scanning speed of the mirror is changed to adjust spatial resolution, then the spatial resolution can be adjusted, but the mechanical scanner's inertia prevents fast dynamic response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical scanning mirror with an optical phased array system that uses electronic phase control to steer the laser beam. This substitution eliminates the inertia of mechanical components, enabling rapid dynamic adjustment of scanning patterns and spatial resolution without physical movement limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the spatial resolution by electronically reconfiguring the phase relationships between multiple waveguide elements in real-time. This allows the scan rate and resolution to be changed on-demand without the constraints of mechanical acceleration and deceleration cycles.
2Productivity
If a mechanical scanner is used to scan the system output signal, then the scanning function is achieved, but the inertia limits the ability to respond quickly to changing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical scanner with an optical phased array that uses electronic phase modulation to achieve beam steering. This eliminates mechanical inertia and enables instantaneous reconfiguration of scanning patterns, significantly reducing the time required to adapt to changing scanning requirements while maintaining full field of view coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements flexible periodic scanning patterns where the scan rate and pattern can be dynamically adjusted between periods. The optical phased array enables rapid switching between different scanning configurations, allowing the system to optimize for either comprehensive coverage or high-speed response based on operational needs.
3Measurement precision
If the number of waveguides is reduced to increase spatial resolution, then higher resolution is achieved, but fewer sample regions are covered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scanning function across multiple waveguide elements that can be independently controlled. By segmenting the beam steering capability across multiple elements, the system can achieve high spatial resolution in specific regions of interest while maintaining broader field of view coverage through coordinated activation of different waveguide subsets.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different sampling densities to different regions of the field of view by selectively activating specific waveguide elements. High spatial resolution is applied locally to regions requiring detailed measurement, while other regions use coarser sampling, optimizing both resolution and coverage simultaneously.
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 dynamic adjustment of spatial resolution without the limitations of mechanical scanners, improving the LIDAR system's ability to adapt to changing scanning needs and enhance data accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
directing an outgoing LIDAR signal to a portion of multiple different waveguides. The system output signal includes light from the outgoing LIDAR signal and the system output signal travels away from the LIDAR system in different directions in response to the outgoing LIDAR signal being directed to a different portion of the waveguides
Data Source
AI summary
A LIDAR system is configured to scan a system output signal in the field of view of the LIDAR system. The LIDAR system includes a signal director configured to direct an outgoing LIDAR signal to a portion of multiple different waveguides. The system output signal includes light from the outgoing LIDAR signal and the system output signal travels away from the LIDAR system in different directions in response to the outgoing LIDAR signal being directed to a different selection of the waveguides. The LIDAR system includes electronics configured to operate the signal director such that during a first scan of a region of the field of view by the system output signal the outgoing LIDAR signal is directed to a first selection of the waveguides. The electronics are also configured to operate the signal director such that during a second scan of the region of the field of view by the system output signal the outgoing LIDAR signal is directed to a second selection of the waveguides. The second selection of the waveguides has fewer of the waveguide than the first selection of the waveguides.