LIDAR Wavelength Dispersion for Multi-Dimensional Spatial and Spectral Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LIDAR systems are slow, expensive, and limited in their ability to obtain multi-dimensional data sets, particularly in terms of spectral information, as they typically scan a target area point by point and are restricted to detecting a single spectral wavelength at a time.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR apparatus with a laser generator and an array of light-sensitive elements, including wavelength dispersion elements that separate returning laser signals into multiple wavelengths, allowing for the collection of hyper-spectral imaging data correlated with spatial data by projecting separated wavelengths onto columns of a detector array, thereby determining x, y, and z components of spatial data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional LIDAR systems scan a target area point by point, then measurement precision is maintained, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is divided into multiple light-sensitive elements arranged in an array, where each element detects light from a specific spatial location. This segmentation allows simultaneous detection of multiple points across the target area, transforming sequential point-by-point scanning into parallel multi-point detection while maintaining spatial precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from one-dimensional point scanning to two-dimensional array detection by arranging light-sensitive elements in rows and columns. This dimensional expansion enables simultaneous capture of spatial information across the entire field of view, dramatically increasing scanning speed while preserving measurement accuracy through the array geometry.
2Device complexity
If conventional LIDAR systems detect a single spectral wavelength at a time, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
A diffraction grating is introduced as an intermediary optical element that spatially separates the returned light into its constituent wavelengths. This mediator disperses the spectral information across different spatial locations on the detector array, enabling simultaneous multi-wavelength detection without requiring multiple detectors or complex spectral scanning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a spectral dimension to the spatial detection by using the diffraction grating to map wavelengths to detector positions. This transforms single-wavelength detection into multi-wavelength detection by exploiting the wavelength-position relationship created by diffraction, thereby capturing comprehensive spectral information while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
3Measurement precision
If conventional LIDAR systems obtain volumetric assessment from multiple directions, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The detector array is segmented into multiple rows and columns, where different rows can simultaneously detect light returns from different angular directions. This segmentation enables parallel acquisition of multi-directional spatial information, obtaining comprehensive volumetric assessment data in a single scanning operation rather than requiring sequential multi-directional scans.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous detection across the entire detector array surface, allowing simultaneous capture of spatial and spectral information from multiple directions. This continuous parallel detection eliminates the interruptions and time delays associated with sequential scanning, maintaining uninterrupted data acquisition while gathering comprehensive volumetric information.
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 the acquisition of multi-dimensional spatial and spectral data sets efficiently, reducing scanning time and cost while increasing accuracy by capturing a wide range of spectral data simultaneously.
Implementation Method 1
at least one wavelength dispersion element positioned in a return path of a returning laser signal... The at least one wavelength dispersion element is configured to separate wavelengths of the returning laser signal onto the plurality of rows and columns of the array
Implementation Method 2
at least one detector configured as an array of light sensitive elements... the LIDAR scanning device measures a large number of points that lie on surfaces visible in the scene
Implementation Method 3
the range to an object is determined by measuring the time delay between transmission of a light pulse (e.g., laser) and detection of the reflected light signal... the time delay of the return may be converted into a distance (range) between the objects and the LIDAR apparatus based on the speed of light
Data Source
AI summary
A Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) apparatus comprises a laser generator configured to generate an output laser signal toward a target area, at least one detector configured as an array of light sensitive elements, the array including a plurality of rows and columns of the light sensitive elements, and at least one wavelength dispersion element positioned in a return path of a returning laser signal returning from the target area. The at least one wavelength dispersion element is configured to separate wavelengths of the returning laser signal onto the plurality of rows and columns of the array, wherein the plurality of columns of the array are associated with the separated wavelengths that correspond with a position along a row of the array, the position along the row of the array corresponding with a spatial position of the target area along a first axis. Methods for scanning a target area and obtaining spectral and spatial data are disclosed herein.