LiDAR Wavelength-Selectable Scanning for Wider Angle Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LIDAR apparatuses have limited scanning angle ranges, which restrict their ability to effectively gather surrounding information for advanced driving assistance systems and autonomous driving applications.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR apparatus with a wide scanning angle range is achieved by using a light source module comprising multiple tunable laser light sources and a light selection element, such as a MEMS device or Mach-Zehnder interferometer, to emit and select light across different wavelength bands, allowing for two-dimensional beam scanning and increased elevation angle coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single laser light source is used in conventional LIDAR apparatuses, then the device structure is simple, but the scanning angle range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light source system into multiple independent tunable laser light sources, each operating at different wavelength bands. This segmentation allows each laser source to be optimized for specific scanning angle ranges, with the first laser covering a first wavelength band and the second laser covering a second wavelength band, thereby expanding the overall scanning angle range while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal light source system that can operate across multiple wavelength bands using multiple tunable laser light sources. The system can selectively activate different laser sources depending on the required scanning angle, making the LIDAR apparatus adaptable to various application scenarios (long-range detection vs. short-range detection) while maintaining a unified overall structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tunable laser light sources operating at different wavelength bands are used, then the scanning angle range is expanded, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically controllable tunable laser light sources that can adjust their operating wavelength bands in real-time. The processor dynamically selects which laser source to activate based on the required scanning angle, and the tunable lasers can shift their emission wavelengths as needed. This dynamic control allows the system to maintain optimal performance across different operating conditions without requiring permanently active complex components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the laser light sources, specifically the ability to tune the wavelength band of each laser. The first tunable laser can operate in a first wavelength band while the second tunable laser operates in a second wavelength band, and these parameters can be adjusted to optimize performance for different scanning angle requirements, thereby managing device complexity through parameter optimization rather than structural complexity
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
The solution enables a significant expansion of the scanning angle range, enhancing the LIDAR apparatus's capability to gather detailed surrounding information, thereby supporting advanced driving assistance systems and future autonomous driving technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a first ring resonator provided between the first optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide, the first ring resonator facing a first end of the first optical amplifier and a first end of the second optical amplifier; and a second ring resonator provided between the first optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide
Implementation Method 2
a first optical amplifier provided on the first optical waveguide; a second optical amplifier provided on the second optical waveguide and facing the first optical amplifier at a distance in the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A LIDAR apparatus includes a light source module configured to generate light, an optical transmitter configured to transmit the light generated by the light source module to outside, an optical receiver configured to receive light coming from the outside, an optical detector configured to detect the light received by the optical receiver, and a processor configured to control the operation of each of the light source module and the optical transmitter, wherein the light source module includes a first tunable laser light source configured to emit light in a first wavelength band, a second tunable laser light source configured to emit light in a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band, and a light selection element configured to select and output one of the lights emitted by the first tunable laser light source and the second tunable laser light source.