Miniature Solid-State LIDAR for Distance, Velocity, and Shape Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR systems are bulky, costly, and prone to interference, providing inaccurate distance measurements due to the need for mechanical parts and high-speed electronics, and they primarily measure distance without identifying object shape or structure.
Innovation Solution
A miniature optical sensing device using wavelength tunable VCSELs, beam splitters, and detectors with coherent detection, eliminating mechanical parts and interference, enabling distance, velocity, and structural identification of objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical motors and rotatable wedge prisms are used to control laser beam direction, then the LIDAR system can scan and measure distance, but the device size enlarges and becomes unsuitable for compact electronic devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical motors and rotatable wedge prisms with an electro-optical beam steering system using phase modulators and optical phased array technology. This substitution eliminates mechanical moving parts while maintaining scanning capability, significantly reducing device size for integration into compact electronic devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from mechanical rotation angles to electrical phase modulation parameters. By controlling the phase of laser beams through electrical signals rather than mechanical rotation, the system achieves beam steering without mechanical components, resolving the contradiction between scanning capability and device size.
2Measurement precision
If high-speed electronics are used to measure time of flight in nanosecond units, then distance measurement accuracy is achieved, but the system complexity and manufacturing cost significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from time domain (nanosecond time of flight) to frequency domain (phase difference at lower frequencies). By measuring phase difference of modulated continuous wave signals at MHz frequencies rather than timing nanosecond pulses, the system achieves comparable distance accuracy with simpler, lower-cost electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes high-speed timing electronics with phase detection electronics operating at lower frequencies. This replacement maintains measurement precision while significantly reducing electronic system complexity and manufacturing cost.
3Productivity
If traditional LIDAR systems operate in environments with other radiation sources and interfering LIDARs, then they can function, but the accuracy of distance measurement is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses wavelength division multiplexing and frequency modulation to assign unique spectral signatures to different LIDAR systems. By operating at specific wavelengths and using coded modulation patterns, the system can distinguish its own reflected signals from those of other radiation sources and interfering LIDARs, maintaining measurement accuracy in complex electromagnetic environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements coherent detection with phase modulation and demodulation that provides feedback-based signal verification. The system correlates received signals with transmitted coded patterns, enabling it to identify and reject interference from other sources while maintaining accurate distance measurement.
4Measurement precision
If Time-of-Flight principle is used to determine distance, then distance measurement is achieved, but the system cannot identify object shape, structure, or material composition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the LIDAR system from single-function distance measurement to multi-function sensing by incorporating frequency-modulated continuous wave operation with spectral analysis. The system simultaneously measures distance through phase detection and identifies object material composition and structure through spectral fingerprint analysis of reflected light, eliminating information loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes from measuring only time/phase parameters to measuring spectral parameters as well. By analyzing the spectral content of reflected light at different wavelengths, the system extracts additional information about object material composition and structure while maintaining distance measurement capability.
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 device provides accurate distance and velocity measurements with structural identification, is compact, and resistant to interference, suitable for mobile devices without mechanical parts or high-speed electronics.
Implementation Method 1
at least one source 11...1n of laser radiation, in particular a surface-emitting laser with a vertical resonator (VCSEL)
Implementation Method 2
frequency modulated continuous radiation (FMCW), and data on the distribution of reflection coefficients
Implementation Method 3
beam-splitting means 4, in particular a beam-splitting cube 4 with a semitransparent mirror
Implementation Method 4
optical means 6 for guiding the beam, in particular a lens 6 with a field of view of 17×17 degrees and optical microlenses or lens microelements
Implementation Method 5
the frequency difference of the signals generated by the measuring beam and the reference beam is measured, and on the basis of the measured frequency difference, the distance L of the object and the velocity V of the object are determined
Implementation Method 6
coherent detection, eliminating mechanical parts and interference
Implementation Method 7
at least one detector 71...7n connected to at least one source 11...1n of laser radiation and configured to detect the frequency difference
Data Source
AI summary
A miniature optical sensing device for determining distance to an object and velocity of the object, and identifying the shape and structure of the object, for example, a solid-state LIDAR, and a method for determining distance to an object and velocity of the object, and identifying the shape and structure of the object by using the optical sensing device is provided. The sensing device includes optically coupled one laser radiation source, at least one optical collimator, a beam-splitter, a light reflector, an optical beam guide, at least one detector for detecting radiation reflected from the object, as well as a controller, wherein the at least one detector corresponding to the respective at least one laser radiation source forms individually functioning and individually adjustable measuring channels with the possibility of providing data about the object, and the controller is configured to ensure the simultaneous or selective operation of the measuring channels.