Modular Solid-State LiDAR Layout for Reliable Overlap Scanning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR systems with moving parts face reliability issues and physical constraints, limiting performance and integration flexibility in autonomous vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state LIDAR system with no moving parts, utilizing a modular design and multiple lasers with fixed projection angles, allowing for flexible scanning and improved integration into vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical scanning methods are used in LIDAR systems, then the system can achieve 360° horizontal field-of-view and vertical scanning coverage, but the system suffers from reliability issues, physical constraints, and limitations in size and performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning components (motors, mirrors, moving parts) with solid-state laser arrays that have fixed orientations. Each laser in the array is pointed at a specific angle and can be independently activated to scan different regions of the field-of-view electronically, eliminating the need for mechanical movement and thereby improving reliability while reducing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the LIDAR system into multiple fixed laser arrays, where each array covers a specific angular sector of the field-of-view. By segmenting the scanning function across multiple static laser elements rather than using a single mechanical scanner, the system achieves comprehensive coverage without mechanical moving parts, resolving the contradiction between reliability and scanning capability.
2Device complexity
If receiver and transmitter optics are placed together on the same motor in mechanically scanned LIDAR systems, then the system can share optics and reduce component count, but physical constraints limit the size and location of individual components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the LIDAR system into multiple independent transmit/receive modules, each with its own fixed laser array and receiver. This segmentation allows each module to be independently sized and positioned according to specific functional requirements, providing greater integration flexibility while maintaining a manageable number of components through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point mechanical scanning approach to a distributed array architecture where multiple laser elements are arranged in two-dimensional arrays with specific angular distributions. This dimensional change allows the system to achieve comprehensive field-of-view coverage through spatial distribution of static elements rather than temporal scanning of a single point, enabling flexible integration configurations.
3Productivity
If moving mirrors are used to scan the field-of-view in LIDAR systems, then the system can achieve dynamic scanning coverage, but the physical constraints impact performance features like measurement range and SNR/cross-talk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces moving mirrors with fixed laser arrays where each laser is oriented at a specific angle. The scanning function is achieved by electronically controlling which lasers are activated rather than physically moving mirrors. This substitution eliminates mechanical constraints that limited measurement range and SNR, allowing for optimized optical paths and receiver positioning that improve measurement precision while maintaining comprehensive scanning coverage.
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 solid-state LIDAR system enhances performance and integration by eliminating mechanical constraints, enabling random scanning and seamless vehicle integration with reduced optical cross-talk and improved angular resolution.
Implementation Method 1
A solid-state LIDAR system with no moving parts, utilizing a plurality of lasers
Implementation Method 2
light detection and ranging (LIDAR) systems
Data Source
AI summary
A LIDAR system includes a first optical transmitter comprising a plurality of first emitters, where each of the plurality of first emitters is positioned to generate an optical beam with a FOV at a target range when energized. A second optical transmitter includes a plurality of second emitters, where each of the plurality of second emitters is positioned to generate an optical beam with a FOV at the target range when energized. The first and second optical transmitters are positioned relative to each other so the FOVs of at least some of the optical beams generated by the first and second optical transmitter when energized overlap at the target range. An optical receiver includes a plurality of optical detectors, where a respective one of the plurality of optical detectors is positioned to detect a respective optical beam generated by at least one of the first and second optical transmitter and reflected by a target in the FOV at the target range. A controller includes a first and second output being connected to respective control inputs of the first and second optical transmitters, and a third output being connected to a control input of the optical receiver. The controller generates control signals at the first and second outputs that control energizing select ones of the plurality of first and the plurality of second emitters that generate optical beams with the FOVs that overlap at the target range and generating a control signal at the third output that activates selected ones of the plurality of optical detectors to detect optical beams reflected from an object at the target range.