Multi-Wavelength LiDAR Scanning for Higher Resolution at Long Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LiDAR systems face limitations in resolution due to the constrained number of focal plane arrays, which affect critical applications like safe autonomous driving, especially at increased target distances.
Innovation Solution
Implementing wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) in focal plane arrays (FPAs) to enhance resolution by using a plurality of multiplexed lights of different wavelengths, allowing simultaneous or sequential scanning of multiple spatial points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of focal plane arrays is increased to enhance resolution, then spatial resolution is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of light to achieve resolution enhancement. By using multiple wavelengths (e.g., 1550nm and 1310nm) and wavelength division multiplexing, the system can distinguish multiple spatial points through a single FPA pixel, effectively increasing measurement precision without adding more arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the wavelength dimension to the traditional spatial detection. By encoding spatial information through wavelength multiplexing, the system transforms a 2D spatial detection problem into a 3D problem that includes wavelength as an additional dimension, allowing resolution enhancement without increasing the number of spatial detectors.
2Measurement precision
If the number of focal plane arrays is increased to enhance resolution, then spatial resolution is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses wavelength as a controllable parameter to achieve resolution enhancement. By precisely controlling light wavelength through tunable lasers and WDM components rather than precisely fabricating more array elements, the system achieves high resolution while reducing manufacturing precision requirements for the FPA itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of adding more physical array elements with an optical approach using wavelength multiplexing. This substitution eliminates the need for precise mechanical alignment and fabrication of multiple arrays, reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining high spatial resolution.
3Measurement precision
If wavelength division multiplexing is implemented, then spatial resolution is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes single FPA pixels multi-functional by enabling them to detect multiple spatial points through wavelength division multiplexing. Each pixel can distinguish different wavelengths, and each wavelength is assigned to detect a specific spatial point, allowing one pixel to perform the function of multiple pixels in traditional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wavelength division multiplexing components (WDMs) and tunable lasers as intermediaries to manage the complexity. These components organize the relationship between multiple wavelengths and spatial points, providing a structured way to handle the increased system complexity while achieving enhanced resolution.
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
Achieves high-resolution scanning even at increased target distances, improving spatial resolution and enabling effective applications such as safe autonomous driving.
Implementation Method 1
the receiver is configured to mix the transmission signal and a received signal that is incident when the transmission signal is reflected from a target object to obtain a mixed signal and convert the mixed signal into an electrical signal
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 3C~3D
AI summary
A LiDAR system includes a signal generator configured to generate a plurality of multiplexed lights, a transceiver including a transmitter and a receiver, wherein the transceiver is configured to simultaneously emit the plurality of multiplexed lights as a transmission signal in units of pixel groups including at least two pixels, and the receiver is configured to mix the transmission signal and a received signal that is incident when the transmission signal is reflected from a target object and convert the mixed signal into an electrical signal; and a electric circuit connected to the signal generator and the transceiver, and configured to control operation thereof.