Multi-Wavelength LiDAR Scanning for Higher FPA Resolution
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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 the focal plane array (FPA) method to enhance resolution by using a plurality of multiplexed lights of different wavelengths, allowing simultaneous or sequential driving of multiple wavelengths at each pixel to measure more spatial points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of focal plane arrays is increased to enhance resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of light by using multiple wavelengths (e.g., 1550nm and 1310nm) to encode additional spatial information. This allows the system to measure more spatial points without increasing the physical number of focal plane arrays, thereby improving measurement precision while avoiding increased device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Each focal plane array pixel is made multi-functional by enabling it to detect multiple wavelengths. Through wavelength division multiplexing, a single pixel can resolve multiple spatial points corresponding to different wavelengths, making each array element perform multiple measurement functions simultaneously
2Measurement precision
If multiple wavelengths are used to increase spatial resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wavelength division multiplexing as an intermediary mechanism that enables multiple wavelengths to share the same focal plane array infrastructure. This intermediary approach allows spectral encoding of spatial information without requiring separate detection hardware for each wavelength, thus improving resolution while controlling system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds the wavelength dimension to the spatial detection process. By encoding spatial information in the spectral domain, the system transforms a two-dimensional spatial problem into a three-dimensional problem (x, y, wavelength), allowing more spatial points to be resolved through spectral discrimination rather than requiring more physical detectors
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 more accurate distance and speed measurements for applications such as 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
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.