Multichannel Optical System for Lidar Signal-to-Noise Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lidar technologies face challenges in increasing the number of sensing channels while maintaining high signal-to-noise ratios, leading to inefficiencies in scanning and data collection, particularly in autonomous vehicle applications where precise and rapid environmental sensing is critical.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of optimized multichannel optical systems using specifically engineered optical communication lines (OCLs) with varied configurations, such as different numerical apertures and facet angles, to improve coupling and signal reception from multiple directions, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of lidar devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of sensing channels is increased, then the scanning efficiency and data collection capability are improved, but the signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring different optical communication lines with specific numerical apertures and facet angles matched to their respective beam directions. Each OCL is optimized locally for its specific coupling task, with larger numerical apertures for off-axis beams and smaller for on-axis beams, thereby maintaining high signal-to-noise ratios across multiple channels while enabling increased scanning efficiency through parallel multichannel operation
2Reliability
If optimized optical communication lines with varied configurations are used, then the signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a multichannel optical system where a single integrated optical assembly handles multiple sensing channels simultaneously. The front-end optics and multiple OCLs work together as a unified system to receive, focus, and couple multiple beams in parallel, reducing the need for separate optical assemblies for each channel and thereby managing complexity while maintaining high signal-to-noise ratios
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical communication lines with different configurations are implemented, then the channel multiplexing capability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring each optical communication line with specific numerical apertures and facet angles during manufacturing to match expected beam characteristics. The front-end optics are designed with predetermined focal points for each channel, allowing the system to achieve accurate beam coupling without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms, thereby enabling robust channel multiplexing while managing manufacturing precision requirements
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
This approach allows for reliable channel multiplexing and improved signal-to-noise ratios across multiple channels, reducing scanning time and enhancing the safety and precision of lidar-based applications, such as autonomous driving by providing more comprehensive and accurate environmental data.
Implementation Method 1
a front-end optics configured to focus a plurality of received beams
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of light detectors configured to: detect a respective beam of the plurality of beams collected by the coupling portion of a respective OCL
Implementation Method 3
By determining a time delay between a signal emission and an arrival of the reflected signal, the rangefinder can determine a distance to the object
Implementation Method 4
Coherent rangefinders, which utilize the Doppler effect, can determine a longitudinal (radial) component of the object's velocity by detecting a change in the frequency of the arrived wave from the frequency of the emitted signal
Data Source
AI summary
The subject matter of this specification can be implemented in, among other things, systems and methods of optical sensing that utilize optimized processing of multiple sensing channels for efficient and reliable scanning of environments. The optical sensing includes multiple optical communication lines that include coupling portions configured to facilitate efficient collection of various received beams. The optical sensing system further includes multiple light detectors configured to process collected beams and produce data representative of a velocity of an object that generated the received beam and/or a distance to that object.