Multiple Pixel Scanning Lidar With Beam Shaping Optics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current LIDAR systems face limitations in achieving high imaging resolution and range while maintaining a broad field of view, particularly in applications like autonomous vehicles, where a 3-D point cloud with rapid updates is required, often resulting in decreased point cloud density due to the inherent limitations of single laser emitter/detector combinations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a 3-D LIDAR system with a master controller and integrated LIDAR measurement devices, featuring a beam scanning device and beam shaping optical elements, which expands the field of view and increases sampling density by using a moveable mirror element and beam shaping optics to direct and focus illumination and return light effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single laser emitter/detector combination with beam path alteration (mirror, prism, or actuation) is used to achieve broader field of view, then the field of view is expanded, but the point cloud density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single laser emitter/detector system into multiple parallel emitter/detector pairs (first and second LIDAR measurement devices). Each pair independently measures distance along different directions, collectively covering a broader field of view without requiring beam path alteration that would dilute point cloud density. The segmentation allows simultaneous measurement across multiple spatial locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-beam system with sequential scanning to a multi-beam parallel measurement system. By adding spatial dimensionality through multiple emitter/detector pairs positioned at different locations, the system achieves both broad field of view and high point cloud density simultaneously, as each pair contributes independent measurement data without temporal or spatial overlap.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single beam LIDAR unit captures entire 3-D array of distance points by actuating up and down/back and forth, then 3-D point cloud is achieved, but the number of pixels generated per unit time is limited due to pulse repetition rate limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement function across multiple parallel LIDAR measurement devices, each capable of independent pulse emission and distance measurement. This parallel architecture eliminates the sequential limitation of single-beam systems, allowing simultaneous acquisition of multiple distance points across the 3-D space, thereby increasing pixels per unit time while maintaining full 3-D imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous parallel measurement action by operating multiple emitter/detector pairs simultaneously. Instead of sequentially scanning through space with a single beam, the system maintains continuous measurement activity across all device pairs, maximizing the utilization of pulse repetition rates and achieving higher productivity in 3-D point cloud generation.
3Speed
If rotating mirrors are rotated at very fast speeds to scan across a plane, then 2-D point cloud is captured rapidly, but the system remains inherently limited to two dimensional measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement capability into multiple fixed emitter/detector pairs, each oriented at different spatial angles. This eliminates the need for mechanical scanning components like rotating mirrors, achieving rapid measurement acquisition through parallel static measurement channels while inherently providing 3-D spatial coverage through the geometric arrangement of multiple devices.
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 configuration enables precise time-of-flight measurements with reduced systematic delays, allowing for high-resolution, rapid 3-D imaging with increased field of view and sampling density, meeting the requirements for applications like autonomous vehicles with minimal latency.
Implementation Method 1
LIDAR systems employ pulses of light to measure distance to an object based on the time of flight (TOF) of each pulse of light
Implementation Method 2
A portion of the light reflects from the object and returns to a detector of the LIDAR system
Implementation Method 3
The light pulses are focused through a lens or lens assembly
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Methods and systems for performing three dimensional LIDAR measurements with multiple illumination beams scanned over a three dimensional environment are described herein. In one aspect, illumination light from each LIDAR measurement channel is emitted to the surrounding environment in a different direction by a beam scanning device. The beam scanning device also directs each amount of return measurement light onto a corresponding photodetector. In some embodiments, a beam scanning device includes a scanning mirror rotated in an oscillatory manner about an axis of rotation by an actuator in accordance with command signals generated by a master controller. In some embodiments, the light source and photodetector associated with each LIDAR measurement channel are moved in two dimensions relative to beam shaping optics employed to collimate light emitted from the light source. The relative motion causes the illumination beams to sweep over a range of the three dimensional environment under measurement.