Multiple Pixel Scanning LIDAR With Segmented Emitters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LIDAR systems face limitations in achieving a broad field of view and high point cloud density due to the inherent limitations of single laser emitters, which restrict their ability to capture a 3-D array of distance points in real-time, especially in applications requiring rapid imaging updates.
Innovation Solution
A 3-D LIDAR system employing an array of multiple laser emitters and detectors with a beam scanning device, where the illumination light is directed by beam shaping optical elements and a scanning mirror to expand the field of view and increase sampling density, allowing for simultaneous illumination of different locations in the environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single laser emitter/detector combination with rotating mirror is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the field of view and point cloud density are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single laser emitter/detector system into multiple parallel channels, each with its own emitter and detector. This segmentation allows simultaneous measurement across multiple directions, expanding the field of view while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane 2-D measurement approach to a multi-plane 3-D measurement system by adding vertical stacking of emitter/detector pairs. This dimensional expansion enables capture of depth information in the vertical dimension, creating dense 3-D point clouds
2Area of stationary object
If beam path alteration methods (mirror, prism, actuation) are used to expand field of view, then the coverage area increases, but the point cloud density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using beam path alteration methods that spread a single beam, the patent segments the system into multiple emitter/detector pairs, each independently illuminating and measuring a specific sector. This maintains high point cloud density in each sector while achieving broad overall coverage through parallel operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous simultaneous measurement across all channels, eliminating the sequential scanning required by single-beam systems. Multiple emitters fire in parallel, maintaining continuous illumination and measurement across the entire field of view, thereby preserving high point cloud density throughout
3Device complexity
If a single beam LIDAR unit captures 3-D distance points, then the device complexity is reduced, but the imaging speed and real-time capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging task across multiple parallel channels, each capturing distance points simultaneously. This parallelization dramatically increases the rate at which 3-D point clouds are generated, enabling real-time imaging applications while keeping each individual channel relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
By stacking emitter/detector pairs in vertical layers, the patent adds a vertical dimension to the measurement architecture. This enables simultaneous capture of multiple depth planes, transforming the system from sequential single-plane scanning to parallel multi-plane imaging, thereby achieving real-time 3-D capture
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 enhances the field of view and sampling density, enabling the system to capture a 3-D array of distance points in real-time, meeting the requirements of applications like autonomous vehicles for broad coverage and rapid imaging updates.
Implementation Method 1
the illumination light is directed by beam shaping optical elements and a scanning mirror to expand the field of view
Implementation Method 2
the return measurement light is directed and focused onto a photodetector by the beam scanning device
Implementation Method 3
LIDAR systems employ pulses of light to measure distance to an object based on the time of flight (TOF) of each pulse of light
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for performing three-dimensional (3-D) LIDAR measurements with multiple illumination beams scanned over a 3-D 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 3-D environment under measurement.