Multiplexed LiDAR Interferometer Segmentation for Scanning Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LiDAR systems face limitations in simultaneously measuring distance and speed with high precision and flexibility, particularly in terms of scanning speed, area, and pixel density, due to the complexity of light source modulation and receiver efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A multiplexed LiDAR system utilizing time-of-interference (TOI) technology with a coherent light source modulated by a pulsed wavelength control signal, split into multiple interferometers for simultaneous scanning and interference signal processing, allowing for increased scanning speed, area, and pixel density through a hybrid scanner and photodetector array.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a single coherent light source is used for multiple interferometers, then output power requirements are reduced and system flexibility is improved, but the scanning speed and area are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light source output into multiple separate beams using a beam splitter, with each beam directed to a different interferometer. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple measurement channels simultaneously, increasing scanning speed while using a single low-power light source.
Solution Approach 2:
A single coherent light source performs multiple functions by feeding multiple interferometers simultaneously. The light source serves all measurement channels universally, reducing total power requirements while maintaining high scanning speed through parallel interferometric processing.
2Productivity
If multiple laser emitters are used to increase scanning area and speed, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple interferometer channels are merged into a single integrated system that shares common components including the light source, photodetector, and signal processing electronics. This merging achieves high productivity through parallel processing while minimizing device complexity by eliminating redundant components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a single light source and detection system that serve multiple measurement channels simultaneously. Each interferometer processes different spatial or temporal information from the same optical resources, achieving expanded scanning coverage without proportionally increasing system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If traditional time-of-flight or FMCW methods are used, then distance measurement is achieved, but the ability to simultaneously measure speed with high precision is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The interferometric detection method provides feedback through phase detection of the optical path difference, enabling simultaneous extraction of both distance and velocity information from the interference pattern. The phase modulation contains encoded information about both range and radial velocity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures changes in optical path length parameters through interferometric phase detection, which simultaneously encodes both distance and velocity information. By detecting phase variations over time, the system extracts speed measurements while maintaining high precision distance measurement capability.
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
The system achieves high-precision distance and speed measurements with reduced output power requirements, enabling flexible system architecture for simultaneous multi-directional measurements and improved scanning efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
multiplexed interferometry circuits to measure distance and speed
Implementation Method 2
A LiDAR instrument consists of one or more laser emitters, optics, a scanner, a photodetector, and a signal processor
Implementation Method 3
The photodetector receives the coherent light reflected from the object and converts the coherent light to electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
A multiplexed line scanning LiDAR system generates a line scan of an object based on the distance of various point measurements to the object. The multiplexed line scanning LiDAR utilizes at least one set of light source emissions to a fiber optic laser element to form a line scan pattern to determine a distance and velocity of an object.