Multi-Wavelength LiDAR Beam Layout for High-Resolution Wide FOV
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR systems face challenges in achieving high angular resolution, wide field-of-view, and high refresh rate while maintaining a compact size, and are susceptible to interference and mechanical complexity due to the use of single-wavelength and rotating designs.
Innovation Solution
A multi-wavelength LIDAR system utilizing multiple emitters with distinct wavelengths, including VCSEL arrays, to enhance angular resolution, field-of-view, and refresh rate, while minimizing mechanical complexity and interference resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single-wavelength LIDAR system uses rotating mechanical components to achieve wide field-of-view and high angular resolution, then the field-of-view and angular resolution are improved, but the mechanical complexity increases and the refresh rate is limited by mechanical rotation speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rotating mechanical components with a fixed multi-emitter laser array that simultaneously projects multiple beam patterns. Each emitter projects a specific angular sector, eliminating mechanical rotation while achieving wide field-of-view (up to 360 degrees) and high angular resolution through optical design alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the field-of-view into multiple angular sectors, with each sector assigned to a specific laser emitter. This segmentation allows simultaneous coverage of the entire field-of-view without mechanical movement, as each emitter independently projects its designated sector.
2Measurement precision
If a single-wavelength LIDAR system increases the number of emitters to improve angular resolution and field-of-view, then the measurement precision is improved, but the susceptibility to interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter by using multiple laser emitters operating at different wavelengths (e.g., 850nm, 905nm, 1550nm). This allows the system to maintain high angular resolution through multi-emitter architecture while reducing interference susceptibility because each wavelength is less prone to cross-talk and external interference than a single wavelength.
3Productivity
If a single-wavelength LIDAR system uses multiple emitters to improve refresh rate, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity and interference susceptibility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous operation at high refresh rates by having multiple emitters simultaneously project unblocked laser beams across different angular sectors. This parallel operation eliminates the sequential scanning limitation of single-emitter systems, achieving high productivity without requiring complex mechanical moving parts.
4Productivity
If a multi-emitter LIDAR system projects overlapping beam patterns to improve refresh rate and angular resolution, then the productivity and measurement precision are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs each laser emitter to perform multiple functions: projecting unblocked beams for high-speed detection, creating overlapping patterns for enhanced angular resolution, and operating at different wavelengths for interference reduction. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high productivity and precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 improved angular resolution, wider field-of-view, and higher refresh rates, reducing mechanical complexity and enhancing security against interference, with compact module sizes suitable for automotive applications.
Implementation Method 1
A multi-wavelength LIDAR system utilizing multiple emitters with distinct wavelengths, including VCSEL arrays
Implementation Method 2
including VCSEL arrays
Implementation Method 3
light detection and ranging (LIDAR) systems are one of the most critical enabling realtime measurements of object distances
Implementation Method 4
measuring a scene's 3D geometry by projecting overlapping light patterns of different wavelengths and/or polarity
Implementation Method 5
measuring a scene's 3D geometry by projecting overlapping light patterns of different wavelengths and/or polarity
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-wavelength LIDAR system 100 includes a first laser source that generates a first optical beam having a first wavelength and a second laser source that generates a second optical beam having a second wavelength. An optical element projects the first optical beam to form a first beam profile at a target plane and projects the second optical beam to form a second beam profile at the target plane. An optical receiver generates a first wavelength signal corresponding to the received reflected portion of the first beam profile and generates a second wavelength signal corresponding to the reflected portion of the second beam profile at the target plane. A controller generates a measurement point cloud from the first and second wavelength signals, wherein an angular resolution of the measurement point cloud depends on a relative position of the first and second beam profiles at the target plane.