Non-uniform Lidar Emitter Spacing for Far Field Beam Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lidar devices with uniformly spaced emitters suffer from discrepancies in beam coverage, particularly in the far field, leading to inconsistent detection and tracking of objects over varying distances.
Innovation Solution
The use of non-uniform or irregular physical spacing of emitters and receivers, combined with beam steering optical elements, to achieve a more uniform beam distribution in the far field, thereby improving object detection, tracking, and classification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If uniformly spaced emitters are used in conventional lidar devices, then the device structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but beam coverage becomes non-uniform in the far field leading to detection inconsistencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by transitioning from uniform emitter spacing to non-uniform spacing patterns. Specifically, emitters are arranged with varying distances between adjacent elements, creating asymmetric patterns that produce more uniform beam coverage in the far field. This asymmetric configuration compensates for the natural spreading and overlapping of beams, ensuring consistent detection coverage across different ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by optimizing the spacing of individual emitters based on their specific positions and the desired beam coverage characteristics. Each emitter's spacing is locally adjusted to achieve optimal beam distribution in specific angular and range sectors, rather than applying a single uniform spacing pattern across all emitters.
2Reliability
If more emitters are added to address beam coverage discrepancies, then beam coverage uniformity improves, but device expense and computational processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the spacing parameter between emitters from a uniform value to a non-uniform set of values. This parameter optimization allows the existing number of emitters to produce superior beam coverage uniformity without adding more emitter elements, thereby avoiding increased device cost and processing requirements.
3Reliability
If non-uniform emitter spacing is implemented, then beam coverage uniformity in the far field improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and pre-determining the optimal non-uniform spacing patterns during the design phase. The emitter positions are predetermined based on simulated beam coverage requirements, allowing manufacturers to follow precise positioning specifications rather than attempting to achieve uniformity through trial and error or post-manufacturing adjustments.
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 results in more consistent and uniform beam coverage over extended ranges, reducing occlusions and improving the accuracy of object detection and classification without increasing device expenses.
Implementation Method 1
A lidar sensor is a light detection and ranging sensor. A lidar optical remote sensing module can measure the distance to a target (e.g., a landscape in front of the module) by irradiating the target with light pulses from a laser.
Implementation Method 2
Time of flight is the time that it takes photons to travel to the target and return after reflection. A receiver in the lidar module processes the reflected photons.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus has a collection of emitters on an emitter substrate with irregular distances between the collection of emitters to produce optical beams in a far field with a more even distribution than conventional optical beams in the far field produced by a conventional collection of emitters with regular distances between the conventional collection of emitters. A collection of receivers on a receiver substrate has irregular distances between the collection of receivers. A system substrate hosts the emitter substrate and the receiver substrate.