Offset Lens Lidar Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LIDAR systems face limitations in achieving high imaging resolution and range while maintaining a broad field of view, often requiring mechanical actuation or complex beam steering, which increases system size and cost, and struggles to provide real-time image updates in applications like autonomous vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of LIDAR devices with linear focal planes and micro-optic beam steering, where the laser source, lens, and T/R interface are positioned with specific offsets to steer the transmit beam, allowing for a compact, efficient design that reduces alignment time and cost, and enables a flat focal plane arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical actuation or complex beam steering is used to achieve broad field of view, then field of view coverage is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical actuation systems (rotating mirrors, gimbals) with an optical beam steering system using a lens positioned at a specific offset from the laser emitter. This offset positioning creates angular deviation of the beam without requiring any moving mechanical parts, thereby achieving broad field of view coverage while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary lens positioned between the laser emitter and the target object. This lens acts as a mediator that steers the beam by refracting light at specific angles determined by its offset position, enabling field of view expansion without direct mechanical movement of the emitter or detector.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical actuation or complex beam steering is used to achieve broad field of view, then field of view coverage is improved, but system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing bulky mechanical actuation systems with a compact offset lens configuration, the patent achieves the same field of view coverage with significantly reduced system volume. The lens-based beam steering requires minimal space compared to rotating mirrors or gimbal mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If single laser emitter/detector with beam path alteration is used, then field of view is expanded, but point cloud density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the optical system by positioning the lens at a specific offset distance from the laser emitter. This parameter adjustment allows the same single emitter/detector to achieve both broad field of view coverage and maintain adequate point cloud density by optimizing the beam steering angle and coverage area distribution.
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 enhances the resolution and coverage of LIDAR systems while minimizing size and cost, allowing for more efficient beam steering and real-time imaging capabilities, particularly beneficial for applications requiring broad fields of view and rapid image updates.
Implementation Method 1
The light beams may be focused through a lens or lens assembly
Implementation Method 2
a transmit/receive (T/R) interface configured to pass the transmit beam and reflect received light towards a detector
Implementation Method 3
In some examples, the beams of light are generated by a laser emitter
Implementation Method 4
the range to the object is estimated based on the time elapsed between emission of the beam of light and detection of the returned beam of light
Data Source
AI summary
A light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device including a laser source configured to provide a transmit beam, the laser source being positioned with a first offset relative to a reference line, a transmit/receive (T/R) interface configured to pass the transmit beam and reflect received light towards a detector, the T/R interface being positioned with a second offset relative to the reference line, and a lens positioned between the laser source and the T/R interface, the lens being positioned with a third offset relative to the reference line, wherein the laser source and the lens, as positioned, are configured to steer the transmit beam.