In-Vehicle Optical Detection With Parallel Waveguide Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LiDAR systems face challenges in densely outputting laser beams from multiple output terminals due to the need for sequential switching of demultiplexing elements, which limits their ability to efficiently scan and detect objects in a vehicle's environment.
Innovation Solution
The proposed in-vehicle detection apparatus includes a first scanning unit and a second scanning unit that scan and irradiate optical signals in intersecting directions. Each unit incorporates a first optical branching unit, a waveguide crossing unit, and a second optical branching unit to selectively switch and cross optical signals, enabling dense output of laser beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional demultiplexing elements are stacked with sequential switching, then the system structure is simple, but the laser beams cannot be densely output from multiple output terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path switching function is segmented into multiple independent optical branching units, each handling a subset of laser beams. This allows parallel processing of multiple beams simultaneously, enabling dense output from multiple terminals without requiring sequential switching of a single demultiplexing element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional sequential switching to multi-dimensional parallel processing by introducing multiple optical branching units that operate simultaneously. This dimensional expansion allows multiple laser beams to be output in parallel across different spatial channels, achieving dense beam output.
2Productivity
If sequential switching is used for demultiplexing, then the device structure is simpler, but the scanning efficiency and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical branching units operate simultaneously and continuously, eliminating the idle time inherent in sequential switching. This parallel operation ensures continuous useful action across all output terminals, significantly improving scanning speed and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical paths are pre-configured in multiple branching units before operation begins. This preliminary arrangement of optical paths allows immediate parallel processing without the need for sequential reconfiguration during operation, enhancing scanning efficiency.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple demultiplexing elements are stacked for dense beam output, then the beam density increases, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical branching units are merged into an integrated optical system with shared components and coordinated control. This merging approach achieves dense beam output from multiple terminals while minimizing the overall device volume through component sharing and spatial optimization.
4Device complexity
If sequential switching is used, then the processing load is higher, but the system is easier to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces sequential mechanical switching with parallel optical path routing through multiple branching units. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming sequential operation while distributing control across multiple independent units, reducing overall processing time despite increased control 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
This configuration allows for efficient scanning and detection of objects by densely outputting laser beams, reducing processing load, and maintaining accuracy in recognizing objects and their positions, while also enabling size reduction and long-distance measurement capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide crossing unit configured to cross at least some optical signals among the optical signals output from the first optical branching unit
Data Source
AI summary
An in-vehicle detection apparatus includes a first scanning unit scanning and irradiating optical signals in a first direction and a second scanning unit scanning and irradiating optical signals in a second direction intersecting the first direction. At least one of the first and second scanning units includes: a first optical branching unit configured to selectively switch a destination to which each of the optical signals from a plurality of light sources is output to one of output destinations of a plurality of channels, a crossing unit configured to cross at least some optical signals among the optical signals output from the first optical branching unit, and a second optical branching unit configured to receive the optical signals output from the crossing unit, and selectively switch a destination to which each of the optical signals is output to one of output destinations of a plurality of channels.