Optical Antenna Manifold for LIDAR Angle Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The accuracy of a LIDAR system's representation of objects surrounding an autonomous vehicle is heavily dependent on the precise determination of the angle at which the coherent light beam is incident, which existing technologies fail to measure effectively, affecting the system's localization, map generation, and obstacle avoidance capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an optical antenna, first waveguides, a manifold, and pixels, where the coherent light is conveyed through these components to analyze the power distribution across an array of pixels, allowing for the determination of the incident beam's angle by interfering and measuring the phase differences within a manifold structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional angle measurement methods are used in LIDAR systems, then the system structure remains simple, but the measurement precision of the incident beam angle is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a manifold as an intermediary component that receives light from multiple waveguides and facilitates interference between them. This manifold acts as a mediator to convert angular information into intensity distribution patterns that can be measured by pixel arrays, thereby achieving precise angle measurement without direct mechanical angle sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical angle measurement systems with an optical interference-based measurement system. By using waveguides to transport light and a manifold to create interference patterns, the system substitutes mechanical measurement mechanisms with optical field interactions, achieving non-contact and high-precision angle determination
2Manufacturing precision
If the LIDAR system uses precise angle determination, then the point cloud representation accuracy improves, but the system requires more complex optical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the one-dimensional angle measurement problem into a two-dimensional intensity distribution measurement problem. By mapping the incident angle information onto a spatial distribution of light intensities across a pixel array, the system extracts angular information from spatial patterns, effectively using an additional dimension (spatial distribution) to solve the measurement problem
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct angle detection to intensity distribution detection. By measuring the spatial distribution of light intensities in the manifold and correlating this distribution with incident angles, the system achieves precise angle determination through parameter transformation rather than direct measurement
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 accuracy of the LIDAR system's point cloud representation by precisely measuring the angle of incidence, thereby improving the system's ability to perform localization, map generation, and obstacle avoidance tasks.
Implementation Method 1
allowing, within the manifold, one of the first channels of the coherent light to interfere with another of the first channels of the coherent light
Data Source
AI summary
A system can determine an angle of an incident beam of a coherent light. An optical antenna, first waveguides, a manifold, and second waveguides can be fabricated on a first chip. Pixels can be fabricated on a second chip. The first chip and the second chip can be mounted on a printed circuit board. The optical antenna can be configured to receive the incident beam at an angle with respect to a plane defined by the optical antenna. The first waveguides can be configured to convey first channels of the coherent light from the optical antenna. The manifold can be configured to receive the first channels of the coherent light from the first waveguides. The second waveguides can be configured to convey second channels of the coherent light from the manifold. The pixels can be configured to receive the second channels of the coherent light from the second waveguides.