Optical Phased Array Sub-Arrays for LIDAR False Positive Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LIDAR systems face challenges in accurately distinguishing real objects from false positive targets, leading to incorrect point cloud representations in three-dimensional imaging, due to the inability to effectively manage the directionality and phase control of electromagnetic waves.
Innovation Solution
The use of an optical phased array with multiple sub-arrays and a detector system that coherently receives light, allowing for the determination of object angles through phase differences and the generation of complex spectra to verify actual objects, thereby reducing false positives by employing asymmetric central positions and signal processing techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a phased array is used to achieve directionality and beamforming, then the ability to detect objects at specific angles is improved, but the ability to distinguish real objects from false positive targets deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical phased array is divided into multiple sub-arrays with different central positions. Each sub-array processes light independently, creating multiple complex spectra that can be compared to distinguish real objects from false positives. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high angular detection precision while improving reliability through cross-validation of multiple sub-array measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation unit receives complex spectra from multiple sub-arrays and uses feedback mechanisms to verify detected objects. By comparing the spectra from different sub-arrays and checking for consistency in the detected angles, the system can identify and reject false positive targets while maintaining accurate detection of real objects.
2Reliability
If multiple optical phased sub-arrays are used to improve detection reliability, then the ability to reduce false positives is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical phased sub-arrays are combined within a single integrated device structure. The sub-arrays share common components such as the detector array and signal processing electronics, allowing the system to achieve high reliability through multiple measurement channels while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity through resource sharing and integration.
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 significantly reduces false positive targets by accurately identifying real objects through enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and phase analysis, providing reliable detection and visualization in three-dimensional imaging.
Implementation Method 1
Beamforming in the far field is carried out in phased arrays by a constructive and destructive superposition of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the individual emitters
Implementation Method 2
a detector for coherently receiving light
Implementation Method 3
a detector for coherently receiving light
Data Source
AI summary
A device for receiving light having at least one wavelength for the detection of an object, includes: an optical phased array including a plurality of optical phased sub-arrays, each optical phased sub-array including (a) a plurality of antennas and (b) a detector for coherently receiving light; and an evaluation unit connected to the optical phased sub-arrays and configured to determine the angle at which the object is detected.