Multi-Port Optical Switch LIDAR Scanning System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LIDAR scanning systems face limitations in achieving comprehensive 3D mapping with high resolution and coverage due to mechanical scanning's size, cost, and reliability issues, and phased array solid state scanning's complexity and beam divergence problems.
Innovation Solution
A multi-port optical switch-based LIDAR scanning system that directs laser beams into various directions using an optical switch with multiple output ports, eliminating the need for mechanical parts and simplifying control, allowing for efficient 3D scanning with a small footprint and low power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If mechanical scanning is used to achieve comprehensive 3D mapping coverage, then the field of view and coverage area are improved, but the system size, cost, and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with an optical switching system. Instead of using moving mechanical parts to redirect laser beams, the invention uses an optical switch with multiple output ports to electronically direct laser light in different directions. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical components while achieving comprehensive 3D mapping coverage through multiple fixed output ports oriented in different directions.
2Device complexity
If phased array solid state scanning is used to reduce mechanical complexity, then device simplicity is improved, but beam divergence and control complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scanning function into multiple discrete output ports of the optical switch, each oriented in a specific direction. Rather than using a continuous phased array that requires precise beam steering control, the system segments the field of view into multiple fixed directions, with each output port handling a specific angular sector. This segmentation approach simplifies control while maintaining directional precision.
3Measurement precision
If mechanical scanning components are used to achieve high resolution scanning, then scanning resolution is improved, but system reliability and cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning components with an optical switching system that uses electro-optic or photonic mechanisms to direct laser beams. The optical switch with multiple output ports provides reliable beam direction control without moving parts, thereby maintaining high scanning resolution while improving system reliability and reducing costs associated with mechanical components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lasers with different light types are used to enhance detection capability, then detection versatility is improved, but system complexity and cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal optical switching system that can handle multiple types of laser light (infrared, visible wavelengths) through a single optical switch infrastructure. The optical switch is designed to be wavelength-agnostic or broadly responsive, allowing one switching system to control multiple laser sources with different light types, thereby achieving detection versatility without proportionally increasing system 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
The system provides reliable, cost-effective, and scalable 3D scanning with high resolution and comprehensive coverage, overcoming the limitations of mechanical and phased array scanning systems by using mature optical switching technology.
Implementation Method 1
By measuring the time-of-flight (TOF) between the emission of the laser light and detection of the reflected laser light, a distance between the LIDAR unit and the object which reflected the laser light may be calculated
Implementation Method 2
An optical switch is optically coupled to the laser to receive laser light via an input port. The optical switch includes a plurality of output ports for transmitting received laser light to an environment to be scanned
Implementation Method 3
A detector subsystem is positioned to receive reflected laser light. A processor is coupled to the detector subsystem. The processor is configured to receive data signals from the detector subsystem corresponding to the received laser light
Data Source
AI summary
A LIDAR scanning system. The LIDAR system comprises a laser configured to transmit laser light. An optical switch is optically coupled to the laser to receive laser light via an input port. The optical switch includes a plurality of output ports for transmitting received laser light to an environment to be scanned. Each of the plurality of output ports is oriented in a different direction. A detector subsystem is positioned to receive reflected laser light. A processor is coupled to the detector subsystem. The processor is configured to receive data signals from the detector subsystem. The processor is also configured to determine a distance from the LIDAR scanning system to one or more objects in an environment of the LIDAR scanning system based on a time between a transmission of beams of laser light and a reception of a reflection of the beams of laser light.