Optical Signal Switching Device for Dense LiDAR Beam Output
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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 demultiplexing elements, which results in inefficiencies in irradiating several hundred or more irradiation points per axis.
Innovation Solution
An optical signal switching device is introduced, comprising an optical branching unit, a crossing unit, and output terminals. The optical branching unit receives signals from multiple light sources and selectively switches output destinations, while the crossing unit crosses some optical signals, enabling dense output of optical signals from multiple channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If demultiplexing elements are stacked to output laser beams from multiple output terminals, then the number of output terminals is increased, but the density of laser beam output is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a crossing unit that operates in a different dimensional space (optical path crossing) to rearrange and densify the output of laser beams. By crossing optical signals at specific locations in the optical path, the system achieves dense spatial output from multiple channels without simply stacking demultiplexing elements, thus resolving the contradiction between quantity of output terminals and density of beam output.
2Quantity of substance
If several hundred or more output terminals are switched one by one, then the number of irradiation points is increased, but the switching efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables multiple optical signals to be switched and output simultaneously through the crossing unit configuration, rather than switching output terminals one by one. This continuous parallel operation maintains the useful action of laser beam output throughout the switching process, significantly improving switching efficiency while maintaining the capability to irradiate several hundred or more points.
3Device complexity
If conventional demultiplexing elements are used, then the system structure is simplified, but the density of optical signal output is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a crossing unit as an intermediary component between the optical branching unit and the output terminals. This intermediary element performs the critical function of crossing optical signals to achieve dense output, adding necessary complexity only where needed to resolve the density issue while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical signal switching device includes: an optical branching unit configured to receive optical signals from a plurality of light sources, respectively, and selectively switch a destination to which each of the optical signals 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 optical branching unit, and output terminals for each of a plurality of channels, each configured to output the optical signals output from the crossing unit.