Phase Light Modulator Lidar for Rapid Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Scanning-type LIDAR systems face challenges in rapidly and accurately capturing movement of objects within a field of view, often requiring bulky mechanical systems with high power consumption and frequent maintenance, and are limited by slow scan rates and narrow fields of view.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple light sources with different angular orientations optically coupled to a phase light modulator allows for contemporaneous scanning of multiple fields of view, increasing scan speed and resolution while reducing the need for bulky mechanical systems and frequent maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If mechanical scanning systems (mirrors or gimbal mounts) are used to scan light beams, then the field of view can be covered, but the system becomes bulky, requires high power consumption, frequent maintenance, and cannot scan rapidly enough to capture object movement accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems (mirrors and gimbal mounts) with a phase light modulator that uses optical phase modulation to steer and scan light beams. This eliminates moving mechanical parts, reducing device complexity and maintenance requirements while enabling faster scan rates to accurately capture object movement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using phase modulation of light rather than mechanical movement. The phase light modulator adjusts the phase of light waves to control beam direction, enabling rapid scanning without the physical constraints of mechanical systems
2Area of stationary object
If mechanical scanning systems are used, then the entire field of view can be scanned, but the system is bulky and has large power requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces power-hungry mechanical scanning systems with a phase light modulator that uses electrical signals to control light phase. This significantly reduces power consumption while maintaining full field of view coverage through optical phase steering
3Measurement precision
If mechanical scanning systems are used, then the light beam can be directed across the field of view, but frequent maintenance and calibration are required to maintain accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical components that require maintenance and calibration by using a solid-state phase light modulator. This maintains high position detection accuracy through precise phase control while eliminating the need for frequent maintenance and calibration
Solution Approach 2:
The phase light modulator system is designed to maintain its calibration automatically without requiring external intervention. The solid-state nature of the device prevents drift and degradation issues common in mechanical systems, enabling self-maintaining operation
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 enables faster scanning and higher resolution imaging, overcoming limitations in scan rate and field of view size, allowing for more accurate detection of object movement and position without the need for complex mechanical systems.
Implementation Method 1
the phase light modulator configured to provide a modulated light beam directed towards a field of view responsive to the divergent light beam
Data Source
AI summary
Described examples include an apparatus includes a phase light modulator and a light source optically coupled to the phase light modulator, the light source configured to direct a divergent light beam towards the phase light modulator, the phase light modulator configured to provide a modulated light beam directed towards a field of view responsive to the divergent light beam. The apparatus also includes a light detector optically coupled to the field of view, the light detector configured to detect the modulated light beam as reflected from the field of view.