Photodetector Array Layout for Eye-Safe Long-Range LiDAR
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current LIDAR systems face limitations in maximum illumination power due to eye safety regulations, which restrict their ability to reliably detect far-away objects under varying environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR system with a processor-controlled light source and deflector that adjusts illumination based on reflection signals from both visible and supplementary sensors to prevent excessive energy density within a safe exposure limit, enabling detection of objects outside the primary field of view and utilizing a photodetection sensor with multiple performance characteristics to enhance detection capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the illumination power of LIDAR systems is increased to detect far-away objects, then the detection range is improved, but the eye safety is compromised due to excessive energy density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the photodetector array into multiple regions with different performance characteristics. Specifically, it divides the detection area into a first region with first photodetectors having first performance characteristics and a second region with second photodetectors having second performance characteristics. This segmentation allows different parts of the system to handle different detection requirements, enabling extended detection range while maintaining eye safety through region-specific optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different performance characteristics to different regions of the photodetector array. The first photodetectors in the first region have characteristics optimized for certain detection parameters, while the second photodetectors in the second region have characteristics optimized for other parameters. This local differentiation enables the system to achieve extended detection range in specific directions or conditions without uniformly increasing illumination power across the entire field of view, thereby maintaining eye safety.
2Reliability
If a photodetector array with multiple performance characteristics is used, then the detection capability is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple photodetector types with different performance characteristics into a single integrated photodetector array. The first photodetectors and second photodetectors are positioned at different locations within the same detection area and work together as a unified sensor system. This merging approach enhances detection capability by leveraging the complementary strengths of different photodetector characteristics while avoiding the need for separate sensor systems, thus managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The photodetector array is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating photodetectors with different performance characteristics that can handle various detection scenarios. The array can simultaneously perform detections optimized for different conditions using the appropriate photodetector region, making a single sensor system capable of multiple detection functions rather than requiring separate specialized sensors for each condition.
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
Enhances the detection range and reliability of LIDAR systems by ensuring eye safety compliance while improving the ability to detect objects beyond the primary field of view and addressing potential system degradation.
Implementation Method 1
a photodetection sensor having a plurality of performance characteristics may comprise a semiconductor photodiode chip having a detection area and a photodetector array located within the detection area
Data Source
AI summary
A photodetection sensor having a plurality of performance characteristics. The photodetection sensor includes a semiconductor photodiode chip having a detection area, and includes a photodetector array located within detection area. Photodetector array includes a first photodetector having a first performance, and includes a second photodetector having a second performance characteristic different from first performance characteristic. First photodetector configured to generate a first detection signal based on light transmitted toward target objects and reflected from first object of target objects to first photodetector, the first detection signal indicative of a time-of-flight of light transmitted toward target objects and reflected from first object to first photodetector. Second photodetector configured to generate a second detection signal based on light transmitted toward target objects and reflected from second object of target objects to second photodetector, the second detection signal indicative of presence of at least one of target objects undetectable from first detection signal.