Photonic Crystal Laser Array 3D Sensing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D sensing systems, such as radar devices using LiDAR, face challenges with size, weight, accuracy, reliability, and adaptability due to mechanical moving parts, and are unsuitable for long-distance sensing in automatic driving applications.
Innovation Solution
A 3D sensing system utilizing a photonic crystal laser array with a control unit, driving unit, light receiving unit, signal processing unit, and distance calculation unit, enabling flexible beam control and multiple sensing modes without mechanical components, including LiDAR, Flash LiDAR, and structured light projection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional LiDAR with mechanical beam scanning is used, then distance and shape detection capability is achieved, but device size and weight increase due to mechanical moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical beam scanning mechanisms with a photonic crystal laser array that electronically controls beam emission directions. Each laser element in the array can emit beams in specific directions determined by its position and the photonic crystal structure, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts while maintaining distance and shape detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the laser light source into multiple discrete photonic crystal laser elements arranged in an array. Each element independently emits laser beams in specific directions, allowing the system to scan multiple directions simultaneously without mechanical movement. This segmentation enables parallel beam emission across different angles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical beam scanning mechanisms are used, then sensing coverage is achieved, but device complexity and mounting requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The photonic crystal laser array serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the light source and the beam scanning mechanism. By controlling which laser elements are activated, the system can adapt to different sensing regions and modes (such as long-distance sensing for automatic driving or short-distance sensing for other applications) without requiring additional mechanical components or complex switching mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If beam scanning with laser light source is used, then distance measurement capability is achieved, but time density distribution becomes uneven with reduced accuracy in center regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam emission process into multiple independent laser elements that can be activated simultaneously. Instead of sequentially scanning through angles with a single beam, multiple elements emit beams in different directions at the same time, creating uniform time density across all measurement regions including the center portion, thereby improving overall measurement accuracy.
4Device complexity
If Flash LiDAR method is used, then simplified system configuration is achieved, but long-distance sensing capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines elements of both scanned LiDAR and Flash LiDAR by enabling dynamic selection of sensing modes. The photonic crystal laser array can operate in a mode where all elements emit simultaneously (similar to Flash LiDAR) for simplified configuration, or selectively activate specific elements for enhanced long-distance sensing capability, providing adaptability between different operational requirements.
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 achieves higher accuracy, output, miniaturization, and robustness, with enhanced adaptability to sensing regions and objects, supporting multiple sensing modes and capable of long-distance sensing without mechanical scanning mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a photonic crystal laser array in which a photonic crystal laser element is arranged on a plane
Implementation Method 2
a laser light source; a driving unit configured to execute a drive control of the photonic crystal laser array
Implementation Method 3
a light receiving unit configured to receive reflected light that is laser light emitted from the photonic crystal laser array reflected from a measuring object
Implementation Method 4
a distance calculation unit configured to execute calculation processing of a distance to the measuring object with respect to a signal processed by the signal processing unit
Data Source
AI summary
The 3D sensing system includes: a PC laser array in which PC laser elements are arranged on a plane; a control unit configured to control an operation mode of a laser light source; a driving unit configured to execute a drive control of the PC laser array in accordance with an operation mode controlled by the control unit; a light receiving unit configured to receive reflected light that is laser light emitted from the PC laser array and reflected from a measuring object; a signal processing unit configured to execute signal processing of the reflected light received by the light receiving unit in accordance with the operation mode; and a distance calculation unit configure to execute calculation processing of a distance to the measuring object with respect to a signal processed by the signal processing unit, in accordance with the operation mode, and to output distance data.