Pixel-Based Phase Modulated Continuous Wave LiDAR Resolution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current LiDAR systems face inefficiencies and inaccuracies in object detection due to interference and complex processing, particularly with solid-state OPA systems, and are limited by the speed of beam direction changes and environmental dependencies, such as the need for a clean environment in mechanical systems.

Innovation Solution

A controller is connected to a light beam emitter to provide coherent light detection and ranging using pixel-based phase modulated continuous wave (PMCW) light emission, allowing for improved resolution and accuracy while balancing accuracy and latency through optimal light beam emission resolution and proactive power and reliability strategies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical LiDAR systems are used to achieve object detection, then detection capability is provided, but the system requires a clean environment and has limited adaptability to different environmental conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidenvironmental adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical moving parts with solid-state optical phase array elements that can electronically steer light beams without mechanical movement. This substitution eliminates the need for clean environments and mechanical maintenance while maintaining detection capability, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and environmental adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Speed

If solid-state OPA systems are used to improve detection speed, then beam direction changes are faster, but interference and complex processing reduce accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam direction change speedVSAvoiddetection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potentially harmful interference effects into beneficial signal processing opportunities by using coherent detection and phase modulation. The interference patterns created by multiple optical paths are deliberately used to extract distance and velocity information through phase analysis, transforming what would be noise into useful measurement data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses coherent detection to provide feedback about the phase and amplitude of returned light signals. This feedback enables real-time adjustment and processing of the optical signals, allowing the system to maintain high detection accuracy despite the complex interference patterns generated by fast beam switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If pixel-based PMCW emission is used to enhance resolution and accuracy, then detection precision is improved, but power consumption and processing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection resolution and accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic phase modulation of the continuous wave light emission across different pixel elements. By modulating the phase of light from different pixels in a periodic sequence and using coherent detection to extract the modulated signal information, the system achieves high-resolution detection while efficiently managing power consumption through time-multiplexed operation rather than simultaneous full-power emission from all pixels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 enhances the reliability, accuracy, and efficiency of object detection and ranging by reducing interference and environmental limitations, enabling precise identification of targets at larger distances with reduced latency and power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

pixel-based phase modulated continuous wave (PMCW) light emission

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase modulation: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 2

coherent light detection and ranging

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCoherent light detection: Coherent Light

Data Source

PatentUS20230003883A1Lidar with pixel-based phase modulated continuous wave

Publication Date: 2023.01.05 LUMINAR TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A light detection and ranging system can have a controller connected to a light beam emitter. To provide enhanced resolution compared to frequency modulated continuous wave light detection and ranging systems, the controller may be configured to provide coherent light detection and ranging by utilizing pixel-based phase modulated continuous wave light emission from the emitter.