Planar-Beam LiDAR With Detector Array for Lower Beam Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LIDAR systems for autonomous vehicles require numerous fixed beams to ensure safety at high speeds, leading to increased power consumption, processing demands, and costs, while also being cumbersome and complex.
Innovation Solution
A planar-beam LIDAR system that uses a single laser scanner emitting a two-dimensional beam plane and a detector array to reduce the number of beams needed, utilizing a fiber laser and adjustable photodetectors to maintain data quality with lower pulse rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional laser scanning systems are used, then 3D mapping capability is achieved, but the system size, weight, and power consumption are excessive for handheld applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the laser beam into multiple parallel beams using a beam splitter array, separating the single-beam scanning system into multiple simultaneous measurement channels. This segmentation allows parallel acquisition of depth information across multiple spatial locations, maintaining measurement precision while reducing the need for large scanning optics and rotating mirrors that contribute to system weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from sequential single-point measurement in one dimension to parallel multi-point measurement by introducing a spatial dimension through the beam splitter array. The planar beam configuration creates a two-dimensional array of measurement points, enabling area scanning without the mechanical complexity of traditional rotating mirrors, thus reducing system weight and size.
2Productivity
If traditional FMCW LiDAR with single beam is used, then depth measurement is achieved, but scanning speed and coverage area are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple depth measurement channels into a single detection system by using a beam combiner that recombines the reflected beams from multiple spatial locations back to a single photodetector. This allows parallel processing of multiple measurement points while using a single, simpler detection component, increasing scanning speed without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic modulation of the laser frequency to encode depth information in the temporal domain. By modulating the laser frequency at a known rate and measuring the phase shift of the reflected signal, the system achieves rapid depth measurement without mechanical scanning, thereby increasing scanning speed while keeping the system relatively simple.
3Ease of operation
If handheld operation is implemented, then portability is improved, but stability and measurement consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning components (rotating mirrors, moving parts) with a static planar beam configuration generated by a fixed beam splitter array. This eliminates mechanical instability and vibration issues that plague handheld operation, allowing the system to be held and operated by hand while maintaining measurement consistency through the robust, vibration-free optical path.
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 planar-beam LIDAR system reduces the complexity and cost of LIDAR systems, maintaining data quality while decreasing power and processing requirements, enabling safer and more efficient autonomous vehicle operation at high speeds.
Implementation Method 1
a beam splitter array in a light detection and ranging (lidar) system. The array may include multiple beam splitters arranged in a grid pattern, with each beam splitter receiving a portion of an incoming laser beam and directing it along a different path
Implementation Method 2
The FMCW process involves modulating the frequency of the laser beam over time and measuring the frequency shift of the reflected beam to determine the depth of the target
Data Source
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AI summary
A planar-beam, light detection and ranging (PLADAR) system can include a laser scanner that emits a planar-beam, and a detector array that detects reflected light from the planar beam.