Planar Light Array Test Bench for Multi-Directional Lidar Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current target simulators for light-based environmental sensor systems, particularly lidar systems, are inadequate for simulating multiple reflections from a wide range of spatial directions, which is essential for testing complex scenarios like autonomous vehicle navigation, as they often lack the capability to produce multiple simulated reflections simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A test bench with a planar arrangement of independently controllable lighting elements and a converging lens that focuses light beams onto a single point, allowing for the simulation of multiple targets in different spatial directions using approximately collimated light beams, which can be dynamically controlled to mimic reflections from virtual objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional target simulators with rotating rings and antennas are used, then radar echoes from different directions can be simulated, but the system becomes mechanically complex with moving parts requiring maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotating ring system with a static planar light signal device comprising an array of independently controllable light sources. Each light source can be individually activated to emit light in specific directions, eliminating the need for mechanical rotation while achieving the same functional outcome of simulating signals from multiple directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The light signal device is segmented into multiple independently controllable light sources arranged in a planar array. Each light source can be controlled separately to emit light toward the photodetector, enabling directional control without mechanical movement. This segmentation allows the system to simulate multiple targets simultaneously from different spatial directions.
2Device complexity
If simple laser diodes are used for lidar simulation, then the setup is simple, but the system cannot simulate multiple reflections from a large spectrum of spatial directions simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a planar array of multiple independently controllable light sources instead of a single laser diode. Each light source can be individually activated and directed at different angles, enabling the simulation of multiple reflections from various spatial directions while maintaining a relatively simple static setup without mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point light source to a two-dimensional planar array of light sources. This dimensional expansion allows the system to achieve angular diversity in simulated reflections without requiring mechanical movement, as different positions in the planar array can emit light at different angles to the photodetector.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are used to simulate multiple targets, then multi-target capability is achieved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The planar array of light sources serves multiple functions simultaneously: each light source can independently simulate a different target, the entire array can simulate multiple targets at once, and the system can adapt to simulate targets at various angular positions. This multi-functionality achieves multi-target capability without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing mechanical rotation systems with a static planar light array, the patent reduces mechanical complexity while achieving multi-target simulation capability. The electronic control of individual light sources provides the necessary versatility without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms.
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
Enables the simulation of multiple targets in various spatial directions, enhancing the testing of light-based environmental sensor systems without the need for moving parts or high maintenance, while being cost-effective and capable of simulating complex patterns and objects, thereby improving the reliability of lidar systems in safety-critical applications.
Implementation Method 1
a converging lens, which is designed and positioned to focus light beams emitted by the light signal device at an accumulation point
Implementation Method 2
a light signal device, which comprises a planar arrangement of lighting elements that are able to be activated and deactivated independently of each other and which is designed to emit, in an at least approximately collimated, i.e., parallel-aligned, light beam, light emitted by any lighting element
Data Source
AI summary
A test bench for stimulating a photodetector, with a light signal device, which includes a planar arrangement of lighting elements that are able to be activated and deactivated independently of each other and which is designed to emit light emitted by any lighting element in an at least approximately collimated light beam, with a converging lens, which is designed and positioned to focus light beams emitted by the light signal device at an accumulation point, and with a retaining device for a photodetector arranged at the accumulation point, by means of which retaining device a photodetector can be placed at the accumulation point in such a way that a first light beam produced by any first light source and a second light beam produced by any second light source hit the photodetector at different spatial angles with respect to an optical axis of the test bench.