Scanning Lidar Synchronous Laser Photodetector Cost Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current three-dimensional sensors, particularly lidar systems, are expensive and lack sufficient angular resolution for high-speed autonomous vehicles, necessitating an inexpensive lidar system with high angular resolution in both horizontal and vertical directions.
Innovation Solution
A scanning lidar system utilizing multiple laser sources and photodetectors configured to be scanned synchronously, with a processor determining the time of flight of laser pulses to construct three-dimensional images, and employing flexible scanning mechanisms for cost-effective and high-resolution imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current commercially available three-dimensional sensors based on lidars are used, then three-dimensional sensing capability is provided, but the cost is very expensive compared to the average selling price of a consumer automobile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing function into multiple independent laser sources and photodetectors that can be scanned synchronously. Each component is simpler and more inexpensive, but together they provide comprehensive three-dimensional sensing coverage, resolving the contradiction between capability and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic scanning mechanisms that move laser sources and photodetectors through multiple positions to achieve full three-dimensional coverage. This dynamic approach allows fewer, cheaper components to replace expensive static arrays, reducing overall system cost while maintaining sensing reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If millimeter wave radar is used for obstacle detection, then low cost and high reliability are achieved, but the angular resolution is insufficient to guide autonomous vehicles at high speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical radar scanning with optical laser-based time-of-flight measurement. The laser system achieves superior angular resolution through precise optical beam control and time-of-flight detection, while maintaining cost-effectiveness through the use of multiple simple, scanable components rather than complex mechanical radar systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from radar wave reflection to laser time-of-flight detection. This parameter change enables much finer angular resolution through precise timing measurements and optical beam direction control, while keeping the system affordable through modular, scanable laser sources and photodetectors.
3Measurement precision
If high angular resolution is achieved in both horizontal and vertical directions, then spatial resolution of 0.7m at 200m range is obtained, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the high-resolution sensing task across multiple laser sources and photodetectors that scan synchronously. Each component operates at a simpler level, but their coordinated scanning across multiple positions achieves the required 0.7m spatial resolution without requiring a single complex high-resolution sensor array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic scanning to achieve high spatial resolution with simpler components. By moving laser sources and photodetectors through multiple positions in a coordinated manner, the system synthesizes high-resolution three-dimensional data from multiple lower-resolution measurements, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
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 provides a cost-effective solution with high angular resolution, enabling accurate three-dimensional imaging suitable for autonomous vehicles and drones, enhancing obstacle detection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The laser source is configured to emit a plurality of laser pulses
Implementation Method 2
A portion of each of the plurality of laser pulses is reflected off of the object
Implementation Method 3
An emission lens is configured to collimate and direct the plurality of laser pulses towards the object
Implementation Method 4
A receiving lens is configured to receive and focus the portion of each of the plurality of laser pulses reflected off of the object
Implementation Method 5
The photodetector is configured to receive and detect the portion of each of the plurality of laser pulses reflected off of the object
Implementation Method 6
The processor is configured to determine a time of flight for each of the plurality of laser pulses from emission to detection
Data Source
AI summary
A lidar system includes a laser source, a photodetector, an emission lens, a receiving lens, and a processor. The laser source is configured to be translated through a plurality of emission locations, and to emit a plurality of laser pulses therefrom. The emission lens is configured to collimate and direct the plurality of laser pulses towards an object. The receiving lens is configured to focus the portion of each of the plurality of laser pulses reflected off of the object to a plurality of detection locations. The photodetector is configured to be translated through the plurality of detection locations, and to detect the portion of each of the plurality of laser pulses. The processor is configured to determine a time of flight for each of the plurality of laser pulses from emission to detection, and construct a three-dimensional image of the object based on the determined time of flight.