Shared Path Optical Coupler for Ranging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical ranging systems for applications like autonomous vehicle object detection are large, complex, and difficult to integrate due to their numerous discrete parts, leading to high manufacturing costs and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A shared path pixel architecture is implemented, where the transmitter and receiver paths are integrated, allowing only the target areas corresponding to the active pixels to be illuminated, thereby maintaining high intensity and reducing light wastage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional optical ranging systems use separate transmitter and receiver paths with multiple discrete parts, then the system can achieve basic ranging functionality, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transmitter and receiver optical paths into a single shared path, where a single optical component (such as a beam splitter or circulator) routes light for both transmission and reception. This merging eliminates the need for separate optical paths and reduces the number of discrete parts, directly addressing the contradiction by simplifying device complexity while maintaining functional reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a multi-functional optical component that serves both as a transmitter path and a receiver path. The same optical component that transmits light toward the target also collects reflected light for detection, making the system more integrated and less complex while avoiding the reliability issues associated with multiple discrete components
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional systems illuminate large areas, then coverage is improved, but light intensity per area decreases and light wastage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs active pixels that can be selectively activated to illuminate only specific target areas rather than uniformly illuminating large regions. This local quality approach ensures that light energy is concentrated on relevant areas, improving light efficiency and reducing wastage while maintaining adequate coverage of target zones through selective pixel activation
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional optical ranging systems use many discrete parts, then basic functionality is achieved, but manufacturing cost and integration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete optical components into a single integrated optical path system, reducing the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation directly lowers manufacturing cost by reducing component count and assembly complexity while maintaining the necessary ranging functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses universal optical components that perform multiple functions (transmission and reception) within a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate discrete parts for each function. This multi-functionality approach simplifies manufacturing by reducing the bill of materials and assembly steps while achieving the required system functionality
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 efficiency of the system by ensuring that only the necessary areas are illuminated, reducing light wastage, and improving the overall efficiency of the optical ranging system.
Implementation Method 1
ranging using a shared path optical coupler
Data Source
AI summary
Described are various configurations for transmitting and receiving optical light using a shared path ranging system. The shared path ranging system can include an optical router (e.g., an optical coupler) coupled to a grating to transmit light to a physical object and receive light reflected by the physical object. The shared path ranging system can include rows of routers and gratings in a two-dimensional configuration to transmit and receive light for ranging purposes.