Shared Telecentric LIDAR Optics for Reliable Distance Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lidar devices face challenges in efficiently and robustly detecting distances to objects in a surrounding environment due to limitations in detector subsystems and optical designs, which affect the accuracy and reliability of three-dimensional mapping.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a lidar device with a shared telecentric lens assembly, an array of light emitters and detectors, and a focal plane aperture plate, coupled with light-guide manifolds and astigmatic lenses, enables efficient light signal transmission and reception, allowing for precise distance determination based on emission and detection times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional detector subsystem with multiple detectors is used, then distance detection capability is provided, but measurement precision and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple detectors into a single SiPM detector, which can detect multiple photons simultaneously. This consolidation maintains distance detection capability while improving measurement precision through enhanced signal detection and reliability through robust single-detector design with optimized optical coupling.
2Device complexity
If a shared telecentric lens assembly is used for both transmission and reception, then device complexity is reduced, but optical performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The telecentric lens assembly is designed to serve dual functions: transmitting light signals from the light-guide manifold and receiving reflected light signals from the environment. This multi-functional design reduces device complexity by eliminating separate transmit and receive optics while maintaining measurement precision through optimized telecentric optical paths and focal plane aperture positioning.
3Measurement precision
If an aperture plate is positioned at the focal plane of the telecentric lens assembly, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture plate positioned at the focal plane acts as an intermediary element that spatially filters light signals. It improves measurement precision by blocking stray light and enhancing signal-to-noise ratio while adding minimal complexity as a simple mechanical component integrated into the existing telecentric lens assembly structure.
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 configuration enhances the accuracy and reliability of three-dimensional mapping by optimizing light transmission and detection, providing robust object detection and avoidance capabilities, especially in autonomous vehicle applications.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter... configured to emit light signals
Implementation Method 2
a telecentric lens assembly optically coupled to the light-guide manifold... configured to receive light signals from the light-guide manifold and transmit the light signals toward an environment surrounding the lidar device
Implementation Method 3
an aperture plate having an array of apertures defined therein... configured to receive light signals reflected from objects in the environment surrounding the lidar device and transmit the light signals reflected from objects to the array of light detectors through the array of apertures
Implementation Method 4
a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) positioned to receive light traveling through the aperture
Implementation Method 5
a light-guide manifold optically coupled to the light emitter... configured to receive light signals from the light-guide manifold
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments relate to light detection and ranging (lidar) devices having a light-guide manifold. An example lidar device includes a transmit subsystem. The transmit subsystem includes a light emitter. The transmit subsystem also includes a light-guide manifold optically coupled to the light emitter. Further, the transmit subsystem includes a telecentric lens assembly optically coupled to the light-guide manifold. The lidar device also includes a receive subsystem. The receive subsystem includes the telecentric lens assembly. The receive subsystem also includes an aperture plate having an aperture defined therein. The aperture plate is positioned at a focal plane of the telecentric lens assembly. Further, the receive subsystem includes a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) positioned to receive light traveling through the aperture.