Solid-State LIDAR Array Scanning Without Mechanical Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LIDAR systems face challenges in durability, miniaturization, and cost due to mechanical limitations, low power efficiency, and sensitivity issues, particularly in rotary and array types, and the optical phased array method struggles with stability and side beam control.
Innovation Solution
A non-mechanical LIDAR system with a light transmitting unit using a two-dimensional array of light emitting elements and a light receiving unit with multiple detector cells, allowing for directional scanning and efficient light detection without mechanical movement, and incorporating a light modulator and demodulator for frequency-specific detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If rotary type LIDAR is used to obtain 3D image by rotating measurement structure, then 3D image can be obtained with simple structure, but device volume increases due to motor motion and durability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotating structure with a stationary array of light emitting elements and detectors. Instead of mechanically rotating a single measurement point, the system uses a fixed two-dimensional array where multiple elements simultaneously perform measurements, eliminating the motor and rotating components that increase device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the measurement function into multiple independent elements arranged in a two-dimensional array. Each element in the array can independently emit light and detect reflections, allowing the system to achieve 3D imaging capability through parallel measurement points rather than rotational movement.
2Reliability
If array type LIDAR is used to obtain 3D image without mechanical driving, then durability is improved, but received light amount becomes very small due to beam spreading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing each light emitting element to illuminate a specific local area on the target object. Instead of spreading the beam over a large area, each element concentrates its light energy on a corresponding spatial location, maximizing the reflected light amount received by the matching detector element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the beam into multiple discrete light pulses, each directed by a separate light emitting element to a specific location on the target. This segmentation allows each element to concentrate energy locally rather than spreading it out, thereby increasing the received light amount while maintaining the durability advantage of no mechanical movement.
3Illumination intensity
If high power laser is used to increase reflected light amount, then received light amount increases, but pulse repetition frequency is limited and sensor durability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination function across multiple low-power light emitting elements instead of using a single high-power laser. Each element operates at lower power levels, allowing for higher pulse repetition frequencies while the collective array provides sufficient total light amount. This segmentation also improves sensor durability by avoiding concentrated high-power exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the output of multiple light emitting elements to achieve the required total illumination intensity. Instead of relying on a single high-power source that limits pulse repetition frequency, the system combines the contributions of many lower-power elements, enabling higher frame rates while maintaining sufficient signal strength for accurate measurement.
4Measurement precision
If pixel interval is reduced to increase array-type LIDAR resolution, then resolution improves, but pixel size must be reduced making detection circuit implementation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function across multiple independent detector elements in a two-dimensional array. Each detector can be designed with optimized size and characteristics suitable for its function, rather than being constrained by the need for ultra-high resolution at the cost of circuit implementation difficulty. The segmented architecture allows for practical integration of detection circuits.
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 efficient scanning and detection in a constant direction with improved durability and miniaturization, increased detection distance, and reduced cost, while maintaining high sensitivity and stability without mechanical rotation.
Implementation Method 1
a light transmitting unit configured to drive a plurality of light emitting elements by light emitting units to irradiate light to different positions of a target object
Implementation Method 2
a light receiving unit configured to detect light that is reflected at different positions of the target object and then is incident to different light receiving positions through a plurality of light receiving regions
Data Source
AI summary
A LIDAR system is provided. The LIDAR system includes: a light transmitting unit configured to drive a plurality of light emitting elements by light emitting units to irradiate light to different positions of a target object; and a light receiving unit configured to detect light that is reflected at different positions of the target object and then is incident to different light receiving positions through a plurality of light receiving regions.