Solid-State LiDAR Optics for Wide FOV and Even Angular Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical Lidars face assembly challenges due to high temperature and vibration issues, while solid-state Lidars with single laser sources have limited detection angles and struggle to meet automotive-grade requirements.
Innovation Solution
A Lidar apparatus utilizing an area array light source and detector, combined with F-Theta lenses, enabling long-range detection with a large field of view and equal angular resolutions, and all-solid-state components for ease of assembly and compliance with automotive standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If mechanical Lidar is used to achieve large-angle detection range, then detection coverage is improved, but assembly complexity and reliability deteriorate due to high temperature and vibration sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning components with a solid-state optical system. Instead of using mechanical mirrors or scanners to achieve large-angle detection, the invention uses an area array light source combined with F-Theta lenses to project laser beams across a wide field of view without moving parts, thereby eliminating mechanical reliability issues while maintaining large detection coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the detection system into multiple independent elements: an area array light source with multiple laser emission points, corresponding F-Theta lenses, and an area array detector. This segmentation allows each element to handle a portion of the detection field independently, achieving large-angle coverage through parallel processing rather than mechanical scanning
2Device complexity
If a single laser light source is used in solid-state Lidar, then structure simplicity is improved, but detection angle and field of view deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single laser source into an area array light source with multiple independent laser emission points. Each laser element in the array can be controlled independently to emit beams at different angles, thereby expanding the field of view while maintaining relative structural simplicity through the use of a compact array configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point light source to a two-dimensional area array light source. This dimensional expansion allows the system to cover a much larger field of view by emitting laser beams from multiple positions simultaneously, effectively adding spatial coverage without proportionally increasing system complexity
3Area of stationary object
If F-Theta lens is used to expand field of view, then detection coverage is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to focal plane positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses F-Theta lenses that create a linear relationship between the input angle and output position on the detector plane. This copying mechanism allows the system to maintain uniform angular resolution across the entire field of view by mapping angles linearly to positions, simplifying the calibration and positioning requirements compared to traditional optical systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the F-Theta lens parameters including focal length, diameter, and curvature to achieve the desired field of view while controlling manufacturing tolerances. By carefully selecting and adjusting these parameters, the system achieves a balance between expanded field of view and manufacturability, reducing the stringency of focal plane positioning requirements
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 apparatus achieves long-range, high-precision detection with a simple structure, even angular resolution distribution, and ease of assembly, suitable for automotive applications.
Implementation Method 1
A laser beam emitted from the area array light source is transmitted, through the emitting lens group, to an object to be detected
Implementation Method 2
reflected by the object to be detected
Implementation Method 3
a reflected laser beam is transmitted to the area array detector through the receiving lens group; and an F-Theta lens is used for each of the emitting lens group and the receiving lens group
Implementation Method 4
an area array detector... a reflected laser beam is transmitted to the area array detector
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a Lidar apparatus. The Lidar apparatus includes an area array light source, an emitting lens group, a receiving lens group, and an area array detector, where the area array light source is located in the front focal plane of the emitting lens group, and the area array detector is located in the back focal plane of the receiving lens group; a laser beam emitted from the area array light source is transmitted, through the emitting lens group, to an object to be detected and reflected by the object to be detected, and a reflected laser beam is transmitted to the area array detector through the receiving lens group; and an F-Theta lens is used for each of the emitting lens group and the receiving lens group, and the image height of the F-Theta lens is directly proportional to a field of view, such that angular resolutions of the Lidar apparatus are approximately distributed evenly. The disclosure further relates to a Lidar device and a vehicle. The technical solutions of the Lidar apparatus proposed by the disclosure may implement long-range solid-state Lidar detection with a large field of view and equal angular resolutions.