Synchronized Beam Scanning and Wavelength Tuning for 3D LiDAR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D LiDAR systems require multiple laser beams and additional sensors like cameras, increasing complexity and cost due to the need for synchronized signal alignment and data fusion for 3D mapping.
Innovation Solution
A LiDAR system utilizing a Littrow configuration external cavity diode laser component with a diffraction grating mechanism, allowing a single laser diode to emit wavelength-specific and direction-specific laser beams for 3D mapping, with a diffraction grating unit and sensor array to receive and filter returning signals, reducing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple laser beams and additional sensors are used for 3D mapping, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single laser beam is made to perform multiple functions by implementing both vertical scanning (for height information) and horizontal scanning (for position information) using the same laser source and optical path, eliminating the need for multiple separate laser beams and sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate functions (vertical scanning and horizontal scanning) into a single integrated optical path using a beam splitter and synchronized scanning mirrors, merging multiple optical paths into one unified system that achieves 3D mapping with a single laser beam
2Measurement precision
If multiple laser beams and cameras are introduced for 3D mapping, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single laser beam system performs both vertical and horizontal scanning functions that would traditionally require multiple lasers and cameras, significantly reducing the bill of materials and manufacturing cost while maintaining 3D mapping capability
Solution Approach 2:
By merging multiple optical paths and sensing functions into a single integrated system using a beam splitter and synchronized scanning mechanism, the patent reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and calibrated, thereby lowering overall manufacturing cost
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used for 3D mapping, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to signal alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The single laser beam system with synchronized vertical and horizontal scanning eliminates the need for multiple independent sensors, thereby removing the complexity of signal alignment and data fusion between multiple sensors while maintaining 3D mapping 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
Enables accurate 3D mapping with reduced system complexity and cost by using a single laser diode for 3D data acquisition, improving object detection accuracy and simplifying data processing.
Implementation Method 1
a first diffraction grating unit configured to simultaneously tune wavelengths and directions of the emitted optical signals
Implementation Method 2
a second diffracting grating unit configured to direct the received portion of optical signals with the different wavelengths along different directions towards a sensor array
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure provide an optical sensing system, and an optical sensing method for the optical sensing system. The optical sensing system includes an integrated optical source and a receiver coupled to the integrated optical source. The integrated optical source includes a laser diode configured to emit optical signals, and a first diffraction grating unit configured to simultaneously tune wavelengths and directions of the emitted optical signals. The optical signals of different wavelengths are directed along different directions towards an environment surrounding the optical sensing system. The receiver is configured to receive at least a portion of the optical signals returned from the environment. The receiver includes a second diffracting grating unit configured to direct the received portion of optical signals with the different wavelengths along different directions towards a sensor array. The sensor array is configured to receive the optical signals of the different wavelengths at different positions of the sensor array.