Tunable Optical Filter Lidar Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser-based sensor systems for aircraft face challenges in safely scanning wavelengths, particularly in the infrared and ultraviolet spectrum, due to limited selection of scanning laser systems and larger footprints, which complicates the measurement of parameters like speed, temperature, and air density.
Innovation Solution
Employing a tunable optical filter with a fixed laser that emits a laser beam with a center wavelength within a range of wavelengths, allowing the filter to scan through different wavelengths, thereby reducing safety issues and providing desired performance without the need for a tunable laser.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a scanning laser system is used to measure parameters in the infrared and ultraviolet spectrum, then measurement capability is improved, but system footprint and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tunable optical filter as an intermediary component between the fixed laser and the detection system. This filter enables wavelength scanning by selectively transmitting different wavelengths, effectively decoupling the scanning function from the laser source itself. This approach maintains measurement capability across multiple wavelengths while using a compact fixed laser instead of a large scanning laser system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a spectral copy by using the tunable optical filter to replicate the wavelength-selective functionality of a scanning laser system. Instead of physically scanning the laser beam across different wavelengths, the system uses the filter to copy the spectral characteristics needed for measurement, achieving the same effect with reduced system footprint
2Adaptability or versatility
If a tunable laser is used to scan through different wavelengths, then wavelength scanning capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wavelength scanning function from the laser source function. Instead of using a single complex tunable laser that combines both functions, the system separates them into a simple fixed laser for light generation and a tunable optical filter for wavelength selection. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining wavelength scanning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The tunable optical filter serves multiple functions: it acts as a wavelength selector, a spectral scanner, and a reference signal generator. By making this single component multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate tunable laser mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining full wavelength scanning capability
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 enables safe and effective measurement of aircraft parameters using a wider selection of lasers, reducing safety concerns and system size while maintaining performance.
Implementation Method 1
The laser beam encounters aerosols in the air that reflect or 'backscatter' light towards the aircraft. Aerosols are fine solid particles, liquid particles, or both, suspended in air or other gases. The backscatter of the laser beam can also be caused by the molecules of air.
Implementation Method 2
The speed of the aircraft can be determined by comparing the frequency of the laser beam to the frequency in the backscatter. This shift in frequency is a Doppler effect that can be used to calculate the speed of the aircraft.
Implementation Method 3
The received backscatter light is filtered using a tunable optical filter system to form a filtered backscatter light. A control component derived from the laser radiation is filtered using the tunable optical filter system to form a filtered reference light.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, system, and computer program product for detecting an object relative to a vehicle. A projected component of a laser radiation is emitted as a set of laser beams into an atmosphere from a vehicle. A backscatter light generated in response to said emitting the laser beam into the atmosphere is received to form a received backscatter light. The received backscatter light is filtered using a tunable optical filter system to form a filtered backscatter light. A control component derived from the laser radiation is filtered using the tunable optical filter system to form a filtered reference light. A set of parameters relating a presence of the object relative to the vehicle is determined using the filtered backscatter light and the filtered reference light.