VCSEL Array LiDAR Parallel Illumination Point Cloud Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LiDAR systems for autonomous vehicles have limited angular grid resolution, resulting in insufficient information for object detection at large distances, as they typically require multiple laser pulses and a fast rotating mirror to generate a three-dimensional point cloud, which can be inadequate for estimating surface length and angle orientation of objects.
Innovation Solution
A LiDAR system with a processor that determines the angle of incidence of laser reflections using a ratio of intensities detected by multiple detection regions, allowing for improved object detection by distributing laser reflections across multiple detection areas, thereby enhancing the density of the point cloud without the need for multiple lasers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple laser transmitters are used to achieve dense point cloud at distance, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-laser time-sequential scanning approach to a multi-laser parallel spatial illumination approach. Multiple VCSELs are arranged in an array and illuminate different angular sectors simultaneously, creating a three-dimensional point cloud with higher density at distance without requiring sequential scanning. This dimensional shift from temporal to spatial parallelism resolves the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the laser transmission function into multiple independent VCSEL elements arranged in an array. Each VCSEL handles a specific angular sector, segmenting the overall illumination task. This segmentation allows parallel operation of multiple laser transmitters, achieving dense point cloud coverage while managing device complexity through modular architecture.
2Reliability
If multiple laser transmitters are used to improve object detection at large distances, then reliability is improved, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each VCSEL in the array multi-functional by designing them to emit at the same wavelength with comparable intensity. This universality allows any VCSEL to potentially detect reflections from any angular sector when combined with the detector array, reducing the need for specialized dedicated transmitters for each function and improving reliability while managing the number of laser transmitters.
3Measurement precision
If a fast rotating mirror is used to generate three-dimensional point cloud, then measurement precision is improved, but speed of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the intermittent scanning action of a fast rotating mirror by implementing continuous parallel illumination from multiple VCSELs. All angular sectors are illuminated simultaneously, and reflections are detected continuously by the detector array, maintaining continuous useful action without the start-stop nature of sequential scanning. This improves both speed and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical fast rotating mirror system with a static VCSEL array and detector array configuration. This substitution eliminates mechanical moving parts, reducing inertia and enabling faster response times while maintaining or improving measurement precision through parallel optical paths. The mechanical scanning system is replaced with a static parallel optical system.
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 approach enables more robust object detection and surface information acquisition, improving the accuracy of autonomous vehicle control systems by increasing the density of the point cloud and reducing the number of required laser transmitters, thus enhancing customer satisfaction and system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a lens for distributing a laser refection at a junction of the first detection portion and the second detection portion
Implementation Method 2
a first vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) of the VCSEL array emits a first laser in a first direction, a second VCSEL of the VCSEL array emits a second laser in a second direction
Implementation Method 3
a detector having a first detection portion for detecting a first laser intensity and a second detection portion for detecting a second laser intensity
Data Source
AI summary
The present application generally relates communications and hazard avoidance within a monitored driving environment. More specifically, the application teaches a system for improved target object detection in a vehicle equipped with a laser detection and ranging LIDAR system by simultaneously transmitting multiple lasers in an array and resolving angular ambiguities using angle sensitive detection techniques.