VCSEL Array Lidar Scanner Eliminates Rotating Mirrors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle-based lidar systems with rotating mirrors are bulky, power-intensive, and prone to mechanical failure, making them unsuitable for harsh vehicle environments and space-constrained applications.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple semiconductor lasers in an array, where each laser is sequentially activated to produce interrogation beams in different directions, eliminating the need for rotating mirrors and allowing for a more compact, cost-effective lidar system with integrated optics and photodetection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotating mirror is used to scan the laser beam, then the lidar system can achieve wide field of view and dynamic scanning capability, but the device size, weight, and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the laser scanning function into multiple discrete laser sources arranged in an array, where each laser independently emits a beam in a specific direction. This segmentation eliminates the need for a single large rotating mirror system, reducing overall device weight while maintaining wide field of view coverage through the coordinated operation of individual laser elements.
2Productivity
If a rotating mirror is used to scan the laser beam, then the lidar system can achieve dynamic scanning capability, but mechanical wear increases the likelihood of device failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotating mirror system with a stationary laser array configuration. Instead of using a moving mirror to scan beams dynamically, multiple lasers are positioned to emit beams in different directions simultaneously or sequentially, eliminating mechanical moving parts and associated wear while maintaining scanning capability through optical geometry.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a rotating mirror is used to scan the laser beam, then the lidar system can achieve wide field of view, but the device becomes less suitable for harsh vehicle environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical moving parts by using a stationary laser array, making the system inherently more suitable for harsh vehicle environments. The stationary configuration has no rotating components that could fail under vibration, temperature extremes, or rapid acceleration/deceleration conditions commonly encountered in vehicle operation.
4Productivity
If a rotating mirror is used to scan the laser beam, then the lidar system can achieve dynamic scanning, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scanning function across multiple simple laser elements rather than requiring a single complex rotating mirror assembly. Each laser in the array is a simple, inexpensive component that can be independently controlled, reducing overall system complexity and cost while achieving the same dynamic scanning capability through coordinated operation.
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 provides high-resolution object detection and tracking with reduced size, weight, and power consumption, enhancing reliability and reducing the likelihood of mechanical failure, while maintaining precise distance and angular measurement capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
Each laser in an array of lasers can be sequentially activated so that a corresponding optical element mounted with respect to the array of lasers produces respective interrogation beams in substantially different directions
Implementation Method 2
a corresponding optical element mounted with respect to the array of lasers produces respective interrogation beams in substantially different directions
Implementation Method 3
The laser beam is reflected from an obstacle and detected with a photodetector. The time-of-flight of the laser pulse, i.e., the time delay between the transmitted pulse and the received pulse, determines the object distance
Data Source
AI summary
Vehicle-based lidar systems and methods are disclosed using multiple lasers to provide more compact and cost-effective lidar functionality. Each laser in an array of lasers can be sequentially activated so that a corresponding optical element mounted with respect to the array of lasers produces respective interrogation beams in substantially different directions. Light from these beams is reflected by objects in a vehicle's environment, and detected so as to provide information about the objects to vehicle operators and/or passengers.