VCSEL Array Segmentation for LiDAR Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LiDAR systems face challenges in integrating light sources and maintaining high angular resolution while increasing detection distance, as edge-emitting laser diodes are difficult to integrate and VCSEL arrays require careful configuration to avoid decreased beam quality and increased temperature issues.
Innovation Solution
A LiDAR apparatus with a light source comprising multiple VCSEL groups arranged in a scan direction, where each group emits light at different timings, and a control circuit that sums detection signals to measure distance, ensuring high signal-to-noise ratio and accurate distance measurement without degrading angular resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a VCSEL array is used as the light source, then integration is improved, but beam quality may deteriorate and temperature issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The VCSEL array is divided into multiple light-emitting device groups (first, second, third groups) arranged in the scan direction. Each group emits light at different timings during a single scan, segmenting the light emission process to maintain beam quality while achieving high integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-emitting device groups emit light periodically at different timings within a single scan cycle. This periodic emission pattern allows each group to contribute to the overall detection while maintaining individual beam quality and managing thermal characteristics.
2Length of stationary object
If multiple light-emitting device groups are arranged in the scan direction and emit at different timings, then detection distance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is segmented into multiple VCSEL groups positioned along the scan direction, with each group emitting at different timings. This segmentation enables extended detection distance through cumulative signal accumulation while the segmented structure itself manages the complexity through spatial distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit coordinates periodic light emission from each VCSEL group at different timings within a single scan, creating a structured temporal pattern that simplifies the control logic while achieving enhanced detection distance through signal summation.
3Area of stationary object
If light beams are scanned over a predetermined range, then detection coverage is improved, but angular resolution may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The detection coverage is segmented into multiple regions corresponding to different VCSEL groups positioned along the scan direction. Each group contributes to a specific angular range, maintaining high angular resolution within each segment while collectively achieving broad overall coverage through the array configuration.
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 enhances the detection distance and signal quality by increasing the effective light irradiation intensity while maintaining high angular resolution, allowing for more precise detection of objects and obstacles.
Implementation Method 1
a light source (11) including a plurality of light-emitting device groups (110A, 110B, 110C) that are arranged in a scan direction of a scan performed by an optical scanner (14)
Implementation Method 2
a light receiver (2) to receive reflected light obtained as a result of the light beams being reflected by a target object
Implementation Method 3
an optical scanner (14) to scan the light beams output from the light source (11) over a predetermined range
Implementation Method 4
a light receiver (2) to receive reflected light obtained as a result of the light beams being reflected by a target object, and to output detection signals
Data Source
AI summary
A distance measuring apparatus includes a light source to emit light beams, an optical scanner to scan the light beams output from the light source over a predetermined range, a light receiver to receive reflected light obtained as a result of the light beams being reflected by a target object, and to output detection signals, and a control circuit to measure a distance to the target object based on the detection signals. The light source including a plurality of light-emitting device groups that are arranged in a scan direction of a scan performed by the optical scanner, and the control circuit being to make the plurality of light-emitting device groups emit light at respective different timings in a single scan, and to measure the distance to the target object based on a sum of the detection signals.