Vertically Stacked LiDAR for Blind-Spot Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LiDAR systems struggle to detect objects in blind-spot areas around vehicles, requiring separate systems with both long detection ranges and large vertical fields of view while maintaining a compact design to fit in limited spaces like side-view mirrors or side panels.
Innovation Solution
A compact LiDAR system with a scanning-based assembly featuring a vertically stacked light source and multi-facet polygon, combined with collimation and collection lenses, and a light detector, which enables both faraway and nearby object detection by adjusting its field of view dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a LiDAR system is designed with long detection range and large vertical FOV to detect both faraway and nearby objects, then the detection capability is improved, but the system size increases and cannot fit in compact spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamically adjustable optical system where the vertical FOV can be changed on-demand. The light steering system can switch between different scanning angles and patterns to adapt to varying detection requirements, allowing the same hardware to provide both long-range and wide-angle detection capabilities without requiring multiple fixed systems
Solution Approach 2:
The LiDAR system is designed with multi-functional capabilities to perform both faraway object detection (requiring long detection range) and nearby object detection (requiring large vertical FOV) using a single integrated unit. The light source, steering system, and detector work together to provide versatile detection across different ranges and angles
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate LiDAR systems are used for faraway and nearby object detection, then the detection coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple separate LiDAR systems into a single integrated unit. By combining the light source, adjustable light steering system, and light detector into one system with unified control, it achieves comprehensive detection coverage without the complexity of coordinating multiple independent systems
Solution Approach 2:
A single LiDAR system is designed to perform multiple detection functions - both long-range and wide-angle detection - through its adjustable optical parameters and steering capabilities, eliminating the need for multiple specialized systems
3Volume of moving object
If the light source and multi-facet polygon are vertically stacked, then the system compactness is improved, but the optical alignment precision becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal arrangement of components to a vertical stacking configuration. By placing the light source and multi-facet polygon in a vertical arrangement, the system reduces its horizontal footprint and achieves a more compact form factor suitable for space-constrained installations
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 simultaneous detection of objects at varying distances and angles within a compact form factor, enhancing vehicle safety by covering blind-spot areas without the need for multiple systems.
Implementation Method 1
The light source generates a light beam that is directed by the light steering system
Implementation Method 2
The light steering system can direct light beams along different paths to allow the LiDAR system to scan the surrounding environment
Implementation Method 3
When a transmitted light beam is scattered by an object, a portion of the scattered light returns to the LiDAR system as a return light pulse
Implementation Method 4
one or more collection lenses, which are configured to collect return light generated based on the illumination of the first FOV
Implementation Method 5
Using the difference between the time that the return light pulse is detected and the time that a corresponding light pulse in the light beam is transmitted, the LiDAR system can determine the distance to the object using the speed of light
Data Source
AI summary
A light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system for detecting objects in blind-spot areas is provided. The system comprises a housing and a scanning-based LiDAR assembly disposed in the housing. The scanning-based LiDAR assembly includes a first light source, a multi-facet polygon, collimation lenses, collection lenses, and a light detector. The first light source is configured to provide a plurality of light beams. The multi-facet polygon is rotatable to scan the plurality of light beams to illuminate an FOV. The multi-facet polygon and the first light source are vertically stacked. The collimation lenses are optically coupled to the first light source, and are configured to collimate the plurality of light beams provided by the first light source. The one or more collection lenses are configured to collect return light generated based on the illumination of the first FOV. The light detector is configured to receive the collected return light.