A LiDAR system that includes an optical receiver and light detector including a first photodetector set of one or more first photodetectors disposed configured to detect return light corresponding to transmission light generated by the LiDAR system. The first photodetector set has a near-field blind zone corresponding to limited detection of return light corresponding to objects disposed in the near-field blind zone. The optical receiver and light detector may also include a second photodetector set of one or more second photodetectors. The second photodetectors are physically isolated from the first photodetector set and may be disposed closer to the window than the first photodetector set. The second photodetector set is configured to detect the return light corresponding to objects disposed in the near-field blind zone.
In an example, a method for light ranging and detection (LiDAR) includes emitting light pulses from a light source into a field of view (FOV). The method includes detecting return light pulses from the FOV, each return light pulse comprising at least a portion of a corresponding one of the light pulses that has been at least one of scattered or reflected by an object in the FOV. The method includes detecting intensities of each of the detected return light pulses. The method includes, in response to a given detected intensity of a given detected return light pulse being outside a predetermined dynamic range, adjusting power to the light source for future light pulses to bring detected intensities of future return light pulses within the predetermined dynamic range.
G01S 17/18 - Systems determining position data of a target for measuring distance only using transmission of interrupted, pulse-modulated waves wherein range gates are used
A LiDAR system that includes an optical receiver and light detector including a first photodetector set of one or more first photodetectors disposed configured to detect return light corresponding to transmission light generated by the LiDAR system. The first photodetector set has a near-field blind zone corresponding to limited detection of return light corresponding to objects disposed in the near-field blind zone. The optical receiver and light detector may also include a second photodetector set of one or more second photodetectors. The second photodetectors are physically isolated from the first photodetector set and may be disposed closer to the window than the first photodetector set. The second photodetector set is configured to detect the return light corresponding to objects disposed in the near-field blind zone.
In an example, a laser system includes a seed laser, a pump laser, an optical fiber, and a fiber collimator. The fiber collimator is coupled to an end of the optical fiber. The fiber collimator is configured to optically couple at least one of a signal beam generated by the seed laser or a pump beam generated by the pump laser into the optical fiber. An optical path between the fiber collimator and at least one of an output of the seed laser or an output of the pump laser is devoid of passive optical fiber.
A LiDAR light receiver is provided. The LiDAR light receiver includes a lens or lens group, a Metalens or Metalens group, and a detector array. The lens or lens group is configured to receive multiple groups of return light from one or more objects in a FOV, and focus and direct the multiple groups of return light toward the Metalens or Metalens group, such that portions of the multiple groups of return light overlap on the Metalens or Metalens group and converge to an approximately rectangular region. The Metalens or the Metalens group is configured to focus and direct the multiple groups of return light to the detector array, such that the multiple groups of return light are received by the detector array within a convergence region.
ALiDAR system including anti-reflection (AR) nanostructure-surfaced optics is provided. The system includes windows, and a transmitter including transmitter optics. The transmitter is configured to provide transmission light beams. The system further includes a beam steering apparatus optically coupled to the transmitter. The beam steering apparatus includes steering optics configured to scan the transmission light beams in a field-of-view, and direct return light formed based on the scanned transmission light beams. The system further includes a receiver including receiver optics. The receiver is configured to receive the return light directed by the beam steering apparatus. At least one of the windows, the transmitter optics, the steering optics, and the receiver optics include the AR nanostructure-surfaced optics. The AR nanostructure-surfaced optics have at least one AR nanostructure surface including multiple subwavelength cones. Features of the subwavelength cones are sized smaller than an operational wavelength of the LiDAR system.
G01S 17/931 - Lidar systems, specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
G01S 7/481 - Constructional features, e.g. arrangements of optical elements
G02B 1/118 - Anti-reflection coatings having sub-optical wavelength surface structures designed to provide an enhanced transmittance, e.g. moth-eye structures
G01S 17/06 - Systems determining position data of a target
A LiDAR system mountable inside a vehicle is provided. The system includes a semiconductor-based laser configured to emit laser light having a wavelength. The system further includes a scanning mechanism configured to pass the laser light through a windshield of the vehicle to a FOV. The scanning mechanism is further configured to receive return light formed based on the laser light transmitted through the windshield. The semiconductor¬ based laser is configured such that: the wavelength of the laser light is in a wavelength range that is substantially transparent to the windshield of the vehicle and insensitive to human eyes, the laser light is polarized, such that a transmission rate of the laser light is no less than a threshold at a predetermined incident angle of the laser light. The system further includes a detector configured to detect the return light received through the windshield.
A compact off-axis system for LiDAR is provided. The system includes a transmitter configured to transmit one or more transmission light beams, a receiver configured to receive return light formed based on the transmission light beams, and a multiple-facet mirror optically coupled to both the transmitter and the receiver. The multiple-facet mirror includes a first reflective facet and a second reflective facet. When moving about an axis, the multiple-facet mirror is configured to receive the one or more transmission light beams from the transmitter by the first reflective facet, scan the one or more transmission light beam to a FOV by the first reflective facet, receive the return light from the FOV by the second reflective facet, and direct the return light to the receiver by the second reflective facet.
The present disclosure describes a system and method for LiDAR scanning. The system includes a light source configured to generate one or more light beams; and a beam steering apparatus optically coupled to the light source. The beam steering apparatus includes a first rotatable mirror and a second rotatable mirror. The first rotatable mirror and the second rotatable mirror, when moving with respect to each other, are configured to: steer the one or more light beams both vertically and horizontally to illuminate an object within a field-of-view; redirect one or more returning light pulses generated based on the illumination of the object; and a receiving optical system configured to receive the redirected returning light pulses.
A system that includes one or more photodetector circuits. The system also includes a global biasing circuit configured to generate a first biasing voltage and coupled to each photodetector circuit of the one or more photodetector circuits such that a respective bias voltage corresponding to each photodetector circuit is based on the first biasing voltage. In addition, the system includes one or more local biasing circuits that each correspond to a respective photodetector circuit. Each local biasing circuit is configured to generate a respective second biasing voltage and is coupled to its respective photodetector circuit such that the respective bias voltage of its respective photodetector circuit is also based on the respective second biasing voltage.
A LiDAR system and a vehicle system. The LiDAR system includes: a light source, configured to generate a light signal and including a plurality of VCSEL light-emitting units; and a detector, configured to detect a returned light signal and including a plurality of SPAD photosensitive unit groups, where the plurality of VCSEL light-emitting units each have a light-emitting aperture with an area greater than 700 square micrometers. Through the embodiments of the present disclosure, the highly sensitive SPAD photosensitive unit groups are less adversely affected by stray light, halos, and crosstalk, the power density of the VCSEL light-emitting units is significantly increased, and the overall size of the LiDAR system is reduced.
A system may include a photodetector set that includes multiple photodetectors. The photodetector set may be configured to generate an analog output that is based on a number of photodetectors of the photodetector set that are activated during a detection period corresponding to a transmitted light signal. The system may also include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) configured to generate a digital output based on the analog output. Further, the system may include a signal processing circuit configured to generate a histogram of one or more return pulses based on the digital output.
H01L 25/16 - Assemblies consisting of a plurality of individual semiconductor or other solid-state devices the devices being of types provided for in two or more different subclasses of , , , , or , e.g. forming hybrid circuits
G01S 17/10 - Systems determining position data of a target for measuring distance only using transmission of interrupted, pulse-modulated waves
G01S 17/89 - Lidar systems, specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging
A hybrid detection and ranging (HyDAR) system is disclosed that includes a laser emitter, a ranging detector, an imaging detector, a scanner, and a controller. The scanner (and, in some embodiments, additional optical elements) may be configured to transmit laser light from the laser emitter to an external field of view (FOV), to relay returned light (returned LiDAR light) from the FOV to the ranging detector, and to relay ambient light from the FOV to the imaging detector. These and various other embodiments are disclosed in further detail herein.
In an example, a photodetector array includes at least two columns of photodetection elements, including a first column of photodetection elements and a second column of photodetection elements adjacent to the first column. The first column of photodetection elements is configured to capture return light and convert the return light to an electrical signal. The second column of photodetection elements is configured to capture escaped photons from the first column of photodetection elements and convert the escaped photons to an electrical signal.
A Hybrid Detection and Ranging (HyDAR) system configured for detecting signals with multiple wavelengths is provided. The system comprises: a laser light source providing laser light signals; an aperture window; one or more steering mechanisms configured to perform: directing the laser light signals toward the aperture window, receiving first return light signals formed based on at least a portion of the laser light signals provided by the laser light source, and receiving second return light signals formed from light provided by one or more light sources external to the HyDAR system. The system further includes a multimodal sensor including a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensor and an image sensor. The point cloud data and the image data are at least partially time-and-space synchronized at the hardware-level of the HyDAR system. The system further includes a controller configured to detect one or more degradation factors affecting the HyDAR system's performance.
G06T 7/80 - Analysis of captured images to determine intrinsic or extrinsic camera parameters, i.e. camera calibration
G06V 10/80 - Fusion, i.e. combining data from various sources at the sensor level, preprocessing level, feature extraction level or classification level
G01S 17/86 - Combinations of lidar systems with systems other than lidar, radar or sonar, e.g. with direction finders
B60W 60/00 - Drive control systems specially adapted for autonomous road vehicles
In an embodiment, a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system includes a transmitter, a scanner, a receiver, and a controller. The transmitter includes multiple laser emitters configured to emit laser pulses toward a field of view. The receiver includes multiple photodetectors configured to detect return light from the field of view. The controller is configured to control the laser emitters to emit laser pulses according to a first sequence pattern of a first group of subsets of the laser emitters in a first scan cycle. The controller is configured to control the laser emitters to emit laser pulses according to a second sequence pattern of a second group of subsets of the laser emitters in a second scan cycle. The second sequence pattern is different from the first sequence pattern and the second group of subsets is different from the first group of subsets.
A method for operating a light ranging and detection (LiDAR) system is provided. The method comprises transmitting, according to a first timing jitter pattern, transmission light pulses in two orthogonal directions. The first timing jitter pattern includes predetermined non-random timing jitters satisfying one or more constraints. The first timing jitter pattern represents variable time intervals between successive transmission light pulses. The method further comprises receiving return light pulses from external of the LiDAR system. The return light pulses includes a first return light pulse and one or more neighboring return light pulses of the first return light pulse. The method further comprises, for the first return light pulse and at least one neighboring return light pulse, calculating, based on the timing jitter pattern, a plurality of object distances to obtain calculated object distances and rejecting, based on filter criteria, one or more uncorrelated object distances of the calculated object distances.
According to an embodiment, operations of controlling a Region of Interest (ROI) in a Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system may include scanning, by a transceiver and scanner of the LiDAR system, a field of view (FOV) to obtain a point cloud corresponding to the FOV. A controller of the LiDAR system may generate at least a partial frame of three-dimensional spatial coordinates of surface points in the FOV. The controller may detect one or more of a pixel horizon or a forward clearance corridor based on the partial frame. The controller may further adjust one or more of a vertical parameter or a horizontal parameter of a Region of Interest (ROI) within the FOV based on one or more of the pixel horizon or the forward clearance corridor.
According to an embodiment, operations for correcting Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) return pulse elongation may include determining a correction factor that corresponds to an angle of a surface of a target surface with respect to a LiDAR system. The operations may also include adjusting, based on the correction factor, a pulse width of a return pulse off the target surface, the pulse width corresponding to a duration of reception of the return pulse.
G01S 17/00 - Systems using the reflection or reradiation of electromagnetic waves other than radio waves, e.g. lidar systems
G01S 17/04 - Systems determining the presence of a target
G01S 17/931 - Lidar systems, specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
G01S 7/00 - Details of systems according to groups , ,
G01S 7/41 - Details of systems according to groups , , of systems according to group using analysis of echo signal for target characterisationTarget signatureTarget cross-section
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide dynamic calibration systems, methods, and computer program products for dynamic calibration of a LiDAR system in which calibration can be checked while the vehicle is moving in a typical environment (e.g., while a car is driving on a road in a rural or urban setting). In some embodiments, line features in an operating environment of a vehicle to which the LiDAR system is mounted are used to perform dynamic calibration. In some embodiments, planar features in an operating environment of a vehicle to this the LiDAR system is mounted are used to perform dynamic calibration. These and other embodiments are more fully disclosed herein.
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide stray light filter structures in light detection and ranging (LiDAR) systems to attenuate stray light and reduce unwanted scattering. In some embodiments, a micro lens array is used together with a pinhole array to block stray light in the optical path just prior to the photodetector. In some embodiments, a bandpass optical filter is used in the optical path prior to the microlens array. In other embodiments, a slit filter is used further upstream in the optical path to block unwanted stray light and allow returning signal light to pass to imaging optics that provide a returning signal light image at a photodetector. In some embodiments, the imaging optics include a collimating lens and a focusing lens. In some embodiments, an optical bandpass filter is positioned on the optical path between the collimating lens and the focusing lens to reject light that is outside of a an expected wavelength range for returning signal light. These and other embodiments and details are further disclosed herein.
LiDAR system and methods discussed herein use ultrafast light pulses. Use of ultrafast light pulses can result in reduced power consumption compared to longer length or conventional light pulses.
A method for tracking zero-angle position shift of a moveable mirror used in a LiDAR system is provided. The method comprises obtaining a first dataset based on a first intensity map. The first intensity map is associated with internal reflection pulses of a frame scanned by the LiDAR system. The frame comprises a plurality of scan positions. The internal reflection pulses are formed by scattering or reflecting one or more transmission light pulses at positions internal to a housing of the LiDAR system. The first dataset is a calibration dataset comprising representative intensity values and corresponding positions in the frame. The method further comprises obtaining a second intensity map of another frame at a subsequent time and obtaining a second dataset based on the second intensity map. The method further comprises determining the zero-angle position shift of the moveable mirror based on the first dataset and the second dataset.
A system for light ranging and detection (LiDAR) is described. The system comprises a semiconductor laser (SL) device array comprising a plurality of SL devices mounted on a substrate. A charging capacitor array comprising a plurality of charging capacitors is mounted on the substrate proximate to the SL device array, where each SL device of the SL device array is coupled to a different charging capacitor of the charging capacitor array. A charging bus element comprising a plurality of charging buses is proximate to the charging capacitor array, where each adjacent charging capacitor of the charging capacitor array is coupled to a different charging bus of the charging bus element.
Systems and methods for reducing straylight using synchronized filtering are provided. The system comprises a light source emitting laser light having a first wavelength range and a transmitter. The transmitter is configured to provide transmission light based on the laser light having the first wavelength range. The system further comprises a receiver configured to receive return light comprising straylight and light signals formed based on the transmission light. The system further comprises a synchronized filter structure comprising one or more bandpass filters having substantially the same passband. The synchronized filter structure reduces the bandwidth of the laser light from the first wavelength range to a second wavelength range; filters out at least a portion of the straylight having wavelengths outside of the second wavelength range; and passes a substantial portion of the light signals formed based on the transmission light to the detector.
A system for light ranging and detection (LiDAR) is described. The system comprises image processing circuitry operative to generate point cloud data based on an image of return light that is a consequence of a light transmission in a field-of-view (FOV) captured by an optical receiver, where the point cloud data comprises one or more blooming features. The system further comprises feature extraction circuitry coupled to the image processing circuitry. The feature extraction circuitry is operative to weight probabilities of images of target objects being present in the point cloud data based at least in part on the one or more blooming features. The feature extraction circuitry is further operative to provide the weight probabilities to recognition circuitry operative to determine whether images of target objects are present in the point cloud data based on the weight probabilities.
A system for multimodal detection is provided. The system comprises a light collection and distribution device configured to perform at least one of collecting light signals from a field-of-view (FOV) and distributing the light signals to a plurality of detectors. The light signals have a plurality of wavelengths comprising at least a first wavelength and a second wavelength. The system further comprises a multimodal sensor comprising the plurality of detectors. The plurality of detectors comprises at least a light detector of a first type and a light detector of a second type. The light detector of the first type is configured to detect light signals having a first light characteristic. The light detector of the first type is configured to perform distance measuring based on light signals having the first wavelength. The light detector of the second type is configured to detect light signals having a second light characteristic.
The present disclosure describes a system and method for LiDAR scanning. The system includes a light source configured to generate one or more light beams; and a beam steering apparatus optically coupled to the light source. The beam steering apparatus includes a first rotatable mirror and a second rotatable mirror. The first rotatable mirror and the second rotatable mirror, when moving with respect to each other, are configured to: steer the one or more light beams both vertically and horizontally to illuminate an object within a field-of-view; redirect one or more returning light pulses generated based on the illumination of the object; and a receiving optical system configured to receive the redirected returning light pulses.
A system for reducing or eliminating wavelength variations of laser light is provided. The system comprises a semiconductor-based laser source emitting laser light, an optical scanner, and one or more optical elements disposed between the laser source and the optical scanner. The optical scanner is configured to direct the laser light to a field-of-view. The one or more optical elements are configured to direct the laser light from the laser source to the optical scanner. The system further comprises a grating structure mounted to, or integrated with, an optical element of the one or more optical elements. One or more characteristics of the grating structure are configured to reduce or eliminate wavelength variations of the laser light caused by variations of one or more operational conditions of the laser source.
A Hybrid Detection and Ranging (HyDAR) system configured for detecting signals with multiple wavelengths is provided. The system comprises: a laser light source providing laser light signals; an aperture window; one or more steering mechanisms configured to perform: directing the laser light signals toward the aperture window, receiving first return light signals formed based on at least a portion of the laser light signals provided by the laser light source, and receiving second return light signals formed from light provided by one or more light sources external to the HyDAR system. The system further includes a multimodal sensor including a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensor and an image sensor. The point cloud data and the image data are at least partially time-and-space synchronized at the hardware-level of the HyDAR system. The system further includes a controller configured to detect one or more degradation factors affecting the HyDAR system's performance.
A light receiver of a LiDAR system is provided. The light receiver includes a plurality of light detectors configured to receive light from a field-of-view (FOV) of the LiDAR system and generate a plurality of electrical outputs based on the received light. The light receiver further includes a matrix switch device controlled to form switched outputs based on the plurality of electrical outputs from the plurality of light detectors. The matrix switch device is configurable to have a plurality of different switch settings based on at least one of detection results or operational conditions of the LiDAR system. The light receiver further includes a sampler configured to generate, based on the switched outputs, at least one digital output representing the received light.
Various embodiments of a fiber laser amplifier are disclosed. In some embodiments, a gain fiber of a laser amplifier is provided in which a core of the gain fiber has one or more characteristics that are different at a first end than at a second end including, for example, one or more of a diameter, a refractive index, and a rare earth dopant concentration. In some embodiments, a residual pump laser reflecting element is positioned to reflect residual pump laser light back into the gain fiber to enhance amplification efficiency. In some embodiments, a first cladding of non-uniform thickness is provided around a core of a gain fiber. These and other aspects of embodiments are more fully disclosed herein.
H01S 3/094 - Processes or apparatus for excitation, e.g. pumping using optical pumping by coherent light
H01S 3/00 - Lasers, i.e. devices using stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation in the infrared, visible or ultraviolet wave range
H01S 3/0941 - Processes or apparatus for excitation, e.g. pumping using optical pumping by coherent light of a semiconductor laser, e.g. of a laser diode
A compact LiDAR device is provided. The compact LiDAR device includes a first mirror disposed to receive one or more light beams and a polygon mirror optically coupled to the first mirror. The polygon mirror comprises a plurality of reflective facets. For at least two of the plurality of reflective facets, each reflective facet is arranged such that: a first edge, a second edge, and a third edge of the reflective facet correspond to a first line, a second line, and a third line; the first line and the second line intersect to form a first internal angle of a plane comprising the reflective facet; and the first line and the third line intersect to form a second internal angle of the plane comprising the reflective facet. The first internal angle is an acute angle; and the second internal angle is an obtuse angle.
A dual lens assembly positioned along an optical receive path within a LiDAR system is provided. The dual lens assembly is constructed to reduce a numerical aperture of a returned light pulse and reduce a walk-off error associated with one or more mirrors of the LiDAR system.
A system for light ranging and detection (LiDAR) is disclosed herein. The system comprises a laser transmitter transmitting one or more channels of light pulses. A rotating polygon mirror having a plurality of reflective facets directs the one or more channels of light pulses from the laser transmitter through a transmission region at a top surface of the system toward an external field of view and receives reflected light from the external field of view illuminated by the one or more channels of light pulses. A receiver detects the reflected light from channels corresponding to the one or more channels of light pulses. The laser transmitter, the rotating polygon mirror, and the receiver are substantially coplanar on a plane parallel to the top surface.
A system for light ranging and detection (LiDAR) is disclosed herein. The system comprises a laser transmitter transmitting one or more channels of light pulses. A rotating polygon mirror having a plurality of reflective facets directs the one or more channels of light pulses from the laser transmitter through a transmission region at a top surface of the system toward an external field of view and receives reflected light from the external field of view illuminated by the one or more channels of light pulses. A receiver detects the reflected light from channels corresponding to the one or more channels of light pulses. The laser transmitter, the rotating polygon mirror, and the receiver are substantially coplanar on a plane parallel to the top surface.
G02B 26/08 - Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements for controlling the direction of light
A LiDAR system having two-dimensional transmitter array is provided. The LiDAR system comprises a light scanner, and a plurality of transmitter groups optically couplable to the light scanner. Each transmitter group of the plurality of transmitter groups comprises a plurality of transmitters. At least two transmitter groups of the plurality of transmitter groups are disposed at different positions with respect to the light scanner, such that scanning areas corresponding to the at least two transmitter groups are different. The LiDAR further comprises a control device configured to selectively control one or more of the plurality of transmitter groups to emit transmission beams toward the light scanner. The light scanner is configured to steer the transmission beams both vertically and horizontally to a field-of-view (FOV), and receive return light formed based on the steered transmission beams.
A laser device for providing light to a LiDAR system comprises a plurality of seed lasers configured to provide multiple seed light beams, at least two of the seed light beams having different wavelengths. An amplifier is optically coupled to the plurality of seed lasers to receive the multiple seed light beams. A power pump is configured to provide pump power to the amplifier, where the amplifier amplifies the multiple seed light beams using the pump power to obtain amplified light beams. A second light coupling unit is configured to demultiplex the amplified light beams to obtain a plurality of output light beams, at least two of the output light beams having wavelengths corresponding to the wavelengths of the at least two seed light beams.
An optical scanning device for light ranging and detection (LiDAR) is provided. The optical scanning device comprises a rotatable polygon reflector having a plurality of reflective facets. The rotatable polygon reflector is configured to rotate about a first rotation axis in a first rotation direction. The optical scanning device further comprises one or more fluid circulation devices disposed alongside the rotatable polygon reflector or attached to the rotatable polygon reflector. The one or more fluid circulation devices are configured to rotate about a second rotation axis to form a fluid circulation surrounding the plurality of reflective facets of the rotatable polygon reflector. The fluid circulation is at least partially in the first rotation direction.
A method for tracking zero-angle position shift of a moveable mirror used in a LiDAR system is provided. The method comprises obtaining a first dataset based on a first intensity map. The first intensity map is associated with internal reflection pulses of a frame scanned by the LiDAR system. The frame comprises a plurality of scan positions. The internal reflection pulses are formed by scattering or reflecting one or more transmission light pulses at positions internal to a housing of the LiDAR system. The first dataset is a calibration dataset comprising representative intensity values and corresponding positions in the frame. The method further comprises obtaining a second intensity map of another frame at a subsequent time and obtaining a second dataset based on the second intensity map. The method further comprises determining the zero-angle position shift of the moveable mirror based on the first dataset and the second dataset.
A light ranging and detection (LiDAR) system is provided. The system comprises a housing; a transmitter configured to transmit one or more light beams; and a beam steering apparatus optically coupled to the transmitter to receive the one or more light beams. The beam steering apparatus comprises one or more moveable optics configured to scan the one or more light beams to a field-of-view and to receive return light. The system further comprises a curved window mounted to, or integrated with, the housing of the LiDAR system. The curved window is shaped in a manner such that a thickness of the curved window varies along one or more dimensions of the curved window to facilitate bending at least some of the scanned one or more light beams to expand the field-of-view (FOV) in at least one of a horizontal direction or a vertical direction.
A light ranging and detection (LiDAR) system is provided. The LiDAR system comprises metasurface-based optics. The system comprises a transmitter comprising one or more transmitter optics. The transmitter is configured to provide one or more transmission light beams. The system further comprises a beam steering apparatus optically coupled to the transmitter. The beam steering apparatus comprises one or more steering optics configured to: scan the one or more transmission light beams in at least one of a horizontal and a vertical directions to a field-of-view, and direct return light formed based on the scanned one or more transmission light beams. The system further comprises a receiver comprising one or more receiver optics. At least one of the one or more transmitter optics, the one or more steering optics, and the one or more receiver optics comprise the one or more metasurface-based optics.
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide stray light filter structures in light detection and ranging (LiDAR) systems to attenuate stray light and reduce unwanted scattering. In some embodiments, a micro lens array is used together with a pinhole array to block stray light in the optical path just prior to the photodetector. In some embodiments, a bandpass optical filter is used in the optical path prior to the microlens array. In other embodiments, a slit filter is used further upstream in the optical path to block unwanted stray light and allow returning signal light to pass to imaging optics that provide a returning signal light image at a photodetector. In some embodiments, the imaging optics include a collimating lens and a focusing lens. In some embodiments, an optical bandpass filter is positioned on the optical path between the collimating lens and the focusing lens to reject light that is outside of a an expected wavelength range for returning signal light. These and other embodiments and details are further disclosed herein.
A computer-implemented method for compressing point cloud data obtained by a LiDAR system is provided. The method comprises obtaining uncompressed point cloud data. Each of the uncompressed point cloud data is represented by 3-dimensional coordinates identifying positions within a field-of-view of the LiDAR system. At least one of the 3-dimensional coordinates is derived from a ToF measured by transmitting a light beam and receiving return light formed based on the transmitted light beam. The method further comprises identifying one or more sub-groups of the uncompressed point cloud data for compression. The method further comprises encoding the one or more sub-groups of the uncompressed point cloud data using differential coordinates to obtain first encoded point cloud data, and providing the first encoded point cloud data to a processor to construct at least a part of a three-dimensional perception of the FOV.
A low-profile LiDAR system is provided. The low-profile LiDAR system comprises a housing; a rotatable polygon mirror having a plurality of reflective facets; and a first oscillating mirror disposed laterally on one side of the rotatable polygon mirror. The first oscillating mirror is configured to direct one or more first transmission light beams to a first reflective facet of the rotatable polygon mirror. The LiDAR system may also include a second oscillating mirror disposed laterally on another side of the rotatable polygon mirror. The second oscillating mirror is configured to direct the one or more second transmission light beams to a second reflective facet. A combination of the first and second oscillating mirrors, and the rotatable polygon mirror is configured to: scan the first and second transmission light beams to a first field-of-view and a second field-of-view, respectively, and direct return light to one or more detectors.
A light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system in which multiple pump lasers are operated in polyphase fashion at a single pumping stage is disclosed. In some embodiments, the multiple pump lasers are operated by controllers that generate current pulses through the multiple pump lasers. The current pulses powering at least two of the pumping lasers have different phases. In some embodiments, the phase differences are such that there is no timing overlap in the current pulses through the pump lasers. In some embodiments, the phase difference between successive current pulses is greater than the pulse width such that the sum of the duty cycles of all the current pulses is less than one. In some embodiments, junction temperatures of pump lasers are monitored and temperature information from the monitoring is used to dynamically select which pump laser will be utilized at a given time. Further details of these and other embodiments are disclosed herein.
An electromagnetically-moveable scanner device for performing light scan used in a light ranging and detection (LiDAR) system is provided. The device comprises a platform, which comprises a film substrate. The platform is pivotable about an axis. The device further comprises a reflector disposed on the platform, a plurality of magnets disposed in proximity to one or more edges of the film substrate and detached therefrom, and one or more electrical windings installed on the platform. At least a part of the electrical windings is disposed underneath the reflector. When the one or more electrical windings carry electric current, an interaction between magnetic fields formed by the plurality of the magnets and the electrical windings is operative to move the reflector electromagnetically to scan a field-of-view along at least one direction.
Embodiments discussed herein refer to LiDAR systems that use avalanche photo diodes for detecting returns of laser pulses. The bias voltage applied to the avalanche photo diode is adjusted to ensure that it operates at desired operating capacity.
A LiDAR system includes a steering system and a light source. In some cases, the steering system includes a rotatable polygon with reflective sides and/or a dispersion optic. The light source produces light signals, such as light pulses. In some cases, the light sources products light pulses at different incident angles and/or different wavelengths. The steering system scans the light signals. In some cases, the light pulses are scanned based on the wavelength of the light pulses.
Embodiments discussed herein refer to systems and methods that compensate for debris and water obfuscation that affect operation of LiDAR systems. A debris management system can direct air and/or fluid over a portion of the LiDAR system to remove any debris or water.
A LiDAR system is provided. The LiDAR system comprises a plurality of transmitter channels and a plurality of receiver channels. The plurality of transmitter channels are configured to transmit a plurality of transmission light beams to a field-of-view at a plurality of different transmission angles, which are then scanned to cover the entire field-of-view. The LiDAR system further comprises a collection lens disposed to receive and redirect return light obtained based on the plurality of transmission light beams illuminating one or more objects within the field-of-view. The LiDAR system further comprises a plurality of receiver channels optically coupled to the collection lens. Each of the receiver channels is optically aligned based on a transmission angle of a corresponding transmission light beam. The LiDAR system further comprises a plurality of detector assemblies optically coupled to the plurality of receiver channels.
G01S 17/10 - Systems determining position data of a target for measuring distance only using transmission of interrupted, pulse-modulated waves
G02B 26/08 - Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements for controlling the direction of light
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Lidar apparatus; Lidar sensors; optical sensors; electronic sensors for sensing, detecting objects, and mapping three-dimensional space surrounding the sensor; laser object detectors for use on vehicles and trains, and for infrastructure, safety, industrial, and security applications; laser scanners for use on vehicles and trains, and for infrastructure, safety, industrial, and security applications; lasers for measuring purposes; proximity sensors; electronic proximity sensors and switches; measuring apparatus, namely, laser distance meters; downloadable and recorded computer software for connecting, operating, and managing networked electronic proximity sensors and switches, lidar apparatus, optical sensors, laser object detectors and scanners, sensors for measuring purposes, and sensors for sensing, detecting objects, and for capturing, analyzing, and mapping data of the three-dimensional space surrounding the sensor in the internet of things (IoT); Downloadable and recorded software for use in connection with intelligent infrastructure; Downloadable and recorded software for use in connection with lidar apparatus, optical sensors, laser object detectors and scanners, sensors for measuring purposes, and sensors for sensing and detecting objects and for mapping three-dimensional space surrounding the devices; Downloadable and recorded software for use in connection with operating, managing, and calibrating sensors, scanners, and lidar devices and for analyzing the data provided by the sensors, scanners, and lidar devices; Downloadable and recorded software for use in association with intelligent infrastructure systems for operating, managing, and calibrating sensors, scanners, and lidar devices, for object detection and classification, and for data analysis; Downloadable and recorded software for capturing, analyzing, and providing data in the field of 3D surveying and mapping and for object detection and classification; Downloadable and recorded software for analyzing and mapping data in the field of 3D surveying; Downloadable and recorded software for sensing and perceiving the surrounding environment and providing, managing, and analyzing data on the surrounding environment; chips; integrated circuits; integrated circuit cards. Providing on-line non-downloadable software for use in connection with intelligent infrastructure; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for use in connection with lidar apparatus, optical sensors, laser object detectors and scanners, sensors for measuring purposes, and sensors for sensing and detecting objects and for mapping three-dimensional space surrounding the devices; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for use in connection with operating, managing, and calibrating sensors, scanners, and lidar devices and for analyzing the data provided by the sensors, scanners, and lidar devices; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for use in association with intelligent infrastructure systems for operating, managing, and calibrating sensors, scanners, and lidar devices, for object detection and classification, and for data analysis; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for capturing, analyzing, and providing data in the field of 3D surveying and mapping and for object detection and classification; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for analyzing and mapping data in the field of 3D surveying; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for sensing and perceiving the surrounding environment and providing, managing, and analyzing data on the surrounding environment; scientific and technological services, namely, scientific research in the field of software for use in connection with sensors, scanners, and lidar devices; design of software for sensors, scanners, and lidar devices; industrial research in the field of software for sensors, scanners, and lidar systems; Capturing, providing, and analyzing data in the field of 3D surveying; Mapping services for use in the detection, classification, and tracking of physical objects.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Downloadable computer software for connecting, operating, and
managing networked electronic proximity sensors and switches, lidar
apparatus, optical sensors, laser object detectors and scanners,
sensors for measuring purposes, and sensors for sensing, detecting
objects, and for capturing, analyzing, and mapping data of the three-dimensional space surrounding the sensor in the internet of things
(IoT); Downloadable software for use in connection with intelligent
infrastructure; Downloadable software for use in operating,
managing, and calibrating lidar apparatus, optical sensors, laser
object detectors and scanners, sensors for measuring purposes, and
sensors for sensing and detecting objects and for mapping three-dimensional space surrounding the devices; Downloadable software
for use in connection with operating, managing, and calibrating
sensors, scanners, and lidar devices and for analyzing the data
provided by the sensors, scanners, and lidar devices; Downloadable
software for use in association with intelligent infrastructure systems
for operating, managing, and calibrating sensors, scanners, and lidar
devices, for object detection and classification, and for data analysis;
Downloadable software for capturing, analyzing, and providing data
in the field of 3D surveying and mapping and for object detection and
classification; Downloadable software for analyzing and mapping
data in the field of 3D surveying; Downloadable software for sensing
and perceiving the surrounding environment and providing,
managing, and analyzing data on the surrounding environment
56.
LOW PROFILE LIDAR SYSTEMS WITH MULTIPLE POLYGON SCANNERS
A light detection and ranging (LiDAR) scanning system used with a moveable platform is provided. The LiDAR scanning system comprises one or more light sources; and one or more optical core assemblies optically coupled to the one or more light sources. At least one optical core assembly of the one or more optical core assemblies comprises: an optical core assembly enclosure at least partially disposed in the moveable platform; a plurality of optical polygon elements, and one or more moveable reflective elements. The combination of the plurality of optical polygon elements and the one or more moveable reflective elements form one or more light steering devices operative to scan one or more field-of-views of the LiDAR system. The plurality of optical polygon elements, the one or more moveable reflective elements, and at least one of transmitting and receiving optics are disposed within the optical core assembly enclosure.
A dual emitting co-axial light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system is provided. The LiDAR system comprises a first light source configured to provide a first light beam, a second light source configured to provide a second light beam, a light detector configured to detect return light, one or more optical elements configured to transmit the first light beam to a target in a field of view and to direct return light to the light detector, a first light detector configured to detect the return light and internally-reflected light, a second light detector configured to detect return light formed from the second light beam, and control circuitry configured to mitigate a blind-zone effect based on the detected return light formed from the second light beam. The one or more optical elements are disposed outside of a light path of the second light beam from the second light source.
A LiDAR system comprising one or more tunable filters is provided. The one or more tunable filters can be tuned to compensate for wavelength shifts of light signals caused by ambient environmental changes. The LiDAR system includes a light source providing light signals, a signal steering system configured to direct the light signals to a field-of-view, and temperature monitoring circuitry configured to monitor a temperature shift of the light source. The temperature shift corresponds to a wavelength shift of the light signals from a first wavelength value to a second wavelength value. The system further comprises a tunable filter positioned in a receiving system configured to receive return light signals, and a motor configured to rotate the tunable filter by an angle based on the temperature shift such that a passband of the tunable filter matches the second wavelength value.
A method for dynamically calibrating a light detector of a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system is disclosed. The method comprises obtaining an indication for use. The method further comprises determining, based on the indication, whether to perform the calibration of the light detector operating with a first bias voltage. The method further comprises, in accordance with a determination to perform the calibration, initiating a multiple-point calibration of the light detector across a bias voltage scanning range, wherein the multiple-point calibration comprises determining a second bias voltage corresponding to a current temperature in an operating environment of the light detector. The method further comprises determining, based on the multiple-point calibration, whether to update the first bias voltage based on the second bias voltage.
Embodiments discussed herein refer to LiDAR systems and methods that tune one or more filters to mitigate background interference. The one or more filters can be tuned to compensate for laser drift such that the narrowest possible bandpass filter can be used, thereby increasing the rejection of background interference.
A method for calculating time-of-flight on a LiDAR system is provided. The method comprises transmitting outgoing light pulses to a beam steering system that redirects the outgoing light pulses to a field of view of the LiDAR system; detecting return pulses corresponding to the outgoing light pulses; obtaining an intensity of a return pulse of the detected return pulses; determining whether the intensity of the return pulse is within an intensity threshold; and based on the determination, selecting a pulse-center based method or a pulse-edge based method for measuring a time-of-flight between the return pulse and the corresponding outgoing light pulse. The time-of-flight is a time lapse between a timing of the return pulse and a timing of the corresponding outgoing light pulse. The method further comprises measuring the time-of-flight based on the selected method.
A compact perception device for an autonomous driving system is disclosed. The compact perception device includes a lens configured to collect both visible light and near infrared (NIR) light to obtain collected light including collected visible light and collected NIR light. The device further includes a first optical reflector optically coupled to the lens. The first optical reflector is configured to reflect one of the collected visible light or the collected NIR light, and pass the collected light that is not reflected by the first optical reflector. The device further includes an image sensor configured to detect the collected visible light directed by the first optical reflector to form image data; and a depth sensor configured to detect the collected NIR light directed by the first optical reflector to form depth data.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Lidar apparatus; Lidar sensors; optical sensors; electronic sensors for sensing, detecting objects, and mapping three-dimensional space surrounding the sensor; laser object detectors for use on vehicles and trains, and for infrastructure, safety, industrial, and security applications; laser scanners for use on vehicles and trains, and for infrastructure, safety, industrial, and security applications; lasers for measuring purposes; proximity sensors; electronic proximity sensors and switches; measuring apparatus, namely, laser distance meters; downloadable and recorded computer software for connecting, operating, and managing networked electronic proximity sensors and switches, lidar apparatus, optical sensors, laser object detectors and scanners, sensors for measuring purposes, and sensors for sensing, detecting objects, and for capturing, analyzing, and mapping data of the three-dimensional space surrounding the sensor in the internet of things (IoT); Downloadable and recorded software for use in connection with intelligent infrastructure; Downloadable and recorded software for use in connection with lidar apparatus, optical sensors, laser object detectors and scanners, sensors for measuring purposes, and sensors for sensing and detecting objects and for mapping three-dimensional space surrounding the devices; Downloadable and recorded software for use in connection with operating, managing, and calibrating sensors, scanners, and lidar devices and for analyzing the data provided by the sensors, scanners, and lidar devices; Downloadable and recorded software for use in association with intelligent infrastructure systems for operating, managing, and calibrating sensors, scanners, and lidar devices, for object detection and classification, and for data analysis; Downloadable and recorded software for capturing, analyzing, and providing data in the field of 3D surveying and mapping and for object detection and classification; Downloadable and recorded software for analyzing and mapping data in the field of 3D surveying; Downloadable and recorded software for sensing and perceiving the surrounding environment and providing, managing, and analyzing data on the surrounding environment; chips [integrated circuits]; integrated circuits; integrated circuit cards [smart cards]. Providing on-line non-downloadable software for use in connection with intelligent infrastructure; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for use in connection with lidar apparatus, optical sensors, laser object detectors and scanners, sensors for measuring purposes, and sensors for sensing and detecting objects and for mapping three-dimensional space surrounding the devices; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for use in connection with operating, managing, and calibrating sensors, scanners, and lidar devices and for analyzing the data provided by the sensors, scanners, and lidar devices; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for use in association with intelligent infrastructure systems for operating, managing, and calibrating sensors, scanners, and lidar devices, for object detection and classification, and for data analysis; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for capturing, analyzing, and providing data in the field of 3D surveying and mapping and for object detection and classification; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for analyzing and mapping data in the field of 3D surveying; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for sensing and perceiving the surrounding environment and providing, managing, and analyzing data on the surrounding environment; scientific and technological services, namely, scientific research in the field of software for use in connection with sensors, scanners, and lidar devices; design of software for sensors, scanners, and lidar devices; industrial research in the field of software for sensors, scanners, and lidar systems; Capturing, providing, and analyzing data in the field of 3D surveying; Mapping services for use in the detection, classification, and tracking of physical objects.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Lidar apparatus; electric sensors, namely, lidar sensors; optical sensors; electronic sensors for sensing, detecting objects, and mapping three-dimensional space surrounding the sensor; laser object detectors for use on vehicles and trains, and for infrastructure, safety, industrial, and security applications; laser scanners for use on vehicles and trains for infrastructure, safety, industrial, and security inspection; lasers for measuring purposes; proximity sensors; electronic proximity sensors and switches; measuring apparatus, namely, laser distance meters; downloadable and recorded computer software for connecting, operating, and managing networked electronic proximity sensors and switches, lidar apparatus, optical sensors, laser object detectors and scanners, sensors for measuring purposes, and sensors for sensing, detecting objects, and for capturing, analyzing, and mapping data of the three-dimensional space surrounding the sensor in the internet of things (IoT); Downloadable and recorded software for detecting and classifying objects for use in connection with intelligent infrastructure; Downloadable and recorded software for use in connection with lidar apparatus, optical sensors, laser object detectors and scanners, sensors for measuring purposes, and sensors for sensing and detecting objects and for mapping three-dimensional space surrounding the devices; Downloadable and recorded software for operating, managing, and calibrating sensors, scanners, and lidar devices and for analyzing the data provided by the sensors, scanners, and lidar devices; Downloadable and recorded software for use in association with intelligent infrastructure systems for operating, managing, and calibrating sensors, scanners, and lidar devices, for detecting and classifying objects, and for data analysis; Downloadable and recorded software for capturing, analyzing, and providing data in the field of 3D surveying and mapping and for detecting and classifying objects; Downloadable and recorded software for analyzing and mapping data in the field of 3D surveying; Downloadable and recorded software for sensing and perceiving the surrounding environment and providing, managing, and analyzing data on the surrounding environment; semiconductor chips; integrated circuits; integrated circuit cards Providing on-line non-downloadable software for detecting and classifying objects for use in connection with intelligent infrastructure; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for use in connection with lidar apparatus, optical sensors, laser object detectors and scanners, sensors for measuring purposes, and sensors for sensing and detecting objects and for mapping three-dimensional space surrounding the devices; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for operating, managing, and calibrating sensors, scanners, and lidar devices and for analyzing the data provided by the sensors, scanners, and lidar devices; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for use in association with intelligent infrastructure systems for operating, managing, and calibrating sensors, scanners, and lidar devices, for detecting and classifying objects, and for data analysis; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for capturing, analyzing, and providing data in the field of 3D surveying and mapping and for detecting and classifying objects; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for analyzing and mapping data in the field of 3D surveying; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for sensing and perceiving the surrounding environment and providing, managing, and analyzing data on the surrounding environment; scientific and technological services, namely, scientific research in the field of software for use in connection with sensors, scanners, and lidar devices; design of software for sensors, scanners, and lidar devices; industrial research in the field of software for sensors, scanners, and lidar systems; Surveying services, namely, capturing, providing, and analyzing data in the field of 3D surveying; Mapping services for use in the detection, classification, and tracking of physical objects
A system for multimodal detection is provided. The system comprises a light collection and distribution device configured to perform at least one of collecting light signals from a field-of-view (FOV) and distributing the light signals to a plurality of detectors. The light signals have a plurality of wavelengths comprising at least a first wavelength and a second wavelength. The system further comprises a multimodal sensor comprising the plurality of detectors. The plurality of detectors comprises at least a light detector of a first type and a light detector of a second type. The light detector of the first type is configured to detect light signals having a first light characteristic. The light detector of the first type is configured to perform distance measuring based on light signals having the first wavelength. The light detector of the second type is configured to detect light signals having a second light characteristic.
A Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) scanning system, having a window blockage detector, aids in delivering reliable point cloud data associated with surroundings during instances of window blockage. A laser source within the system may generate one or more beams of light transmitted through a window, scanning the surroundings for external objects. The window blockage detector couples to receive scattered light from the window, as well as returning light from an object in the path of one or more light beams. From the scattered and returning light pulses, the window blockage detector having a thresholding method determines a window state relative to a select one of the following states including, unblocked, blocked, and null; wherein the null state exists when the beam of light intersects an empty sky or a highly absorbent object. Thereby, the LiDAR system provide a more accurate picture of a vehicles surrounding.
A fault-detection system for detecting fault in a LiDAR system mounted on a vehicle is provided. The LiDAR system is configured to provide point cloud data of an external environment of the vehicle in accordance with a LiDAR coordinate system. The fault-detection system includes processor-executable instructions which comprise instructions for: obtaining a vehicle speed; obtaining conversion parameters used for converting from the LiDAR coordinate system to a vehicle coordinate system; determining whether the vehicle speed exceeds a vehicle speed threshold; in accordance with a determination that the vehicle speed exceeds the vehicle speed threshold, obtaining a representation of a road surface plane expressed in the vehicle coordinate system; obtaining a representation of a native horizontal plane provided by the vehicle; and determining whether a fault in the LiDAR system has occurred based on the representation of the road surface plane and the representation of the native horizontal plane.
Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) systems use light pulses to create an image or point cloud of an environment. This LiDAR system and method having data encoding and compression improves the efficiency and communication reliability of point cloud data using data encoding and compression. After receiving return light pulse reflected by an object in the FOV, the system converts the detected optical signal data into raw data for the purpose of generating trigger data, encoder data, and time synchronization data from the raw data. The system further configures output data in a compressed format using the least amount of bits to carry the same amount of information defining point cloud data describing an external environment and the computational load is reduced. The compressed format comprises a data set for one baseline channel and differential channel data for one or more channels based upon the baseline channel.
A Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) system is disclosed. The LiDAR system comprises a light source configured to provide transmission light signals in a plurality of firing cycles. The LiDAR system comprises a detector configured to detect return signals formed based on the transmission light signals. The LiDAR system comprises an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) configured to obtain ADC data representing the detected return signals. The LiDAR system further comprises one or more processors and memory device, and processor-executable instructions stored in the memory device. The processor-executable instructions can cause the one or more processors to perform: determining a multiple-point time window using the ADC data; based on the multiple-point time window, determining an offset of the ADC data; at least partially correcting the ADC data based on the offset; and providing the corrected ADC data for constructing a point cloud representing an external environment of the LiDAR system.
A compact LiDAR device is provided. The compact LiDAR device includes a first mirror disposed to receive one or more light beams and a polygon mirror optically coupled to the first mirror. The polygon mirror comprises a plurality of reflective facets. For at least two of the plurality of reflective facets, each reflective facet is arranged such that: a first edge, a second edge, and a third edge of the reflective facet correspond to a first line, a second line, and a third line; the first line and the second line intersect to form a first internal angle of a plane comprising the reflective facet; and the first line and the third line intersect to form a second internal angle of the plane comprising the reflective facet. The first internal angle is an acute angle; and the second internal angle is an obtuse angle.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Lidar apparatus; Lidar sensors; optical sensors; electronic sensors for sensing, detecting objects, and mapping three-dimensional space surrounding the sensor; laser object detectors for use on vehicles and trains, and for infrastructure, safety, industrial, and security applications; laser scanners for use on vehicles and trains, and for infrastructure, safety, industrial, and security applications; lasers for measuring purposes; proximity sensors; electronic proximity sensors and switches; measuring apparatus, namely, laser distance meters; downloadable and recorded computer software for connecting, operating, and managing networked electronic proximity sensors and switches, lidar apparatus, optical sensors, laser object detectors and scanners, sensors for measuring purposes, and sensors for sensing, detecting objects, and for capturing, analyzing, and mapping data of the three-dimensional space surrounding the sensor in the internet of things (IoT); Downloadable and recorded software for use in connection with intelligent infrastructure; Downloadable and recorded software for use in connection with lidar apparatus, optical sensors, laser object detectors and scanners, sensors for measuring purposes, and sensors for sensing and detecting objects and for mapping three-dimensional space surrounding the devices; Downloadable and recorded software for use in connection with operating, managing, and calibrating sensors, scanners, and lidar devices and for analyzing the data provided by the sensors, scanners, and lidar devices; Downloadable and recorded software for use in association with intelligent infrastructure systems for operating, managing, and calibrating sensors, scanners, and lidar devices, for object detection and classification, and for data analysis; Downloadable and recorded software for capturing, analyzing, and providing data in the field of 3D surveying and mapping and for object detection and classification; Downloadable and recorded software for analyzing and mapping data in the field of 3D surveying; Downloadable and recorded software for sensing and perceiving the surrounding environment and providing, managing, and analyzing data on the surrounding environment; chips [integrated circuits]; integrated circuits; integrated circuit cards [smart cards]. Providing on-line non-downloadable software for use in connection with intelligent infrastructure; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for use in connection with lidar apparatus, optical sensors, laser object detectors and scanners, sensors for measuring purposes, and sensors for sensing and detecting objects and for mapping three-dimensional space surrounding the devices; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for use in connection with operating, managing, and calibrating sensors, scanners, and lidar devices and for analyzing the data provided by the sensors, scanners, and lidar devices; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for use in association with intelligent infrastructure systems for operating, managing, and calibrating sensors, scanners, and lidar devices, for object detection and classification, and for data analysis; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for capturing, analyzing, and providing data in the field of 3D surveying and mapping and for object detection and classification; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for analyzing and mapping data in the field of 3D surveying; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for sensing and perceiving the surrounding environment and providing, managing, and analyzing data on the surrounding environment; scientific and technological services, namely, scientific research in the field of software for use in connection with sensors, scanners, and lidar devices; design of software for sensors, scanners, and lidar devices; industrial research in the field of software for sensors, scanners, and lidar systems; Capturing, providing, and analyzing data in the field of 3D surveying; Mapping services for use in the detection, classification, and tracking of physical objects.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Lidar apparatus; electric sensors, namely, lidar sensors; optical sensors; electronic sensors for sensing, detecting objects, and mapping three-dimensional space surrounding the sensor; laser object detectors for use on vehicles and trains, and for infrastructure, safety, industrial, and security applications; laser scanners for use on vehicles and trains for infrastructure, safety, industrial, and security inspection; lasers for measuring purposes; proximity sensors; electronic proximity sensors and switches; measuring apparatus, namely, laser distance meters; downloadable and recorded computer software for connecting, operating, and managing networked electronic proximity sensors and switches, lidar apparatus, optical sensors, laser object detectors and scanners, sensors for measuring purposes, and sensors for sensing, detecting objects, and for capturing, analyzing, and mapping data of the three-dimensional space surrounding the sensor in the internet of things (IoT); Downloadable and recorded software for detecting and classifying objects for use in connection with intelligent infrastructure; Downloadable and recorded software for use in connection with lidar apparatus, optical sensors, laser object detectors and scanners, sensors for measuring purposes, and sensors for sensing and detecting objects and for mapping three-dimensional space surrounding the devices; Downloadable and recorded software for operating, managing, and calibrating sensors, scanners, and lidar devices and for analyzing the data provided by the sensors, scanners, and lidar devices; Downloadable and recorded software for use in association with intelligent infrastructure systems for operating, managing, and calibrating sensors, scanners, and lidar devices, for detecting and classifying objects, and for data analysis; Downloadable and recorded software for capturing, analyzing, and providing data in the field of 3D surveying and mapping and for detecting and classifying objects; Downloadable and recorded software for analyzing and mapping data in the field of 3D surveying; Downloadable and recorded software for sensing and perceiving the surrounding environment and providing, managing, and analyzing data on the surrounding environment; semiconductor chips; integrated circuits; integrated circuit cards Providing on-line non-downloadable software for detecting and classifying objects for use in connection with intelligent infrastructure; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for use in connection with lidar apparatus, optical sensors, laser object detectors and scanners, sensors for measuring purposes, and sensors for sensing and detecting objects and for mapping three-dimensional space surrounding the devices; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for operating, managing, and calibrating sensors, scanners, and lidar devices and for analyzing the data provided by the sensors, scanners, and lidar devices; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for use in association with intelligent infrastructure systems for operating, managing, and calibrating sensors, scanners, and lidar devices, for detecting and classifying objects, and for data analysis; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for capturing, analyzing, and providing data in the field of 3D surveying and mapping and for detecting and classifying objects; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for analyzing and mapping data in the field of 3D surveying; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for sensing and perceiving the surrounding environment and providing, managing, and analyzing data on the surrounding environment; scientific and technological services, namely, scientific research in the field of software for use in connection with sensors, scanners, and lidar devices; design of software for sensors, scanners, and lidar devices; industrial research in the field of software for sensors, scanners, and lidar systems; Surveying services, namely, capturing, providing, and analyzing data in the field of 3D surveying; Mapping services for use in the detection, classification, and tracking of physical objects
74.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SCANNING A REGION OF INTEREST USING A LIGHT DETECTION AND RANGING SCANNER
A light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system for scanning and reconfiguring regions-of-interest (ROIs) is provided. The system comprises a LiDAR scanner configured to scan a current set of ROIs within a field-of-view (FOV), and a LiDAR perception sub-system coupled to the LiDAR scanner. The LIDAR perception sub-system includes instructions for: obtaining sensor data provided at least by the LiDAR scanner; deriving one or more current perceptions based on the sensor data; obtaining one or more predefined perception policies; determining one or more policy-based ROI candidates; determining whether an ROI reconfiguration request is provided, based on a vehicle perception decision; determining one or more request-based ROI candidates based on the ROI reconfiguration request; and determining a next set of ROIs for the LiDAR scanner to scan based on the current set of ROIs, and one or both of the one or more policy-based ROI candidates and the one or more request-based ROI candidates.
The present disclosure describes a system and method for coaxial LiDAR scanning. The system includes a first light source configured to provide first light pulses. The system also includes one or more beam steering apparatuses optically coupled to the first light source. Each beam steering apparatus comprises a rotatable concave reflector and a light beam steering device disposed at least partially within the rotatable concave reflector. The combination of the light beam steering device and the rotatable concave reflector, when moving with respect to each other, steers the one or more first light pulses both vertically and horizontally to illuminate an object within a field-of-view; obtain one or more first returning light pulses, the one or more first returning light pulses being generated based on the steered first light pulses illuminating an object within the field-of-view, and redirects the one or more first returning light pulses.
The present disclosure describes a system and method for coaxial LiDAR scanning. The system includes a first light source configured to provide first light pulses. The system also includes one or more beam steering apparatuses optically coupled to the first light source. Each beam steering apparatus comprises a rotatable concave reflector and a light beam steering device disposed at least partially within the rotatable concave reflector. The combination of the light beam steering device and the rotatable concave reflector, when moving with respect to each other, steers the one or more first light pulses both vertically and horizontally to illuminate an object within a field-of-view; obtain one or more first returning light pulses, the one or more first returning light pulses being generated based on the steered first light pulses illuminating an object within the field-of-view, and redirects the one or more first returning light pulses.
The present disclosure describes a system and method for coaxial LiDAR scanning. The system includes a first light source configured to provide first light pulses. The system also includes one or more beam steering apparatuses optically coupled to the first light source. Each beam steering apparatus comprises a rotatable concave reflector and a light beam steering device disposed at least partially within the rotatable concave reflector. The combination of the light beam steering device and the rotatable concave reflector, when moving with respect to each other, steers the one or more first light pulses both vertically and horizontally to illuminate an object within a field-of-view; obtain one or more first returning light pulses, the one or more first returning light pulses being generated based on the steered first light pulses illuminating an object within the field-of-view, and redirects the one or more first returning light pulses.
The present disclosure describes a system and method for coaxial LiDAR scanning. The system includes a first light source configured to provide first light pulses. The system also includes one or more beam steering apparatuses optically coupled to the first light source. Each beam steering apparatus comprises a rotatable concave reflector and a light beam steering device disposed at least partially within the rotatable concave reflector. The combination of the light beam steering device and the rotatable concave reflector, when moving with respect to each other, steers the one or more first light pulses both vertically and horizontally to illuminate an object within a field-of-view; obtain one or more first returning light pulses, the one or more first returning light pulses being generated based on the steered first light pulses illuminating an object within the field-of-view, and redirects the one or more first returning light pulses.
Embodiments discussed herein refer to LiDAR systems and methods that use a virtual window to monitor for potentially unsafe operation of a laser. If an object is detected within the virtual window, the LiDAR system can be instructed to deactivate laser transmission.
The present disclosure describes a system and method for coaxial LiDAR scanning. The system includes a first light source configured to provide first light pulses. The system also includes one or more beam steering apparatuses optically coupled to the first light source. Each beam steering apparatus comprises a rotatable concave reflector and a light beam steering device disposed at least partially within the rotatable concave reflector. The combination of the light beam steering device and the rotatable concave reflector, when moving with respect to each other, steers the one or more first light pulses both vertically and horizontally to illuminate an object within a field-of-view; obtain one or more first returning light pulses, the one or more first returning light pulses being generated based on the steered first light pulses illuminating an object within the field-of-view, and redirects the one or more first returning light pulses.
Embodiments discussed herein refer to using LiDAR systems for steering consecutive light pulses using micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) to illuminate objects in a field of view. Embodiments discussed herein also refer to using a multiple lens array to process returned light pulses.
A motorized optical scanner device of a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) scanning system used in a motor vehicle is disclosed. The motorized optical scanner device comprises a glass-based optical reflector including a plurality of reflective surfaces and a flange. The rotatable optical reflector device further comprises an adjustment ring and a metal-based motor rotor body at least partially disposed in an inner opening of the glass-based optical reflector. The flange extends from an inner sidewall of the glass-based optical reflector towards the metal-based motor rotor body. The flange includes a first mounting surface that is in contact with the adjustment ring. The motorized optical scanner device further comprises a plurality of fastening mechanisms. The plurality of fastening mechanisms facilitates applying adjustment forces to the adjustment ring to reduce wobble associated with rotation of the glass-based optical reflector.
A dual lens assembly positioned along an optical receive path within a LiDAR system is provided. The dual lens assembly is constructed to reduce a numerical aperture of a returned light pulse and reduce a walk-off error associated with one or more mirrors of the LiDAR system.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Downloadable and recorded software for use in connection with intelligent infrastructure; Downloadable and recorded software for use in connection with lidar apparatus, optical sensors, laser object detectors and scanners, sensors for measuring purposes, and sensors for sensing and detecting objects and for mapping three-dimensional space surrounding the devices; Downloadable and recorded software for use in connection with operating, managing, and calibrating sensors, scanners, and lidar devices and for analyzing the data provided by the sensors, scanners, and lidar devices; Downloadable and recorded software for use in association with intelligent infrastructure systems for operating, managing, and calibrating sensors, scanners, and lidar devices, for object detection and classification, and for data analysis; Downloadable and recorded software for capturing, analyzing, and providing data in the field of 3D surveying and mapping and for object detection and classification; Downloadable and recorded software for analyzing and mapping data in the field of 3D surveying; Downloadable and recorded software for sensing and perceiving the surrounding environment and providing, managing, and analyzing data on the surrounding environment. Providing on-line non-downloadable software for use in connection with intelligent infrastructure; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for use in connection with lidar apparatus, optical sensors, laser object detectors and scanners, sensors for measuring purposes, and sensors for sensing and detecting objects and for mapping three-dimensional space surrounding the devices; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for use in connection with operating, managing, and calibrating sensors, scanners, and lidar devices and for analyzing the data provided by the sensors, scanners, and lidar devices; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for use in association with intelligent infrastructure systems for operating, managing, and calibrating sensors, scanners, and lidar devices, for object detection and classification, and for data analysis; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for capturing, analyzing, and providing data in the field of 3D surveying and mapping and for object detection and classification; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for analyzing and mapping data in the field of 3D surveying; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for sensing and perceiving the surrounding environment and providing, managing, and analyzing data on the surrounding environment; scientific and technological services, namely, scientific research in the field of software for use in connection with sensors, scanners, and lidar devices; design of software for sensors, scanners, and lidar devices; industrial research in the field of software for sensors, scanners, and lidar systems; Capturing, providing, and analyzing data in the field of 3D surveying; Mapping services for use in the detection, classification, and tracking of physical objects.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Downloadable and recorded software for detecting and classifying objects for use in connection with intelligent infrastructure for vehicle perception and traffic management; Downloadable and recorded software for use in connection with lidar apparatus, optical sensors, laser object detectors and scanners, sensors for measuring purposes, and sensors for sensing and detecting objects and for mapping three-dimensional space surrounding the devices; Downloadable and recorded software for use in connection with operating, managing, and calibrating sensors, scanners, and lidar devices and for analyzing the data provided by the sensors, scanners, and lidar devices; Downloadable and recorded software for use in association with intelligent infrastructure systems for operating, managing, and calibrating sensors, scanners, and lidar devices, for detecting and classifying objects, and for data analysis; Downloadable and recorded software for capturing, analyzing, and providing data in the field of 3D surveying and mapping and for detecting and classifying objects; Downloadable and recorded software for analyzing and mapping data in the field of 3D surveying; Downloadable and recorded software for sensing and perceiving the surrounding environment and providing, managing, and analyzing data on the surrounding environment Providing on-line non-downloadable software for detecting and classifying objects for use in connection with intelligent infrastructure for vehicle perception and traffic management; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for use in connection with lidar apparatus, optical sensors, laser object detectors and scanners, sensors for measuring purposes, and sensors for sensing and detecting objects and for mapping three-dimensional space surrounding the devices; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for use in connection with operating, managing, and calibrating sensors, scanners, and lidar devices and for analyzing the data provided by the sensors, scanners, and lidar devices; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for use in association with intelligent infrastructure systems for operating, managing, and calibrating sensors, scanners, and lidar devices, for detecting and classifying objects, and for data analysis; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for capturing, analyzing, and providing data in the field of 3D surveying and mapping and for detecting and classifying objects; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for analyzing and mapping data in the field of 3D surveying; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for sensing and perceiving the surrounding environment and providing, managing, and analyzing data on the surrounding environment; scientific and technological services, namely, scientific research in the field of software for use in connection with sensors, scanners, and lidar devices; design of software for sensors, scanners, and lidar devices; industrial research in the field of software for sensors, scanners, and lidar systems; Surveying services, namely, capturing, providing, and analyzing data in the field of 3D surveying; Mapping services for use in the detection, classification, and tracking of physical objects
86.
COMPACT LIDAR SYSTEMS FOR DETECTING OBJECTS IN BLIND-SPOT AREAS
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.
A light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system for detecting objects in blind-spot areas is provided. The system comprises a housing, a scanning-based LiDAR assembly disposed in the housing, and a non-scanning-based LiDAR assembly also disposed in the housing. The scanning-based LiDAR assembly is configured to scan a plurality of light beams to illuminate a first field-of-view (FOV). The non-scanning-based LiDAR assembly is configured to transmit laser light to illuminate a second FOV without scanning. The scanning-based LiDAR assembly's detection distance range extends beyond the detection distance range of the non-scanning-based LiDAR assembly.
Embodiments discussed herein refer to LiDAR systems and methods that monitor for fault conditions that could potentially result in unsafe operation of a laser. The systems and methods can monitor for faulty conditions involving a transmitter system and movement of mirrors in a scanning system. When a fault condition is monitored, a shutdown command is sent to the transmitter system to cease laser transmission. The timing by which the laser should cease transmission is critical in preventing unsafe laser exposure, and embodiments discussed herein enable fault detection and laser shutoff to comply with laser safety standards.
Embodiments discussed herein refer to an integrated mirror motor galvanometer. The integrated mirror motor galvanometer repurposes a rotor of a motor to include at least one mirror face that redirects the light pulses interfacing therewith. This way, when the rotor oscillates along its range of rotation, the at least one mirror face also oscillates.
LiDAR system and methods discussed herein use a dispersion element or optic that has a refraction gradient that causes a light pulse to be redirected to a particular angle based on its wavelength. The dispersion element can be used to control a scanning path for light pulses being projected as part of the LiDAR's field of view. The dispersion element enables redirection of light pulses without requiring the physical movement of a medium such as mirror or other reflective surface, and in effect further enables at least portion of the LiDAR's field of view to be managed through solid state control. The solid state control can be performed by selectively adjusting the wavelength of the light pulses to control their projection along the scanning path.
A light detection and ranging system is provided. The system includes a Galvanometer mirror; a multiple-facet light steering device; and a controller device comprising one or more processors, memory, and processor-executable instructions stored in memory. The processor-executable instructions comprise instructions for receiving a first movement profile of the Galvanometer mirror of the LiDAR scanning system; receiving calibration data of the multiple-facet light steering device of the LiDAR scanning system; generating a second movement profile of the Galvanometer mirror based on the calibration data and the first movement profile; and providing one or more control signals to adjust movement of the Galvanometer mirror based on the second movement profile.
Embodiments discussed herein refer to LiDAR systems and methods that use a virtual window to monitor for potentially unsafe operation of a laser. If an object is detected within the virtual window, the LiDAR system can be instructed to deactivate laser transmission.
Embodiments discussed herein refer to LiDAR systems that use refraction compensation to improve transmission efficiency of light energy through transmissive mediums such as covers. Refraction compensation can be achieved using a cover or an anti-reflective coating.
H01S 3/10 - Controlling the intensity, frequency, phase, polarisation or direction of the emitted radiation, e.g. switching, gating, modulating or demodulating
G01S 17/931 - Lidar systems, specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
G01S 7/481 - Constructional features, e.g. arrangements of optical elements
LiDAR system and methods discussed herein use a dispersion element or optic that has a refraction gradient that causes a light pulse to be redirected to a particular angle based on its wavelength. The dispersion element can be used to control a scanning path for light pulses being projected as part of the LiDAR's field of view. The dispersion element enables redirection of light pulses without requiring the physical movement of a medium such as mirror or other reflective surface, and in effect further enables at least portion of the LiDAR's field of view to be managed through solid state control. The solid state control can be performed by selectively adjusting the wavelength of the light pulses to control their projection along the scanning path.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Downloadable and recorded software for use in connection with intelligent infrastructure; Downloadable and recorded software for use in connection with lidar apparatus, optical sensors, laser object detectors and scanners, sensors for measuring purposes, and sensors for sensing and detecting objects and for mapping three-dimensional space surrounding the devices; Downloadable and recorded software for use in connection with operating, managing, and calibrating sensors, scanners, and lidar devices and for analyzing the data provided by the sensors, scanners, and lidar devices; Downloadable and recorded software for use in association with intelligent infrastructure systems for operating, managing, and calibrating sensors, scanners, and lidar devices, for object detection and classification, and for data analysis; Downloadable and recorded software for capturing, analyzing, and providing data in the field of 3D surveying and mapping and for object detection and classification; Downloadable and recorded software for analyzing and mapping data in the field of 3D surveying; Downloadable and recorded software for sensing and perceiving the surrounding environment and providing, managing, and analyzing data on the surrounding environment. Providing on-line non-downloadable software for use in connection with intelligent infrastructure; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for use in connection with lidar apparatus, optical sensors, laser object detectors and scanners, sensors for measuring purposes, and sensors for sensing and detecting objects and for mapping three-dimensional space surrounding the devices; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for use in connection with operating, managing, and calibrating sensors, scanners, and lidar devices and for analyzing the data provided by the sensors, scanners, and lidar devices; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for use in association with intelligent infrastructure systems for operating, managing, and calibrating sensors, scanners, and lidar devices, for object detection and classification, and for data analysis; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for capturing, analyzing, and providing data in the field of 3D surveying and mapping and for object detection and classification; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for analyzing and mapping data in the field of 3D surveying; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for sensing and perceiving the surrounding environment and providing, managing, and analyzing data on the surrounding environment; scientific and technological services, namely, scientific research in the field of software for use in connection with sensors, scanners, and lidar devices; design of software for sensors, scanners, and lidar devices; industrial research in the field of software for sensors, scanners, and lidar systems; Capturing, providing, and analyzing data in the field of 3D surveying; Mapping services for use in the detection, classification, and tracking of physical objects.
A dual lens assembly positioned along an optical receive path within a LiDAR system is provided. The dual lens assembly is constructed to reduce a numerical aperture of a returned light pulse and reduce a walk-off error associated with one or more mirrors of the LiDAR system.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Downloadable and recorded software for detecting and classifying objects for use in connection with intelligent infrastructure for vehicle perception and traffic management; Downloadable and recorded software for use in connection with lidar apparatus, optical sensors, laser object detectors and scanners, sensors for measuring purposes, and sensors for sensing and detecting objects and for mapping three-dimensional space surrounding the devices; Downloadable and recorded software for use in connection with operating, managing, and calibrating sensors, scanners, and lidar devices and for analyzing the data provided by the sensors, scanners, and lidar devices; Downloadable and recorded software for use in association with intelligent infrastructure systems for operating, managing, and calibrating sensors, scanners, and lidar devices, for detecting and classifying objects, and for data analysis; Downloadable and recorded software for capturing, analyzing, and providing data in the field of 3D surveying and mapping and for detecting and classifying objects; Downloadable and recorded software for analyzing and mapping data in the field of 3D surveying; Downloadable and recorded software for sensing and perceiving the surrounding environment and providing, managing, and analyzing data on the surrounding environment Providing on-line non-downloadable software for detecting and classifying objects for use in connection with intelligent infrastructure for vehicle perception and traffic management; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for use in connection with lidar apparatus, optical sensors, laser object detectors and scanners, sensors for measuring purposes, and sensors for sensing and detecting objects and for mapping three-dimensional space surrounding the devices; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for use in connection with operating, managing, and calibrating sensors, scanners, and lidar devices and for analyzing the data provided by the sensors, scanners, and lidar devices; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for use in association with intelligent infrastructure systems for operating, managing, and calibrating sensors, scanners, and lidar devices, for detecting and classifying objects, and for data analysis; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for capturing, analyzing, and providing data in the field of 3D surveying and mapping and for detecting and classifying objects; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for analyzing and mapping data in the field of 3D surveying; Providing on-line non-downloadable software for sensing and perceiving the surrounding environment and providing, managing, and analyzing data on the surrounding environment; scientific and technological services, namely, scientific research in the field of software for use in connection with sensors, scanners, and lidar devices; design of software for sensors, scanners, and lidar devices; industrial research in the field of software for sensors, scanners, and lidar systems; Surveying services, namely, capturing, providing, and analyzing data in the field of 3D surveying; Mapping services for use in the detection, classification, and tracking of physical objects
99.
High resolution LiDAR using high frequency pulse firing
The present disclosure describes a system and method for LiDAR scanning. The system includes a light source configured to generate one or more light beams; and a beam steering apparatus optically coupled to the light source. The beam steering apparatus includes a first rotatable mirror and a second rotatable mirror. The first rotatable mirror and the second rotatable mirror, when moving with respect to each other, are configured to: steer the one or more light beams both vertically and horizontally to illuminate an object within a field-of-view; redirect one or more returning light pulses generated based on the illumination of the object; and a receiving optical system configured to receive the redirected returning light pulses.
Embodiments discussed herein refer to generating multiple laser beams from a single beam source. Single source multi-beam splitters can produce multiple beams from a single source, precisely control the exit angle of each beam, and ensure that each beam has substantially the same intensity.
