Abstract: Embodiments discussed herein refer to a relatively compact and energy efficient LiDAR system that uses a multi-plane mirror in its scanning system.
Abstract: 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.
Abstract: A method for enabling light detection and ranging (LiDAR) scanning is provided. The method is performed by a system disposed or included in a vehicle. The method comprises receiving a first laser signal. The first laser signal has a first wavelength. The method further includes generating a second laser signal based on the first laser signal. The second laser signal has a second wavelength. The method further includes providing a plurality of third laser signals based on the second laser signal; and delivering a corresponding third laser signal of the plurality of third laser signals to a respective LiDAR scanner of the plurality of LiDAR scanners. Each of the LiDAR scanners are disposed at a separate location of the vehicle such that each of the LiDAR scanners is capable of scanning a substantial different spatial range from another LiDAR scanner. LiDAR systems can use multi-wavelength to provide other benefits as well.
Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system and method for encoding pulses of light for LiDAR scanning. The system includes a sequence generator, a light source, a modulator, a light detector, a correlator, and a microprocessor. The sequence generator generates a sequence code that the modulator encodes into a pulse of light from the light source. The encoded pulse of light illuminates a surface of an object, in which scattered light from the encoded light pulse is detected. The correlator correlates the scattered light with the sequence code that outputs a peak value associated with a time that the pulse of light is received. The microprocessor is configured to determine a time difference between transmission and reception of the pulse of light based on whether the amplitude of the peak exceeds the threshold value. The microprocessor calculates a distance to the surface of the object based on the time difference.
Abstract: 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.