A LIDAR system transmits a system output signal from the LIDAR system such that a sample region is illuminated by the system output signal. The LIDAR system includes a first light signal combiner configured to combine light that returns to the LIDAR system from the system output signal with light from a reference signal so as to generate a composite signal beating at a composite beat frequency. The LIDAR system includes a local light signal combiner configured to combine a first local signal with a second local signal so as to generate a local beating signal beating at a local beat frequency. The reference signal, the system output signal, the first local signal, and the second local signal each includes light from an outgoing LIDAR signal. The LIDAR system also includes electronics that perform a calculation of LIDAR data for the sample region. The LIDAR data for the sample region includes the distance between the LIDAR system and an object in the sample region and/or a radial velocity between the LIDAR system and the object in the sample region. A variable in the calculation is a normalized beat frequency. The normalized beat frequency is the composite beat frequency normalized by a normalizing local beat frequency that is a function of the local beat frequency.
A LIDAR system transmits a system output signal from the LIDAR system such that a sample region is illuminated by the system output signal. The LIDAR system includes a first light signal combiner configured to combine light that returns to the LIDAR system from the system output signal with light from a reference signal so as to generate a composite signal beating at a composite beat frequency. The LIDAR system includes a local light signal combiner configured to combine a first local signal with a second local signal so as to generate a local beating signal beating at a local beat frequency. The reference signal, the system output signal, the first local signal, and the second local signal each includes light from an outgoing LIDAR signal. The LIDAR system also includes electronics that perform a calculation of LIDAR data for the sample region. The LIDAR data for the sample region includes the distance between the LIDAR system and an object in the sample region and/or a radial velocity between the LIDAR system and the object in the sample region. A variable in the calculation is a normalized beat frequency. The normalized beat frequency is the composite beat frequency normalized by a normalizing local beat frequency that is a function of the local beat frequency.
A LIDAR system includes a LIDAR chip configured to output a LIDAR output signal. The LIDAR chip includes a waveguide array. A steering mechanism is configured to control a direction that a system output signal travels away from the LIDAR system. The system output signal includes light from the LIDAR output signal. A location that a comparative signal is incident on the waveguide array changes in response to the steering mechanism changing a direction that the system output signal travels away from the LIDAR system. The comparative signal includes light from the system output signal after the system output signal has been reflected by an object located outside of the LIDAR system.
G01S 7/481 - Caractéristiques de structure, p.ex. agencements d'éléments optiques
G01S 17/06 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible
G01S 17/58 - Systèmes de détermination de la vitesse ou de la trajectoire; Systèmes de détermination du sens d'un mouvement
G02B 6/293 - Moyens de couplage optique ayant des bus de données, c. à d. plusieurs guides d'ondes interconnectés et assurant un système bidirectionnel par nature en mélangeant et divisant les signaux avec des moyens de sélection de la longueur d'onde
G02B 6/35 - Moyens de couplage optique comportant des moyens de commutation
The LIDAR system includes a first transform component configured to perform a complex mathematical transform on first signals. The LIDAR system also includes a second transform component configured to perform a real mathematical transform on second signals. Electronics are configured to use an output of the first transform component in combination with an output of the second transformation component to generate LIDAR data.
A LIDAR system outputs a system output signal that includes light from an outbound LIDAR signal. The LIDAR system includes a chromatic disperser that receives the outbound LIDAR signal and is configured to cause chromatic dispersion of the outbound LIDAR signal. The LIDAR system includes a light source that generates wavelength channel signals that each carries one of multiple different wavelength channels. The outbound LIDAR carries one of the wavelength channels from one of the wavelength channel signals. The light source is operated so as to change the wavelength channel carried by the outbound LIDAR signal. The direction that the outbound LIDAR signal travels away from the chromatic disperser changes in response to the change in the wavelength channel carried by the outbound LIDAR signal. Additionally, the direction that the system output signal travels away from the LIDAR system changes in response to the change in the direction that the outbound LIDAR signal travels away from the chromatic disperser.
G02B 26/08 - Dispositifs ou dispositions optiques pour la commande de la lumière utilisant des éléments optiques mobiles ou déformables pour commander la direction de la lumière
A LIDAR system outputs a system output signal that includes light from an outbound LIDAR signal. The LIDAR system includes a chromatic disperser that receives the outbound LIDAR signal and is configured to cause chromatic dispersion of the outbound LIDAR signal. The LIDAR system includes a light source that generates wavelength channel signals that each carries one of multiple different wavelength channels. The outbound LIDAR carries one of the wavelength channels from one of the wavelength channel signals. The light source is operated so as to change the wavelength channel carried by the outbound LIDAR signal. The direction that the outbound LIDAR signal travels away from the chromatic disperser changes in response to the change in the wavelength channel carried by the outbound LIDAR signal. Additionally, the direction that the system output signal travels away from the LIDAR system changes in response to the change in the direction that the outbound LIDAR signal travels away from the chromatic disperser.
G01S 17/89 - Systèmes lidar, spécialement adaptés pour des applications spécifiques pour la cartographie ou l'imagerie
G01S 13/10 - Systèmes pour mesurer la distance uniquement utilisant la transmission de trains discontinus d'ondes modulées par impulsions
G01S 13/06 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible
G01S 7/481 - Caractéristiques de structure, p.ex. agencements d'éléments optiques
G02B 26/08 - Dispositifs ou dispositions optiques pour la commande de la lumière utilisant des éléments optiques mobiles ou déformables pour commander la direction de la lumière
A LIDAR system includes a LIDAR chip configured to output a LIDAR output signal. The LIDAR chip includes a waveguide array. A steering mechanism is configured to control a direction that a system output signal travels away from the LIDAR system. The system output signal includes light from the LIDAR output signal. A location that a comparative signal is incident on the waveguide array changes in response to the steering mechanism changing a direction that the system output signal travels away from the LIDAR system. The comparative signal includes light from the system output signal after the system output signal has been reflected by an object located outside of the LIDAR system.
G01S 7/481 - Caractéristiques de structure, p.ex. agencements d'éléments optiques
G01S 17/06 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible
G01S 17/58 - Systèmes de détermination de la vitesse ou de la trajectoire; Systèmes de détermination du sens d'un mouvement
G02B 6/293 - Moyens de couplage optique ayant des bus de données, c. à d. plusieurs guides d'ondes interconnectés et assurant un système bidirectionnel par nature en mélangeant et divisant les signaux avec des moyens de sélection de la longueur d'onde
G02B 6/35 - Moyens de couplage optique comportant des moyens de commutation
10.
LIDAR SYSTEM GENERATING MULTIPLE LIDAR OUTPUT SIGNALS
A LIDAR system includes a light source configured to generate an outgoing light signal that includes multiple channels that are each of a different wavelength. The system includes optical components that generate composite light signals. Each composite light signal includes light from a LIDAR input signal combined with light from a reference signal. The LIDAR input signals each includes light that was reflected by an object located apart from the system and that was included also in one of the channels. The reference signals do not include light that was reflected by the object but include light from one of the channels. Each of the composite signals is generated such that the reference signal and the LIDAR input included in the composite signal includes light from the same channel.
G01S 7/48 - DÉTERMINATION DE LA DIRECTION PAR RADIO; RADIO-NAVIGATION; DÉTERMINATION DE LA DISTANCE OU DE LA VITESSE EN UTILISANT DES ONDES RADIO; LOCALISATION OU DÉTECTION DE LA PRÉSENCE EN UTILISANT LA RÉFLEXION OU LA RERADIATION D'ONDES RADIO; DISPOSITIONS ANALOGUES UTILISANT D'AUTRES ONDES - Détails des systèmes correspondant aux groupes , , de systèmes selon le groupe
G01S 7/481 - Caractéristiques de structure, p.ex. agencements d'éléments optiques
G01S 7/4865 - Mesure du temps de retard, p.ex. mesure du temps de vol ou de l'heure d'arrivée ou détermination de la position exacte d'un pic
G01S 7/4911 - DÉTERMINATION DE LA DIRECTION PAR RADIO; RADIO-NAVIGATION; DÉTERMINATION DE LA DISTANCE OU DE LA VITESSE EN UTILISANT DES ONDES RADIO; LOCALISATION OU DÉTECTION DE LA PRÉSENCE EN UTILISANT LA RÉFLEXION OU LA RERADIATION D'ONDES RADIO; DISPOSITIONS ANALOGUES UTILISANT D'AUTRES ONDES - Détails des systèmes correspondant aux groupes , , de systèmes selon le groupe - Détails des systèmes non pulsés Émetteurs
G01S 7/499 - DÉTERMINATION DE LA DIRECTION PAR RADIO; RADIO-NAVIGATION; DÉTERMINATION DE LA DISTANCE OU DE LA VITESSE EN UTILISANT DES ONDES RADIO; LOCALISATION OU DÉTECTION DE LA PRÉSENCE EN UTILISANT LA RÉFLEXION OU LA RERADIATION D'ONDES RADIO; DISPOSITIONS ANALOGUES UTILISANT D'AUTRES ONDES - Détails des systèmes correspondant aux groupes , , de systèmes selon le groupe utilisant des effets de polarisation
G01S 17/00 - Systèmes utilisant la réflexion ou la reradiation d'ondes électromagnétiques autres que les ondes radio, p.ex. systèmes lidar
G01S 17/08 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible pour mesurer la distance uniquement
Operating the LIDAR system includes transmitting a system output signal from the LIDAR system such that a sample region is illuminated by the system output signal. Different portions of the system output signal are transmitted during different data periods. The method also includes combining light that returns to the LIDAR system from the system output signal with light from a reference signal so as to generate beating signals that are each associated with a different one of the data periods. A set of multiple candidate frequencies is generated for each of the data periods. Each of the candidate frequencies for a data period represents a possible beat frequency for the beating signal associated with the data period. The method further includes using the candidate frequencies for a check one of the data periods to identify which of the candidate frequencies for a subject one of the data periods is the beat frequency for the beating signal associated with the subject data period.
G01S 7/48 - DÉTERMINATION DE LA DIRECTION PAR RADIO; RADIO-NAVIGATION; DÉTERMINATION DE LA DISTANCE OU DE LA VITESSE EN UTILISANT DES ONDES RADIO; LOCALISATION OU DÉTECTION DE LA PRÉSENCE EN UTILISANT LA RÉFLEXION OU LA RERADIATION D'ONDES RADIO; DISPOSITIONS ANALOGUES UTILISANT D'AUTRES ONDES - Détails des systèmes correspondant aux groupes , , de systèmes selon le groupe
G01S 7/481 - Caractéristiques de structure, p.ex. agencements d'éléments optiques
G01S 17/08 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible pour mesurer la distance uniquement
G01S 17/58 - Systèmes de détermination de la vitesse ou de la trajectoire; Systèmes de détermination du sens d'un mouvement
Transmitting a system output signal from the LIDAR system such that a sample region is illuminated by the system output signal. Different portions of the system output signal are transmitted during different data periods. Combining light that returns to the LIDAR system from the system output signal with light from a reference signal so as to generate beating signals that are each associated with a different one of the data periods. A set of multiple candidate frequencies is generated for each of the data periods. Each of the candidate frequencies for a data period represents a possible beat frequency for the beating signal associated with the data period. Further using the candidate frequencies for a check one of the data periods to identify which of the candidate frequencies for a subject one of the data periods is the beat frequency for the beating signal associated with the subject data period.
Operating a LIDAR system includes transmitting a system output signal from the LIDAR system such that a sample region is illuminated by the system output signal. During illumination of the sample region, the system output signal includes a check data period and multiple subject data periods. A frequency of the system output signal changes at different rates during the subject data periods. Light that returns to the LIDAR system from the system output signal is combined with light from a reference signal so as to generate a beating signal beating at a beat frequency. The reference signal includes light that has not exited from the LIDAR system. A comparative beat frequency is calculated. The comparative beat frequency approximates a value of the beat frequency of the beating signal during the check data period. Additionally, the comparative beat frequency is calculated from the beat frequencies of the beating signal during the subject data periods.
G01S 17/00 - Systèmes utilisant la réflexion ou la reradiation d'ondes électromagnétiques autres que les ondes radio, p.ex. systèmes lidar
G01S 17/02 - Systèmes utilisant la réflexion d'ondes électromagnétiques autres que les ondes radio
G01S 17/32 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible pour mesurer la distance uniquement utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues, soit modulées en amplitude, en fréquence ou en phase, soit non modulées
G01S 17/88 - Systèmes lidar, spécialement adaptés pour des applications spécifiques
G01S 17/34 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible pour mesurer la distance uniquement utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues, soit modulées en amplitude, en fréquence ou en phase, soit non modulées utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues modulées en fréquence, tout en faisant un hétérodynage du signal reçu, ou d’un signal dérivé, avec un signal généré localement, associé au signal transmis simultanément
A lidar system has a switch configured to direct a switch signal to one of multiple different alternate waveguides such that the alternate waveguide to which the switch directs the switch signal receives the switch signal from the switch. The switch signal carries multiple different channels. The system also includes an optical grating that receive multiple different channel output signals. Each of the channel output signals includes light from the switch signal and carries a different one of the channels. The optical grating outputs the channel output signal such that a direction that each of the channel output signals travels away from the optical grating changes in response to a change in the alternate waveguide to which the switch directs the switch signal.
G01S 7/481 - Caractéristiques de structure, p.ex. agencements d'éléments optiques
G01S 17/02 - Systèmes utilisant la réflexion d'ondes électromagnétiques autres que les ondes radio
G01S 17/88 - Systèmes lidar, spécialement adaptés pour des applications spécifiques
G01S 17/93 - Systèmes lidar, spécialement adaptés pour des applications spécifiques pour prévenir les collisions
G02B 6/12 - OPTIQUE ÉLÉMENTS, SYSTÈMES OU APPAREILS OPTIQUES - Détails de structure de dispositions comprenant des guides de lumière et d'autres éléments optiques, p.ex. des moyens de couplage du type guide d'ondes optiques du genre à circuit intégré
G02B 6/293 - Moyens de couplage optique ayant des bus de données, c. à d. plusieurs guides d'ondes interconnectés et assurant un système bidirectionnel par nature en mélangeant et divisant les signaux avec des moyens de sélection de la longueur d'onde
H04J 14/02 - Systèmes multiplex à division de longueur d'onde
Operating a LIDAR system includes transmitting a system output signal from the LIDAR system such that a sample region is illuminated by the system output signal. During illumination of the sample region, the system output signal includes a check data period and multiple subject data periods. A frequency of the system output signal changes at different rates during the subject data periods. Light that returns to the LIDAR system from the system output signal is combined with light from a reference signal so as to generate a beating signal beating at a beat frequency. The reference signal includes light that has not exited from the LIDAR system. A comparative beat frequency is calculated. The comparative beat frequency approximates a value of the beat frequency of the beating signal during the check data period. Additionally, the comparative beat frequency is calculated from the beat frequencies of the beating signal during the subject data periods.
A LIDAR system has a switch configured to direct a switch signal to one of multiple different alternate waveguides such that the alternate waveguide to which the switch directs the switch signal receives the switch signal from the switch. The switch signal carries multiple different channels. The system also includes an optical grating that receive multiple different channel output signals. Each of the channel output signals includes light from the switch signal and carries a different one of the channels. The optical grating outputs the channel output signal such that a direction that each of the channel output signals travels away from the optical grating changes in response to a change in the alternate waveguide to which the switch directs the switch signal.
G01S 7/481 - Caractéristiques de structure, p.ex. agencements d'éléments optiques
G02F 1/29 - Dispositifs ou dispositions pour la commande de l'intensité, de la couleur, de la phase, de la polarisation ou de la direction de la lumière arrivant d'une source lumineuse indépendante, p.ex. commutation, ouverture de porte ou modulation; Optique non linéaire pour la commande de la position ou de la direction des rayons lumineux, c. à d. déflexion
A semiconductor chip has a photonic integrated circuit with a first waveguide and a second waveguide. an optical bridge is positioned over a first one of the faces of the semiconductor chip. The optical bridge is configured to receive a light signal from the first waveguide and the second waveguide is configured to receive the light signal from the optical bridge. The optical bridge holds an optical device and is configured to direct the light signal along a first optical pathway and along a second optical pathway. The first optical pathway, the optical device, and the second optical pathway are arranged such that the light signal received from the first waveguide travels through the optical bridge along the first optical pathway, then through the optical device, and then through the optical bridge along the second optical pathway before being received at the second waveguide.
A LIDAR system includes a signal splitter configured to split a common light signal into a first light signal and a second light signal. The system also includes a signal combiner configured to combine light from the first light signal and light from the second light signal so as to form a combined signal that is beating at a beat frequency. The system also includes electronics that include a beat frequency identifier configured to identify the beat frequency of the combined signal. The electronics also included a chirp rate generator configured to calculate a chirp rate for the common light signal from the beat frequency of the combined signal.
G01S 7/4911 - DÉTERMINATION DE LA DIRECTION PAR RADIO; RADIO-NAVIGATION; DÉTERMINATION DE LA DISTANCE OU DE LA VITESSE EN UTILISANT DES ONDES RADIO; LOCALISATION OU DÉTECTION DE LA PRÉSENCE EN UTILISANT LA RÉFLEXION OU LA RERADIATION D'ONDES RADIO; DISPOSITIONS ANALOGUES UTILISANT D'AUTRES ONDES - Détails des systèmes correspondant aux groupes , , de systèmes selon le groupe - Détails des systèmes non pulsés Émetteurs
G01S 17/58 - Systèmes de détermination de la vitesse ou de la trajectoire; Systèmes de détermination du sens d'un mouvement
G01S 17/89 - Systèmes lidar, spécialement adaptés pour des applications spécifiques pour la cartographie ou l'imagerie
The LIDAR system includes a light source that outputs an outgoing LIDAR signal. The LIDAR system also includes multiple phase differential generators that each combines a first light signal with a second light signal so as to generate a beating control signal. Each of the first light signals and each of the second light signals includes light from the outgoing LIDAR signal. Additionally, the phase differential generators generate each of the beating control signals with a phase difference between the contribution of the first light signal to the beating control signal and the contribution of the second light signal to the beating control signal.
G01S 17/88 - Systèmes lidar, spécialement adaptés pour des applications spécifiques
G01S 7/4913 - Circuits de détection, d'échantillonnage, d'intégration ou de lecture des circuits
G01S 7/499 - DÉTERMINATION DE LA DIRECTION PAR RADIO; RADIO-NAVIGATION; DÉTERMINATION DE LA DISTANCE OU DE LA VITESSE EN UTILISANT DES ONDES RADIO; LOCALISATION OU DÉTECTION DE LA PRÉSENCE EN UTILISANT LA RÉFLEXION OU LA RERADIATION D'ONDES RADIO; DISPOSITIONS ANALOGUES UTILISANT D'AUTRES ONDES - Détails des systèmes correspondant aux groupes , , de systèmes selon le groupe utilisant des effets de polarisation
G01S 17/32 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible pour mesurer la distance uniquement utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues, soit modulées en amplitude, en fréquence ou en phase, soit non modulées
G01S 17/58 - Systèmes de détermination de la vitesse ou de la trajectoire; Systèmes de détermination du sens d'un mouvement
The LIDAR system includes a light source that outputs an outgoing LIDAR signal. The LIDAR system also includes multiple phase differential generators that each combines a first light signal with a second light signal so as to generate a beating control signal. Each of the first light signals and each of the second light signals includes light from the outgoing LIDAR signal. Additionally, the phase differential generators generate each of the beating control signals with a phase difference between the contribution of the first light signal to the beating control signal and the contribution of the second light signal to the beating control signal. The phase difference is different for the beating control signals from different phase differential generators. Electronics apply a light source control signal to the light source so as to chirp the frequency of the outgoing LIDAR signal. The electronics being configured to modify the light source control signal in response to changes in the frequency of the baseline crossings of the beating control signals.
G01S 17/34 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible pour mesurer la distance uniquement utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues, soit modulées en amplitude, en fréquence ou en phase, soit non modulées utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues modulées en fréquence, tout en faisant un hétérodynage du signal reçu, ou d’un signal dérivé, avec un signal généré localement, associé au signal transmis simultanément
A LIDAR system includes a signal splitter configured to split a common light signal into a first light signal and a second light signal. The system also includes a signal combiner configured to combine light from the first light signal and light from the second light signal so as to form a combined signal that is beating at a beat frequency. The system also includes electronics that include a beat frequency identifier configured to identify the beat frequency of the combined signal. The electronics also included a chirp rate generator configured to calculate a chirp rate for the common light signal from the beat frequency of the combined signal.
G01S 17/58 - Systèmes de détermination de la vitesse ou de la trajectoire; Systèmes de détermination du sens d'un mouvement
G01S 17/34 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible pour mesurer la distance uniquement utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues, soit modulées en amplitude, en fréquence ou en phase, soit non modulées utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues modulées en fréquence, tout en faisant un hétérodynage du signal reçu, ou d’un signal dérivé, avec un signal généré localement, associé au signal transmis simultanément
An optical device has a semiconductor chip with a photonic circuit. The photonic circuit includes a waveguide with a first portion and a second portion. A cross sectional area of the second portion of the waveguide is larger than a cross sectional area of the first portion of the waveguide. The first portion of the waveguide is positioned over a device platform. The waveguide includes a taper that provides a transition between the first portion of the waveguide and the second portion of the waveguide. The taper is an inverted taper that extends below the first portion of the waveguide into the device platform. The second portion of the waveguide terminates at a facet. A recess extends into the chip. The recess has lateral sides. A first one of the lateral sides serving as the facet. A second one of the lateral sides is positioned such that light signals that exit the waveguide through the facet travel across the recess to be received at the second lateral side. The second lateral side is configured to reflect the light signals such that after reflection by the second lateral side the light signals travel away from the second lateral side and toward a location that is above the chip or below the chip.
The imaging system includes one or more cores. Each of the cores outputs a system output signal that illuminates multiple sample regions in a field of view. A subject one of the cores includes a light combiner that generates a composite signal beating at a beat frequency. Electronics use a value of the beat frequency to calculate multiple different possible LIDAR data solutions for a subject one of the sample regions illuminated by the system output signal output from the subject core. Each of the possible LIDAR data solutions includes a comparative component that indicates a value of a radial velocity between the LIDAR system and an object in the subject sample region. The electronics identify a correct one of the LIDAR data solutions by comparing the LIDAR data solutions to data calculated for one or more reference sample regions selected from among the sample regions. The one or more reference sample regions are different from the subject sample region.
G01B 9/02003 - Interféromètres caractérisés par la commande ou la génération des propriétés intrinsèques du rayonnement utilisant plusieurs fréquences utilisant des fréquences de battement
G01B 9/02004 - Interféromètres caractérisés par la commande ou la génération des propriétés intrinsèques du rayonnement utilisant plusieurs fréquences utilisant le balayage des fréquences
G01S 17/34 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible pour mesurer la distance uniquement utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues, soit modulées en amplitude, en fréquence ou en phase, soit non modulées utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues modulées en fréquence, tout en faisant un hétérodynage du signal reçu, ou d’un signal dérivé, avec un signal généré localement, associé au signal transmis simultanément
G01S 17/58 - Systèmes de détermination de la vitesse ou de la trajectoire; Systèmes de détermination du sens d'un mouvement
G01S 17/89 - Systèmes lidar, spécialement adaptés pour des applications spécifiques pour la cartographie ou l'imagerie
G02F 1/29 - Dispositifs ou dispositions pour la commande de l'intensité, de la couleur, de la phase, de la polarisation ou de la direction de la lumière arrivant d'une source lumineuse indépendante, p.ex. commutation, ouverture de porte ou modulation; Optique non linéaire pour la commande de la position ou de la direction des rayons lumineux, c. à d. déflexion
G01S 3/802 - Systèmes pour déterminer une direction ou une déviation par rapport à une direction prédéterminée
G01S 7/4913 - Circuits de détection, d'échantillonnage, d'intégration ou de lecture des circuits
24.
COMBINING DATA FROM DIFFERENT SAMPLE REGIONS IN AN IMAGING SYSTEM FIELD OF VIEW
The imaging system includes one or more cores. Each of the cores outputs a system output signal that illuminates multiple sample regions in a field of view. A subject one of the cores includes a light combiner that generates a composite signal beating at a beat frequency. Electronics use a value of the beat frequency to calculate multiple different possible LIDAR data solutions for a subject one of the sample regions illuminated by the system output signal output from the subject core. Each of the possible LIDAR data solutions includes a comparative component that indicates a value of a radial velocity between the LIDAR system and an object in the subject sample region. The electronics identify a correct one of the LIDAR data solutions by comparing the LIDAR data solutions to data calculated for one or more reference sample regions selected from among the sample regions. The one or more reference sample regions are different from the subject sample region.
A LIDAR system includes a waveguide array configured to output a LIDAR output signal such that the LIDAR output signal is reflected by an object located off the LIDAR chip. The system also includes electronics configured to tune a wavelength of the LIDAR output signal such that the direction that the LIDAR output signal travels away from the LIDAR chip changes in response to the tuning of the wavelength by the electronics.
G01S 7/481 - Caractéristiques de structure, p.ex. agencements d'éléments optiques
G02F 1/29 - Dispositifs ou dispositions pour la commande de l'intensité, de la couleur, de la phase, de la polarisation ou de la direction de la lumière arrivant d'une source lumineuse indépendante, p.ex. commutation, ouverture de porte ou modulation; Optique non linéaire pour la commande de la position ou de la direction des rayons lumineux, c. à d. déflexion
G02F 1/313 - Dispositifs de déflexion numérique dans une structure de guide d'ondes optique
G01S 3/802 - Systèmes pour déterminer une direction ou une déviation par rapport à une direction prédéterminée
G01S 3/788 - Systèmes pour déterminer une direction ou une déviation par rapport à une direction prédéterminée utilisant des réticules tournants produisant une caractéristique de modulation dépendant de la direction produisant une caractéristique de modulation en fréquence
26.
IMAGING SYSTEM USING LIGHT SOURCE WITH TUNABLE ELECTRO-OPTICS
The imaging system includes a light source having a laser cavity. A light signal resonates in the laser cavity along an optical path that includes a tunable electro-optic configured to select wavelengths in multiple different wavelength bands. Electronics tune the electro-optic such the selection of wavelengths in the wavelength bands change in response to the tuning. The optical path includes a second optical component configured to select wavelengths in multiple different second wavelength bands. The output of the laser cavity has wavelengths that are common to one of the wavelength bands and one of the second wavelength bands.
A LIDAR system includes a signal director that can direct an outgoing LIDAR signal to any one of multiple different alternate waveguides. Each of the alternate waveguides being associated with a different switch channel in that a light signal that includes light from the outgoing LIDAR signal directed to a particular one of the alternate waveguides can be characterized as carrying the switch channel associated with that alternate waveguide. The LIDAR system is configured to output system output signals that include light from the outgoing LIDAR signals. The system output signals carry different switch channels. The LIDAR system is configured to receive system return signals that each includes light from the system output signals after an object located outside of the system has received and reflected the system output signal. A signal combiner that generates different composite signals by combining light from system return signals that carry different switch channels with a reference signal. Electronics calculate LIDAR data from the frequency of one or more of the composite signals. The LIDAR system being configured to continue to generate a composite signal that carries a first one of the switch channels for a substantial period of time after the imaging system has stopped outputting the system output signal that carries the first switch channel.
A LIDAR system includes a signal director that can direct an outgoing LIDAR signal to any one of multiple different alternate waveguides. Each of the alternate waveguides being associated with a different switch channel in that a light signal that Includes light from the outgoing LIDAR signal directed to a particular one of the alternate waveguides can be characterized as carrying the switch channel associated with that alternate waveguide. The LIDAR system is configured to output system output signals that include light from the outgoing LIDAR signals. The system output signals carry different switch channels. The LIDAR system is configured to receive system return signals that each includes light from the system output signals after an object located outside of the system has received and reflected the system output signal.
G01S 7/481 - Caractéristiques de structure, p.ex. agencements d'éléments optiques
G01S 17/42 - Mesure simultanée de la distance et d'autres coordonnées
G01S 17/58 - Systèmes de détermination de la vitesse ou de la trajectoire; Systèmes de détermination du sens d'un mouvement
G01S 17/89 - Systèmes lidar, spécialement adaptés pour des applications spécifiques pour la cartographie ou l'imagerie
G02B 6/35 - Moyens de couplage optique comportant des moyens de commutation
G02B 6/293 - Moyens de couplage optique ayant des bus de données, c. à d. plusieurs guides d'ondes interconnectés et assurant un système bidirectionnel par nature en mélangeant et divisant les signaux avec des moyens de sélection de la longueur d'onde
G02B 27/09 - Mise en forme du faisceau, p.ex. changement de la section transversale, non prévue ailleurs
A LIDAR system is configured to output a system output signal and to receive a system return signal. The system return signal includes light that was included in the system output signal and that was reflected by an object located outside of the LIDAR system. A time delay occurs between the light being output from the LIDAR system and returning to the LIDAR system. The LIDAR system also includes electronics that use a portion of the system return signal that returns to the LIDAR system during a data window to generate LIDAR data that indicates a radial velocity and/or distance between the LIDAR system and the object. The electronics tune the duration of the data window in response to the amount of the time delay.
G01P 3/36 - Dispositifs caractérisés par l'emploi de moyens optiques, p.ex. en utilisant la lumière infrarouge, visible ou ultraviolette
G01S 17/58 - Systèmes de détermination de la vitesse ou de la trajectoire; Systèmes de détermination du sens d'un mouvement
G01S 7/48 - DÉTERMINATION DE LA DIRECTION PAR RADIO; RADIO-NAVIGATION; DÉTERMINATION DE LA DISTANCE OU DE LA VITESSE EN UTILISANT DES ONDES RADIO; LOCALISATION OU DÉTECTION DE LA PRÉSENCE EN UTILISANT LA RÉFLEXION OU LA RERADIATION D'ONDES RADIO; DISPOSITIONS ANALOGUES UTILISANT D'AUTRES ONDES - Détails des systèmes correspondant aux groupes , , de systèmes selon le groupe
30.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR POLARIZATION SEPARATION IN REMOTE IMAGING SYSTEMS
Systems and methods described herein are directed to polarization separation of incoming light signals associated with an imaging system, such as a Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) system. Example embodiments describe a system configured to direct incoming light signals to a polarization separator and capture the two polarization states of the incoming light signals. The system may process the two polarization states of the incoming light signals separately to extract information associated with reflecting objects within the field-of-view of the imaging system. The polarization separator may be a birefringent crystal positioned adjacent to an edge of a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) that is used for processing outgoing and incoming light signals associated with the imaging system. The PIC may include at least one on-chip polarization rotator for converting a light signal of one polarization state to a light signal of another polarization state.
G01S 17/32 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible pour mesurer la distance uniquement utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues, soit modulées en amplitude, en fréquence ou en phase, soit non modulées
G02F 1/01 - Dispositifs ou dispositions pour la commande de l'intensité, de la couleur, de la phase, de la polarisation ou de la direction de la lumière arrivant d'une source lumineuse indépendante, p.ex. commutation, ouverture de porte ou modulation; Optique non linéaire pour la commande de l'intensité, de la phase, de la polarisation ou de la couleur
G01S 7/481 - Caractéristiques de structure, p.ex. agencements d'éléments optiques
G01S 7/499 - DÉTERMINATION DE LA DIRECTION PAR RADIO; RADIO-NAVIGATION; DÉTERMINATION DE LA DISTANCE OU DE LA VITESSE EN UTILISANT DES ONDES RADIO; LOCALISATION OU DÉTECTION DE LA PRÉSENCE EN UTILISANT LA RÉFLEXION OU LA RERADIATION D'ONDES RADIO; DISPOSITIONS ANALOGUES UTILISANT D'AUTRES ONDES - Détails des systèmes correspondant aux groupes , , de systèmes selon le groupe utilisant des effets de polarisation
G02B 6/28 - Moyens de couplage optique ayant des bus de données, c. à d. plusieurs guides d'ondes interconnectés et assurant un système bidirectionnel par nature en mélangeant et divisant les signaux
G02B 6/27 - Moyens de couplage optique avec des moyens de sélection et de réglage de la polarisation
G02B 6/12 - OPTIQUE ÉLÉMENTS, SYSTÈMES OU APPAREILS OPTIQUES - Détails de structure de dispositions comprenant des guides de lumière et d'autres éléments optiques, p.ex. des moyens de couplage du type guide d'ondes optiques du genre à circuit intégré
A waveguide heater is configured to heat an optical waveguide. The heater includes multiple heating elements and has one or two conditions selected from a group consisting of a first condition and the second condition. The first condition is the heater including multiple interior connectors that are each included in an interior electrical pathway between a pair of the heating elements where the interior connectors are connected in parallel and provide electrical communication between the heating elements included in the pair. The second condition is multiple exterior connectors that are each included in an exterior electrical pathway between electronics and a first one of the heating elements where the exterior connectors are connected in parallel and provide electrical communication between the electronics and the first heating element. The electronics are configured to apply an electrical bias to the heater. In some instances, the heater in included in a wavelength tuner.
G02B 6/293 - Moyens de couplage optique ayant des bus de données, c. à d. plusieurs guides d'ondes interconnectés et assurant un système bidirectionnel par nature en mélangeant et divisant les signaux avec des moyens de sélection de la longueur d'onde
G01S 7/481 - Caractéristiques de structure, p.ex. agencements d'éléments optiques
G01S 17/34 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible pour mesurer la distance uniquement utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues, soit modulées en amplitude, en fréquence ou en phase, soit non modulées utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues modulées en fréquence, tout en faisant un hétérodynage du signal reçu, ou d’un signal dérivé, avec un signal généré localement, associé au signal transmis simultanément
G02B 6/42 - Couplage de guides de lumière avec des éléments opto-électroniques
The imaging system includes a photonic circuit chip having multiple cores. Each of the cores include an optical switch and multiple alternate waveguides. The optical switch in each core is configured to direct an outgoing light signal to any one of the alternate waveguides, the alternate waveguide to which the outgoing light signal is directed being an active waveguide. Each core outputs the outgoing LIDAR signal from the active waveguide while receiving an incoming LIDAR signal that includes light from the outgoing LIDAR signal, has exited from the imaging system, and has returned to the imaging system. Each core includes a signal splitter that receives the outgoing LIDAR signal and the incoming LIDAR signal.
G01S 7/481 - Caractéristiques de structure, p.ex. agencements d'éléments optiques
G02B 6/28 - Moyens de couplage optique ayant des bus de données, c. à d. plusieurs guides d'ondes interconnectés et assurant un système bidirectionnel par nature en mélangeant et divisant les signaux
A waveguide heater is configured to heat an optical waveguide. The heater includes multiple heating elements and has one or two conditions selected from a group consisting of a first condition and the second condition. The first condition is the heater including multiple interior connectors that are each included in an interior electrical pathway between a pair of the heating elements where the interior connectors are connected in parallel and provide electrical communication between the heating elements included in the pair. The second condition is multiple exterior connectors that are each included in an exterior electrical pathway between electronics and a first one of the heating elements where the exterior connectors are connected in parallel and provide electrical communication between the electronics and the first heating element. The electronics are configured to apply an electrical bias to the heater. In some instances, the heater in included in a wavelength tuner.
G02B 6/293 - Moyens de couplage optique ayant des bus de données, c. à d. plusieurs guides d'ondes interconnectés et assurant un système bidirectionnel par nature en mélangeant et divisant les signaux avec des moyens de sélection de la longueur d'onde
G02B 6/42 - Couplage de guides de lumière avec des éléments opto-électroniques
G01S 7/481 - Caractéristiques de structure, p.ex. agencements d'éléments optiques
G01S 17/34 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible pour mesurer la distance uniquement utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues, soit modulées en amplitude, en fréquence ou en phase, soit non modulées utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues modulées en fréquence, tout en faisant un hétérodynage du signal reçu, ou d’un signal dérivé, avec un signal généré localement, associé au signal transmis simultanément
The imaging system is configured to output a system output signal during multiple associated data periods. A pattern of a frequency of the system output signal as a function of time is repeated during each of the associated data periods. The LIDAR system includes a light-combiner that combines light that returns to the LIDAR system from the system output signal with light from a reference signal so as to generate beating signals that are each beating at a beat frequency. Each of the beat frequencies is associated with a different one of the data periods. The system also includes electronics that calculate averaged frequencies that are each an average of multiple different beat frequencies and each of the averaged frequencies is associated with a different one of the data periods. The electronics calculate LIDAR data from the average frequencies. The LIDAR data indicates a radial velocity and/or distance between the system and an object outside of the system.
G01S 17/88 - Systèmes lidar, spécialement adaptés pour des applications spécifiques
G01N 29/46 - Traitement du signal de réponse détecté par analyse spectrale, p.ex. par analyse de Fourier
G01S 17/89 - Systèmes lidar, spécialement adaptés pour des applications spécifiques pour la cartographie ou l'imagerie
G01S 17/34 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible pour mesurer la distance uniquement utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues, soit modulées en amplitude, en fréquence ou en phase, soit non modulées utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues modulées en fréquence, tout en faisant un hétérodynage du signal reçu, ou d’un signal dérivé, avec un signal généré localement, associé au signal transmis simultanément
The imaging system is configured to output a system output signal during multiple associated data periods. A pattern of a frequency of the system output signal as a function of time is repeated during each of the associated data periods. The LIDAR system includes a light-combiner that combines light that returns to the LIDAR system from the system output signal with light from a reference signal so as to generate beating signals that are each beating at a beat frequency. Each of the beat frequencies is associated with a different one of the data periods. The system also includes electronics that calculate averaged frequencies that are each an average of multiple different beat frequencies and each of the averaged frequencies is associated with a different one of the data periods. The electronics calculate LIDAR data from the average frequencies. The LIDAR data indicates a radial velocity and/or distance between the system and an object outside of the system.
An imaging system generates a point cloud such that each point in the point cloud is associated with coordinates, a velocity, and a distance of the point from the imaging system. The system applies one or more velocity criteria to the velocities associated with at least a portion of the points. Additionally, the system flags a portion of a points as valid. The system also flags a second portion of the points as invalid in response to the results of applying the one or more velocity criteria to the velocities. The system performs calculations on the points in the point cloud such that data associated with the points flagged as invalid are excluded from the calculations but the data associated with the points flagged as valid are included in the calculations.
An imaging system has multiple cores that each outputs a system output signal that illuminates multiple sample regions in a field of view for the system. A first portion of the cores are each a range and velocity core and a second portion of the cores are each a velocity core. The system includes electronics that calculate a radial velocity and range for the sample regions illuminated by the range and velocity cores from the beat frequency of a composite signal generated by the range and velocity cores. The electronics also calculate a radial velocity range for the sample regions illuminated by the velocity cores from a beat frequency of a composite signal generated by the velocity cores. The electronics use the ranges calculated for the sample regions illuminated by the range and velocity cores to estimate the ranges for the velocity cores.
The optical system is configured to output a system output signal such that a frequency of the system output signal changes in a series of repeated cycles. Each of the cycles includes multiple data periods. The frequency of the system output signal changes at different rates during different data periods. The optical system includes a light-combining component that combines light that returns to the optical system from the system output signal with light from a reference signal so as to generate a beating signal beating at a beat frequency. The system includes electronics that generate frequency change data that indicates a beat frequency change over time. The electronics can apply edge detection criteria and/or outlier detection criteria to the frequency change data.
G01S 7/4911 - DÉTERMINATION DE LA DIRECTION PAR RADIO; RADIO-NAVIGATION; DÉTERMINATION DE LA DISTANCE OU DE LA VITESSE EN UTILISANT DES ONDES RADIO; LOCALISATION OU DÉTECTION DE LA PRÉSENCE EN UTILISANT LA RÉFLEXION OU LA RERADIATION D'ONDES RADIO; DISPOSITIONS ANALOGUES UTILISANT D'AUTRES ONDES - Détails des systèmes correspondant aux groupes , , de systèmes selon le groupe - Détails des systèmes non pulsés Émetteurs
G01S 17/89 - Systèmes lidar, spécialement adaptés pour des applications spécifiques pour la cartographie ou l'imagerie
G01S 17/34 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible pour mesurer la distance uniquement utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues, soit modulées en amplitude, en fréquence ou en phase, soit non modulées utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues modulées en fréquence, tout en faisant un hétérodynage du signal reçu, ou d’un signal dérivé, avec un signal généré localement, associé au signal transmis simultanément
G01S 7/48 - DÉTERMINATION DE LA DIRECTION PAR RADIO; RADIO-NAVIGATION; DÉTERMINATION DE LA DISTANCE OU DE LA VITESSE EN UTILISANT DES ONDES RADIO; LOCALISATION OU DÉTECTION DE LA PRÉSENCE EN UTILISANT LA RÉFLEXION OU LA RERADIATION D'ONDES RADIO; DISPOSITIONS ANALOGUES UTILISANT D'AUTRES ONDES - Détails des systèmes correspondant aux groupes , , de systèmes selon le groupe
G01S 7/4915 - Mesure du temps de retard, p.ex. détails opérationnels pour les composants de pixels; Mesure de la phase
G01S 7/4913 - Circuits de détection, d'échantillonnage, d'intégration ou de lecture des circuits
39.
USE OF FREQUENCY OFFSETS IN GENERATION OF LIDAR DATA
A LIDAR system includes a light source that outputs an outgoing LIDAR signal that includes multiple different channels. The LIDAR system also generate multiple composite light signals that each carries a signal couple and are each associated with a different one of the channels. A signal couple includes a reference signal and an associated comparative signal. The comparative signals each include light from the outgoing LIDAR signal that has been reflected by one or more objects located outside of the LIDAR system. The reference signals also include light from the outgoing LIDAR signal but also exclude light that has been reflected by any object located outside of the LIDAR system. There is a frequency differential between a frequency of the reference signal and a frequency of the associated comparative signal. The frequency differential includes a contribution from a frequency offset that is induced by electronics. The electronics induce the frequency offset such that the frequency offset is different for each signal couple.
G01S 17/34 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible pour mesurer la distance uniquement utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues, soit modulées en amplitude, en fréquence ou en phase, soit non modulées utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues modulées en fréquence, tout en faisant un hétérodynage du signal reçu, ou d’un signal dérivé, avec un signal généré localement, associé au signal transmis simultanément
G01S 7/4913 - Circuits de détection, d'échantillonnage, d'intégration ou de lecture des circuits
40.
IDENTIFICATION OF MATERIALS ILLUMINATED BY LIDAR SYSTEMS
The LIDAR system includes a first transform component configured to perform a complex mathematical transform on first signals. The LIDAR system also includes a second transform component configured to perform a real mathematical transform on second signals. Electronics are configured to use an output of the first transform component in combination with an output of the second transformation component to generate LIDAR data.
The imaging system has a photonic circuit chip that includes multiple cores that each includes a port through which an outgoing optical signal exits the photonic circuit chip. Each of the cores is configured such that the outgoing signal exits the photonic circuit chip traveling toward a location that is above or below the photonic circuit chip. Additionally, each of the cores is configured to combine light from one of the outgoing signals with a reference signal so as to generate a signal beating at a beat frequency. The imaging system also includes electronics that use the beat frequencies from the cores to calculate data that indicates a radial velocity and/or distance between the system and one or more objects located outside of the system.
The imaging system has a photonic circuit chip that includes multiple cores that each includes a port through which an outgoing optical signal exits the photonic circuit chip. Each of the cores is configured such that the outgoing signal exits the photonic circuit chip traveling toward a location that is above or below the photonic circuit chip. Additionally, each of the cores is configured to combine light from one of the outgoing signals with a reference signal so as to generate a signal beating at a beat frequency. The imaging system also includes electronics that use the beat frequencies from the cores to calculate data that indicates a radial velocity and/or distance between the system and one or more objects located outside of the system.
The imaging system includes a photonic circuit chip having multiple cores. Each of the cores includes an optical switch and multiple alternate waveguides. The optical switch in each core is configured to direct an outgoing light signal to any one of the alternate waveguides, the alternate waveguide to which the outgoing light signal is directed being an active waveguide. Each core outputs the outgoing LIDAR signal from the active waveguide while receiving an incoming LIDAR signal that includes light from the outgoing LIDAR signal, has exited from the imaging system, and has returned to the imaging system. Each core includes a signal splitter that receives the outgoing LIDAR signal and the incoming LIDAR signal. The signal splitter extracts a portion of the outgoing LIDAR signal that serves as a reference signal and at least a portion of the incoming LIDAR signal that serves as a comparative signal. Each core includes a signal combiner that combines light from the reference signal with light from the comparative signal so as to generate a composite signal beating at a beat frequency. Electronics calculate LIDAR data for each core from the beat frequency of the composite signal generated by the core.
The LIDAR system includes a first transform component configured to perform a complex mathematical transform on first signals. The LIDAR system also includes a second transform component configured to perform a real mathematical transform on second signals. Electronics are configured to use an output of the first transform component in combination with an output of the second transformation component to generate LIDAR data. The electronics are further configured to use a peak in the output of the first transform component to identify the peak in the output of the second transform component that is located at the beat frequency of the second signals.
G01S 7/499 - DÉTERMINATION DE LA DIRECTION PAR RADIO; RADIO-NAVIGATION; DÉTERMINATION DE LA DISTANCE OU DE LA VITESSE EN UTILISANT DES ONDES RADIO; LOCALISATION OU DÉTECTION DE LA PRÉSENCE EN UTILISANT LA RÉFLEXION OU LA RERADIATION D'ONDES RADIO; DISPOSITIONS ANALOGUES UTILISANT D'AUTRES ONDES - Détails des systèmes correspondant aux groupes , , de systèmes selon le groupe utilisant des effets de polarisation
A LIDAR system outputs a system output signal such that the system output signal can be reflected by an object located outside of the LIDAR system. The system also receives a system return signal that includes light from the reflected LIDAR output signal. The system return signal and the system output signal each carries a first channel. The LIDAR system combine light that is from the system return signal and that carries the first channel with a reference signal so as to produce a composite signal beating at a beat frequency. Electronics operate the LIDAR system such that the first channel has a series of chirp cycles.
G02F 1/29 - Dispositifs ou dispositions pour la commande de l'intensité, de la couleur, de la phase, de la polarisation ou de la direction de la lumière arrivant d'une source lumineuse indépendante, p.ex. commutation, ouverture de porte ou modulation; Optique non linéaire pour la commande de la position ou de la direction des rayons lumineux, c. à d. déflexion
G01S 3/788 - Systèmes pour déterminer une direction ou une déviation par rapport à une direction prédéterminée utilisant des réticules tournants produisant une caractéristique de modulation dépendant de la direction produisant une caractéristique de modulation en fréquence
Systems and methods described herein are directed to high speed remote imaging systems, such as Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) systems. Example embodiments describe systems that are configured to mitigate a walk-off effect that may limit a speed of operation of the imaging system. The walk-off effect may be characterized by a failure to steer returning signals to a designated input facet of the imaging system due to continuous rotation of mirrors associated with the steering mechanisms. The walk-off effect may be mitigating by configuring more than one input waveguide to receiving returning signals associated with an output signal. The input waveguides may be spaced apart and configured to sequentially receive the input signals. In some embodiments, walk-off mitigation may extend a range of operation of the imaging systems.
G01S 17/89 - Systèmes lidar, spécialement adaptés pour des applications spécifiques pour la cartographie ou l'imagerie
G01S 7/481 - Caractéristiques de structure, p.ex. agencements d'éléments optiques
G01S 17/26 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible pour mesurer la distance uniquement utilisant la transmission d'ondes à modulation d'impulsion interrompues dans lesquels les impulsions transmises utilisent une onde porteuse modulée en fréquence ou en phase, p.ex. pour la compression d'impulsion des signaux reçus
A LIDAR system includes a LIDAR chip with a utility waveguide configured to guide an outgoing LIDAR signal and an incoming LIDAR signal. The incoming LIDAR signal includes light from the LIDAR output signal after an object located outside of the LIDAR system reflects the light from the LIDAR output signal. The LIDAR chip also includes a polarizing-beam splitter configured to receive the outgoing LIDAR signal and the incoming LIDAR signal and to separate the incoming LIDAR signal from the outgoing LIDAR signal.
G01S 17/00 - Systèmes utilisant la réflexion ou la reradiation d'ondes électromagnétiques autres que les ondes radio, p.ex. systèmes lidar
G02B 27/26 - Autres systèmes optiques; Autres appareils optiques pour produire des effets stéréoscopiques ou autres effets de relief comprenant des moyens de polarisation
G02B 5/30 - OPTIQUE ÉLÉMENTS, SYSTÈMES OU APPAREILS OPTIQUES Éléments optiques autres que les lentilles Éléments polarisants
G01S 17/88 - Systèmes lidar, spécialement adaptés pour des applications spécifiques
A LIDAR system includes a LIDAR chip with a utility waveguide configured to guide an outgoing LIDAR signal and an incoming LIDAR signal. The incoming LIDAR signal includes light from the LIDAR output signal after an object located outside of the LIDAR system reflects the light from the LIDAR output signal. The LIDAR chip also includes a polarizing-beam splitter configured to receive the outgoing LIDAR signal and the incoming LIDAR signal and to separate the incoming LIDAR signal from the outgoing LIDAR signal.
A LIDAR system outputs a system output signal such that the system output signal can be reflected by an object located outside of the LIDAR system. The system also receives a system return signal that includes light from the reflected LIDAR output signal. The system return signal and the system output signal each carries a first channel. The LIDAR system combine light that is from the system return signal and that carries the first channel with a reference signal so as to produce a composite signal beating at a beat frequency. Electronics operate the LIDAR system such that the first channel has a series of chirp cycles. Each chirp cycle includes a linear chirp section where a frequency chirp of the channel is linear. Multiple different sample periods fall within each of the linear chirp sections. The electronics calculate LIDAR data for each of the sample periods from the beat frequency of the composite signal during the sample period. The LIDAR data for a sample period indicates the radial velocity and/or distance between the LIDAR system and the object.
A LIDAR system has a beam steerer and a signal director that are each configured to steer within a field of view a system output signal that is output from the LIDAR system. A path of system output signal in the field of view has a contribution from the beam steerer and the signal director. The contribution of the beam steerer to the path is movement of the system output signal on a two-dimensional path back and forth across the field of view. The contribution of the signal director to the path is movement of the system output signal transverse to the two-dimensional path contribution of the provided by the beam steerer.
G01S 7/481 - Caractéristiques de structure, p.ex. agencements d'éléments optiques
G01S 17/42 - Mesure simultanée de la distance et d'autres coordonnées
G02B 6/10 - OPTIQUE ÉLÉMENTS, SYSTÈMES OU APPAREILS OPTIQUES - Détails de structure de dispositions comprenant des guides de lumière et d'autres éléments optiques, p.ex. des moyens de couplage du type guide d'ondes optiques
A LIDAR system has a beam steering mechanism and a signal steering mechanism that are each configured to steer within a field of view a system output signal that is output from the LIDAR system. A path of system output signal in the field of view has a contribution from the beam steering mechanism and the second mechanism. The contribution of the beam steering mechanism to the path is movement of the system output signal on a two-dimensional path back and forth across the field of view. The contribution of the signal steering mechanism to the path is movement of the system output signal transverse to the two-dimensional path contribution of the provided by the beam steering mechanism.
A LIDAR system includes a light source configured to output a source signal. The LIDAR chip is also configured to output a LIDAR output signal that exits from the LIDAR chip. The LIDAR system also includes an isolator adapter that includes an optical isolator configured to receive an adapter signal. The adapter signal includes light that is from the source signal and that has exited from the LIDAR chip before being received by the optical isolator. The isolator is configured to output light from the adapter signal in an isolator output signal. Additionally, the LIDAR output signal includes light from the isolator output signal.
G02F 1/025 - Dispositifs ou dispositions pour la commande de l'intensité, de la couleur, de la phase, de la polarisation ou de la direction de la lumière arrivant d'une source lumineuse indépendante, p.ex. commutation, ouverture de porte ou modulation; Optique non linéaire pour la commande de l'intensité, de la phase, de la polarisation ou de la couleur basés sur des éléments à semi-conducteurs ayant au moins une barrière de potentiel, p.ex. jonction PN, PIN dans une structure de guide d'ondes optique
G02B 6/13 - Circuits optiques intégrés caractérisés par le procédé de fabrication
G02B 6/12 - OPTIQUE ÉLÉMENTS, SYSTÈMES OU APPAREILS OPTIQUES - Détails de structure de dispositions comprenant des guides de lumière et d'autres éléments optiques, p.ex. des moyens de couplage du type guide d'ondes optiques du genre à circuit intégré
A LIDAR system includes a light source configured to output a source signal. The LIDAR chip is also configured to output a LIDAR output signal that exits from the LIDAR chip. The LIDAR system also includes an isolator adapter that includes an optical isolator configured to receive an adapter signal. The adapter signal includes light that is from the source signal and that has exited from the LIDAR chip before being received by the optical isolator. The isolator is configured to output light from the adapter signal in an isolator output signal. Additionally, the LIDAR output signal includes light from the isolator output signal.
G02B 6/122 - Elements optiques de base, p.ex. voies de guidage de la lumière
G02B 6/293 - Moyens de couplage optique ayant des bus de données, c. à d. plusieurs guides d'ondes interconnectés et assurant un système bidirectionnel par nature en mélangeant et divisant les signaux avec des moyens de sélection de la longueur d'onde
54.
On-chip optical switch based on an echelle grating
An on-chip optical switch based on an echelle grating and a phase tuning element is described herein. The phase tuning element may change a refractive index of the material through which an optical signal propagates, thereby causing a change in the angle of propagation of the optical signal. By dynamically tuning the phase change element, the refractive index change may be controlled such that the deviation of the optical signal causes the optical signal to be focused on a particular coupling waveguide out of an array of coupling waveguides. The echelle grating with the active phase change element form a configurable optical switch capable of switching an optical signal between two or more coupling waveguides, that may be respectively connected to different optical signal processing pathways.
A LIDAR system has a switch configured to direct a switch signal to one of multiple different alternate waveguides. The switch signal carries multiple different channels. The system also includes one more redirection components that receive multiple different channel output signals. Each of the channel output signals carries a different one of the channels. The one more redirection components are configured to redirect the channel output signals such that a direction that each of the channel output signals travels away from the one more redirection components changes in response to a change in the alternate waveguide which receives the switch signal.
A LIDAR system has a switch configured to direct a switch signal to one of multiple different alternate waveguides. The switch signal carries multiple different channels. The system also includes one more redirection components that receive multiple different channel output signals. Each of the channel output signals carries a different one of the channels. The one more redirection components are configured to redirect the channel output signals such that a direction that each of the channel output signals travels away from the one more redirection components changes in response to a change in the alternate waveguide which receives the switch signal.
A LIDAR system has one or more light splitters and multiple light combiners. The LIDAR system also has multiple optical pathways through which light signals travel. The optical pathways include delay pathways that each extends from one of the one or more splitters to one of the light combiners. The optical pathways include expedited pathways that each extends from one of the splitters to one of the light combiners. Each of the light combiners has one of the delay pathways and one of the expedited pathways extending to the light combiner. The delay pathways and the expedited pathways are configured such that the delay pathway to each light combiner is longer than the expedited pathway to the same light combiner.
A LIDAR system has one or more light splitters and multiple light combiners. The LIDAR system also has multiple optical pathways through which light signals travel. The optical pathways include delay pathways that each extends from one of the one or more splitters to one of the light combiners. The optical pathways include expedited pathways that each extends from one of the splitters to one of the light combiners. Each of the light combiners has one of the delay pathways and one of the expedited pathways extending to the light combiner. The delay pathways and the expedited pathways are configured such that the delay pathway to each light combiner is longer than the expedited pathway to the same light combiner. Each of the delay pathways has a common portion and a separated portion. The common portion of each delay pathway is shared by the other delay pathways. In contrast, the separated portion of a delay pathways is not shared with the other delay pathways.
G01S 17/06 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible
G01S 7/48 - DÉTERMINATION DE LA DIRECTION PAR RADIO; RADIO-NAVIGATION; DÉTERMINATION DE LA DISTANCE OU DE LA VITESSE EN UTILISANT DES ONDES RADIO; LOCALISATION OU DÉTECTION DE LA PRÉSENCE EN UTILISANT LA RÉFLEXION OU LA RERADIATION D'ONDES RADIO; DISPOSITIONS ANALOGUES UTILISANT D'AUTRES ONDES - Détails des systèmes correspondant aux groupes , , de systèmes selon le groupe
G01S 7/481 - Caractéristiques de structure, p.ex. agencements d'éléments optiques
G01S 17/58 - Systèmes de détermination de la vitesse ou de la trajectoire; Systèmes de détermination du sens d'un mouvement
59.
Optical Switching for Tuning Direction of LIDAR Output Signals
An optical system has a LIDAR chip that includes a switch configured to direct an outgoing LIDAR signal to one of multiple different alternate waveguides. The system also includes a redirection component configured to receive the outgoing LIDAR signal from any one of the alternate waveguides. The redirection component is also configured to redirect the received outgoing LIDAR signal such that a direction that the outgoing LIDAR signal travels away from the redirection component changes in response to changes in the alternate waveguide to which the optical switch directs the outgoing LIDAR signal.
G01S 7/481 - Caractéristiques de structure, p.ex. agencements d'éléments optiques
G02B 26/08 - Dispositifs ou dispositions optiques pour la commande de la lumière utilisant des éléments optiques mobiles ou déformables pour commander la direction de la lumière
G01S 17/89 - Systèmes lidar, spécialement adaptés pour des applications spécifiques pour la cartographie ou l'imagerie
A LIDAR system is configured to perform a field scan where multiple sample regions in a field of view are sequentially illuminated by a system output signal. The LIDAR system includes electronics that use light from the system output signal to generate LIDAR data results for the sample regions. Each of the LIDAR data results indicates a radial velocity and/or a separation distance between the LIDAR system and an object located outside of the LIDAR system and in the sample region illuminated by the system output signal. The electronics are also configured to adjust the LIDAR data results for a subject one of the sample regions. The adjustment to the LIDAR data result for the subject sample region is made in response to the LIDAR data result for the subject sample having an edge effect error. The edge effect error is an inaccuracy that results from the system output signal illuminating an edge of the object during the illumination of the subject sample region by the system output signal.
G01S 7/48 - DÉTERMINATION DE LA DIRECTION PAR RADIO; RADIO-NAVIGATION; DÉTERMINATION DE LA DISTANCE OU DE LA VITESSE EN UTILISANT DES ONDES RADIO; LOCALISATION OU DÉTECTION DE LA PRÉSENCE EN UTILISANT LA RÉFLEXION OU LA RERADIATION D'ONDES RADIO; DISPOSITIONS ANALOGUES UTILISANT D'AUTRES ONDES - Détails des systèmes correspondant aux groupes , , de systèmes selon le groupe
G01S 7/481 - Caractéristiques de structure, p.ex. agencements d'éléments optiques
G01S 17/08 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible pour mesurer la distance uniquement
G01S 17/58 - Systèmes de détermination de la vitesse ou de la trajectoire; Systèmes de détermination du sens d'un mouvement
A LIDAR system has a circulator outputs multiple different outgoing circulator signals. The circulator receives multiple different circulator return signals. Each of the circulator return signals includes light that was included in one of the outgoing circulator signals and was reflected by one or more objects located outside of the LIDAR system. The circulator is configured to output multiple circulator output signals that each includes light from one of the circulator return signals. The LIDAR system also includes electronics that use the circulator output signals to generate one or more LIDAR data results. The LIDAR data results are selected from a group consisting of a distance and a radial velocity between the LIDAR system and the one or more objects.
G01S 7/481 - Caractéristiques de structure, p.ex. agencements d'éléments optiques
G01S 7/4913 - Circuits de détection, d'échantillonnage, d'intégration ou de lecture des circuits
G01S 7/499 - DÉTERMINATION DE LA DIRECTION PAR RADIO; RADIO-NAVIGATION; DÉTERMINATION DE LA DISTANCE OU DE LA VITESSE EN UTILISANT DES ONDES RADIO; LOCALISATION OU DÉTECTION DE LA PRÉSENCE EN UTILISANT LA RÉFLEXION OU LA RERADIATION D'ONDES RADIO; DISPOSITIONS ANALOGUES UTILISANT D'AUTRES ONDES - Détails des systèmes correspondant aux groupes , , de systèmes selon le groupe utilisant des effets de polarisation
G01S 17/06 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible
A LIDAR system has a circulator outputs multiple different outgoing circulator signals. The circulator receives multiple different circulator return signals. Each of the circulator return signals includes light that was included in one of the outgoing circulator signals and was reflected by one or more objects located outside of the LIDAR system. The circulator is configured to output multiple circulator output signals that each includes light from one of the circulator return signals. The LIDAR system also includes electronics that use the circulator output signals to generate one or more LIDAR data results. The LIDAR data results are selected from a group consisting of a distance and a radial velocity between the LIDAR system and the one or more objects.
G01S 7/499 - DÉTERMINATION DE LA DIRECTION PAR RADIO; RADIO-NAVIGATION; DÉTERMINATION DE LA DISTANCE OU DE LA VITESSE EN UTILISANT DES ONDES RADIO; LOCALISATION OU DÉTECTION DE LA PRÉSENCE EN UTILISANT LA RÉFLEXION OU LA RERADIATION D'ONDES RADIO; DISPOSITIONS ANALOGUES UTILISANT D'AUTRES ONDES - Détails des systèmes correspondant aux groupes , , de systèmes selon le groupe utilisant des effets de polarisation
G01S 17/08 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible pour mesurer la distance uniquement
G01S 17/58 - Systèmes de détermination de la vitesse ou de la trajectoire; Systèmes de détermination du sens d'un mouvement
The LIDAR system is encodes a system output signal with a binary code. Additionally, the LIDAR system identifies an amount of time between the binary code being transmitted from the LIDAR system and returning to the LIDAR system after being reflected by an object located outside of the LIDAR system.
G01S 7/481 - Caractéristiques de structure, p.ex. agencements d'éléments optiques
G01S 7/4865 - Mesure du temps de retard, p.ex. mesure du temps de vol ou de l'heure d'arrivée ou détermination de la position exacte d'un pic
G01S 17/02 - Systèmes utilisant la réflexion d'ondes électromagnétiques autres que les ondes radio
H04B 10/516 - Systèmes de transmission utilisant des ondes électromagnétiques autres que les ondes hertziennes, p.ex. les infrarouges, la lumière visible ou ultraviolette, ou utilisant des radiations corpusculaires, p.ex. les communications quantiques Émetteurs - Détails du codage ou de la modulation
64.
On-chip optical switch based on an Echelle grating
An on-chip optical switch based on an echelle grating and a phase tuning element is described herein. The phase tuning element may change a refractive index of the material through which an optical signal propagates, thereby causing a change in the angle of propagation of the optical signal. By dynamically tuning the phase change element, the refractive index change may be controlled such that the deviation of the optical signal causes the optical signal to be focused on a particular coupling waveguide out of an array of coupling waveguides. The echelle grating with the active phase change element form a configurable optical switch capable of switching an optical signal between two or more coupling waveguides, that may be respectively connected to different optical signal processing pathways.
The LIDAR system is encodes a system output signal with a binary code. Additionally, the LIDAR system identifies an amount of time between the binary code being transmitted from the LIDAR system and returning to the LIDAR system after being reflected by an object located outside of the LIDAR system.
An on-chip polarizer for polarization filtering is described herein. The polarizer includes a rib waveguide on a supporting substrate, wherein the rib waveguide and the substrate may respectively comprise different materials. The rib waveguide may include a strip positioned over a slab of the same material. The strip may include a curvature along an optical propagation direction. In some embodiments, the curvature may include two bends that together form an approximately mirrored S-shaped curvature. The waveguide curvature may be configured to selectively guide an optical mode associated with a first polarization state while filtering-out another optical mode associated with a second polarization state. In some embodiments, the polarizer may allow propagation of a near lossless transverse magnetic (TM) mode while selectively radiating away a lossy transverse electric (TE) mode.
G02B 6/126 - OPTIQUE ÉLÉMENTS, SYSTÈMES OU APPAREILS OPTIQUES - Détails de structure de dispositions comprenant des guides de lumière et d'autres éléments optiques, p.ex. des moyens de couplage du type guide d'ondes optiques du genre à circuit intégré utilisant des effets de polarisation
G02B 6/125 - Courbures, branchements ou intersections
G01S 7/481 - Caractéristiques de structure, p.ex. agencements d'éléments optiques
G01S 7/499 - DÉTERMINATION DE LA DIRECTION PAR RADIO; RADIO-NAVIGATION; DÉTERMINATION DE LA DISTANCE OU DE LA VITESSE EN UTILISANT DES ONDES RADIO; LOCALISATION OU DÉTECTION DE LA PRÉSENCE EN UTILISANT LA RÉFLEXION OU LA RERADIATION D'ONDES RADIO; DISPOSITIONS ANALOGUES UTILISANT D'AUTRES ONDES - Détails des systèmes correspondant aux groupes , , de systèmes selon le groupe utilisant des effets de polarisation
G02B 6/122 - Elements optiques de base, p.ex. voies de guidage de la lumière
G02B 6/12 - OPTIQUE ÉLÉMENTS, SYSTÈMES OU APPAREILS OPTIQUES - Détails de structure de dispositions comprenant des guides de lumière et d'autres éléments optiques, p.ex. des moyens de couplage du type guide d'ondes optiques du genre à circuit intégré
67.
INCREASING SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIOS IN LIDAR SYSTEMS
A LIDAR system includes a light source configured to output light. A portion of the light is included in a LIDAR signal that travels a LIDAR path from the light source to an object located outside of the LIDAR system and from the object to a filter and from the filter to a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to convert optical signals that include the LIDAR signal to electrical signals. A portion of the light is also included in one or more misdirected signals. Each of the misdirected signals travels a different misdirected path from the light source to the filter. Each of the misdirected paths is a different path from the LIDAR path. The system also includes a filter being configured to filter out the LIDAR signal from the misdirected signals. The system also includes electronics that generate LIDAR data from the electrical signals.
Systems and methods described herein are directed to optical light sources, such as an external cavity laser (ECL) with an active phase shifter. The system may include control circuity for controlling one or more parameters associated with the active phase shifter. The phase shifter may be a p-i-n phase shifter. The control circuitry may cause variation in a refractive index associated with the phase shifter, thereby varying a lasing frequency of the ECL. The ECL may be configured to operate as a light source for a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system based on generating frequency modulated light signals. In some embodiments, the ECL may generate an output LIDAR signal with alternating segments of increasing and decreasing chirp frequencies. The ECL may exhibit increased stability and improved chirp linearities with less dependence on ambient temperature fluctuations.
G01S 7/4865 - Mesure du temps de retard, p.ex. mesure du temps de vol ou de l'heure d'arrivée ou détermination de la position exacte d'un pic
G01S 7/4911 - DÉTERMINATION DE LA DIRECTION PAR RADIO; RADIO-NAVIGATION; DÉTERMINATION DE LA DISTANCE OU DE LA VITESSE EN UTILISANT DES ONDES RADIO; LOCALISATION OU DÉTECTION DE LA PRÉSENCE EN UTILISANT LA RÉFLEXION OU LA RERADIATION D'ONDES RADIO; DISPOSITIONS ANALOGUES UTILISANT D'AUTRES ONDES - Détails des systèmes correspondant aux groupes , , de systèmes selon le groupe - Détails des systèmes non pulsés Émetteurs
G01S 7/481 - Caractéristiques de structure, p.ex. agencements d'éléments optiques
69.
Increasing signal-to-noise ratios in lidar systems
A LIDAR system includes a light source configured to output light. A portion of the light is included in a LIDAR signal that travels a LIDAR path from the light source to an object located outside of the LIDAR system and from the object to a filter and from the filter to a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to convert optical signals that include the LIDAR signal to electrical signals. A portion of the light is also included in one or more misdirected signals. Each of the misdirected signals travels a different misdirected path from the light source to the filter. Each of the misdirected paths is a different path from the LIDAR path. The system also includes a filter being configured to filter out the LIDAR signal from the misdirected signals. The system also includes electronics that generate LIDAR data from the electrical signals.
G01S 7/481 - Caractéristiques de structure, p.ex. agencements d'éléments optiques
G01S 7/495 - Contre-mesures ou anti-contre-mesures
G01S 7/499 - DÉTERMINATION DE LA DIRECTION PAR RADIO; RADIO-NAVIGATION; DÉTERMINATION DE LA DISTANCE OU DE LA VITESSE EN UTILISANT DES ONDES RADIO; LOCALISATION OU DÉTECTION DE LA PRÉSENCE EN UTILISANT LA RÉFLEXION OU LA RERADIATION D'ONDES RADIO; DISPOSITIONS ANALOGUES UTILISANT D'AUTRES ONDES - Détails des systèmes correspondant aux groupes , , de systèmes selon le groupe utilisant des effets de polarisation
Systems and methods described herein are directed to polarization separation of laser signals and/or incoming light signals associated with an imaging system, such as a Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) system. Example embodiments describe a system configured to direct incoming light signals to a polarization separator and capturing the two polarization states of the incoming light signals. In some instances, the laser signal may be converted into two different polarization states. The system may individually process the two polarization states of the incoming light signals along with the corresponding polarization state of the laser reference signal to extract information associated with reflecting objects within the field-of-view of the imaging system. The polarization separator may be a birefringent crystal positioned adjacent to an edge of a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) that is used for processing outgoing and incoming light signals associated with the imaging system.
G01S 17/00 - Systèmes utilisant la réflexion ou la reradiation d'ondes électromagnétiques autres que les ondes radio, p.ex. systèmes lidar
G01S 17/88 - Systèmes lidar, spécialement adaptés pour des applications spécifiques
G01S 17/89 - Systèmes lidar, spécialement adaptés pour des applications spécifiques pour la cartographie ou l'imagerie
G01S 7/499 - DÉTERMINATION DE LA DIRECTION PAR RADIO; RADIO-NAVIGATION; DÉTERMINATION DE LA DISTANCE OU DE LA VITESSE EN UTILISANT DES ONDES RADIO; LOCALISATION OU DÉTECTION DE LA PRÉSENCE EN UTILISANT LA RÉFLEXION OU LA RERADIATION D'ONDES RADIO; DISPOSITIONS ANALOGUES UTILISANT D'AUTRES ONDES - Détails des systèmes correspondant aux groupes , , de systèmes selon le groupe utilisant des effets de polarisation
G02B 6/12 - OPTIQUE ÉLÉMENTS, SYSTÈMES OU APPAREILS OPTIQUES - Détails de structure de dispositions comprenant des guides de lumière et d'autres éléments optiques, p.ex. des moyens de couplage du type guide d'ondes optiques du genre à circuit intégré
Systems and methods described herein are directed to polarization separation of laser signals and/or incoming light signals associated with an imaging system, such as a Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) system. Example embodiments describe a system configured to direct incoming light signals to a polarization separator and capturing the two polarization states of the incoming light signals. In some instances, the laser signal may be converted into two different polarization states. The system may individually process the two polarization states of the incoming light signals along with the corresponding polarization state of the laser reference signal to extract information associated with reflecting objects within the field-of-view of the imaging system. The polarization separator may be a birefringent crystal positioned adjacent to an edge of a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) that is used for processing outgoing and incoming light signals associated with the imaging system.
G01C 3/08 - Utilisation de détecteurs électriques de radiations
G01S 17/32 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible pour mesurer la distance uniquement utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues, soit modulées en amplitude, en fréquence ou en phase, soit non modulées
G02F 1/01 - Dispositifs ou dispositions pour la commande de l'intensité, de la couleur, de la phase, de la polarisation ou de la direction de la lumière arrivant d'une source lumineuse indépendante, p.ex. commutation, ouverture de porte ou modulation; Optique non linéaire pour la commande de l'intensité, de la phase, de la polarisation ou de la couleur
G01S 7/481 - Caractéristiques de structure, p.ex. agencements d'éléments optiques
G01S 7/499 - DÉTERMINATION DE LA DIRECTION PAR RADIO; RADIO-NAVIGATION; DÉTERMINATION DE LA DISTANCE OU DE LA VITESSE EN UTILISANT DES ONDES RADIO; LOCALISATION OU DÉTECTION DE LA PRÉSENCE EN UTILISANT LA RÉFLEXION OU LA RERADIATION D'ONDES RADIO; DISPOSITIONS ANALOGUES UTILISANT D'AUTRES ONDES - Détails des systèmes correspondant aux groupes , , de systèmes selon le groupe utilisant des effets de polarisation
G02B 6/28 - Moyens de couplage optique ayant des bus de données, c. à d. plusieurs guides d'ondes interconnectés et assurant un système bidirectionnel par nature en mélangeant et divisant les signaux
G02B 6/27 - Moyens de couplage optique avec des moyens de sélection et de réglage de la polarisation
G02B 6/12 - OPTIQUE ÉLÉMENTS, SYSTÈMES OU APPAREILS OPTIQUES - Détails de structure de dispositions comprenant des guides de lumière et d'autres éléments optiques, p.ex. des moyens de couplage du type guide d'ondes optiques du genre à circuit intégré
Systems and methods described herein are directed to optical light sources, such as an external cavity laser (ECL) with an active phase shifter. The system may include control circuitry for controlling one or more parameters associated with the active phase shifter. The phase shifter may be a p-i-n phase shifter. The control circuitry may cause variation in a refractive index associated with the phase shifter, thereby varying a lasing frequency of the ECL. The ECL may be configured to operate as a light source for a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system based on generating frequency modulated light signals. In some embodiments, the ECL may generate an output LIDAR signal with alternating segments of increasing and decreasing chirp frequencies. The ECL may exhibit increased stability and improved chirp linearities with less dependence on ambient temperature fluctuations.
H01S 5/0683 - Stabilisation des paramètres de sortie du laser en surveillant les paramètres optiques de sortie
H01S 5/0687 - Stabilisation de la fréquence du laser
H01S 3/136 - Stabilisation de paramètres de sortie de laser, p.ex. fréquence ou amplitude par commande de dispositifs placés dans la cavité
H01S 3/10 - Commande de l'intensité, de la fréquence, de la phase, de la polarisation ou de la direction du rayonnement, p.ex. commutation, ouverture de porte, modulation ou démodulation
Systems and methods described herein are directed to high speed remote imaging systems, such as Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) systems. Example embodiments describe systems that are configured to mitigate a walk-off effect that may limit a speed of operation of the imaging system. The walk-off effect may be characterized by a failure to steer returning signals to a designated input facet of the imaging system due to continuous rotation of mirrors associated with the steering mechanisms. The walk-off effect may be mitigating by configuring more than one input waveguide to receiving returning signals associated with an output signal. The input waveguides may be spaced apart and configured to sequentially receive the input signals. In some embodiments, walk-off mitigation may extend a range of operation of the imaging systems.
G01S 17/89 - Systèmes lidar, spécialement adaptés pour des applications spécifiques pour la cartographie ou l'imagerie
G01S 17/26 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible pour mesurer la distance uniquement utilisant la transmission d'ondes à modulation d'impulsion interrompues dans lesquels les impulsions transmises utilisent une onde porteuse modulée en fréquence ou en phase, p.ex. pour la compression d'impulsion des signaux reçus
G01S 7/481 - Caractéristiques de structure, p.ex. agencements d'éléments optiques
A LIDAR system includes one or more optical components that output multiple system output signals. The system also includes electronics that use light from the system output signals to generate LIDAR data. The LIDAR data indicates a distance and/or radial velocity between the LIDAR system and one or more object located outside of the LIDAR system. The electronics including a series processing component that processes electrical signals that are each generated from one of the system output signals. The series processing component processes the electrical signals generated from different system output signals in series.
G01C 3/08 - Utilisation de détecteurs électriques de radiations
G01S 7/4911 - DÉTERMINATION DE LA DIRECTION PAR RADIO; RADIO-NAVIGATION; DÉTERMINATION DE LA DISTANCE OU DE LA VITESSE EN UTILISANT DES ONDES RADIO; LOCALISATION OU DÉTECTION DE LA PRÉSENCE EN UTILISANT LA RÉFLEXION OU LA RERADIATION D'ONDES RADIO; DISPOSITIONS ANALOGUES UTILISANT D'AUTRES ONDES - Détails des systèmes correspondant aux groupes , , de systèmes selon le groupe - Détails des systèmes non pulsés Émetteurs
G01S 7/4913 - Circuits de détection, d'échantillonnage, d'intégration ou de lecture des circuits
G01S 17/34 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible pour mesurer la distance uniquement utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues, soit modulées en amplitude, en fréquence ou en phase, soit non modulées utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues modulées en fréquence, tout en faisant un hétérodynage du signal reçu, ou d’un signal dérivé, avec un signal généré localement, associé au signal transmis simultanément
A LIDAR system includes one or more optical components that output multiple system output signals. The system also includes electronics that use light from the system output signals to generate LIDAR data. The LIDAR data indicates a distance and/or radial velocity between the LIDAR system and one or more object located outside of the LIDAR system. The electronics including a series processing component that processes electrical signals that are each generated from one of the system output signals. The series processing component processes the electrical signals generated from different system output signals in series.
G01S 17/08 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible pour mesurer la distance uniquement
G01S 17/32 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible pour mesurer la distance uniquement utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues, soit modulées en amplitude, en fréquence ou en phase, soit non modulées
G01S 17/88 - Systèmes lidar, spécialement adaptés pour des applications spécifiques
G01S 17/89 - Systèmes lidar, spécialement adaptés pour des applications spécifiques pour la cartographie ou l'imagerie
A LIDAR system includes at least one optical component configured to output a system output signal that travels away from the LIDAR system and can be reflected by an object located outside of the LIDAR system. The LIDAR system also includes a control mechanism configured to control one or more process variables of the system output signal. The control mechanism uses an electrical process variable signal to control the process variable. The process variable signal has an in-phase component and a quadrature component.
G01S 17/02 - Systèmes utilisant la réflexion d'ondes électromagnétiques autres que les ondes radio
G01S 17/00 - Systèmes utilisant la réflexion ou la reradiation d'ondes électromagnétiques autres que les ondes radio, p.ex. systèmes lidar
G01S 17/42 - Mesure simultanée de la distance et d'autres coordonnées
G02B 6/10 - OPTIQUE ÉLÉMENTS, SYSTÈMES OU APPAREILS OPTIQUES - Détails de structure de dispositions comprenant des guides de lumière et d'autres éléments optiques, p.ex. des moyens de couplage du type guide d'ondes optiques
A LIDAR system includes at least one optical component configured to output a system output signal that travels away from the LIDAR system and can be reflected by an object located outside of the LIDAR system. The LIDAR system also includes a control mechanism configured to control one or more process variables of the system output signal. The control mechanism uses an electrical process variable signal to control the process variable. The process variable signal has an in-phase component and a quadrature component.
G01S 17/34 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible pour mesurer la distance uniquement utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues, soit modulées en amplitude, en fréquence ou en phase, soit non modulées utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues modulées en fréquence, tout en faisant un hétérodynage du signal reçu, ou d’un signal dérivé, avec un signal généré localement, associé au signal transmis simultanément
A LIDAR system has multiple optical components. At least one of the optical components is configured to output a LIDAR output signal that travels away from the LIDAR system and can be reflected by an object located outside of the LIDAR system. The LIDAR system also includes electronics configured to operate one or more of the optical components so as to tune the frequency of the LIDAR output signal without changing an amplitude of the LIDAR output signal.
G01C 3/08 - Utilisation de détecteurs électriques de radiations
G01S 7/481 - Caractéristiques de structure, p.ex. agencements d'éléments optiques
G01S 7/4911 - DÉTERMINATION DE LA DIRECTION PAR RADIO; RADIO-NAVIGATION; DÉTERMINATION DE LA DISTANCE OU DE LA VITESSE EN UTILISANT DES ONDES RADIO; LOCALISATION OU DÉTECTION DE LA PRÉSENCE EN UTILISANT LA RÉFLEXION OU LA RERADIATION D'ONDES RADIO; DISPOSITIONS ANALOGUES UTILISANT D'AUTRES ONDES - Détails des systèmes correspondant aux groupes , , de systèmes selon le groupe - Détails des systèmes non pulsés Émetteurs
A LIDAR system is configured to output a system output signal that travels away from the LIDAR system and can be reflected by objects located outside of the LIDAR system. The system output signal has a frequency versus time pattern with a repeated cycle. Each cycle of the frequency versus time pattern includes multiple data periods configured such that the system output signal is chirped differently in different data periods. The LIDAR system also includes electronics configured to generate multiple different sets of LIDAR data. Each set of LIDAR data indicates a radial velocity and/or separation between the LIDAR system and one or more of the objects located outside of the LIDAR system. Each set of LIDAR data is generated from light that is included in the system output signal during a group of multiple data periods. The groups of data periods including one or more common data periods that are each included in two or more different groups of data periods.
A LIDAR system is configured to output a system output signal that travels away from the LIDAR system and can be reflected by objects located outside of the LIDAR system. The system output signal has a frequency versus time pattern with a repeated cycle. Each cycle of the frequency versus time pattern includes multiple data periods configured such that the system output signal is chirped differently in different data periods. The LIDAR system also includes electronics configured to generate multiple different sets of LIDAR data. Each set of LIDAR data indicates a radial velocity and/or separation between the LIDAR system and one or more of the objects located outside of the LIDAR system. Each set of LIDAR data is generated from light that is included in the system output signal during a group of multiple data periods. The groups of data periods including one or more common data periods that are each included in two or more different groups of data periods.
A LIDAR system has multiple optical components. At least one of the optical components is configured to output a LIDAR output signal that travels away from the LIDAR system and can be reflected by an object located outside of the LIDAR system. The LIDAR system also includes electronics configured to operate one or more of the optical components so as to tune the frequency of the LIDAR output signal without changing an amplitude of the LIDAR output signal.
Systems and methods described herein are directed to extending a range of operation of a remote imaging system including a Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) system. Example embodiments describe delaying a locally generated reference signal in time with respect to an outgoing LIDAR signal. By delaying the reference signal, the system can effectively increase a maximum range of target detection while maintaining the accuracy of target detection. In some embodiments, by delaying the reference signal, the system may be able to reduce the effects of phase noise and chirp non-linearities on the beat signal and effectively improve the signal-to-noise ratio. As such, the maximum range of operation of the system may be increased while maintaining highly accurate estimations of target depth and/or velocity.
G01S 17/34 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible pour mesurer la distance uniquement utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues, soit modulées en amplitude, en fréquence ou en phase, soit non modulées utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues modulées en fréquence, tout en faisant un hétérodynage du signal reçu, ou d’un signal dérivé, avec un signal généré localement, associé au signal transmis simultanément
G01S 17/89 - Systèmes lidar, spécialement adaptés pour des applications spécifiques pour la cartographie ou l'imagerie
G01S 17/58 - Systèmes de détermination de la vitesse ou de la trajectoire; Systèmes de détermination du sens d'un mouvement
A LIDAR system has a transmitter that outputs a system output signal from the LIDAR system. The LIDAR system also includes electronics that control a frequency of the system output signal over a series of cycles. The cycles include multiple data periods. The electronics change the frequency of the system output signal at a first rate during a first one of the data periods. The electronics change the frequency of the system output signal at a second rate during a second one of the data periods. The second rate is different from the first rate.
G01S 17/26 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible pour mesurer la distance uniquement utilisant la transmission d'ondes à modulation d'impulsion interrompues dans lesquels les impulsions transmises utilisent une onde porteuse modulée en fréquence ou en phase, p.ex. pour la compression d'impulsion des signaux reçus
G01S 17/34 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible pour mesurer la distance uniquement utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues, soit modulées en amplitude, en fréquence ou en phase, soit non modulées utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues modulées en fréquence, tout en faisant un hétérodynage du signal reçu, ou d’un signal dérivé, avec un signal généré localement, associé au signal transmis simultanément
A LIDAR system has a transmitter that outputs a system output signal from the LIDAR system. The LIDAR system also includes electronics that control a frequency of the system output signal over a series of cycles. The cycles include multiple data periods. The electronics change the frequency of the system output signal at a first rate during a first one of the data periods. The electronics change the frequency of the system output signal at a second rate during a second one of the data periods. The second rate is different from the first rate.
G01S 17/34 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible pour mesurer la distance uniquement utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues, soit modulées en amplitude, en fréquence ou en phase, soit non modulées utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues modulées en fréquence, tout en faisant un hétérodynage du signal reçu, ou d’un signal dérivé, avec un signal généré localement, associé au signal transmis simultanément
G01S 7/491 - DÉTERMINATION DE LA DIRECTION PAR RADIO; RADIO-NAVIGATION; DÉTERMINATION DE LA DISTANCE OU DE LA VITESSE EN UTILISANT DES ONDES RADIO; LOCALISATION OU DÉTECTION DE LA PRÉSENCE EN UTILISANT LA RÉFLEXION OU LA RERADIATION D'ONDES RADIO; DISPOSITIONS ANALOGUES UTILISANT D'AUTRES ONDES - Détails des systèmes correspondant aux groupes , , de systèmes selon le groupe - Détails des systèmes non pulsés
G01S 17/26 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible pour mesurer la distance uniquement utilisant la transmission d'ondes à modulation d'impulsion interrompues dans lesquels les impulsions transmises utilisent une onde porteuse modulée en fréquence ou en phase, p.ex. pour la compression d'impulsion des signaux reçus
Systems and methods described herein are directed to computationally fast and accurate processing of data acquired by a remote imaging system, such as a Light Detection and Ranging system (LIDAR). Example embodiments describe processing of scanned target data based on performing a low-resolution Fourier Transform (FT) of a beat signal that may be a function of distance and/or velocity of objects associated with the scanned target. Various methods described herein can effectively convert the low-resolution FT data into high-resolution frequency domain data that can be used to accurately estimate a frequency of the beat signal. The system may use the beat signal frequency to determine the distance and/or velocity of the corresponding object and generate point-cloud information associated with a three-dimensional image construction of the scanned target.
A light source has a resonant laser cavity with an optical grating and a waveguide that has a longitudinal axis. A portion of the longitudinal axis extends through the optical grating and serves as a grating axis. The laser cavity is configured to generate a laser signal that exits the laser cavity through the optical grating. The optical grating includes multiple perturbation structures that each causes a perturbation in an effective refractive index of the waveguide. The perturbation structures are staggered on the waveguide such that the perturbation structures that are adjacent to one another in a longitudinal direction are spaced apart in a transverse direction. The longitudinal direction is a direction parallel to the grating axis and the transverse direction is a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction.
H01S 5/02326 - Dispositions pour le positionnement relatif des diodes laser et des composants optiques, p.ex. rainures dans le support pour fixer des fibres optiques ou des lentilles
A light source has a resonant laser cavity with an optical grating and a waveguide that has a longitudinal axis. A portion of the longitudinal axis extends through the optical grating and serves as a grating axis. The laser cavity is configured to generate a laser signal that exits the laser cavity through the optical grating. The optical grating includes multiple perturbation structures that each causes a perturbation in an effective refractive index of the waveguide. The perturbation structures are staggered on the waveguide such that the perturbation structures that are adjacent to one another in a longitudinal direction are spaced apart in a transverse direction. The longitudinal direction is a direction parallel to the grating axis and the transverse direction is a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction.
H01S 5/06 - Dispositions pour commander les paramètres de sortie du laser, p.ex. en agissant sur le milieu actif
G02B 6/00 - OPTIQUE ÉLÉMENTS, SYSTÈMES OU APPAREILS OPTIQUES - Détails de structure de dispositions comprenant des guides de lumière et d'autres éléments optiques, p.ex. des moyens de couplage
G02B 6/34 - Moyens de couplage optique utilisant des prismes ou des réseaux
H01S 3/00 - Lasers, c. à d. dispositifs utilisant l'émission stimulée de rayonnement électromagnétique dans la gamme de l’infrarouge, du visible ou de l’ultraviolet
H01S 3/30 - Lasers, c. à d. dispositifs utilisant l'émission stimulée de rayonnement électromagnétique dans la gamme de l’infrarouge, du visible ou de l’ultraviolet utilisant des effets de diffusion, p.ex. l'effet Brillouin ou Raman stimulé
H01S 5/12 - Structure ou forme du résonateur optique le résonateur ayant une structure périodique, p.ex. dans des lasers à rétroaction répartie [lasers DFB]
The LIDAR system includes a polarization component configured such that a first light signal traveling through the polarization component along an optical pathway has its polarization angle changed from a first polarization angle to a second polarization angle. The polarization angle is also configured such that a second light signal traveling the optical pathway in a direction that is the reverse of the direction traveled by the first light signal both enters and exits the polarization component in the second polarization angle. The LIDAR system is configured to output a LIDAR output signal that includes light from the first light signal. The LIDAR system is also configured to receive a LIDAR return signal that includes light from the LIDAR output signal after the LIDAR output signal was reflected by an object located outside of the LIDAR assembly.
G01C 3/08 - Utilisation de détecteurs électriques de radiations
G01S 7/499 - DÉTERMINATION DE LA DIRECTION PAR RADIO; RADIO-NAVIGATION; DÉTERMINATION DE LA DISTANCE OU DE LA VITESSE EN UTILISANT DES ONDES RADIO; LOCALISATION OU DÉTECTION DE LA PRÉSENCE EN UTILISANT LA RÉFLEXION OU LA RERADIATION D'ONDES RADIO; DISPOSITIONS ANALOGUES UTILISANT D'AUTRES ONDES - Détails des systèmes correspondant aux groupes , , de systèmes selon le groupe utilisant des effets de polarisation
G01S 17/00 - Systèmes utilisant la réflexion ou la reradiation d'ondes électromagnétiques autres que les ondes radio, p.ex. systèmes lidar
G01S 7/481 - Caractéristiques de structure, p.ex. agencements d'éléments optiques
A LIDAR system includes a LIDAR chip configured to output a LIDAR output signal. The LIDAR chip includes a redirection component and alternate waveguides. The redirection component receives an outgoing LIDAR signal from any one of multiple alternate waveguides. The LIDAR output signal includes light from the outgoing LIDAR signal. A direction that the LIDAR output signal travels away from the LIDAR chip is a function of the alternate waveguide from which the redirection component receives the outgoing LIDAR signal.
A LIDAR system includes a LIDAR assembly configured to output a LIDAR output signal that carries multiple different channels. A directional component has an optical grating that receives the LIDAR output signal from the LIDAR assembly. The directional component demultiplexes the LIDAR output signal into multiple LIDAR output channels that each carries a different one of the channels. The directional component is configured to steer a direction that the LIDAR output channels travel away from the LIDAR system.
H04B 10/00 - Systèmes de transmission utilisant des ondes électromagnétiques autres que les ondes hertziennes, p.ex. les infrarouges, la lumière visible ou ultraviolette, ou utilisant des radiations corpusculaires, p.ex. les communications quantiques
G01S 17/931 - Systèmes lidar, spécialement adaptés pour des applications spécifiques pour prévenir les collisions de véhicules terrestres
H04J 14/02 - Systèmes multiplex à division de longueur d'onde
G01S 7/481 - Caractéristiques de structure, p.ex. agencements d'éléments optiques
A laser system includes a resonant laser cavity configured to output a laser signal. The system also includes a utility waveguide configured to receive the laser signal from the laser cavity. The utility waveguide includes a perturbation region that is external to the laser cavity and receives the laser signal from the laser cavity and outputs a laser beam. The perturbation region includes one or more perturbation structures that each causes one or more perturbation(s) in the index of refraction of the utility waveguide. The perturbation structures are selected to provide optical feedback to the resonant laser cavity such that a power versus wavelength distribution in the laser beam is different from the power versus wavelength distribution that would be in the laser signal in the absence of the perturbation structures.
The system also includes components that combine contributions from different signals so as to generate composite signals that each carries the LIDAR data. Each composite signal is associated with a polarization state and is also a signal component selected from a quadrature component and an in-phase component. Each of the composite signals is associated with a different combination of polarization state and signal component. The system also includes electronics that combine the composite signals so as to generate an in-phase component of a complex LIDAR data signal and a quadrature component of the LIDAR data signal. The electronics extract the LIDAR data from the complex LIDAR data signal.
A LIDAR system includes a LIDAR chip configured that outputs a LIDAR output signal. The LIDAR system also includes a LIDAR adapter that receives the LIDAR output signal from the LIDAR chip and also outputs the LIDAR output signal from the LIDAR system and toward a sample region in a field of view. The LIDAR adapter also receives a LIDAR return signal that includes light from the LIDAR output signal after the LIDAR output signal is reflected by an object located in the sample region. The LIDAR output signal and the LIDAR return signal travel the same optical pathway between the LIDAR adapter and the object. The LIDAR adapter is also configured to output a LIDAR input signal that is received by the LIDAR chip and includes or consists of light from the LIDAR return signal. The LIDAR input signal and the LIDAR output signal travel different optical pathways between the LIDAR adapter and the LIDAR chip.
G01S 7/48 - DÉTERMINATION DE LA DIRECTION PAR RADIO; RADIO-NAVIGATION; DÉTERMINATION DE LA DISTANCE OU DE LA VITESSE EN UTILISANT DES ONDES RADIO; LOCALISATION OU DÉTECTION DE LA PRÉSENCE EN UTILISANT LA RÉFLEXION OU LA RERADIATION D'ONDES RADIO; DISPOSITIONS ANALOGUES UTILISANT D'AUTRES ONDES - Détails des systèmes correspondant aux groupes , , de systèmes selon le groupe
G01S 7/481 - Caractéristiques de structure, p.ex. agencements d'éléments optiques
G01S 17/58 - Systèmes de détermination de la vitesse ou de la trajectoire; Systèmes de détermination du sens d'un mouvement
G01S 17/08 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible pour mesurer la distance uniquement
A LIDAR system includes a LIDAR chip that outputs a LIDAR output signal; a LIDAR adapter that receives the LIDAR output signal from the LIDAR chip and also outputs the LIDAR output signal from the system and toward a sample region in a field of view. The LIDAR adapter also receives a LIDAR return signal that includes light from the LIDAR output signal after the LIDAR output signal is reflected by an object located in the sample region. The LIDAR output signal and the LIDAR return signal travel the same optical pathway between the LIDAR adapter and the object. The LIDAR adapter is also configured to output a LIDAR input signal that is received by the LIDAR chip and includes or consists of light from the LIDAR return signal. The LIDAR input signal and the LIDAR output signal travel different optical pathways between the LIDAR adapter and the LIDAR chip.
G01S 17/58 - Systèmes de détermination de la vitesse ou de la trajectoire; Systèmes de détermination du sens d'un mouvement
G01S 17/34 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible pour mesurer la distance uniquement utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues, soit modulées en amplitude, en fréquence ou en phase, soit non modulées utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues modulées en fréquence, tout en faisant un hétérodynage du signal reçu, ou d’un signal dérivé, avec un signal généré localement, associé au signal transmis simultanément
G01S 7/4913 - Circuits de détection, d'échantillonnage, d'intégration ou de lecture des circuits
G01S 17/42 - Mesure simultanée de la distance et d'autres coordonnées
G01S 7/481 - Caractéristiques de structure, p.ex. agencements d'éléments optiques
G01S 17/89 - Systèmes lidar, spécialement adaptés pour des applications spécifiques pour la cartographie ou l'imagerie
96.
Use of frequency offsets in generation of lidar data
A LIDAR system that generates an outgoing LIDAR signal and multiple composite light signals that each carries a different channel and that each includes a contribution from a reference signal and a contribution from a comparative signal. The comparative signals each include light from the outgoing LIDAR signal that has been reflected by one or more objects located outside of the LIDAR system. The reference signals each include light from the outgoing LIDAR signal but exclude light that has been reflected by any object located outside of the LIDAR system. Electronics induce a frequency offset in the reference signals between a LIDAR data period and a channel period. The electronics use the composite signals generated during the LIDAR data period to generate LIDAR data and the composite signals generated during the channel period to associate the composite signals with the channel carried by the composite signal.
G01C 3/08 - Utilisation de détecteurs électriques de radiations
G01S 17/88 - Systèmes lidar, spécialement adaptés pour des applications spécifiques
G01S 17/34 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible pour mesurer la distance uniquement utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues, soit modulées en amplitude, en fréquence ou en phase, soit non modulées utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues modulées en fréquence, tout en faisant un hétérodynage du signal reçu, ou d’un signal dérivé, avec un signal généré localement, associé au signal transmis simultanément
G01S 7/48 - DÉTERMINATION DE LA DIRECTION PAR RADIO; RADIO-NAVIGATION; DÉTERMINATION DE LA DISTANCE OU DE LA VITESSE EN UTILISANT DES ONDES RADIO; LOCALISATION OU DÉTECTION DE LA PRÉSENCE EN UTILISANT LA RÉFLEXION OU LA RERADIATION D'ONDES RADIO; DISPOSITIONS ANALOGUES UTILISANT D'AUTRES ONDES - Détails des systèmes correspondant aux groupes , , de systèmes selon le groupe
97.
Use of frequency offsets in generation of LIDAR data
A LIDAR system includes a light source that outputs an outgoing LIDAR signal that includes multiple different channels. The LIDAR system also generate multiple composite light signals that each carries a signal couple and are each associated with a different one of the channels. A signal couple includes a reference signal and an associated comparative signal. The comparative signals each include light from the outgoing LIDAR signal that has been reflected by one or more objects located outside of the LIDAR system. The reference signals also include light from the outgoing LIDAR signal but also exclude light that has been reflected by any object located outside of the LIDAR system. There is a frequency differential between a frequency of the reference signal and a frequency of the associated comparative signal. The frequency differential includes a contribution from a frequency offset that is induced by electronics. The electronics induce the frequency offset such that the frequency offset is different for each signal couple.
G01S 17/34 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible pour mesurer la distance uniquement utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues, soit modulées en amplitude, en fréquence ou en phase, soit non modulées utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues modulées en fréquence, tout en faisant un hétérodynage du signal reçu, ou d’un signal dérivé, avec un signal généré localement, associé au signal transmis simultanément
G01S 7/4913 - Circuits de détection, d'échantillonnage, d'intégration ou de lecture des circuits
A LIDAR system includes a LIDAR chip that generates a LIDAR output signal. The LIDAR chip includes a utility waveguide configured to carry one or more light signals selected from an outgoing LIDAR signal and an incoming LIDAR signal. The system also includes an amplifier that has an amplifier waveguide with a first facet and a second facet. The amplifier being positioned such that the first facet is optically aligned with a facet of the utility waveguide but the second facet is not optically aligned with any waveguide.
A Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) LIDAR system has a LIDAR chip configured to output a LIDAR output signal with a wavelength between 1290 nm and 1310 nm. The LIDAR chip is also configured to receive a LIDAR input signal from off of the LIDAR chip. The LIDAR input signal including light from the LIDAR output signal after reflection of the LIDAR output signal by an object located off the LIDAR chip. The LIDAR chip is configured to generate a composite signal that includes light from a comparative light signal and light from a reference signal. The comparative signal includes light from the LIDAR output signal but the reference signal does not include light from the LIDAR output signal.
G01S 17/10 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible pour mesurer la distance uniquement utilisant la transmission d'ondes à modulation d'impulsion interrompues
G01S 17/42 - Mesure simultanée de la distance et d'autres coordonnées
G01S 17/08 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible pour mesurer la distance uniquement
G01S 17/32 - Systèmes déterminant les données relatives à la position d'une cible pour mesurer la distance uniquement utilisant la transmission d'ondes continues, soit modulées en amplitude, en fréquence ou en phase, soit non modulées
G01S 17/88 - Systèmes lidar, spécialement adaptés pour des applications spécifiques
G01S 17/89 - Systèmes lidar, spécialement adaptés pour des applications spécifiques pour la cartographie ou l'imagerie
A Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) LIDAR system has a LIDAR chip configured to output a LIDAR output signal with a wavelength between 1290 nm and 1310 nm. The LIDAR chip is also configured to receive a LIDAR input signal from off of the LIDAR chip. The LIDAR input signal including light from the LIDAR output signal after reflection of the LIDAR output signal by an object located off the LIDAR chip. The LIDAR chip is configured to generate a composite signal that includes light from a comparative light signal and light from a reference signal. The comparative signal includes light from the LIDAR output signal but the reference signal does not include light from the LIDAR output signal.
G01C 3/08 - Utilisation de détecteurs électriques de radiations
G01S 7/4911 - DÉTERMINATION DE LA DIRECTION PAR RADIO; RADIO-NAVIGATION; DÉTERMINATION DE LA DISTANCE OU DE LA VITESSE EN UTILISANT DES ONDES RADIO; LOCALISATION OU DÉTECTION DE LA PRÉSENCE EN UTILISANT LA RÉFLEXION OU LA RERADIATION D'ONDES RADIO; DISPOSITIONS ANALOGUES UTILISANT D'AUTRES ONDES - Détails des systèmes correspondant aux groupes , , de systèmes selon le groupe - Détails des systèmes non pulsés Émetteurs
G01S 7/481 - Caractéristiques de structure, p.ex. agencements d'éléments optiques
G01S 7/34 - Variation automatique du gain du récepteur durant la période de récurrence des impulsions, p.ex. antiparasitage automatique
