LIDAR based 3-D imaging with structured light and integrated illumination and detection

US10330780B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• VELODYNE LIDAR, INC. · US

Inventors

• David S. Hall · Los Altos Hills, US
• Mathew Noel Rekow · Alameda, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 20, 2018
• Grant date: Jun 25, 2019
• Expiry date: Mar 20, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01S7/4815
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Methods and systems for performing three dimensional LIDAR measurements with multiple illumination beams scanned over a three dimensional environment by one or more optical phase modulation devices are described herein. In one aspect, illumination light from each LIDAR measurement channel is emitted to the surrounding environment in a different direction by an optical phase modulation device. The optical phase modulation device also directs each amount of return measurement light onto a corresponding photodetector. The illumination pulse output of each LIDAR measurement channel is synchronized with commanded changes of state of each corresponding optical phase modulation device. In some embodiments, each optical phase modulation device is associated with a single LIDAR measurement channel. In some embodiments, multiple LIDAR measurement channels are associated with a single modulation device. In some embodiments, a one dimensional optical phase modulation device is employed. In other embodiments, a two dimensional optical phase modulation device is employed.