A Safer Autonomous Driving Experience Could Be Achieved Through The Use of a Compact, Non-mechanical 3D Lidar System

An innovative system could make roads safer by addressing a number of lidar’s shortcomings. Presently, Lidar utilizes pulsed lasers to layout environments, helping in the navigation autonomy of vehicles, robots, and drones. However, for the first time, traditional beam-scanning lidar systems and the modern 3D flash lidar approach have been combined in the new system.

Kyoto University scientists created this groundbreaking 3D lidar system. It measures distance and tracks the movement of low-reflective objects. The system achieves electronic beam scanning and flash illumination by using a chip-based light source known as dually modulated photonic-crystal laser. This laser acquires a complete 3D image with one light flash without mechanical support.

By utilizing the distinct light source, the 3D lidar system can potentially enhance autonomous driving safety. It aids robots and vehicles in navigating dynamic surroundings while detecting low-reflective objects. The technology could evolve to fruition in the future.

A Combination Of Flash Illumination and Scanning

Lidar systems layout objects using laser beams and light’s flight time but often rely on unreliable, bulky moving parts. Flash lidar, although non-mechanical, cannot measure poorly reflective objects.

As such, researchers’ development of a DM-PCSEL light source was a great way to mitigate the flaws of both individual systems. It enables the concurrent measurement of multiple objects and motion tracking of low-reflective objects through selective beam scanning and wide flash illumination. This capability is accomplished through the use of the software.

Implementing this technology could increase autonomous driving safety. It would allow robots and vehicles to navigate dynamic environments without losing track of low-reflective objects.

Measuring Objects That Have Different Levels of Reflectivity
With its compact size, the new 3D lidar system utilizing DM-PCSEL technology can simultaneously range both highly and poorly reflective objects.

The system’s selective illumination allowed researchers to evaluate the distances and movements of inadequate reflective objects.

Researchers intend to test the system in real-life applications, including robot and vehicle autonomy. Additionally, they will experiment with an optically sensitive photodiode array for extended-range measurements.

The featured image was gotten from Yahoo.com