Cost-effective compact LiDAR for automobiles

摘要

LiDAR sensor with a specific application for use on a vehicle. The LiDAR sensor includes a plurality of spaced apart VCSEL arrays, each comprising a single lens; wherein the lens for each VCSEL array directs the beam of the respective laser in the array that illuminates in a desired direction so that turning on and off the lasers in each array produces a scanning action. The number and size of the VCSEL arrays are selected to provide the desired FOV for the sensor, and the VCSEL arrays can be positioned on a curved platform to provide this FOV. The sensor also includes one or more detectors for detecting reflections of the laser beams emitted by the lasers. Control electronics are provided to scan the laser beams and produce a three-dimensional point cloud of returned pixels.