CN115959056A

CN115959056A - Light source sharing device and automobile

Info

Publication number: CN115959056A
Application number: CN202111191100.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 苗裕; 郝明明
Original assignee: Guangzhou Asensing Technology Co Ltd
Current assignee: Guangzhou Asensing Technology Co Ltd
Priority date: 2021-10-13
Filing date: 2021-10-13
Publication date: 2023-04-14

Abstract

The application provides a light source sharing device and an automobile, and belongs to the technical field of remote sensing. The device comprises: the system comprises a light source generating unit, a light source distribution network unit and a plurality of light source sharing devices; the light source generating unit is connected with the light source distribution network unit; the light source generating unit is used for generating light required by a plurality of light source sharing devices; the light source distribution network unit is connected with each light source sharing device and is used for distributing the light emitted by the light source generating unit into each light source sharing device. The automobile comprises the light source sharing device. The number of light sources required can be reduced, and the effect of reducing cost can be achieved.

Description

Light source sharing device and automobile

Technical Field

The application relates to the technical field of remote sensing, in particular to a light source sharing device and an automobile.

Background

With the rise of automatic driving technology in recent years, the application of laser radar technology to automatic driving automobiles is also receiving much attention. The laser radar technology is a remote sensing technology for measuring distance, mainly uses laser to irradiate a target object, and uses a detector to analyze reflected light and calculate the time of turning back after the laser meets an obstacle, so as to calculate the relative distance between the target and the laser. Generally, an autonomous vehicle covers the periphery of a vehicle body with a plurality of laser radars to detect the periphery of the vehicle body.

In the related art, referring to fig. 1, a laser radar sensor 101, a laser radar sensor 102, a laser radar sensor 103, and a laser radar sensor 104 are mounted on an autonomous automobile 100, and the laser radar sensor 101, the laser radar sensor 102, the laser radar sensor 103, and the laser radar sensor 104 are respectively used for covering a front view field, a right view field, a left view field, and a rear view field of the automobile 100.

However, in order to cover the whole vehicle in the prior art, a plurality of laser radar sensors are needed to be used, and each laser radar sensor works independently, that is, a light source needs to be arranged in each laser radar sensor, so that the cost is too high and the popularization is difficult.

Disclosure of Invention

An object of the present application is to provide a light source sharing apparatus and an automobile, which can reduce the cost of using the laser radar technology by providing light to a plurality of light source sharing devices using one light source.

The embodiment of the application is realized as follows:

in one aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a light source sharing apparatus is provided, including:

the system comprises a light source generating unit, a light source distribution network unit and a plurality of light source sharing devices;

the light source generating unit is connected with the light source distribution network unit;

the light source generating unit is used for generating light required by a plurality of light source sharing devices;

the light source distribution network unit is connected with each light source sharing device and is used for distributing the light emitted by the light source generating unit into each light source sharing device.

Optionally, the light source generating unit includes a power supply module, a light source and light source driving module, a light path coupling module, and a synchronous control module;

the output end of the power supply module is respectively connected with the light source and light source driving module and the synchronous control module, and the light source and light source driving module is respectively connected with the light path coupling module and the synchronous control module; the input end of the power supply module is used for connecting a power supply;

the light source and light source driving module comprises a light source and a light source driving circuit, wherein the light source driving circuit is used for driving the light source to generate light and coupling the generated light to the light source distribution network unit through the light path coupling module;

the synchronous control module is used for keeping the light source and the light source driving module to be synchronous with the signals of the light source sharing equipment.

Optionally, the light source and light source driving module is specifically configured to drive the light source to generate continuous light, or generate pulsed light, or modulate a frequency or a phase of the light, or adjust a duration or a time interval of the pulsed light, and couple light output by the light source and light source driving module to the light source distribution network unit through the optical path coupling module.

Optionally, the light source sharing apparatus further includes: a synchronization control unit; the synchronous control unit is respectively connected with the light source generating unit and each light source sharing device and is used for controlling signal synchronization between the light source generating unit and each light source sharing device.

Optionally, the light source sharing device is a lidar sensor;

one end of the synchronous control unit is connected with the synchronous control module in the light source generating unit, and the other end of the synchronous control unit is respectively connected with the signal processing and synchronous control module of each light source sharing device.

Optionally, the light source distribution network unit, the light source generation unit, and the light source sharing device are connected by optical fibers.

Optionally, the light source distribution network unit comprises a light splitting component;

the light splitting component is used for distributing the light transmitted by the light source generating unit, splitting the light into a plurality of beams of light according to the number of the light source sharing devices, and distributing the light into the light source sharing devices.

Optionally, the light splitting assembly comprises at least one input end and at least one output end;

under the condition that the light source generating unit transmits light to the input end of the light splitting component, at least one output end of the light splitting component is closed or opened according to the number of the light source sharing devices needing light.

Optionally, the light source sharing device is a lidar sensor; the lidar sensor includes: the device comprises an optical fiber coupling interface, an optical element in the transmitting direction, a scanning mechanism, an optical element in the receiving direction, a photoelectric detector and a signal processing and synchronous control module;

the input end of the optical fiber coupling interface is used for receiving the light emitted by the light source generating unit, the output end of the optical fiber coupling interface is used for being connected with the input end of the emission direction optical element and sending the received light to the input end of the emission direction optical element, and the output end of the emission direction optical element is used for sending the light emitted by the light source to the scanning mechanism;

the scanning mechanism is used for adjusting the propagation path of the light emitted by the light source and reflecting the reflected light to the receiving direction optical element, the receiving direction optical element is used for sending the reflected light to the photoelectric detector, and the photoelectric detector is used for converting the received optical signal into an electric signal and sending the electric signal to the signal processing and synchronization control module;

the signal processing and synchronization control module is connected with the synchronization control unit and used for processing the electric signals sent by the photoelectric detector and synchronizing signals between the plurality of laser radar sensors and the light source generating unit.

Optionally, the scanning mechanism is a rotatable mirror;

the angle of rotation of the rotatable mirror plane in the first direction is [ -60 °,60 ° ], and the angle of rotation of the rotatable mirror plane in the second direction is [ -20 °,20 ° ];

wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

In another aspect of the embodiments of the present application, there is provided an automobile including: a plurality of the light sources sharing apparatus described above.

The beneficial effects of the embodiment of the application include:

according to the light source sharing device provided by the embodiment of the application, the light source generating unit generates the light required by each light source sharing device, the light source distribution network unit distributes the light generated by the light source generating unit to each light source sharing device, and after the light is obtained, each light source sharing device can normally work. By distributing light by the light source distribution network unit, light generated by one light source can be output to each light source sharing device installed at different positions. That is, only one light source is required to provide light to a plurality of light source sharing devices installed at different locations, and it is not necessary to provide a separate light source in each light source sharing device to provide the required light to each light source sharing device. Thus, the number of required light sources can be reduced, and the effect of reducing the cost can be achieved.

Drawings

In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the drawings that are required to be used in the embodiments will be briefly described below, it should be understood that the following drawings only illustrate some embodiments of the present application and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope, and for those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained from the drawings without inventive effort.

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a laser radar sensor installation position provided in the prior art;

fig. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a first light source sharing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a second light source sharing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a third light source sharing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of a first optical path coupling provided in an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a second optical coupling provided in an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 7 is a schematic structural diagram of a fourth light source sharing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 8 is a schematic structural diagram of a light splitting assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 9 is a schematic structural diagram of a first lidar sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a second lidar sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Reference numerals:

the prior art is as follows:

100: autonomous vehicle, 101: lidar sensor, 102: lidar sensor, 103: lidar sensor, 104: a laser radar sensor;

the application:

201: light source generation unit, 2011: power supply module, 2012: light source and light source driving module, 2013: optical path coupling module, 2014: synchronization control module, 202: light source distribution network unit, 2021: spectrometer, 2022: beam splitter, 2023: beam splitter, 2024: beam splitter, 2031: light source sharing apparatus, 2032: light source sharing apparatus, 2033: light source sharing apparatus, 2034: light source sharing device, 204: a synchronization control unit;

a: light source light emitting surface, B1: optical fiber, B2: an optical fiber, C: laser, D: lens, a: fiber coupling interface, b: emission direction optical element, c: scanning mechanism, d: receiving direction optical element, e: photodetector, f: signal processing and synchronization control module, g: and a light source emission module.

Detailed Description

In order to make the objects, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application, and it is obvious that the described embodiments are some embodiments of the present application, but not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present application, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations.

Thus, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present application, presented in the accompanying drawings, is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but is merely representative of selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments, which can be derived by a person skilled in the art from the embodiments given herein without making any creative effort, shall fall within the protection scope of the present application.

It should be noted that: like reference numbers and letters refer to like items in the following figures, and thus, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

In the description of the present application, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the drawings or orientations or positional relationships that the products of the present invention are conventionally placed in use, and are used only for convenience in describing the present application and simplifying the description, but do not indicate or imply that the devices or elements referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus, should not be construed as limiting the present application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," and the like are used solely to distinguish one from another, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

Furthermore, the terms "horizontal", "vertical" and the like do not imply that the components are required to be absolutely horizontal or pendant, but rather may be slightly inclined. For example, "horizontal" merely means that the direction is more horizontal than "vertical" and does not mean that the structure must be perfectly horizontal, but may be slightly inclined.

In the description of the present application, it should also be noted that, unless expressly stated or limited otherwise, the terms "disposed," "mounted," "connected," and "connected" are to be construed broadly and can include, for example, fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; can be mechanically or electrically connected; they may be connected directly or indirectly through intervening media, or they may be interconnected between two elements. The specific meaning of the above terms in the present application can be understood in a specific case by those of ordinary skill in the art.

Before explaining the embodiments of the present application in detail, an application scenario of the embodiments of the present application will be described.

With the rise of automatic driving technology in recent years, the application of laser radar technology to automatic driving automobiles is also receiving much attention. The laser radar technology is a remote sensing technology for measuring distance, and mainly calculates the relative distance between a target and the laser by irradiating the target object with laser, analyzing reflected light by using a detector, and calculating the turn-back time of the laser after encountering obstacles. Since the detection field of view of the lidar sensor is limited, a plurality of lidar sensors are required to cover the vehicle body, and four lidar sensors are required to cover all the fields of view of the autonomous vehicle 100, as shown in fig. 1. Moreover, all the laser radar sensors work independently, and the laser radar sensors are not directly connected or influenced.

However, since each lidar sensor is independently operated, each lidar sensor requires an independent light source, which is disadvantageous in that it is expensive. To this end, the embodiment of the application provides a light source sharing device and a laser radar sensor. The cost of the laser radar sensor and the cost of using the laser radar technology can be reduced, and the popularization of the laser radar technology is facilitated.

The light source sharing device provided by the application is suitable for any scene needing light source distribution, including but not limited to scenes needing laser ranging and scenes needing light source illumination, such as ranging of an automatic driving automobile and emergency illumination under special conditions. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

The following description will be given taking an example in which the light source sharing device is mounted in an automobile. It is not intended that the embodiments of the present application be applicable to automobiles only.

Fig. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a light source sharing device provided in the present application, please refer to fig. 2, an embodiment of the present application provides a light source sharing device, which can be installed on an automobile, and includes: a light source generating unit 201, a light source distribution network unit 202, a plurality of light source sharing devices.

The light source generation unit 201 is connected to the light source distribution network unit 202.

The light source generating unit 201 is used to generate light required by a plurality of light source sharing devices.

The light source distribution network unit 202 is connected to each light source sharing device, and is configured to distribute the light emitted by the light source generating unit 201 into each light source sharing device.

Further, the output terminal of the light source generating unit 201 is connected to the input terminal of the light source distribution network unit 202, and the plurality of output terminals of the light source distribution network unit 202 are respectively connected to the light source sharing devices.

Optionally, the light source distribution network element 202 may also switch at least one output of the light source distribution network element 202 off or on depending on the number of light source sharing devices requiring light.

Alternatively, the light source generating unit 201 may generate laser light, and may also generate normal light for illumination. In the embodiment of the present application, the light source generating unit 201 generates laser light as an example for description, but the embodiment of the present application does not limit this, and the internal light source can be flexibly adjusted according to the scene requirement.

Alternatively, the light source generating unit 201 may generate continuous light, pulse light, or light according to other rules, such as light according to a certain frequency or phase, or pulse light with a desired duration or time interval. In the embodiment of the present application, the light source generating unit 201 generates pulsed light as an example, but the embodiment of the present application does not limit the pulsed light.

Alternatively, the light source sharing device may be integrated into various devices requiring a light source, such as a laser radar sensor, a lighting device, and the like. In the embodiment of the present application, the light source sharing device is taken as a laser radar sensor for explanation, but the embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

Optionally, the light source sharing device may be installed inside the light source sharing apparatus, or may be installed outside the light source sharing apparatus and connected to the light source sharing apparatus through an optical fiber. Each light source sharing device may be installed at any position, which is not limited in this application.

The light source generation unit 201 may be connected to the light source distribution network unit 202 through an optical fiber, and the light source distribution network unit 202 may also be connected to each light source sharing device through an optical fiber. That is, the laser light generated by the light source generating unit 201 is distributed to each light source sharing device through an optical fiber, wherein the optical fiber has the advantages of wide frequency band, low loss, strong anti-interference capability and high fidelity. Thus, the interference of the dark change or dust generated by the external environment to the laser generated by the light source generating unit 201 can be reduced, and the anti-interference performance and reliability of the light source sharing device can be improved.

In the embodiment of the present application, the light source generating unit 201 generates the light required by each light source sharing device, and the light source distribution network unit 202 distributes the light generated by the light source generating unit 201 to each light source sharing device, so that each light source sharing device can operate normally after obtaining the light. By distributing light by the light source distribution network unit 202, light generated by one light source can be output to each light source sharing device installed at different locations. That is, only one light source is required to provide light to a plurality of light source sharing devices installed at different locations, and it is not necessary to provide a separate light source in each light source sharing device to provide the required light to each light source sharing device. Therefore, the number of the required light sources can be reduced, and the effect of reducing the cost of the light source sharing device can be achieved.

In one possible implementation, the light emitted by the light source generating unit 201 can be distributed to the light source sharing devices in a spatially coupled manner.

Alternatively, the light generated by the light source generating unit 201 is coupled to the light source distribution network unit 202 through a lens, and then the light is distributed to each light source sharing device by the light source distribution network unit 202 through the lens.

It should be noted that, by distributing the light generated by the light source generating unit 201 to each light source sharing device through spatial coupling, physical interconnection can be reduced without requiring wiring.

In a possible implementation manner, referring to fig. 3, the light source sharing apparatus further includes: a synchronization control unit 204. The synchronization control unit 204 is connected to the light source generating unit 201 and each light source sharing device, respectively, and is configured to control signal synchronization between the light source generating unit 201 and each light source sharing device.

Specifically, the synchronization control unit 204 performs one-way or two-way communication with the light source generation unit 201 and each light source sharing device in the form of a bus, respectively, to perform status monitoring and synchronization control on the light source sharing device.

Optionally, each light source sharing device may be connected to different control terminals of the synchronization control unit 204, and each light source sharing device may also be connected to the same control terminal of the synchronization control unit 204. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

It should be noted that the synchronization control unit 204 may be used as a master device in the light source sharing apparatus to perform synchronization control on the light source generation unit 201, the light source distribution network unit 202, and the plurality of light source sharing devices in the light source sharing apparatus; when another device is used as the master device in the light source sharing apparatus, the synchronization control unit 204 may perform synchronization control on the light source generation unit 201, the light source distribution network unit 202, and the plurality of light source sharing devices in the light source sharing apparatus under synchronization control of the other device.

The master device may be the synchronization control unit 204 or one of the plurality of light source sharing devices. The other devices except the master device in the light source sharing device are all used as slave devices.

Next, the operation of the synchronization control unit 204 will be described with reference to the case where the synchronization control unit 204 serves as a master device in the light source sharing apparatus.

For example, the synchronization control unit 204 may monitor or synchronize control the light source sharing device by monitoring or querying the status of each slave device, or respond to a request from a corresponding slave device. The request from the device may include, but is not limited to: whether the light source generating unit 201 emits or turns off the light source, setting a mode of the light source generating unit 201 that generates the light source (e.g., generating continuous light or pulsed light, modulating a frequency or a phase of the generated light according to a certain rule, adjusting a time duration or a time interval of the generated light according to a certain rule), determining that all output terminals of the light source distribution network unit 202 output or turn off, determining that the output terminals output in time division or selectively output.

Optionally, the time-division output of the output ends means that the output ends can stop outputting light after outputting light for a first preset time period. And under the condition that the output ends stop outputting light, the light can be continuously output after a second preset time period.

Optionally, both the first preset time period and the second preset time period may be preset in advance. In addition, the first preset duration may be equal to the second preset duration, and the first preset duration may also be unequal to the second preset duration. The embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

Optionally, the above-mentioned selecting output of each output end means that when a part of the output ends output light, another part of the output ends do not output light.

It should be noted that, by synchronously distributing the light generated by the light source generating unit 201 to each light source sharing device through the synchronization control unit 204, each light source sharing device can synchronously start to operate and/or synchronously obtain a feedback signal and/or a synchronization processing signal.

In a possible implementation manner, referring to fig. 4, the light source generating unit 201 includes a power supply module 2011, a light source and light source driving module 2012, an optical path coupling module 2013, and a synchronization control module 2014.

The output end of the power supply module 2011 is respectively connected with the light source and light source driving module 2012 and the synchronous control module 2014, and the light source and light source driving module 2012 is respectively connected with the light path coupling module 2013 and the synchronous control module 2014; the input terminal of the power supply module 2011 is used for connecting a power supply.

The light source and light source driving module 2012 includes a light source and a light source driving circuit, and the light source driving circuit is configured to drive the light source to generate light and couple the generated light to the light source distribution network unit 202 through the light path coupling module 2013.

The synchronization control module 2014 is used for keeping the light source and the light source driving module 2012 synchronized with the signal of each light source sharing device.

The power supply module 2011 may convert the power voltage to different levels of voltage required by the light source generating unit 201 to power the light source generating unit 201.

Optionally, the light source and light source driving module 2012 may include a pulsed photodiode or other tunable laser, and the light source and light source driving module 2012 drives the pulsed photodiode or tunable laser to generate the light source as required under the control of the synchronization control module 2014.

It should be noted that the frequency or phase of the light generated by the pulsed photodiode or tunable laser, and the duration or time interval of the pulsed light may be preset in advance, or may be adjusted in real time according to actual needs, which is not limited in this application.

In a possible implementation manner, the light source and light source driving module 2012 is specifically configured to generate continuous light, or generate pulsed light, or modulate a frequency or a phase of the light, or adjust a duration or a time interval of the pulsed light, and couple light generated by the light source and light source driving module 2012 to the light source distribution network unit 202 through the light path coupling module 2013.

Alternatively, the light source and light source driving module 2012 modulates the frequency or phase of the light may specifically be to modulate the light to a preset frequency or phase.

It is worth noting that there are many different technical routes for lidar sensors, such as those using direct time-of-flight (dff) technology, and those using Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) technology. The lidar sensor in the embodiment of the application can be a lidar sensor using a direct time-of-flight technology route, and can also be a lidar sensor using an FMCW technology route. The embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

It should be noted that, for the lidar sensor using the direct time-of-flight (dff) technology route, the light source and light source driving module 2012 may only drive the pulse photodiode to emit light. For the lidar sensor using the FMCW technology route, the light source and light source driving module 2012 may not only drive the tunable laser to generate light, but also modulate the frequency or phase of the light. Therefore, the light source sharing device can be applied to laser radar sensors of different technical routes, and the universality of the light source sharing device can be improved.

Alternatively, the optical path coupling module 2013 may directly couple the light generated by the light source and the light source driving module 2012 to the light source distribution network unit 202.

Specifically, referring to fig. 5, the optical path coupling module 2013 directly emits the light generated by the light source and the light source driving module 2012 into the optical fiber B1 through the light emitting surface a of the light source, and then transmits the light to the light source distribution network unit 202 through the optical fiber B1.

Alternatively, the optical path coupling module 2013 may couple the light generated by the light source and the light source driving module 2012 to the light source distribution network unit 202 through a lens.

Specifically, referring to fig. 6, the optical path coupling module 2013 may refract the light generated by the laser C into the optical fiber B2 through the lens D, and transmit the light to the light source distribution network unit 202 through the optical fiber B2.

Optionally, if the output interface of the pulse photodiode is an optical fiber interface, the optical path coupling module 2013 may directly connect the light generated by the pulse photodiode into the light source distribution network unit 202.

In one possible implementation, the light source sharing device is a lidar sensor.

Accordingly, one end of the synchronization control unit 204 is connected to the synchronization control module 2014 in the light source generating unit 201, and the other end is connected to the signal processing and synchronization control module of each light source sharing device.

Alternatively, one end of the synchronization control unit 204 may be connected to the synchronization control module 2014 in the light source generating unit 201 through an optical fiber, and the other end may also be connected to the signal processing and synchronization control module of each light source sharing device through an optical fiber.

It is worth to be noted that the optical fiber has the advantages of wide frequency band, low loss, strong anti-interference capability and high fidelity. The synchronous control unit 204 is respectively connected with the synchronous control module 2014 and the scanning mechanism of each light source sharing device through optical fibers, so that the anti-interference performance and the stability of the light source sharing device can be improved.

In a possible implementation manner, the light source distribution network unit 202 is connected to the light source generation unit 201 and each light source sharing device through an optical fiber.

It is worth to explain that, because the optical fiber has the advantages of wide frequency band, low loss, strong anti-interference capability and high fidelity. The light source distribution network unit 202 is connected with the light source generation unit 201 and each light source sharing device through optical fibers, so that the anti-interference performance and stability of the light source sharing device can be improved.

In one possible implementation, the light source distribution network unit 202 includes a light splitting component.

The light splitting assembly is used for distributing the light transmitted by the light source generating unit 201, splitting the light into a plurality of beams of light according to the number of the light source sharing devices, and distributing the beams of light into the light source sharing devices.

Optionally, the light splitting component may be a light splitter that splits a light beam into two light beams, a light splitter that splits a light beam into four light beams, or a light splitter that splits a light beam into other numbers of light beams. The embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

Further, the light splitting assembly includes at least one input end and at least one output end.

In the case where the light source generating unit 201 transmits light to the input end of the optical splitting assembly, at least one output end of the optical splitting assembly may be turned off or on according to the number of light source sharing devices requiring light.

For the light splitting component, all output ends of the light splitting component can be opened simultaneously, all output ends of the light splitting component can be closed simultaneously, and part of output ends of the light splitting component can be opened while the other part of output ends are closed.

Optionally, the optical splitting assembly may have one input end and a plurality of output ends, or may have a plurality of input ends and a plurality of output ends. The embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

It should be noted that, the light splitting assembly splits a light beam generated by the light source generating unit 201 into multiple light beams, and the multiple light beams are respectively emitted to the multiple light source sharing devices, so that only one light source is needed to provide the light needed by the multiple light source sharing devices. Thus, the effect of reducing the cost can be achieved.

In one possible implementation, referring to fig. 7, the light source generating unit 201 generates light, and the light generated by the light source generating unit 201 is distributed to the light source sharing device 2031, the light source sharing device 2032, the light source sharing device 2033, and the light source sharing device 2034 through the optical splitter 2021, the optical splitter 2022, and the optical splitter 2023.

Specifically, the beam splitter 2021, the beam splitter 2022, and the beam splitter 2023 are beam splitters that split one light beam into two light beams.

Specifically, the light source sharing apparatus 2031, the light source sharing apparatus 2032, the light source sharing apparatus 2033, and the light source sharing apparatus 2034 are all laser radar sensors.

It is to be noted that, the beam splitter 2021 splits a beam of light generated by the light source generating unit 201 into two beams of light, and sends the two beams of light to the light source sharing device 2031 and the beam splitter 2022, then the beam splitter 2022 splits a beam of light sent from the beam splitter 2021 into two beams of light, and sends the two beams of light to the light source sharing device 2032 and the beam splitter 2023, and finally the beam splitter 2023 splits a beam of light sent from the beam splitter 2022 into two beams of light, and sends the two beams of light to the light source sharing device 2033 and the light source sharing device 2034. Thus, only one light source of the light source generating unit can provide required light for the four light source sharing devices. Thus, the effect of reducing the cost can be achieved.

Fig. 8 is a schematic structural diagram of a light splitting assembly according to an embodiment of the present application, and referring to fig. 8, a light splitter 2024 includes an input end and four output ends.

The input end of the optical splitter 2024 is used for receiving the light generated by the light source generating unit 201, and the optical splitter 2024 is used for splitting the light generated by the light source generating unit 201 into four optical fibers and emitting the four optical fibers from the output end 1, the output end 2, the output end 3 and the output end 4.

For example, there are four light source sharing devices that require light, the light generated by the light source generating unit 201 is emitted to the input end of the beam splitter 2024, and the beam splitter 2024 splits the light generated by the light source generating unit 201 into four beams of light and emits the light to the four light source sharing devices from the output end 1, the output end 2, the output end 3, and the output end 4, respectively.

For another example, the light generated by the light source generating unit 201 is emitted to the input end of the optical splitter 2024, the light source sharing devices connected to the output ends 1 and 3 require light, the light source sharing devices connected to the output ends 2 and 4 do not require light, the output ends 1 and 3 are turned on, the output ends 2 and 4 are turned off, and the optical splitter 2024 splits the light generated by the light source generating unit 201 into two light beams and emits the two light beams from the output ends 1 and 3 to the two light source sharing devices requiring light respectively.

It should be noted that the beam splitter 2024 can split a beam of light into a plurality of beams of light, so that only one light source, i.e. the light source generating unit, can provide the required light to the light source sharing device. Light splitting can be carried out according to the number of light source sharing devices of light which are actually needed. Thus, the effect of reducing the cost can be achieved.

In one possible implementation, referring to fig. 9, the light source sharing device is a lidar sensor.

The laser radar sensor includes: the device comprises an optical fiber coupling interface a, a transmitting direction optical element b, a scanning mechanism c, a receiving direction optical element d, a photoelectric detector e and a signal processing and synchronization control module f.

The input end of the optical fiber coupling interface a is used for receiving the light emitted by the light source generating unit 201, the output end of the optical fiber coupling interface a is used for connecting with the input end of the emission direction optical element b and sending the received light to the input end of the emission direction optical element b, and the output end of the emission direction optical element b is used for sending the light emitted by the light source to the scanning mechanism c.

The scanning mechanism c is used for adjusting the propagation path of light emitted by the light source, the receiving direction optical element d is used for sending the reflected light to the photoelectric detector e, and the photoelectric detector e is used for converting the received light signal into an electric signal and sending the electric signal to the signal processing and synchronization control module f.

The signal processing and synchronization control module f is connected to the synchronization control unit 204 for processing the electrical signal sent by the photodetector e and for synchronizing signals between the plurality of lidar sensors and the light source generating unit 201.

Alternatively, the scanning mechanism c may also be used to re-reflect the reflected light to the receiving-direction optical element d.

Alternatively, the light received by the receiving direction optical element d may be light reflected by the scanning mechanism c, or may be light incident from a specially provided port for receiving light.

It should be noted that, if the lidar sensor is not provided with the fiber coupling interface a, each lidar sensor needs to be separately designed with an element, such as a laser, which can generate a light source. In the case of a large number of laser radar sensors to be used, each laser radar sensor has an element for generating a light source, which causes the problem that the more laser radar sensors are used, the higher the cost is.

It should be noted that, in the lidar sensor provided in the embodiment of the present application, the optical fiber coupling interface a is provided, so that the light source distribution network unit 202 may distribute the light source generated by the same light source generating unit to the optical fiber coupling interfaces a of the lidar sensors. That is, each of the lidar sensors provided in the embodiments of the present application has no element that generates a light source. So, can reduce laser radar sensor's cost, and then can reach and reduce the cost of using laser radar technique, be favorable to promoting laser radar technique.

In a possible implementation, referring to fig. 10, the lidar sensor further includes a light source emitting module g.

The input end of the light source emission module g is used for being connected with the output end of the optical fiber coupling interface a, and the output end of the light source emission module g is used for being connected with the emission direction optical element b.

Alternatively, the light source emitting module g may process the light emitted from the light source generating unit 201 as needed, and then the light source emitting module g outputs the processed light to the emitting direction optical element b.

The processing of the light emitted by the light source generating unit 201 by the light source emitting module g may be: the light distributed by the light source distribution network unit 202 is adjusted to be pulsed light, or the light emitted by the light source generation unit 201 is modulated to be a certain frequency or phase.

Optionally, the light source emitting module g may further determine whether the light source emitting module g outputs light to the emitting direction optical element b according to actual needs, and if necessary, output light to the emitting direction optical element b.

Optionally, the light source emitting module g may determine, according to actual needs, a duration of continuous light output from the light source emitting module g to the emission direction optical element b, or may determine, according to actual needs, a duration or a time interval of pulsed light output from the light source emitting module g to the emission direction optical element b.

Exemplarily, the light source generation unit 201 may output continuous light, which the light source distribution network unit 202 outputs to the light source transmission module g of each lidar sensor through the fiber coupling interface a of each lidar sensor. In this case, the light source emitting module g of each lidar sensor may set, modulate or adjust the continuous light according to the actual needs of each lidar sensor.

For example, the light source emitting module g of at least one of the lidar sensors may not output the continuous light to the emission direction optical element b of the at least one lidar sensor. And the light source emitting modules g of the other laser radar sensors in each laser radar sensor can output the continuous light to the emitting direction optical element b connected with the continuous light.

For another example, the light source emitting module g of at least one of the lidar sensors may adjust the continuous light to be pulsed light generated at a certain time interval, and output the pulsed light to the emission direction optical element b of the at least one of the lidar sensors. And the light source emitting modules g of other laser radar sensors in each laser radar sensor modulate the continuous light to a preset frequency or phase, and then correspondingly output the modulated continuous light to the emitting direction optical element b connected with the continuous light.

Exemplarily, the light source generation unit 201 may output pulsed light, and the light source distribution network unit 202 outputs the pulsed light to the light source transmission module g of each lidar sensor through the optical fiber coupling interface a of each lidar sensor. Under this condition, the light source emission module g of each lidar sensor can adjust the length of time or the interval that takes place of the luminous of this pulsed light according to actual demand, and the light source emission module g of each lidar sensor can also judge whether to export the pulsed light after adjusting to the transmission direction optical element b rather than being connected according to actual need, if, then export. Otherwise, no output is made.

It is worth mentioning that the light source generating unit 201 can be simplified in design by disposing the light source emitting module g to process the light emitted from the light source generating unit 201. Meanwhile, the light source emitting module g in each laser radar sensor can judge whether to output the light or set the characteristics of the light according to actual needs. For example, the light may be pulsed light or continuous light, the light may be modulated to a certain frequency or phase, the duration or time interval of the light may be adjusted, or the like. Thus, the effect of improving the usability of the laser radar sensor and the light source sharing device can be achieved.

In one possible implementation, the scanning mechanism c is a rotatable mirror.

The angle of rotation of the rotatable mirror plane in the first direction is [ -60 °,60 ° ], and the angle of rotation of the rotatable mirror plane in the second direction is [ -20 °,20 ° ].

Wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

It is noted that the rotatable mirror may be used to adjust the propagation path of the light distributed by the light source distribution network unit 202 to the individual lidar sensors from the light source generated by the same light source generation unit. The rotatable mirror can also reflect the reflected light back to the receiving-direction optical element.

It should be noted that by changing the angle of the rotatable mirror, the light can be reflected to different targets and the light reflected back in different directions can be received. Therefore, the effect of enlarging the scanning range of the laser radar sensor can be achieved.

The embodiment of the application also provides an automobile which comprises a plurality of light source sharing devices in any one of the above modes.

The above description is only for the specific embodiments of the present application, but the scope of the present application is not limited thereto, and any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of the changes or substitutions within the technical scope of the present application, and shall be covered by the scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application, and various modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement and the like made within the spirit and principle of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A light source sharing apparatus, comprising: the system comprises a light source generating unit, a light source distribution network unit and a plurality of light source sharing devices;

2. The light source sharing device according to claim 1, wherein the light source generating unit comprises a power supply module, a light source and light source driving module, a light path coupling module and a synchronization control module;

the light source and light source driving module comprises a light source and a light source driving circuit, and the light source driving circuit is used for driving the light source to generate light and coupling the generated light to the light source distribution network unit through the light path coupling module;

3. The light source sharing device according to claim 2, wherein the light source and light source driving module is specifically configured to generate continuous light, generate pulsed light, modulate a frequency or a phase of the light, or adjust a duration or a time interval of the pulsed light, and couple the light generated by the light source and light source driving module to the light source distribution network unit through the optical path coupling module.

4. The light source sharing apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a synchronization control unit; the synchronous control unit is respectively connected with the light source generating unit and each light source sharing device and is used for controlling signal synchronization between the light source generating unit and each light source sharing device.

5. The light source sharing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the light source sharing device is a lidar sensor;

6. The light source sharing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light source distribution network unit and the light source generating unit and the light source sharing device are connected by optical fibers.

7. The light source sharing apparatus of claim 6, wherein the light source distribution network unit comprises a light splitting component;

the light splitting component is used for distributing the light output by the light source generating unit, splitting the light into a plurality of beams of light according to the number of the light source sharing devices, and distributing the light into the light source sharing devices.

8. The light source sharing device of claim 7, wherein the light splitting component comprises at least one input end and at least one output end;

and under the condition that the light source generating unit outputs light to the input end of the light splitting component, at least one output end of the light splitting component is closed or opened according to the number of the light source sharing devices needing light.

9. The light source sharing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the light source sharing device is a lidar sensor; the lidar sensor includes: the device comprises an optical fiber coupling interface, an optical element in the transmitting direction, a scanning mechanism, an optical element in the receiving direction, a photoelectric detector and a signal processing and synchronous control module;

the scanning mechanism is used for adjusting a propagation path of light emitted by the light source, the receiving direction optical element is used for sending reflected light rays to the photoelectric detector, and the photoelectric detector is used for converting received optical signals into electric signals and sending the electric signals to the signal processing and synchronization control module;

the signal processing and synchronization control module is connected with the synchronization control unit, and is used for processing the electric signals sent by the photoelectric detector and synchronizing or responding signals between the plurality of laser radar sensors and the light source generation unit.

10. An automobile characterized by comprising the light source sharing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.