What is LiDAR?
LiDAR stands for Light Detection And Ranging, a remote sensing method (using sensors to detect from a distance) that measures distances by illuminating objects with near-infrared light, visible light, or ultraviolet light and capturing the reflected light using optical sensors.
Also known as Laser Imaging Detection And Ranging, it typically uses pulsed near-infrared lasers to illuminate objects and measures the time it takes for the light to travel to the object and reflect back.
Examples of LiDAR Applications
When it comes to LiDAR technology applications, the first thing that comes to mind is the automotive market's advanced autonomous driving systems. It is said that this technology is indispensable for achieving fully autonomous driving (Level 5).
Additionally, this technology is also used for high-precision detection of people and objects, such as in consumer electronics like robotic vacuum cleaners and golf rangefinders, as well as in industrial equipment like automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and service robots.
Advanced Autonomous Driving Systems
In ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, such as automatic braking and lane-keeping assistance systems), systems combining cameras and millimeter-wave radar are mainstream. However, it is generally believed that achieving autonomous driving also requires LiDAR technology, integrating these three technologies.
It can be said that to achieve advanced autonomous driving systems, it is necessary to fully utilize these three technologies to complement each other, as none of them can be omitted.
LiDAR Laser Diodes
To enhance the performance of LiDAR and achieve sensing with "longer range" and "higher spatial resolution," the laser diodes used as the sensing light source need to have higher output power, higher efficiency, and smaller beam size.
ROHM can provide laser diodes that meet both of these requirements.
Q&A
1. What is the difference between LiDAR and millimeter-wave radar?
A: 1) LiDAR measures the distance, speed, and other properties of target objects by emitting pulsed laser light and receiving the reflected light signals. It can create highly accurate 3D maps because the laser's wavelength is very short, enabling extremely high resolution.
2) Millimeter-wave radar emits electromagnetic waves with frequencies between microwaves and infrared waves. These waves are shorter than centimeters but longer than microwaves, hence the name "millimeter waves." It can operate stably under various weather and lighting conditions, with strong penetration and resistance to environmental factors like rain and fog.
2. What are the advantages of LiDAR?
A: High precision, 3D data acquisition, and high measurement speed.
3. What are the disadvantages of LiDAR?
A: High cost, large size, and potential susceptibility to environmental factors.
4. What is the use of LiDAR in engineering surveying?
A: It has extensive application value, improving the accuracy and efficiency of surveying and promoting the development of engineering surveying technology.
5. What is the role of LiDAR in autonomous driving?
A: It provides precise environmental perception, helping vehicles identify obstacles, lane markings, and driving paths. This enables autonomous driving systems to better handle complex traffic environments and unexpected situations, improving driving safety and stability.
# This concludes the introduction to ROHM's LiDAR, its applications, and product details.
