Systems and methods for transferring data communication in a rotating platform of a LIDAR system
AssigneeLG Innotek Co., Ltd.
InventorMark D. Entwistle
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system and method are disclosed for providing a bi-directional data communication link within a LIDAR assembly that has a stationary portion attached to an autonomous vehicle and a second portion rotatably connected to the stationary portion. The second portion may include one or more emitting/receiving devices (e.g., lasers) for detecting objects surrounding the autonomous vehicle. A first printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) having a first optical transceiver may be located within the stationary portion. A second PCBA having a second optical transceiver may be located within the second portion. A hollow shaft may be positioned so as to extend between the stationary portion and the second portion.
Claims20
A bi-directional data communication link, comprising:
- a LIDAR assembly including a stationary portion configured for attachment to an autonomous vehicle and a second portion rotatably operable to rotate in relation to the stationary portion, wherein the second portion includes one or more emitting devices and receiving devices for detecting objects surrounding the autonomous vehicle;
- a first printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) located within the stationary portion, the first PCBA including a first optical transceiver;
- a second PCBA located within the second portion, the second PCBA including a second optical transceiver;
- and
- a hollow shaft extending between the stationary portion and the second portion,
- wherein the first optical transceiver is disposed at a first open end of the hollow shaft and the second optical transceiver is disposed at a second open end of the hollow shaft, the first optical transceiver being configured to transmit a first optical data signal within the hollow shaft to the second optical transceiver, and the second optical transceiver being configured to transmit a second optical data signal within the hollow shaft to the first optical transceiver,
- wherein the hollow shaft extends through and rotates with the second PCBA, and
- wherein the hollow shaft overlaps the second PCBA in a direction perpendicular to an axis of rotation.
A bi-directional data communication method, comprising:
- transmitting a first optical data signal within a hollow shaft from a first optical transceiver to a second optical transceiver, wherein the first optical transceiver is connected to a first PCBA located within a stationary portion of a LIDAR assembly, and the stationary portion is configured for attachment to an autonomous vehicle;
- transmitting a second optical data signal within the hollow shaft from the second optical transceiver to the first optical transceiver, wherein the second optical transceiver is connected to a second PCBA located within a second portion of a LIDAR assembly, wherein the second portion is operable to rotate in relation to the stationary portion,
- wherein the hollow shaft extends through and rotates with the second PCBA.
A data communication link, comprising:
- a LIDAR assembly including a stationary portion configured for attachment to an autonomous vehicle and a second portion operable to rotate in relation to the stationary portion, wherein the second portion includes one or more emitting devices and receiving devices for detecting objects surrounding the autonomous vehicle;
- and
- a hollow shaft extending between the stationary portion and the second portion,
- wherein a first optical transceiver is disposed at a first open end of the hollow shaft and a second optical transceiver is disposed at a second open end of the hollow shaft, and the first optical transceiver and the second optical transceiver are configured for bi-directional communication using one or more optical data signals, and
- wherein the hollow shaft extends through and rotates with the second portion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.