Aurora Innovation. has filed a patent for a LIDAR sensor system with a local oscillator module that can provide different oscillator signals to LIDAR pixels for improved scanning. The system includes a laser source, splitter, polarizing module, and processors to drive signals to scan through pixels. GlobalData’s report on Aurora Innovation gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.

According to GlobalData’s company profile on Aurora Innovation, Autonomous freight management was a key innovation area identified from patents. Aurora Innovation's grant share as of January 2024 was 46%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.

Lidar sensor system with local oscillator and laser beam

Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Credit: Aurora Innovation Inc

A recently filed patent (Publication Number: US20230375713A1) describes a novel light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor system designed for use in autonomous vehicles. The system includes a laser source that emits a laser beam, a splitter that divides the beam into a transmit beam and a local oscillator signal, and a polarizing module that generates two different local oscillator signals. The system also features a plurality of LIDAR pixels, a transmit beam module, a local oscillator module with multiple output ports, and one or more processors that drive the transmit beam and local oscillator signals to scan through the LIDAR pixels sequentially. Additionally, a power monitor is coupled to each LIDAR pixel to detect the power in the transmit beam provided to that pixel.

Furthermore, the patent outlines the configuration of the LIDAR sensor system, including the use of optical antennas, receivers, and polarization receive gratings in the LIDAR pixels. The system is designed to direct different polarization orientations of the return beam to specific receivers, enabling efficient detection and processing of the signals. The system's local oscillator module includes multiple optical switches arranged in a multi-tiered configuration, enhancing the system's functionality and performance. Overall, the patent details a sophisticated LIDAR sensor system that can significantly improve the accuracy and reliability of autonomous vehicle control systems.

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