Active Distance Measurement with Selective LiDAR Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D-map generation technologies for autonomous vehicles rely on expensive and complex LiDar systems that require numerous laser measurements, leading to high energy consumption, increased risk of harm to humans, and limited resolution due to crosstalk and unnecessary energy use.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a combination of passive and active sensors to generate 3D-maps, where active measurements are optimized based on object classification and energy levels, reducing the number of laser beams and energy consumption while maintaining high resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If LiDar systems transmit laser beams at the highest available energy level to measure maximum range, then measurement range is improved, but energy consumption increases and risk of harm to humans increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the energy level parameter of laser beams based on the distance to detected objects. Instead of using fixed maximum energy levels, the system modifies the energy parameter to match the actual measurement requirements, thereby extending effective measurement range while reducing unnecessary energy exposure and associated risks to humans.
2Measurement precision
If LiDar systems scan the entire environment to generate detailed 3D-maps, then measurement precision is improved, but the number of laser beams transmitted increases leading to increased crosstalk and energy waste
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different measurement strategies to different regions of the environment based on their importance and characteristics. Critical areas receive high-precision active measurements with multiple laser beams, while less critical areas use passive measurements or lower-resolution scanning. This localized approach maintains overall 3D-map quality while significantly reducing total energy consumption and crosstalk.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs active measurements only on specific portions of the environment that require detailed 3D mapping, rather than uniformly scanning the entire scene. By selecting target objects and regions of interest for active measurement and using passive sensing for other areas, the system achieves sufficient measurement precision for autonomous navigation while minimizing the number of laser beams transmitted.
3Measurement precision
If LiDar systems use a large number of laser beams to render detailed 3D-maps, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges active LiDar measurements with passive sensing technologies (such as cameras and other sensors) to create a hybrid sensing system. By combining these different measurement approaches, the system achieves detailed 3D mapping capability without requiring a large number of expensive laser beams, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining measurement precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves high-resolution 3D-maps with reduced energy consumption and minimized risk to humans by selectively using active measurements on suspicious objects, thereby overcoming the limitations of traditional LiDar systems.
Implementation Method 1
A system and method are disclosed for active sensor measurements of a scene. In an embodiment, the active sensor transmits a light pulse and detects a reflected light pulse from a target object in the scene.
Implementation Method 2
The timing, direction and/or energy level of the light pulse may be determined, with the estimated new location based on the determined timing, direction and/or energy level
Data Source
AI summary
A method for performing active distance measurements, the method may include receiving or generating an identification of at least one target object recognized in an image; emitting, by a transmission module, one or more light pulses towards the at least one target object; directing, by an optical multiplexer of a reception module, towards at least one detector, at least one reflected light pulse that is reflected from the at least one target object; detecting, by at least one detector of the reception module, the at least one reflected light pulse; dynamically coupling, by an electrical multiplexer, the at least one detector to at least one distance measurement unit; calculating, by the one or more distance measurement units, a distance to each one of the at least one target object based on the at least one emitted light pulse and the at least one reflected light pulse.