Adaptive LiDAR Scanning for Frame Rate and Eye-Safe Ranging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LiDAR systems face challenges in achieving high frame rates and accuracy while maintaining eye safety, especially at long ranges, due to power, volume, and mass limitations.
Innovation Solution
The LiDAR system employs an optical switching network and a controller to dynamically vary the temporal scanning pattern based on distance and reflectivity to an object, allowing for adaptive per-pixel dwell time and independent scanning of different portions of the field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional LiDAR systems use power levels and dwell times calculated to meet design reliability and accuracy requirements based on maximum distances, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to limited revisit frequency and slow detection of new or moved objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic scanning patterns that adapt the temporal sequence of scanning different portions of the field of view based on detected objects and their motion. The system transitions from static, uniform scanning to dynamic, variable scanning where dwell times and scan rates are adjusted in real-time based on scene content, object distance, and object motion detection, thereby improving frame rate without sacrificing measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different scanning parameters to different portions of the field of view based on local conditions. Areas with detected objects or potential object locations receive enhanced scanning attention with appropriate dwell times, while other areas use reduced scanning resources. This localized optimization allows the system to maintain high measurement precision where needed while improving overall productivity
2Measurement precision
If LiDAR systems increase laser power to achieve reliable measurements at long ranges, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases beyond power limitations of miniature systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts laser power levels based on the detected scene content, object distance, and required measurement precision. Rather than operating at maximum power continuously, the laser power is optimized in real-time for each scanning event, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining the capability for reliable long-range measurements when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes multiple operating parameters including laser power level, dwell time, and scan rate based on scene conditions. By varying these parameters dynamically rather than using fixed settings, the system achieves reliable long-range detection accuracy only when and where necessary, minimizing overall energy consumption within the power limitations of miniature LiDAR systems
3Measurement precision
If LiDAR systems use longer dwell times to improve signal return at long ranges, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to reduced revisit frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts dwell times based on object distance, detected signal strength, and scene conditions. Rather than using uniform long dwell times across the entire field of view, the system applies extended dwell times only to distant targets or areas requiring enhanced measurement precision, while using shorter dwell times for closer objects, thereby maintaining measurement precision while improving overall revisit frequency and productivity
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
This approach minimizes laser power requirements, enhances frame rate, and improves safety by optimizing scanning patterns based on scene knowledge, allowing for efficient detection and ranging of objects.
Implementation Method 1
An objective lens optically couples each optical emitter of the array of optical emitters to a respective unique portion of the field of view
Implementation Method 2
The optical receiver is configured to receive light reflected from the field of view
Implementation Method 3
The controller is configured to automatically estimate a respective distance to the object
Data Source
AI summary
A LIDAR system includes an array of optical emitters, an objective lens optically coupling each optical emitter to a respective unique portion of a field of view, an optical switching network coupled between a laser and the array of optical emitters and a controller coupled to the optical switching network and configured to cause the optical switching network to route light from the laser to a sequence of the optical emitters according to a dynamically varying temporal pattern and to vary the temporal pattern based at least in part on distance to an object within the field of view. The LiDAR system scans different portions of the field of view differently, such as with different laser power levels, different revisit rates and/or different scan patterns, for example based on likelihood of detecting objects of interest in the various portions or based on likely relative importance of objects likely to be found in the various portions.