Adaptive Lidar Pulse Rate Control for Resolution and Energy Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lidar systems face inefficiencies in varying pulse rates based on target distance and orientation, leading to uneven data collection and power distribution across the field of regard, which affects resolution and energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where the pulse rate of a lidar system is dynamically adjusted based on detection of scattered light, with shorter intervals for detected pulses and longer intervals for undetected pulses, and also varies with orientation and scan speed to optimize data collection and power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed pulse rate is used in the lidar system, then the system operation is simple, but the data collection resolution is uneven and energy usage is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pulse rate adjustment by varying the pulse repetition frequency based on detected target conditions. The system transitions from a fixed pulse rate to a variable pulse rate that adapts to real-time scanning conditions, using different pulse intervals (T1 for detected targets, T2 for undetected areas) to optimize both resolution and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temporal parameter (pulse interval) dynamically based on detection results. By modifying the pulse rate parameter according to whether scattered light is detected in different regions, the system achieves variable resolution across the field of regard while maintaining simple operational control through automated parameter adjustment.
2Measurement precision
If a high pulse rate is used across the entire field of regard, then the data collection resolution is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different pulse rates to different spatial regions of the field of regard based on local conditions. Areas with detected targets receive higher pulse rates (shorter interval T1) for improved resolution, while areas without detected targets receive lower pulse rates (longer interval T2) to conserve energy, achieving local optimization of both quality and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying high pulse rate uniformly across the entire field, the system applies high pulse rate only partially to specific regions where targets are detected. This partial action approach maintains high pixel density where needed while reducing overall energy consumption by using lower pulse rates in regions where full resolution is not required.
3Loss of energy
If the pulse rate is varied based on target detection, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where detection results of scattered light from previous pulses inform the pulse rate selection for subsequent pulses. The controller continuously monitors detection outcomes and adjusts the pulse interval accordingly (T1 for detected areas, T2 for undetected areas), creating a closed-loop control system that improves energy efficiency through condition-based adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment of pulse rate based on its own detection results without requiring external control input. The automated selection of pulse intervals based on internal detection data allows the system to optimize its own energy efficiency, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms while maintaining adaptive performance.
4Measurement precision
If shorter pulse intervals are used for detected pulses, then the resolution in those areas is improved, but the overall data collection time varies
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts pulse intervals based on real-time detection conditions, using shorter intervals (T1) in regions with detected targets to improve resolution and longer intervals (T2) in regions without detected targets. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize resolution where needed while minimizing overall data collection time by not uniformly applying short intervals across the entire field.
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 enhances data collection resolution and pixel density where needed, conserves energy, and improves the system's ability to identify objects by adapting pulse rate to the specific conditions within the field of regard.
Implementation Method 1
The light source emits light toward a target which then scatters the light. Some of the scattered light is received back at the receiver. The system determines the distance to the target based on one or more characteristics associated with the returned light. For example, the system may determine the distance to the target based on the time of flight of a returned light pulse.
Implementation Method 2
scanning, by a scanner in the lidar system, a field of regard of the lidar system, including directing the light pulses toward different points within the field of regard to illuminate a field of view of the light source
Implementation Method 3
detecting, by a receiver of the lidar system, light from some of the light pulses scattered by one or more remote targets to generate respective pixels
Data Source
AI summary
To increase the effective pulse rate of a light source in a lidar system, a controller provides control signals to the light source to transmit a light pulse once the previous light pulse has been received. The controller may communicate with a receiver in the lidar system that detects received light signals. In response to detecting a received light signal, the receiver may provide an indication of the received light signal to the controller which may in turn provide a control signal to the light source to transmit the next light pulse. The receiver may also provide characteristics of the received light signal to the controller, such as the peak power for the received light signal, the average power for the received light signal, the pulse duration of the received light signal, etc. Then the controller may analyze the characteristics to determine whether to transmit another light pulse.