Adaptive LIDAR Pulse Scheduling for Variable Range Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR systems face challenges in efficiently scanning environments due to fixed listening window durations, which can lead to reduced resolution and increased cycle time, especially when interacting with objects at varying distances.
Innovation Solution
The system dynamically adjusts listening window durations based on the emission angle and maximum predicted distance for each light pulse, allowing for more efficient data collection and improved resolution by optimizing the timing of light pulses and their interactions with the environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fixed listening window durations are used in LIDAR systems, then the system structure is simple, but the resolution decreases and cycle time increases when interacting with objects at varying distances
Solution Approach 1:
The listening window duration is made dynamic by adjusting it based on the maximum predicted distance for each light pulse. The system calculates different listening window durations for different emission angles and distances, allowing the LIDAR to optimize its measurement cycle for objects at varying distances rather than using a fixed conservative duration for all measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of listening window duration based on the emission angle and maximum predicted distance. By calculating and applying different listening window durations for different light pulses directed at different distances, the system improves resolution for distant objects while reducing cycle time by not using excessively long windows for nearby objects.
2Measurement precision
If longer listening window durations are used to improve resolution for distant objects, then measurement precision improves, but the overall cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different listening window durations are applied locally to different light pulses based on their specific emission angles and maximum predicted distances. Rather than using a uniform listening window for all measurements, the system tailors the listening window duration to the specific requirements of each measurement direction, improving resolution where needed while maintaining scanning efficiency elsewhere.
Solution Approach 2:
The listening window duration is dynamically adjusted for each light pulse based on real-time calculations of maximum predicted distance and emission angle. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize the balance between measurement precision and scanning efficiency for each individual measurement rather than being constrained by a fixed parameter.
3Measurement precision
If fixed light pulse schedules are used, then the system operation is simple, but the resolution and efficiency decrease when interacting with objects at varying distances
Solution Approach 1:
The light pulse schedule parameters, specifically the listening window duration, are changed based on the emission angle and maximum predicted distance for each pulse. The controller calculates and applies different parameters for different light pulses, enabling improved yaw resolution and efficiency while managing complexity through systematic parameter adjustment rather than complex mechanical or operational changes.
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 the resolution and efficiency of LIDAR systems by reducing overall cycle time and allowing for finer yaw resolution, while also optimizing power usage and reducing issues related to retro-reflection and blooming.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a returning pulse, if any, reflected from an object in the environment
Implementation Method 2
transmitting a laser pulse and detecting a returning pulse
Implementation Method 3
determining the distance to the object according to the time delay between the transmitted pulse and the reception of the reflected pulse
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that facilitate light detection and ranging operations. An example method includes determining, for at least one light-emitter device of a plurality of light-emitter devices, a light pulse schedule. The plurality of light-emitter devices is operable to emit light along a plurality of emission vectors. The light pulse schedule is based on a respective emission vector of the at least one light-emitter device and a three-dimensional map of an external environment. The light pulse schedule includes at least one light pulse parameter and a listening window duration. The method also includes causing the at least one light-emitter device of the plurality of light-emitter devices to emit a light pulse according to the light pulse schedule. The light pulse interacts with an external environment.