Adaptive Multi-Pulse LIDAR for Autonomous Vehicle Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LIDAR systems for autonomous vehicles rely on mechanically scanning lasers, which are less reliable and have limited environmental operating ranges, necessitating the development of solid-state semiconductor-based systems with improved reliability and range.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state, pulsed time-of-flight LIDAR system that uses multiple laser pulses to enhance Signal-To-Noise ratio and measurement confidence, with adaptive control of pulse duration and timing based on environmental conditions and field-of-view, allowing for high-definition mapping and efficient data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanically scanning lasers are used in LIDAR systems, then the system can achieve basic detection functionality, but the reliability is reduced and environmental operating range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning components with solid-state semiconductor laser arrays that can be electronically controlled to scan different directions. This substitution eliminates moving parts, improving reliability while maintaining the ability to perform environmental mapping and object detection through electronic beam steering of multiple laser elements.
2Measurement precision
If multiple laser pulses are used to enhance Signal-To-Noise ratio, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the time required for data collection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsed laser emission where multiple short pulses are sent in rapid succession toward different directions or the same direction with varying parameters. This periodic action allows accumulation of signal data over multiple pulses to improve signal-to-noise ratio while keeping the time between pulses short enough to maintain efficient data collection rates for real-time autonomous vehicle operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary scanning with fewer pulses to identify regions of interest or areas requiring higher precision measurement. Based on this preliminary data, the system then allocates additional pulses selectively to specific directions or objects that require enhanced measurement precision, rather than uniformly increasing pulses across all directions, thus optimizing the balance between accuracy and time efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If adaptive control of pulse duration and timing is implemented, then measurement accuracy for specific environmental conditions is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of laser pulse parameters including duration, timing, and intensity based on real-time environmental conditions detected by the system. The controller adjusts pulse characteristics adaptively - for example, using longer pulse durations for distant objects or in adverse weather conditions, and shorter pulses for close-range or high-precision measurements - allowing the system to optimize measurement precision for varying operational scenarios without requiring hardware 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
The system achieves high reliability and long measurement ranges while maintaining low costs, improving the accuracy and efficiency of 3D mapping for autonomous vehicles by optimizing the number of laser pulses and timing based on specific environmental and operational requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a laser transmitter to propagate a sequence of laser pulses
Implementation Method 2
a detector to detect return pulses from objects that reflect the laser pulses
Implementation Method 3
pulsed time-of-flight LIDAR system that uses multiple laser pulses to enhance Signal-To-Noise ratio
Data Source
AI summary
A method of Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) includes generating a first optical pulse that propagates towards a target and receiving an optical return signal reflected from the target resulting from the generated first optical pulse. The optical return signal is processed to determine a number of additional optical pulses desired to be propagated towards the target to meet a performance criteria. The determined number of additional optical pulses is then generated and propagated towards the target. The additional optical return signals reflected from the target are received and processed to obtain one or more LIDAR measurements.