Adaptive Lidar Resolution Control for Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lidar systems face high power consumption due to constant laser output, which is not optimized for varying driving speeds or environments.
Innovation Solution
A lidar system that adjusts the output resolution of the laser based on driving speed and surrounding environment by controlling the transmission unit and time measuring unit, reducing power consumption by altering the number of lasers and pulse period accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the laser outputs constantly with high resolution, then the detection precision is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the laser output resolution adjustable rather than fixed. The signal processor dynamically changes the resolution based on real-time detection of driving speed and surrounding environment, allowing the system to adapt between high precision mode (when needed) and power-saving mode (when not needed), thus resolving the contradiction between constant high precision and constant power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the resolution parameter of the laser output based on driving conditions. When driving speed is low or the environment is simple, the system reduces the resolution parameter to decrease power consumption. When driving speed is high or complex environments are detected, the system increases the resolution parameter to maintain detection precision, thereby balancing power consumption and measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If the number of lasers is increased to improve resolution, then the measurement precision is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by outputting only the necessary number of lasers required for current driving conditions. Instead of constantly outputting maximum resolution lasers, the system outputs a reduced number of lasers when driving speed is low or the environment is simple, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining sufficient detection precision for the current situation
3Measurement precision
If the pulse period is shortened to improve detection accuracy, then the measurement precision is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by adjusting the pulse period based on driving conditions. The signal processor changes the pulse period dynamically - shortening it when high detection accuracy is needed (high speed or complex environment) and lengthening it when power saving is prioritized (low speed or simple environment), thus resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and power consumption
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 adaptive approach reduces power consumption while maintaining detection accuracy, especially by decreasing resolution during slower speeds or when objects are not detected, thereby extending battery life in moving objects.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission unit configured to output a light
Implementation Method 2
a reception unit configured to receive a light reflected by an object
Implementation Method 3
a time measuring unit configured to detect time difference between an output time of the light and a reception time of the reflected light
Data Source
AI summary
A lidar system for reducing power consumption and method of operating the same are disclosed. The lidar system in a moving object comprises a transmission unit configured to output a light, a reception unit configured to receive a light reflected by an object and a signal processor configured to measure a distance to the object by using the received light. Here, the signal processor controls power consumption of the lidar system by changing a resolution of the transmission unit according to a driving speed or a surrounding environment of the moving object, the transmission unit outputs the light with a resolution determined by the signal processor, and a number of lasers outputted from the transmission unit increases in a field of view FOV as the resolution gets higher.