Adaptive Scanning Laser Ranging System for Spatial Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LIDAR systems require longer times to achieve target spatial resolution and often scan unnecessary areas, leading to inefficiencies in data collection and processing.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of adaptive scanning techniques in laser ranging systems, which determine target spatial resolution and adjust angular resolutions based on range measurements, allowing for focused scanning within specific angular ranges associated with desired objects, thereby reducing scanning time and improving resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional LIDAR systems scan the entire field of view at high angular resolution to achieve target spatial resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but scanning time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the field of view into multiple angular sectors or regions of interest. Instead of uniformly scanning the entire field at high resolution, the system performs coarse scanning first to identify regions containing objects, then concentrates fine-resolution scanning only on those identified regions. This segmentation approach reduces the total number of measurements required while maintaining target spatial resolution where objects are present.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements variable angular resolution across different angular sectors of the field of view. High angular resolution is applied only to regions where objects are detected or expected, while lower resolution is used in empty or less important regions. This local quality adjustment optimizes the balance between measurement precision and scanning time by concentrating measurement resources where they are most needed.
2Reliability
If LIDAR systems perform comprehensive scanning at high angular resolution to ensure detection of all objects, then reliability is improved, but productivity decreases due to increased scanning time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs a preliminary coarse scanning phase at low angular resolution before the fine-resolution scanning phase. This preliminary action quickly identifies regions containing objects or anomalies, allowing the system to then focus detailed scanning only on those regions. This two-stage approach ensures that no objects are missed (maintaining reliability) while significantly reducing the total scanning time (improving productivity).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the angular resolution and scanning density based on real-time detection results. As objects are identified during scanning, the system adapts by increasing measurement density in those regions while reducing or eliminating scans in empty regions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain high detection sensitivity for all objects while optimizing data acquisition rate based on scene complexity.
3Measurement precision
If uniform high angular resolution scanning is applied across the entire field of view, then spatial resolution is maintained consistently, but loss of time increases due to redundant scans in empty areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the angular resolution parameter dynamically based on the detected scene content. Instead of using a fixed high angular resolution throughout the entire field of view, the system adjusts the angular resolution parameter locally - using high resolution only in regions where objects are present and lower resolution in empty regions. This parameter change approach maintains consistent spatial resolution for detected objects while eliminating redundant high-resolution scans in empty areas, thereby reducing scanning time.
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
Adaptive scanning enables faster acquisition of range data with improved spatial resolution by concentrating measurements where objects are present and reducing unnecessary scans, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of LIDAR systems.
Implementation Method 1
direct ranging based on round trip travel time of an optical pulse to an object
Implementation Method 2
using the same modulated optical carrier as a reference signal that is combined with the returned signal at an optical detector to produce in the resulting electrical signal a relatively low beat frequency
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
Techniques for adaptive scanning with a laser scanner include obtaining range measurements at a coarse angular resolution and determining a range gate subset and a characteristic range. A fine angular resolution is based on the characteristic range and a target spatial resolution. If the fine angular resolution is finer than the coarse angular resolution, then a minimum vertical angle and maximum vertical angle is determined for a horizontal slice of the subset of angular width based on the first angular resolution. The scanning laser ranging system is then operated to obtain second range measurements at the second angular resolution in the slice between the minimum vertical angle and the maximum vertical angle. In some embodiments, the scanning is repeated for each horizontal slice in the range gate subset using a minimum vertical angle and maximum vertical angle for that slice.