Adaptive Optical Shutter in Solid-State LiDAR for Ambient Light Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR systems face challenges in achieving high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and long measurement ranges due to ambient light interference and limited optical power, while also requiring adaptability to varying environmental conditions and complex automotive applications.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a noise-adaptive solid-state LIDAR system that incorporates an adaptive optical shutter or mirror to control the field-of-view, reducing ambient light interference and enhancing SNR, while also using advanced signal processing techniques to improve measurement accuracy and range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the optical receiver has a wide field-of-view to capture more reflected light, then the signal strength increases, but ambient light interference increases reducing signal-to-noise ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an adaptive optical shutter that dynamically adjusts the field-of-view of the optical receiver based on environmental conditions and target position. The shutter can change its aperture size and orientation in real-time, allowing the system to capture sufficient reflected light while blocking ambient light interference, thus resolving the contradiction between signal strength and noise reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the optical parameters (field-of-view angle, aperture size) of the receiver dynamically. By adjusting these parameters according to the specific measurement conditions, the system optimizes the balance between capturing enough reflected light for strong signal and limiting ambient light for low noise
2Length of stationary object
If the optical power is increased to extend measurement range, then the detection distance increases, but the system complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurements and environmental assessment to determine the optimal optical power level before actual measurement. By pre-configuring the transmitter power and receiver sensitivity based on initial scans, the system extends measurement range without requiring complex real-time adjustments during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The LIDAR system uses feedback from detected signal strength and noise levels to automatically adjust transmitter optical power and receiver integration time. This closed-loop control allows the system to extend measurement range adaptively while maintaining manageable complexity through algorithmic optimization rather than hardware complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If the LIDAR system uses more moving parts to adapt to varying conditions, then the adaptability improves, but the reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning components with solid-state phased array technology and electronically controlled optical shutters. This substitution eliminates moving parts while maintaining adaptability through electronic control, thus improving reliability without sacrificing the ability to adjust to varying environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves adaptability through dynamic electronic control rather than mechanical movement. The optical shutter and phased array elements can change their configuration electrically, providing the needed versatility without introducing mechanical failure points
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 adaptive LIDAR system achieves improved signal-to-noise ratio and longer measurement ranges, enabling reliable detection of objects at distances exceeding 100 meters, while maintaining high reliability with minimal moving parts and adaptability to changing conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an optical transmitter configured to generate a light pattern in an illumination region... an optical receiver configured to detect light in the illumination region
Implementation Method 2
incorporates an adaptive optical shutter or mirror to control the field-of-view, reducing ambient light interference and enhancing SNR
Implementation Method 3
enabling real-time, high resolution 3D mapping of the surrounding environment... measures distances to various objects or targets
Data Source
AI summary
A LIDAR system includes an optical transmitter comprising a plurality of lasers, each illuminating a FOV in an illumination region. A transmitter controller has outputs connected to respective laser inputs. The transmitter controller generates electrical pulses at the outputs so that the lasers generate light in a desired pattern in the illumination region. An optical receiver has an input FOV in the illumination region and comprises a plurality of detectors, each having a FOV and being positioned to detect light over the illumination region; and a TOF measurement circuit that measures the TOF from the lasers to the detectors. The receiver calculates range information. An adaptive optical shutter positioned between the optical transmitter and the optical receiver has a transparent or reflected region FOV, where the optical shutter restricts illumination at the input of the optical receiver to a region which is smaller than the optical receiver FOV.