Adjustable Lidar Receiver Lens for High-Speed Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lidar systems face challenges in operating with low latency and adapting rapidly to environmental changes, particularly in automotive applications where high-speed movement requires quick decision-making, and the laser source's energy management is critical to avoid overheating and ensure reliable high-density laser pulse firing.
Innovation Solution
A transient laser energy model and transient mirror motion model are used to predict and schedule laser pulses with high precision, ensuring sufficient energy for each pulse and accurate targeting, while the lidar receiver controls detection intervals and uses multiple processors and lenses for efficient data processing and detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the laser source fires at high density to reduce latency and respond rapidly to detected objects, then the response speed and detection capability are improved, but the laser source overheating risk increases and energy management becomes critical
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by scheduling laser pulses in advance based on predicted mirror motion and energy availability. The controller determines optimal pulse timing before high-density firing sequences, allowing the laser source to be charged appropriately between pulses and preventing overheating while maintaining high response capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the laser firing rate and pulse timing based on real-time conditions including mirror motion state and laser energy availability. The controller modulates the firing schedule to match the laser source's charging capacity, enabling high-density firing when energy is available while reducing rate when thermal constraints require recovery time.
2Productivity
If the lidar system operates at high frame rates with rapid scan times, then the productivity and data collection speed are improved, but the laser source energy characteristics become heavily impacted and operational reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors laser energy availability and mirror motion predictions to adjust the firing schedule. This closed-loop control ensures that high frame rate operation does not exceed the laser source's energy recovery capabilities, maintaining operational reliability while maximizing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller performs preliminary scheduling of laser pulses based on predicted energy availability and mirror motion, ensuring that each pulse is fired when the laser source is ready. This advance planning prevents energy depletion and thermal buildup that would compromise reliability during high-frame-rate operation.
3Power
If the laser source uses optical amplification to support high power output, then the laser pulse energy is improved, but the energy characteristics are heavily impacted by time and firing rate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically schedules laser pulses according to the optical amplifier's energy recovery characteristics. The controller adjusts pulse timing and spacing to match the amplifier's charging and discharging cycles, maintaining high pulse energy output while managing the energy characteristics to prevent saturation or depletion issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller performs preliminary energy assessment and scheduling to ensure sufficient energy is available in the optical amplifier before each pulse firing event. This advance energy management ensures consistent high-power output while accounting for the time-dependent energy characteristics of the amplification system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the lidar transmitter uses variable firing rate to adapt to different detection needs, then the adaptability is improved, but the laser source energy management becomes more complex and prone to overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary scheduling of variable-rate firing sequences based on predicted energy availability and detection requirements. By planning the variable firing rate pattern in advance, the system achieves adaptability to different detection needs while managing energy consumption to prevent overheating during high-rate periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts firing rate based on real-time conditions while using predictions of energy availability to guide the variable rate schedule. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to respond to different detection needs flexibly while maintaining energy management within safe operating limits.
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 solution enables lidar systems to operate at low latency with high frame rates, allowing for rapid and precise targeting of regions of interest with dense laser pulse shots, effectively managing energy and adapting to variable firing rates, thus enhancing operational reliability and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a photodetector array that detects incident light from a laser pulse return
Implementation Method 2
an adjustable lens in an optical path between the mirror and the photodetector array
Data Source
AI summary
A lidar system comprises (1) a first lens having a first field of view that receives incident light from the first field of view, (2) a second lens having a second field of view that receives incident light from the second field of view, wherein the second lens is adjustable to cause an adjustment of the second field of view, and (3) a switch that controls which of the first and second lenses are used for detecting returns from laser pulse shots based on where the laser pulse shots are targeted in a field of view that encompasses the first and second fields of view.