Dynamic LIDAR Data Window for Signal Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LIDAR systems face challenges in producing reliable data due to fixed data window durations, which can result in incomplete capture of system return signals, leading to reduced data accuracy and reliability, especially as the distance between the LIDAR system and objects increases.
Innovation Solution
The LIDAR system dynamically adjusts the duration of the data window based on the time delay of the returning signal, ensuring a larger portion of the system return signal is utilized for generating LIDAR data, thereby increasing data reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed data window duration is used in LIDAR systems, then the system structure remains simple, but the data reliability deteriorates when objects are at greater distances due to incomplete capture of system return signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a fixed data window duration to a dynamically adjustable data window duration. The electronics determine the data window duration based on the detected time delay of the system return signal, allowing the data window to adapt to different object distances. This dynamic adjustment ensures complete capture of return signals regardless of distance, thereby improving LIDAR data reliability without requiring overly complex predetermined configuration systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the data window duration parameter based on the detected time delay. The electronics adjust this critical parameter dynamically - extending the data window duration for larger time delays (greater distances) and using shorter durations for smaller time delays (closer objects). This parameter adaptation directly addresses the reliability issue while maintaining reasonable system complexity through algorithmic control rather than hardware redesign.
2Loss of information
If the data window duration is extended to capture return signals from distant objects, then the data completeness improves, but the system response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamics principle resolves this contradiction by making the data window duration variable rather than fixed. The electronics dynamically adjust the duration based on the detected time delay - using longer durations only when necessary for distant objects with large time delays, and shorter durations for nearby objects with small time delays. This dynamic adaptation ensures complete signal capture while minimizing unnecessary time extensions, thus balancing completeness with response time efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The parameter changes principle is applied by adjusting the data window duration parameter according to the detected time delay characteristics. When time delay indicates distant objects, the parameter is increased to ensure complete capture. When time delay indicates nearby objects, the parameter is reduced to maintain fast response. This conditional parameter adjustment optimizes the balance between information completeness and time efficiency.
3Speed
If a shorter data window is used to maintain fast response, then the system response time improves, but the data accuracy deteriorates for distant objects due to incomplete signal capture
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamics principle resolves this contradiction by enabling the data window duration to adapt based on the detected time delay. For distant objects with large time delays, the system automatically extends the data window duration to ensure complete signal capture, thereby maintaining measurement precision. For nearby objects with small time delays, the system uses shorter durations to maintain fast response speed. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the need to choose between speed and precision, allowing both to be optimized simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The parameter changes principle is implemented by adjusting the data window duration parameter based on the detected time delay characteristics. The electronics modify this parameter conditionally - increasing it when time delay suggests distant objects to preserve accuracy, and decreasing it when time delay suggests nearby objects to maintain speed. This intelligent parameter adaptation ensures that measurement precision and response speed are both optimized according to the specific operational context.
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 approach enhances the reliability of LIDAR data by allowing a longer data window duration for shorter time delays, ensuring that more of the returning signal is captured, even at greater distances, thus improving the accuracy and completeness of the data generated.
Implementation Method 1
The system return signal includes light that was included in the system output signal and that was reflected by an object located outside of the LIDAR system
Implementation Method 2
A time delay occurs between the light being output from the LIDAR system and returning to the LIDAR system. The LIDAR data indicates a radial velocity and/or distance between the LIDAR system and the object
Data Source
AI summary
A LIDAR system is configured to output a system output signal and to receive a system return signal. The system return signal includes light that was included in the system output signal and that was reflected by an object located outside of the LIDAR system. A time delay occurs between the light being output from the LIDAR system and returning to the LIDAR system. The LIDAR system also includes electronics that use a portion of the system return signal that returns to the LIDAR system during a data window to generate LIDAR data that indicates a radial velocity and/or distance between the LIDAR system and the object. The electronics tune the duration of the data window in response to the amount of the time delay.