Hyper Temporal Lidar With Controllable Detection Intervals
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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 or rapid decision-making is required, due to the pressure on laser sources from variable firing rates and the need to prevent overheating.
Innovation Solution
A transient laser energy model and transient mirror motion model are used to predict and manage energy and motion over short time intervals, allowing for precise scheduling of laser pulses and coordinated detection intervals, enabling high-rate, low-latency operation with intelligent targeting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the laser source firing rate is increased to reduce latency and improve response time, then the speed of detection is improved, but the laser source overheats and exceeds maximum energy limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the laser source firing rate based on real-time temperature monitoring. The control system continuously monitors laser source temperature and adjusts the firing rate accordingly, increasing it when temperature is within safe limits and reducing it when approaching thermal thresholds, thereby resolving the contradiction between detection speed and overheating prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback control mechanism where temperature sensors continuously monitor the laser source temperature and feed this information back to the control system. The control system processes this feedback and adjusts the firing rate in real-time, creating a closed-loop system that automatically balances detection speed requirements with thermal management constraints
2Adaptability or versatility
If the laser source firing rate is variable to adapt to different detection needs, then the adaptability is improved, but the energy management becomes complex and requires transient modeling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by developing transient energy models that predict laser source energy state and temperature evolution before actual firing sequences occur. These models allow the control system to pre-calculate safe firing rates and energy delivery parameters for different operational scenarios, simplifying real-time decision-making despite the complexity of variable rate operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent manages complexity by systematically varying key parameters such as firing rate, pulse duration, and energy per pulse according to pre-established models and operational requirements. The control system adjusts these parameters in a coordinated manner based on target distance, detected object characteristics, and current laser source state, transforming complex energy management into a structured parameter optimization problem
3Measurement precision
If high density laser pulses are fired at detected objects of interest, then the measurement precision is improved, but the laser source operational capabilities are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating between high-density pulse sequences for detailed target examination and lower-density sequences for thermal management. The control system structures laser firing in periodic cycles where periods of high-rate pulsing (for precision measurement) are followed by periods of reduced activity (for laser source recovery), thereby maintaining both measurement precision and source reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by delivering high-density laser pulses only to specific regions of interest rather than uniformly across the entire field of view. The control system identifies targets requiring detailed examination and concentrates laser energy on those specific areas, allowing high measurement precision for critical targets while limiting overall energy consumption and thermal load on the laser source
Data Source
AI summary
A lidar receiver that includes a photodetector circuit can be controlled so that the detection intervals used by the lidar receiver to detect returns from fired laser pulse shots are closely controlled. Such control over the detection intervals used by the lidar receiver allows for close coordination between a lidar transmitter and the lidar receiver where the lidar receiver is able to adapt to variable shot intervals of the lidar transmitter (including periods of high rate firing as well as periods of low rate firing). The lidar receiver can define the detection intervals based on a region in the field of view that a laser pulse shot is targeting (e.g., setting longer detection intervals for laser pulse shots targeting a horizon region, setting shorter detection intervals for laser pulse shots targeting a region that intersects within the ground within a relatively short distance of the lidar system).