Interlaced LiDAR Scan Patterns for Variable Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LiDAR systems face limitations in achieving enhanced resolution and efficient scanning of downrange environments, particularly in applications like autonomous vehicle guidance, where precise range information and variable scanning are required.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of interlaced scan patterns using multiple beam sources and output systems, allowing for different frame rates and resolutions within a field of view, with a controller directing the emission of light pulses to focus on areas of interest based on range information or external sensor data, enabling adaptive foveation and improved point density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single beam scans the entire field of view at baseline resolution, then the scanning coverage is complete, but the resolution and frame rate in specific areas of interest cannot be enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The field of view is segmented into a baseline FoV scanned by the first beam and a second FoV (area of interest) scanned by the second beam. This segmentation allows each beam to be optimized for its specific scanning region, enabling enhanced resolution in the second FoV while maintaining baseline coverage elsewhere.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension by interlacing the scanning of two different FoVs at different frame rates. The first beam scans the baseline FoV at a first frame rate while the second beam scans the second FoV at a second frame rate, creating a multi-rate scanning system that resolves the contradiction between coverage and resolution.
2Productivity
If the scanning frame rate is increased to capture more detail, then the temporal resolution improves, but the energy consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different frame rates are applied to different regions of the field of view. The second beam scans the area of interest at a higher frame rate to capture temporal details, while the first beam maintains baseline frame rate for the rest of the FoV, optimizing energy consumption by not uniformly increasing the frame rate across the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts scanning parameters by activating the second beam only when an area of interest is identified. The controller circuit enables dynamic switching between baseline scanning and enhanced scanning modes, allowing the system to adapt frame rates based on operational requirements rather than maintaining a fixed high frame rate.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple beam sources are used to provide different resolutions and frame rates, then variable scanning of areas of interest is enabled, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Both the first and second beams are capable of scanning different regions and operating at different frame rates, making the beam system multi-functional. The same emitter can generate both beams, and the controller circuit manages both scanning operations, reducing the need for entirely separate scanning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller circuit acts as an intermediary that coordinates the operation of multiple beam sources. It manages the interlaced scanning pattern, determines when to activate the second beam based on range information or external sensors, and synchronizes the different frame rates, thereby reducing the complexity burden of having multiple beams.
4Measurement precision
If the scanning focuses on a small area with high point density, then the measurement precision in that area improves, but the coverage of the baseline field of view decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The field of view is divided into two segments: the baseline FoV covered by the first beam at baseline point density, and the second FoV (area of interest) covered by the second beam at enhanced point density. This segmentation allows the system to maintain comprehensive coverage while providing high-resolution scanning in specific regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the coverage-resolution tradeoff by introducing a spatial dimension to the scanning strategy. Different spatial regions are scanned with different point densities simultaneously through interlaced scanning, allowing high point density in the second FoV without sacrificing baseline FoV coverage.
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 scanning resolution and efficiency by allowing multiple frame rates and point densities within a field of view, improving the accuracy and detail of range information capture, particularly in areas of interest, while maintaining constant resolution in the baseline field of view.
Implementation Method 1
Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) systems are useful in a number of applications in which ranges (e.g., distances) from an emitter to a target are detected by irradiating the target with electromagnetic radiation in the form of light. The range information is detected in relation to timing characteristics of reflected light received back by the system.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and method for enhancing resolution in a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system. In some embodiments, an emitter is configured to emit a first beam of light pulses over a baseline, first field of view (FoV). Responsive to an activation signal, a controller circuit directs the emitter to concurrently interleave a second beam of light pulses over a second FoV within the first FoV. The first and second beams may be provided at different resolutions and frame rates, and may have pulses with different waveform characteristics to enable decoding using separate detection channels. The interlaced beams provide variable scanning of particular areas of interest within the baseline FoV. The second beam may be activated based on range information obtained from the first beam, or from an external sensor. Separate light sources operative at different wavelengths can be used to generate the first and second beams.