Laser Phase Estimation via Multi-Reference Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR systems face challenges in accurately estimating range and velocity due to phase and frequency deviations, which current technologies struggle to effectively correct.
Innovation Solution
A multi-reference laser LIDAR system that calculates phase deviations using multiple reference signals across different time segments, allowing for precise correction of laser signals by combining deviations from these segments to determine the overall phase deviation of the target laser signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single reference signal is used to correct laser phase deviation, then the correction process is simple, but the measurement precision of range and velocity estimates deteriorates due to phase and frequency deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the laser signal duration into multiple segments and generates multiple reference signals corresponding to different time segments. Each reference signal is used to calculate phase deviation for its specific segment, enabling precise correction of phase and frequency deviations across the entire signal duration. This segmentation approach improves measurement precision by addressing temporal variations in phase deviation that a single reference signal cannot capture.
2Measurement precision
If multiple reference signals are used to calculate phase deviations across different time segments, then the measurement precision of range and velocity estimates improves, but the device complexity increases due to multiple reference signal processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the laser signal duration into multiple portions, each with its own reference signal. The processor calculates phase deviation for each segment independently using the corresponding reference signal, then combines these segmental phase deviations to determine the overall phase deviation. This approach achieves high measurement precision by capturing temporal phase variations while managing complexity through modular segment processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent generates multiple reference signals in advance, each corresponding to a specific time segment of the laser signal. These reference signals are prepared beforehand and stored for later use in phase deviation calculation. This preliminary preparation enables efficient real-time correction during signal processing without requiring complex real-time generation of reference signals.
3Reliability
If phase deviation correction is applied to the laser signal, then the reliability of LIDAR system performance improves, but the processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the phase deviation correction process into multiple segments, each processed independently with its own reference signal. This segmentation allows for efficient parallel processing of different time portions of the laser signal, reducing the overall computational burden while maintaining high reliability through comprehensive phase deviation correction across the entire signal duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary generation and storage of multiple reference signals corresponding to different time segments before the actual LIDAR measurement. This advance preparation eliminates the need for complex real-time reference signal generation during signal processing, thereby reducing processing time while ensuring accurate phase deviation correction for reliable system performance.
Data Source
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AI summary
In one general aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium can be configured to store instructions that when executed cause a processor to perform a process. The process can include producing a segment of a laser signal where the segment of the laser signal has a duration, and producing a first reference signal based on the laser signal. The process can include calculating a first phase deviation corresponding with a first portion of the duration based on the first reference signal, and producing a second reference signal based on the laser signal. The process can include calculating a second phase deviation corresponding with a second portion of the duration based on the second reference signal, and calculating a phase deviation of the segment of the laser signal based on a combination of the first phase deviation and the second phase deviation.