LiDAR Distance Control Using Adaptive Histogram Measurement Counts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Lidar sensors face challenges in accurate distance measurement due to fixed measurement counts, leading to decreased performance in specific distance zones and increased power consumption and heat generation, especially when detecting close or distant objects.
Innovation Solution
A lidar apparatus and control method that dynamically adjust the measurement count based on the distance range by comparing the histogram's peak value and limit value, optimizing the measurement count for each distance range to improve accuracy and reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the measurement count is fixed at a low value to measure a close object, then the measurement speed is improved, but the histogram peak value is not sufficiently secured when measuring a distant object, degrading measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts measurement count based on distance, using low counts for close objects to maintain high measurement speed while switching to high counts for distant objects to ensure sufficient signal accumulation and accurate distance measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement count parameter is changed according to distance range, allowing the system to optimize between speed and accuracy by selecting appropriate parameter values for different operational conditions
2Reliability
If the entire array of transmitter and receiver operates constantly, then the object detection capability is improved, but power consumption and heat generation increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection space into multiple distance ranges and activates only the necessary portions of the transmitter and receiver arrays for each range. This spatial segmentation allows the system to maintain detection capability while reducing the number of active elements, thereby lowering power consumption and heat generation
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic action by activating the transmitter and receiver only when needed for specific distance ranges rather than operating constantly. This intermittent operation based on detection requirements reduces overall power consumption while maintaining reliable detection capability
3Area of stationary object
If the entire array operates constantly, then the detection coverage is improved, but heat generation and sensor degradation accelerate
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the detection coverage into distance ranges and activating only the necessary array elements for each range, the system maintains comprehensive detection coverage while reducing the total active area, thereby minimizing heat generation and sensor degradation
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 distance measurement accuracy, reduces unnecessary heat generation, and minimizes power consumption by adjusting the measurement count according to the object's distance, thereby improving the overall performance of the lidar sensor.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission and reception module transmitting a laser signal and receiving a reflected signal reflected from an object
Implementation Method 2
a distance to an object is measured by detecting a peak value and calculating Time of Flight (ToF)
Implementation Method 3
after repeating a process of generating a histogram by accumulating the reflected signals received through the transmission and reception module for a set measurement count, the processor calculates an object distance based on a peak value of the histogram
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed are a lidar apparatus and a control method thereof. The lidar apparatus includes: a transmission and reception module transmitting a laser signal and receiving a reflected signal reflected from an object; an output module outputting a calculated object distance; a memory storing a measurement count allocated for each distance range; and a processor operatively coupled to the transmission and reception module, the output module, and the memory, wherein after repeating a process of generating a histogram by accumulating the reflected signals received through the transmission and reception module for a set measurement count, the processor calculates an object distance based on a peak value of the histogram and outputs the calculated object distance through the output module, and then modifies, based on the object distance, the set measurement count based on the measurement count allocated for each distance range, to repeat the process of calculating the object distance.