LIDAR Range Coverage With Adaptive Listening Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LIDAR systems face inefficiencies in data collection due to fixed listening windows, which can lead to reduced resolution and increased cycle times, especially when detecting objects at varying distances, affecting the accuracy and frequency of data acquisition in autonomous vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The system dynamically adjusts listening windows based on the emission angle and predicted distance of light pulses, allowing for more efficient data collection by reducing overall cycle time and enabling finer yaw resolution, while also adjusting light pulse power according to the anticipated range to optimize detection and reduce power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fixed listening windows are used in LIDAR systems, then the system structure is simple, but the data acquisition resolution is reduced and cycle time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic listening window adjustment where the listening window duration is adapted based on the emission angle and predicted distance to objects. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize data acquisition resolution for different ranges while reducing cycle time by using shorter windows when appropriate, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the listening window parameter dynamically based on operational conditions (emission angle and predicted distance). By adjusting this critical parameter according to the specific sensing scenario, the system achieves high resolution when needed while minimizing cycle time in other situations, thereby resolving the contradiction between data acquisition resolution and cycle time.
2Measurement precision
If fixed listening windows are used, then the system operation is simple, but the accuracy of detecting objects at varying distances is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary determination of the listening window duration based on the emission angle and predicted distance before actually acquiring the light pulse signal. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-optimize detection accuracy for the anticipated sensing scenario, achieving high detection accuracy for objects at varying distances while managing complexity through structured preprocessing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the determined listening window duration and emission angle information to adjust the data acquisition process. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to varying distances and maintain high detection accuracy, while the feedback loop is managed through established procedures that control system complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If uniform light pulse power is used, then the power control is simple, but the power usage is inefficient and detection performance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different light pulse powers locally based on the predicted distance to objects. Instead of using uniform power, the system tailors the power level to the specific distance requirements for each emission angle and target, optimizing power usage efficiency while maintaining detection performance. This local differentiation of power quality resolves the contradiction between energy efficiency and power control complexity.
4Length of stationary object
If longer listening windows are used, then the detection range is extended, but the cycle time is increased and frequency of data acquisition is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the listening window duration based on the emission angle and predicted distance, extending the window only when and where longer detection range is actually needed. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high detection range capability for distant objects while keeping cycle time short for closer targets, thereby resolving the contradiction between detection range and data acquisition frequency.
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 resolution and frequency of data acquisition, improving the accuracy of three-dimensional mapping in autonomous vehicles by optimizing listening window durations and light pulse power, thereby improving the overall performance of LIDAR systems in dynamic environments.
Implementation Method 1
A LIDAR can estimate distance to environmental features while scanning through a scene to assemble a 'point cloud' indicative of reflective surfaces in the environment. Individual points in the point cloud can be determined by transmitting a laser pulse and detecting a returning pulse, if any, reflected from an object in the environment
Implementation Method 2
Individual points in the point cloud can be determined by transmitting a laser pulse and detecting a returning pulse, if any, reflected from an object in the environment, and determining the distance to the object according to the time delay between the transmitted pulse and the reception of the reflected pulse
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that facilitate light detection and ranging operations. An example method includes determining, for at least one light-emitter device of a plurality of light-emitter devices, a light pulse schedule. The plurality of light-emitter devices is operable to emit light along a plurality of emission vectors. The light pulse schedule is based on a respective emission vector of the at least one light-emitter device and a three-dimensional map of an external environment. The light pulse schedule includes at least one light pulse parameter and a listening window duration. The method also includes causing the at least one light-emitter device of the plurality of light-emitter devices to emit a light pulse according to the light pulse schedule. The light pulse interacts with an external environment.