LiDAR ADC DC Offset Correction via Time Window Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
LiDAR systems face inaccuracies in point cloud data due to direct-current (DC) offsets in analog-to-digital (ADC) signals, which can vary between firing cycles, affecting the accuracy of distance and reflectivity measurements and impacting vehicle perception and safety.
Innovation Solution
A method for real-time monitoring and correction of DC offsets in ADC data by selecting a multiple-point time window, calculating the offset, and applying it to correct ADC signals for each firing cycle, thereby minimizing errors and improving data accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If real-time DC offset monitoring and correction is implemented, then ADC data accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by selecting a multiple-point time window and calculating the DC offset before the ADC data processing stage. The offset is determined in advance for each firing cycle, allowing subsequent correction to be applied efficiently without adding complex real-time processing requirements during critical measurement phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex hardware-based DC offset correction mechanisms with a computational approach. By using software-based offset calculation and correction algorithms, the system achieves accurate compensation without requiring additional physical components or complex mechanical adjustment systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If DC offset correction is applied to each firing cycle, then point cloud data accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs DC offset calculation and determination as a preliminary step before main data processing. By pre-calculating the offset values for each firing cycle, the system minimizes the time required during critical processing stages, ensuring accurate correction without significant processing time penalties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal parameter by implementing per-firing-cycle offset correction rather than using fixed or less frequent correction intervals. This adaptive approach optimizes the balance between correction accuracy and processing efficiency by applying corrections at the appropriate granularity level.
Data Source
AI summary
A Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) system is disclosed. The LiDAR system comprises a light source configured to provide transmission light signals in a plurality of firing cycles. The LiDAR system comprises a detector configured to detect return signals formed based on the transmission light signals. The LiDAR system comprises an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) configured to obtain ADC data representing the detected return signals. The LiDAR system further comprises one or more processors and memory device, and processor-executable instructions stored in the memory device. The processor-executable instructions can cause the one or more processors to perform: determining a multiple-point time window using the ADC data; based on the multiple-point time window, determining an offset of the ADC data; at least partially correcting the ADC data based on the offset; and providing the corrected ADC data for constructing a point cloud representing an external environment of the LiDAR system.