Lidar System Adjustable Pulse Sequences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Typical lidar systems have fixed range, resolution, and accuracy limitations due to the need to wait for each light pulse to return before emitting the next, restricting their performance in object detection.
Innovation Solution
A lidar system and method that determines and outputs sequences of optical signals with adjustable sequence lengths to optimize performance metrics such as accuracy, range, and resolution, using optical emitters, detectors, and processing modules to control signal emission and analysis, enabling concurrent emission and orthogonal signal encoding for improved detection capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the lidar system waits for each light pulse to return before emitting the next light pulse, then the system can accurately detect object distance, but the detection speed and productivity are significantly limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsed laser emission where light pulses are emitted at regular intervals. The system uses a pulsed laser source that emits periodic light pulses toward the target, allowing multiple pulses to be transmitted in sequence while maintaining accurate distance measurement through time-of-flight calculation for each pulse
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-emitting multiple light pulses before receiving their return signals. The system can transmit a sequence of pulses in advance, and while waiting for returns, prepare processing routines or emit additional pulses, thereby reducing idle waiting time and improving overall detection throughput without sacrificing measurement accuracy
2Ease of operation
If the lidar system uses fixed range and resolution settings, then the system operation is simple, but the system cannot adapt to different detection requirements and environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability by allowing the lidar system to adjust key parameters including pulse repetition frequency, pulse width, and wavelength based on detection requirements. The system can dynamically modify these parameters to optimize performance for different ranges, resolutions, and target types, transitioning from static fixed settings to adaptive dynamic configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by enabling modification of operational parameters such as laser pulse frequency, pulse duration, and wavelength. These parameter adjustments allow the system to adapt to varying detection scenarios, whether requiring long-range detection with lower frequencies or high-resolution close-range detection with higher frequencies and shorter pulses
3Reliability
If the lidar system increases the power of each light pulse to improve detection of distant objects, then the detection range increases, but the system cannot detect multiple objects simultaneously with different return intensities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the detection task into multiple pulsed sequences with varying power levels. Instead of using a single high-power pulse, the system transmits multiple pulses at different power levels, allowing differentiation of objects at various distances and with different reflectivity characteristics through analysis of return signal intensities from each pulse level
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by using multiple pulses with progressively adjusted power levels rather than one excessive high-power pulse. This allows the system to detect objects at different ranges by comparing returns from pulses of varying intensity, improving the ability to distinguish between objects with different return characteristics while maintaining overall detection reliability
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 detection range and resolution while reducing latency, allowing for more reliable detection of distant and weakly-returning objects by optimizing signal parameters and processing techniques.
Implementation Method 1
emit one or more optical signals... The optical signals are preferably beam-like (e.g., laser beams)
Implementation Method 2
The optical detector(s) 220 preferably function to (e.g., are operable to) generate an electrical signal (e.g., current, voltage, etc.) in response to optical detection
Data Source
AI summary
A LIDAR system, preferably including one or more: optical emitters, optical detectors, beam directors, and/or processing modules. A method of LIDAR system operation, preferably including: determining a signal, outputting the signal, receiving a return signal, and/or analyzing the return signal.