LiDAR Attenuator Dynamic Signal Intensity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
LiDAR sensors face challenges in handling the high dynamic range of backscattered light intensities, which can lead to detector saturation or noise, particularly when measuring both low and high altitudes.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an attenuator between the measurement location and the detector, controlled by a processor that selects the appropriate attenuator or attenuation level based on the current intensity of the backscattered light, allows for dynamic adjustment of the light intensity to a range supported by the detector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple detectors are used to handle high dynamic range of backscattered light intensities, then the detector saturation and noise problems are resolved, but the Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWaP-C) of the LiDAR system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the attenuation level adjustable and switchable based on the intensity of backscattered light. The system dynamically selects different attenuation levels (first, second, third levels) according to signal strength, allowing a single detector to operate reliably across a wide dynamic range without requiring multiple fixed detectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the attenuation parameter of the optical attenuator based on the intensity of backscattered light. By adjusting the attenuation level (first, second, or third level) according to signal conditions, the system maintains optimal detector performance across varying light intensities, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Device complexity
If a single detector is used to handle wide range of signal intensities, then the SWaP-C of the LiDAR system is reduced, but the detector becomes saturated or noisy when handling high dynamic range of backscattered light intensities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical attenuator as an intermediary component between the backscattered light source and the detector. This mediator adjusts the light intensity before it reaches the detector, preventing saturation and noise while allowing a single detector to handle wide dynamic ranges. The attenuator acts as a buffer that protects the detector while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the attenuation level based on the intensity of incoming backscattered light. By switching between first, second, and third attenuation levels according to signal conditions, the system maintains reliable detector performance while using only a single detector, thus resolving the contradiction between device complexity and reliability.
3Reliability
If high attenuation is applied to handle strong backscattered light signals, then detector saturation is prevented, but the ability to detect weak signals from low altitudes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of attenuation levels based on the intensity of backscattered light. When light intensity is high, higher attenuation levels are applied to prevent saturation; when light intensity is low, lower or no attenuation is applied to maintain detection sensitivity. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction between preventing saturation and maintaining detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the attenuation parameter dynamically based on signal intensity conditions. By selecting from first, second, or third attenuation levels according to the strength of backscattered light, the system prevents detector saturation for strong signals while maintaining the ability to detect weak signals, thus resolving the contradiction between saturation prevention and measurement precision.
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 solution enables a single detector to handle a wide range of signal intensities, reducing the need for multiple detectors and minimizing the Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWaP-C) of LiDAR systems while maintaining performance.
Implementation Method 1
the particular attenuator is configured to selectively attenuate the backscattered light based on at least one of: (1) characteristics of the particular attenuator or (2) the attenuation level to use
Data Source
AI summary
A light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor includes detector(s), attenuator(s), and processor(s). The detector(s) receive backscattered light backscattered from at least one measurement location; and determine a current intensity of the backscattered light. The attenuator(s) is positioned between the at least one measurement location and the at least one detector. The processor(s) is configured to: select at least one of (1) a particular attenuator or (2) an attenuation level to use based on the current intensity of the backscattered light. The particular attenuator is configured to: selectively attenuate the backscattered light based on at least one of: (1) characteristics of the particular attenuator or (2) the attenuation level to use as selected by the at least one processor for the current intensity of the backscattered light.