Lidar Background Imaging for More Reliable Range Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lidar devices face limitations in maximum range and are affected by adverse weather conditions and reflective objects, leading to inaccurate range data.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a lidar device to emit light pulses in multiple directions, detect returning pulses, determine background light intensity, and generate background and range images to enhance range data accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a lidar device emits light pulses to detect objects at maximum range, then the detection range is extended, but the accuracy of range data deteriorates due to adverse weather conditions and background light interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary scanning to generate a background image before detecting returning light pulses. This background image captures ambient light conditions and is used to subtract background interference from the received signals, thereby improving range data accuracy at maximum detection range
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image processor as an intermediary component that receives both the background image and range image from the lidar device. This intermediary processes and combines the information to generate enhanced range data, mediating between the raw lidar signals and the final accurate range measurements
2Reliability
If a lidar device detects returning light pulses to generate range data, then object detection capability is improved, but artifacts are introduced by retroreflectors and highly reflective objects
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the background image to identify and correct artifacts in the range data. By comparing the background light intensity with the received light signals, the system can distinguish between actual objects and artifacts caused by retroreflectors, thereby maintaining reliable object detection while eliminating false readings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of background light and reflective objects into a beneficial signal. By using the background image to map ambient light conditions, the system can identify patterns characteristic of retroreflectors and highly reflective objects, then use this information to correct rather than eliminate these signals, preserving useful detection data while removing artifacts
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
Improves range data accuracy by identifying returning light pulses and background intensities, generating enhanced range images with additional data.
Implementation Method 1
a lidar device may be used to determine a range and direction to an object in its environment by emitting a light pulse in a particular direction toward the object and detecting a returning light pulse that corresponds to a portion of the emitted light pulse that is reflected by the object
Implementation Method 2
The range may be calculated based on a time difference between when the light pulse is emitted and when the returning light pulse is detected
Data Source
AI summary
A light detection and ranging (lidar) device may be coupled to a vehicle and configured to scan a surrounding environment to determine ranges to one or more objects in the surrounding environment of the vehicle. The lidar device may generate data that can be used to form a range image, which includes or is based on range data determined for the one or more objects. The lidar device may also generate data that can be used to form a corresponding background image, which includes background light intensity data that the lidar device measures during the scan. The background image or background image data may be used to add range data to the range image, correct range data in the range image, and/or evaluate the quality of the range data in the range image. In this way, the background image or background image data can be used to generate an enhanced range image that includes range data that is more comprehensive and/or more reliable than the range data included in the original range image.