LIDAR Transmitter Receiver Calibration Field Overlap
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Solution Overview
Problem
LIDAR systems face errors in detecting backscattered light due to misalignments between the transmitter and receiver fields of view, resulting in undetected areas or gaps in the field of view, which lead to dark spots in images.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR system with a transmitter and receiver configured to transmit and receive laser beams at discrete angles, and a controller that shifts the fields of view to optimize their overlap, ensuring accurate alignment and minimizing misalignments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the transmitter and receiver fields of view are not aligned, then the system structure remains simple, but errors in detecting backscattered light occur resulting in undetected areas or gaps in the field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing field of view alignment calibration before the LIDAR system begins its scanning operations. The controller shifts the transmitter or receiver field of view based on predetermined calibration data to ensure proper alignment is established in advance, preventing detection errors before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using calibration data to determine the necessary field of view shifts and applying corrections based on measured misalignment. The system continuously monitors and adjusts the field of view alignment to maintain optimal overlap between transmitter and receiver fields of view.
2Measurement precision
If the transmitter field of view and receiver field of view are shifted relative to each other, then misalignment errors are reduced, but additional control mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment adjustment mechanisms with electronic control of field of view shifting. The controller electronically adjusts the field of view alignment based on calibration data, eliminating the need for precise mechanical positioning mechanisms while achieving the same alignment precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If calibration is performed to optimize overlap of fields of view, then image quality improves by eliminating dark spots, but calibration time and processing are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs field of view alignment calibration as a preliminary step before normal scanning operations begin. By completing the alignment optimization in advance using calibration targets or procedures, the system eliminates image quality issues like dark spots before actual measurements are taken, separating the calibration time from operational time.
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 enhances the accuracy of LIDAR systems by maximizing the overlap of the transmitter and receiver fields of view, reducing errors and improving image quality by ensuring all areas are scanned and detected.
Implementation Method 1
Single photodetectors or arrays of photodetectors receive reflections from objects illuminated by the light
Implementation Method 2
the time it takes for the reflections to arrive at various sensors in the photodetector array is determined. This is also referred to as measuring time-of-flight (TOF)
Data Source
AI summary
A Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) system is provided. The LIDAR system includes a LIDAR transmitter configured with a first field of view and configured to transmit laser beams into the first field of view at a plurality of discrete transmission angles in order to scan the first field of view with the laser beams; a LIDAR receiver configured with a second field of view and configured to receive reflected laser beams from the second field of view and generate electrical signals based on the received reflected laser beams; and a controller configured to shift at least one of the first field of view or the second field of view based on a misalignment in order to optimize an overlap of the first field of view and the second field of view.