LiDAR Receiving Chip with Segmented Receivers for Grayscale Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR systems struggle with low-resolution grayscale images due to conventional receivers outputting only a single signal value per pixel, leading to compromised image processing accuracy and increased costs when integrating cameras for imaging capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A receiving chip with a receiver array comprising open receivers, each having multiple receiving units sharing a single output channel, allows individual control of these units to generate high-resolution grayscale images by sequential activation during multiple frames, reusing existing LIDAR components without additional costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional receivers output only a single signal value per pixel, then device complexity is reduced, but grayscale image resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver is divided into multiple receiving units (first receiving unit, second receiving unit, third receiving unit) that can be independently controlled. Each unit processes light signals separately, enabling multiple signal values to be obtained per pixel location, thereby improving grayscale image resolution without requiring additional receiver devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic switching of the receiving units across multiple frames. Different receiving units are activated in different frames (e.g., first unit in frame 1, second unit in frame 2, third unit in frame 3), allowing sequential collection of multiple signal values that are then combined to generate high-resolution grayscale images.
2Measurement precision
If additional cameras are integrated for imaging capabilities, then grayscale image quality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The LIDAR receiver is designed to perform multiple functions: both traditional distance measurement (point cloud data) and grayscale image generation. By enabling the existing receiving units to operate in different modes (single-value mode for ranging, multi-value mode for imaging), the system achieves dual functionality without adding separate imaging devices, thereby avoiding increased device complexity and angular misalignment issues.
3Productivity
If multiple receiving units are activated simultaneously, then data acquisition speed is improved, but signal processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of activating all receiving units simultaneously, the patent uses periodic activation where different receiving units are switched on in different frames. This sequential activation simplifies signal processing at any given moment while still enabling high-resolution grayscale image generation through temporal multiplexing, balancing data acquisition efficiency with processing complexity.
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
The solution enhances grayscale image resolution significantly while reusing LIDAR components, eliminating the need for additional cameras and avoiding angular misalignment issues, thus improving image processing accuracy and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the m receiving units in the open receiver are configured to receive ambient light under the working voltage and output a first sampled signal accumulated after the m receiving units receive the ambient light
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application provides a receiving chip, a method for outputting grayscale data, and a LIDAR device. The receiving chip comprises a receiving array, a receiving driving module, and a signal processing module. The receiving array comprises multiple open receivers, each containing N receiving units with at least two control switches. The receiving driving module is configured to input a working voltage to mm receiving units (m<N) within each open receiver during each grayscale data acquisition process. The m receiving units are configured to receive ambient light under the working voltage and output a first sampled signal accumulated from the ambient light received by the mm units. The signal processing module processes the first sampled signal from each grayscale data acquisition process to obtain grayscale data, enabling the LIDAR apparatus to output high-resolution grayscale images.