Lidar System Concurrent Pulse Emission for Detection Throughput
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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 and analyze return signals, enabling concurrent emission and 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 productivity is reduced due to sequential operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous emission of multiple light pulses simultaneously at different wavelengths, eliminating the sequential waiting period. The system continuously transmits pulse trains at wavelengths λ1, λ2, λ3, etc., allowing uninterrupted detection operations and maximizing productivity while maintaining accurate distance measurement through multi-wavelength time-of-flight analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the wavelength dimension by using multiple light pulses at different wavelengths simultaneously. This adds a spectral dimension to the traditional single-wavelength time-of-flight method, enabling parallel distance measurements across multiple wavelengths without increasing temporal complexity, thus improving both productivity and measurement precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lidar system uses fixed range and resolution settings, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability is limited for different detection scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic adjustment of detection parameters including wavelength selection, pulse train characteristics, and sequence lengths. The system can adaptively change these parameters based on detection requirements, allowing optimization for different ranges, resolutions, and target types without requiring hardware modifications, thus achieving high adaptability with manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal lidar system capable of performing multiple detection functions using the same hardware platform. By incorporating multiple wavelengths and configurable pulse sequences, a single system can handle diverse detection scenarios ranging from long-range detection to high-resolution imaging, eliminating the need for multiple specialized systems.
3Productivity
If the lidar system emits multiple light pulses concurrently at different wavelengths, then the productivity is improved through parallel operation, but the loss of information increases due to signal overlap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses wavelength as an additional dimension to distinguish simultaneous signals. By assigning different wavelengths (λ1, λ2, λ3, etc.) to different pulse trains, the system can parallelize detections while maintaining clear signal identification. The spectral dimension provides natural signal separation, preventing information loss despite concurrent emissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the system receives return signals at each wavelength, processes the time-of-flight data, and uses this information to optimize subsequent pulse emissions. The feedback loop enables real-time adjustment of pulse sequences and wavelength selection based on detected object characteristics, maintaining signal discrimination accuracy while maximizing detection throughput.
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
Enhances object detection performance by optimizing sequence lengths for improved accuracy, range, and resolution, while reducing latency and power consumption, and increasing the system's ability to detect distant and weakly-returning objects.
Implementation Method 1
emit one or more optical signals... The optical signals are preferably beam-like (e.g., laser beams)
Implementation Method 2
receiving a return signal... reflected off the target object
Implementation Method 3
optical detectors... generate an electrical signal 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.