LIDAR Ranging Accuracy via Delay Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional LIDAR systems face challenges in providing accurate range measurements for objects at closer distances due to initiation transients and signal non-linearities in their circuitry, making it difficult to detect targets within a few meters or feet effectively.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR system that includes a light source, timer, sample-and-hold device, reflection detection module, and delay device, which transmits a pulse of electromagnetic energy, generates time-varying signals, and uses a delay to accurately detect reflections from targets, allowing for precise distance calculations by sampling the signals at the appropriate time to account for system delays and transients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional LIDAR circuitry is used for ranging, then the system can detect targets at long distances, but accurate range measurements cannot be obtained for close objects due to initiation transients and signal non-linearities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by introducing a delay circuit that pre-compensates for initiation transients and signal non-linearities before the actual ranging measurement occurs. The delay circuit is configured to introduce a predetermined delay that matches the transient characteristics of the LIDAR circuitry, effectively neutralizing these harmful effects before they can corrupt the measurement signal.
Solution Approach 2:
The delay circuit serves as an intermediary element between the LIDAR transmitter and receiver and the signal processing unit. It mediates the interaction by introducing a controlled time delay that compensates for the non-linearities and transients in the signal path, allowing accurate measurements to be extracted despite the presence of these harmful factors.
2Measurement precision
If traditional LIDAR systems are used, then the system structure remains simple, but the system cannot provide accurate measurements for targets within a few meters or feet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the timing characteristics of the signal processing. Specifically, it introduces a predetermined delay parameter that is adjusted to match the transient response characteristics of the LIDAR system. This parameter adjustment allows the system to compensate for close-range measurement errors without requiring a complete redesign of the LIDAR architecture.
3Measurement precision
If the sampling time is not accurately controlled, then the system operation is simple, but the range measurement becomes inaccurate due to unaccounted system delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the known characteristics of the LIDAR system's transient response to adjust the sampling time. The delay circuit provides a feedback mechanism where the predetermined delay is determined based on the system's actual transient behavior, allowing continuous refinement of the sampling timing to achieve accurate measurements.
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
Enables accurate ranging of targets at distances of a few meters or feet by mitigating start-up noise and non-linearities, providing reliable measurements and improving navigation capabilities in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is an optical remote sensing technology that measures properties of scattered and/or reflected light to find range and/or other information of a target. Analogous to radar technology, which uses radio waves in the non-visible spectrum, LIDAR determines the range to an object by measuring the time delay between transmission of a light pulse and detection of the reflected signal.
Implementation Method 2
reflection detection module (122) that detects a reflection (110), from a target object (120), of the pulse of electromagnetic energy (104) emitted by the light source (102), and converts such reflected electromagnetic energy into a signal indicative of the receipt of the detected reflection
Data Source
AI summary
A method for ranging or targets may include transmitting a pulse of electromagnetic energy at a target. The method may also include generating a time-varying signal in response to receiving a first signal indicating transmission of the pulse of electromagnetic energy. Additionally, the method may include detecting a reflection of the pulse from the target. Moreover, the method may include generating a second signal indicating detection of the reflection. The method may further include generating a third signal substantially equivalent to the second signal delayed by predetermined delay. The method may also include sampling the time-varying signal in response to receiving the third signal.