LiDAR Detector Array Selective Element Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solid-state LiDAR systems face challenges with multi-path interference and limited signal-to-noise ratio due to the need to process signals from the entire field-of-view, leading to false positives and resolution limitations, as every detector pixel must be processed without prior knowledge of the emission pattern or scene.
Innovation Solution
A beam steerable laser emitter and detector array with selectively enabled and disabled array elements, using a signal processing pipeline to process expected return signals while ignoring unexpected ones, allowing dynamic adjustment of active pixels based on predicted return paths and emission patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the entire detector array processes all signals from the field-of-view, then complete scene coverage is achieved, but multi-path interference and false positives increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by predicting the emission pattern and scene characteristics before signal detection, enabling pre-identification of which detector pixels will receive return signals. This allows the system to selectively enable only those specific pixels before the actual measurement occurs, preventing multi-path interference from affecting the detection process while maintaining high processing throughput by keeping unnecessary pixels disabled.
2Measurement precision
If all detector pixels are processed to ensure complete signal capture, then no signal is missed, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by predicting the emission pattern and scene characteristics before signal detection, enabling pre-identification of which detector pixels will receive return signals. This allows the system to selectively enable only those specific pixels before the actual measurement occurs, preventing multi-path interference from affecting the detection process while maintaining high processing throughput by keeping unnecessary pixels disabled.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the detector array have different operational states - specifically, only certain pixels that are predicted to receive return signals are enabled, while other pixels are disabled. This selective enabling creates local differentiation in the detector array's functionality, allowing high detection resolution in relevant regions while reducing overall processing time and computational resources.
3Area of stationary object
If the detector field-of-view is expanded to cover the entire scene, then complete scene monitoring is achieved, but signal-to-noise ratio decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the detector array have different operational states - specifically, only certain pixels that are predicted to receive return signals are enabled, while other pixels are disabled. This selective enabling creates local differentiation in the detector array's functionality, allowing high detection resolution in relevant regions while reducing overall processing time and computational resources.
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 approach reduces multi-path interference, improves signal-to-noise ratio, and optimizes resource usage by only processing signals from known regions of interest, enabling higher detection resolution and reduced power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a laser source is paired with a detector array or point detector such that the reflected signals returning from the object being interrogated will fall on the detector array or point detector
Implementation Method 2
The detector array may comprise, for example, Avalanche Photodiodes (APDs), PIN (p-type, intrinsic, n-type) photodiodes, Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs), or Single-Photon Avalanche Diodes (SPADs)
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus has a beam steerable laser emitter and a detector array with array elements. Electronics selectively enable first array elements corresponding to expected return signal paths and disable second array elements corresponding to unexpected return signal paths.