Lidar Detector Array Segmentation for High-Resolution Depth Mapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Lidar systems face challenges in achieving high-resolution depth mapping at video frame rates due to limitations in scanning speed and the risk of misidentifying distant targets as short-range targets, particularly at the maximum range of the system.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a lidar system with a light source, a splitter to split light into angularly separated pulses, and a detector array with spatially-separated detectors, where the detectors are offset by a distance corresponding to an odd number of pixels, allowing simultaneous detection of pixels spaced apart in the scanning direction, thereby improving scanning speed and resolution while minimizing misidentification of targets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the scanning speed is increased to achieve video frame rates, then the productivity is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to risk of misidentifying distant targets as short-range targets
Solution Approach 1:
The detector array is divided into multiple spatially-separated detectors, each responsible for detecting light from specific angular directions. This segmentation allows simultaneous detection of multiple pixels spaced apart in the scanning direction, effectively parallelizing the measurement process and enabling video frame rates while maintaining accuracy through dedicated detection channels for each spatial position
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from sequential temporal scanning to parallel spatial detection by arranging detectors in a multi-dimensional array configuration. Instead of scanning one pixel at a time over time, multiple pixels are detected simultaneously across different spatial positions, converting a time-based measurement process into a space-based parallel detection system that achieves video frame rates without sacrificing measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If the scanning resolution is increased to achieve high-resolution depth mapping, then the measurement precision is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to slower scanning speed
Solution Approach 1:
The detector array is segmented into multiple spatially-separated detectors that can simultaneously detect light from different angular directions. This segmentation enables high-resolution depth mapping by assigning each detector to specific spatial positions, allowing parallel measurement of multiple pixels at high resolution without the need for sequential scanning, thus maintaining video frame rates
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from sequential temporal sampling to parallel spatial sampling by configuring detectors at specific spatial separations. This parameter change allows the system to capture high-resolution depth information across multiple spatial positions simultaneously, achieving both high measurement precision and high productivity through parallelized spatial detection
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 configuration enables high-resolution depth mapping at video frame rates by ensuring accurate target range detection across the field of regard, reducing the risk of misidentifying distant targets as short-range targets and maintaining scanning speed.
Implementation Method 1
The system determines the distance to the target based on one or more characteristics associated with the returned light pulses. For example, the system may determine the distance to the target based on the time of flight of a returned light pulse.
Implementation Method 2
a splitter configured to split the emitted pulse of light into two or more pulses of angularly separated light comprising a first pulse of light and a second pulse of light
Implementation Method 3
The light source emits light pulses toward a target which then scatters the light. Some of the scattered light is received back at the detector.
Data Source
AI summary
A lidar system can include a light source that emits a pulse of light and a splitter that splits the pulse of light into two or more pulses of angularly separated light. The lidar system can also include a scanner configured to scan pulses of light along a scanning direction across a plurality of pixels located downrange from the lidar system. The lidar system can also include a detector array with a first detector and a second detector. The first and second detectors can be separated by a detector-separation distance along a direction corresponding to the scanning direction of the light pulses. The first detector can be configured to detect scattered light from the first pulse of light and the second detector can be configured to detect scattered light from the second pulse of light.