LIDAR Pulse Sequencing With Dual Intensities for Saturation-Free Ranging
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Solution Overview
Problem
LIDAR systems face challenges in accurately measuring distances due to detector saturation from high pulse intensity and inability to detect distant objects with low pulse intensity, requiring complex charging circuits and safety mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
Generate a light pulse sequence with at least two pulses of different intensities, separated by a predefined time interval, using a laser source and optical elements like beam splitters or saturable absorbers to avoid saturation and enable reliable distance measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a single high-intensity light pulse is used for LIDAR measurement, then the measuring range is extended to detect distant objects, but the detector becomes saturated when measuring near objects, making reliable distance measurement impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The light pulse sequence is segmented into multiple pulses with different intensities (first pulse with lower intensity, second pulse with higher intensity). This segmentation allows the system to use the appropriate pulse intensity for different distance ranges, preventing detector saturation for near objects while maintaining the capability to detect distant objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and emits light pulses with varying intensities in a sequence rather than using a single fixed intensity. This dynamic approach enables adaptive measurement where the lower intensity pulse handles near objects and the higher intensity pulse handles distant objects, resolving the contradiction between measuring range and measurement reliability.
2Measurement precision
If a single low-intensity light pulse is used for LIDAR measurement, then detector saturation is avoided for near objects, but the system cannot detect distant objects
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement process is segmented into multiple pulses with different intensities. The first pulse uses lower intensity to safely measure near objects without saturation, while the second pulse uses higher intensity to extend the measuring range for distant objects, combining both benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic intensity modulation by emitting a sequence of pulses with varying intensities. This allows the LIDAR system to adapt to different target distances, using lower intensity for near objects and higher intensity for distant objects, thereby maintaining both measurement reliability and extended measuring range.
3Ease of operation
If complex charging circuits or constant current sources are used to control light source intensity, then precise intensity control is achieved, but the device complexity increases and safety mechanisms become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex continuous control circuits, the system employs periodic action by emitting a sequence of light pulses with predetermined different intensities. This approach achieves precise intensity control through temporal modulation rather than complex electrical control, simplifying the charging circuit while maintaining operational precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex electrical intensity control mechanisms with a simpler pulsed emission strategy. By using predetermined intensity sequences rather than continuous analog control, the system reduces device complexity and eliminates the need for sophisticated charging circuits while maintaining precise measurement capability.
4Length of moving object
If multiple light pulses with different intensities are emitted in sequence, then both near and distant objects can be detected, but the evaluation complexity increases and computing time may be extended
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-defining the intensity sequence and time intervals between pulses before measurement begins. This allows the evaluation process to follow a predetermined structure, reducing the computational burden during actual measurement and maintaining high evaluation speed while enabling extended measuring range through multiple intensity levels.
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
Facilitates easy implementation without complex circuits, allows separate evaluation of pulses, expands measuring range, and ensures reliable detection of both near and distant objects without detector saturation.
Implementation Method 1
a beam splitter is present, which is configured to split a light beam into a first light beam and a second light beam
Implementation Method 2
a optical delay chain is provided, the first light beam is introduced into the optical delay chain, the second light beam is delayed relative to the first light beam by the optical delay chain
Implementation Method 3
A light pulse sequence is generated by a light source of a LIDAR system... A light source, in particular a laser
Implementation Method 4
When generating the light pulse sequence, a first light pulse having a predefined first intensity is advantageously generated
Implementation Method 5
the portion of the light pulse sequence reflected by an object is received by the LIDAR system... the received first light pulse is advantageously evaluated and the received second light pulse is evaluated
Data Source
AI summary
A method for generating light pulses of a LIDAR system. The method includes the following steps: a) generating a light pulse sequence, including at least one first light pulse and one second light pulse of different intensities by a light source, in particular a laser; b) emitting the light pulse sequence by the LIDAR system; c) receiving, by the LIDAR system, a portion of the light pulse sequence reflected by an object; d) evaluating the received portion of the light pulse sequence for measuring distance. A corresponding LIDAR system, a computer program and a machine-readable memory medium are also described.