Adaptive LiDAR Pulse Duty Cycle for Long-Range Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR devices installed in vehicles face challenges in accurately detecting objects at long distances while minimizing the increase in laser diode output and heat generation, which can lead to reduced accuracy and performance deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR device with a controller that adjusts the duty cycle of the laser pulse based on vehicle speed and temperature conditions, transmitting a higher duty cycle at higher speeds or lower temperatures to enhance detection accuracy and speed while minimizing heat generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the output of the laser diode is increased to accurately recognize objects at long distances, then the detection capability is improved, but the accuracy of detection is lowered due to increased internal reflection and heat generation causes performance deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the duty cycle adjustable based on operating conditions. The controller dynamically changes the duty cycle of the laser pulse according to vehicle speed and temperature, allowing the system to adapt to different scenarios. This resolves the contradiction by enabling high output only when necessary (high speed or low temperature) while maintaining lower output during normal conditions, thus preserving detection accuracy while improving long-distance capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the duty cycle parameter of the laser pulse based on vehicle speed and temperature conditions. By adjusting this key parameter, the system optimizes the balance between output power and heat generation. The controller increases the duty cycle when vehicle speed is high or temperature is low to enhance long-distance detection, and reduces it during normal conditions to maintain detection accuracy and minimize heat-related performance deterioration.
2Length of stationary object
If the output of the laser diode is increased to improve long-distance detection capability, then the detection range is extended, but heat generation increases causing performance deterioration and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by implementing duty cycle modulation of the laser pulse. Instead of continuous high-power operation, the laser emits pulses with variable duty cycles. The controller applies a higher duty cycle (increasing detection range) only under specific conditions (high vehicle speed or low temperature), and uses a lower duty cycle during normal conditions to minimize heat generation. This periodic, condition-based approach extends detection range when needed while preventing thermal accumulation and performance deterioration.
3Speed
If the duty cycle of the laser pulse is increased to enhance detection speed, then the detection capability is improved, but the heat generation increases reducing system reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the duty cycle based on real-time vehicle speed and temperature conditions. The controller increases the duty cycle to enhance detection speed and long-distance capability only when the vehicle is traveling at high speed or when the temperature is low. During normal driving conditions, the duty cycle is maintained at a lower level to minimize heat generation and preserve system reliability. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between detection speed and system reliability.
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
The solution improves the long-distance detection capability of the LIDAR device while maintaining low heat generation and output, thereby enhancing the accuracy and speed of object recognition, especially at high speeds and varying temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) is a radar system that measures the distance to the outside using laser pulses. The LiDAR device irradiates laser light to the surrounding area and measures the time it takes for it to reflect outside and return to measure the distance to the outside and the shape of the measurement object.
Data Source
AI summary
A LIDAR device is disclosed. The LiDAR according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an optical transmitter for transmitting a laser pulse for detection of an external object, an optical receiver for receiving the laser pulse reflected by the external object, and a controller for controlling the optical transmitter and the optical receiver, wherein the controller may determine whether a first condition or a second condition is met, if the first condition is met, the optical transmitter may transmit a duty cycle of the laser pulse at a first duty cycle under control of the controller, and if the second condition is met, the optical transmitter may increase the duty cycle of the laser pulse to a second duty cycle greater than the first duty cycle under the control of the controller and transmit at the second duty cycle.