LiDAR Echo Signal Processing for Distance-Dependent SNR

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing LiDAR systems face challenges in improving the signal-to-noise ratio of echo signals, which affects their ranging capability.

Innovation Solution

A LiDAR echo signal processing method that involves superimposing echo signals at each emission angle for objects within a preset distance and performing non-coherent integration on multi-angle echo signals using a preset neighborhood window for objects beyond that distance, thereby enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single signal processing method is used for all distances, then the device complexity is reduced, but the signal-to-noise ratio and ranging capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal-to-noise ratioVSAvoidsignal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the echo signal processing into two distinct segments based on distance: near-range signals (≤preset distance value) and far-range signals (>preset distance value). Each segment receives a tailored processing method (superimposition for near-range, non-coherent integration for far-range), optimizing the signal-to-noise ratio for each distance category while maintaining manageable system complexity through clear segmentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If superimposition is used for all echo signals, then the signal-to-noise ratio for near-range objects is improved, but the processing effectiveness for far-range objects deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracy for near-range objectsVSAvoidranging accuracy for far-range objects
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different processing qualities to different spatial regions: superimposition processing is applied locally to near-range echo signals where signal strength is sufficient, while non-coherent integration is applied locally to far-range echo signals where signal strength is weak. This local differentiation ensures optimal detection accuracy for objects at each distance range without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If non-coherent integration is used for all echo signals, then the ranging capability for far-range objects is improved, but the detection precision for near-range objects deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveranging capability for far-range objectsVSAvoiddetection precision for near-range objects
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic signal processing strategy where the processing method is adaptively selected based on the distance of the detected object. The system dynamically switches between superimposition and non-coherent integration methods according to the preset distance value, ensuring that the optimal processing technique is applied in real-time based on the specific ranging requirements of each target.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4249951A1Lidar echo signal processing method and device
Publication Date: 2023.09.27 SUTENG INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • EP4249951A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4249951A1 patent drawingFigure 2~2a
  • EP4249951A1 patent drawingFigure 2b~2e(b)

AI summary

The present application discloses a LiDAR echo signal processing method and device. The method includes: obtaining an echo signal, where the echo signal includes multidimensional signal emission angles; determining distance information of a detected object based on the echo signal; and when the distance of the detected object is less than or equal to a preset distance value, superimposing a preset number of echo signals at each emission angle, and outputting a superimposed target signal; or when the distance of the detected object is greater than the preset distance value, performing non-coherent integration on multi-angle echo signals based on the preset neighborhood window, to obtain the integrated target signal; and performing non-coherent integration on the target signal and outputting the integrated target signal. Different echo signal processing methods are used for echo signals at different distances, to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of signals at different distances, thereby improving the ranging capability of the LiDAR.