LiDAR Light Emitter Control for Distance Accuracy and Source Lifespan
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Solution Overview
Problem
LiDAR systems face challenges in maximizing distance measuring accuracy due to reduced reflected light from distant targets, leading to increased light emission intensity and frequency, which shortens the lifespan of light sources and increases failure susceptibility.
Innovation Solution
An optical apparatus with a deflector and controller that dynamically switches the illumination patterns between two light emitters, adjusting the number of light emissions and emission timing to optimize light distribution and extend the lifespan of the light sources while maintaining accurate distance measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the light emission intensity and number of light emissions are increased to measure the distance to a distant target, then the distance measuring accuracy is improved, but the lifetime of the light source becomes short and the light source becomes susceptible to failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the light emission pattern adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically changes the number of light emissions and emission intervals based on the detection range. For distant targets, it increases light emissions to maintain detection accuracy, while for nearby targets, it reduces emissions to extend light source lifetime and improve reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of light emission (number of emissions, emission intervals, light amount) based on detection range. The control unit adjusts these parameters dynamically: when the target is distant, it increases light emission intensity and number of emissions to maintain measurement precision; when the target is nearby, it reduces these parameters to extend light source lifetime.
2Measurement precision
If the light emission intensity is increased to detect distant targets, then the reception of reflected light is maximized, but the heat generation increases and accelerates light source degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by controlling the number and timing of light emissions based on detection range. Instead of continuous high-intensity emission, the system emits light periodically with adjusted frequency and intensity. For distant targets, it uses more frequent and intense pulses; for nearby targets, it uses less frequent, lower-intensity pulses, thereby managing heat generation while maintaining detection capability.
3Length of stationary object
If the number of light emissions per predetermined time is increased, then the distance to distant targets can be measured, but the lifespan of the light source is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of light emissions based on the required measuring distance. For distant targets, it increases the number of emissions per predetermined time to ensure sufficient reflected light for accurate measurement. For nearby targets, it reduces the number of emissions to minimize wear on the light source, thereby extending its lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit changes the emission parameters (number of emissions, light amount, emission intervals) according to the detection range. This parameter adjustment allows the system to achieve the necessary measuring distance while optimizing light source durability by avoiding excessive emissions when not needed.
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 extends the lifespan of light sources and improves distance measuring accuracy by optimizing light distribution and reducing heat generation, allowing for more reliable and precise LiDAR operations.
Implementation Method 1
a light source unit including a first light emitter and a second light emitter
Implementation Method 2
a deflector configured to deflect illumination light from a light source unit
Implementation Method 3
a light receiver configured to receive reflected light from the object
Data Source
AI summary
An optical apparatus includes a deflector configured to deflect illumination light from a light source unit including a first light emitter and a second light emitter to scan an object, a light receiver configured to receive reflected light from the object, and a controller configured to cause, based on information about the light source unit, one of the first light emitter and the second light emitter to perform first illumination and the other of the first light emitter and the second light emitter to perform second illumination. The number of light emissions per a predetermined time is smaller than that in the first illumination.