LiDAR Histogram Control for Distance-Dependent Measurement Counts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lidar sensors face challenges in accurately measuring distances due to fixed measurement counts, which lead to saturation issues for close objects and insufficient peak values for distant objects, resulting in decreased distance accuracy in specific zones.
Innovation Solution
A lidar apparatus and control method that dynamically adjust the measurement count based on the distance range to an object by generating a histogram of received signals and comparing the peak value with a limit value, optimizing the measurement count for each distance range to improve accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixed low measurement count is used to measure close objects, then measurement speed is improved, but the histogram peak value is not sufficiently secured when measuring distant objects, degrading measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the measurement count based on distance requirements. For close objects where speed is critical, lower measurement counts are used. For distant objects requiring higher accuracy, the system increases the measurement count, thereby balancing speed and accuracy requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement count parameter is changed according to the target distance range. The system stores multiple measurement count values and selects appropriate ones based on the measured distance, allowing flexible adjustment between speed and accuracy
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire transmitter and receiver array operates constantly, then detection coverage is improved, but power consumption and heat generation increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the transmitter and receiver arrays into multiple regions or groups. Instead of operating the entire array constantly, the system selectively activates only the necessary segments based on the measurement requirements and distance range, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining detection coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic measurement cycles where the transmitter and receiver arrays are activated only when needed for specific distance ranges. By alternating between active measurement periods and idle periods, the system reduces overall power consumption and heat generation while maintaining detection capability
3Reliability
If the entire transmitter and receiver array operates constantly, then detection capability is maintained, but accelerated degradation and noise occur
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the array into multiple regions and selectively activating only necessary segments, the system reduces the cumulative operating hours of individual components, thereby slowing degradation and reducing noise accumulation while maintaining overall detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic measurement cycles with idle periods between activations. This rest period allows components to cool down and reduces cumulative stress, thereby reducing noise and slowing degradation while maintaining detection capability when 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 dynamic adjustment of measurement counts enhances distance measurement accuracy by preventing errors and reducing unnecessary heat generation and power consumption, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of lidar sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter emitting laser light and a receiver receiving reflected light
Implementation Method 2
receiving a signal, which is the emitted light reflected from the object
Implementation Method 3
calculates a distance to an object by measuring the time interval between transmitted and received signals
Implementation Method 4
After a histogram is generated by accumulating multiple measured values, a distance to an object is measured by detecting a peak value and calculating Time of Flight (ToF)
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a lidar apparatus and a control method thereof. The lidar apparatus includes: a transmission and reception module transmitting a laser signal and receiving a reflected signal reflected from an object; an output module outputting a calculated object distance; a memory storing a measurement count allocated for each distance range; and a processor operatively coupled to the transmission and reception module, the output module, and the memory, wherein after repeating a process of generating a histogram by accumulating the reflected signals received through the transmission and reception module for a set measurement count, the processor calculates an object distance based on a peak value of the histogram and outputs the calculated object distance through the output module, and then modifies, based on the object distance, the set measurement count based on the measurement count allocated for each distance range, to repeat the process of calculating the object distance.