Lidar Interference Detection Using Spatial Signal Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
LIDAR systems face interference from 'opposing' light signals from other road users and multi-path light signals, which are not effectively suppressed in common designs, leading to erroneous measurements and reduced robustness against interference.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR system that detects and processes 'adversarial' light signals and own multi-path signals, using a two-dimensional detector array to distinguish direct reflections from indirect reflections and external light sources, allowing for the filtering out of interfering signals and improved measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If only certain areas of the detector array are activated for each emitted light signal to reduce background light influence, then the signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but no information about the origin of interference pulses or multi-path interference pulses is provided
Solution Approach 1:
The detector array is segmented into multiple regions, with different regions activated for detecting direct reflections versus indirect reflections. This allows simultaneous optimization of signal-to-noise ratio for direct measurements while capturing spatial information about interference sources in separate detector regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension by utilizing different regions of the detector array to capture information about the origin of light signals. By mapping detected light signals to their spatial origin on the detector, the system gains additional information about interference pulse sources without compromising the signal-to-noise ratio of direct reflections.
2Reliability
If FMCW method is used to detect only signals corresponding to FM modulation scheme, then mutual interference between LIDAR systems is reduced, but complex signal processing is required in the receiver
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the detector array are assigned different functions: some regions detect direct reflections while others detect indirect reflections and interference signals. This local differentiation allows the system to process different types of signals with appropriate complexity in each region, reducing overall processing burden while maintaining interference resistance.
3Reliability
If detector is set up to measure adversarial light signals and own multi-path light signals in addition to direct reflections, then robustness against interferences is improved, but measurement strategy becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary classification of detected light signals by their spatial origin on the detector array before processing. By pre-categorizing signals as direct reflections, indirect reflections, or interference signals based on their detection location, the measurement strategy becomes more manageable and less complex while maintaining enhanced robustness.
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 system enhances robustness against interferences by detecting and filtering out interfering light signals, reducing mutual interference between LIDAR systems and mitigating the impact of multi-path signals, thereby improving measurement accuracy and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a detector (102) comprising a plurality of detector pixels (104) arranged in a two-dimensional array (106)... arranged to detect a light signal
Implementation Method 2
a light emission system (114) arranged to emit a light signal (116) into a field of view (118)
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a LIDAR system includes a detector having a plurality of detector pixels configured to detect a light signal, wherein the detector pixels are arranged in a two-dimensional array, a light emission system configured to emit a light signal into a field of view of the LIDAR system and one or more processors configured to associate a first detected light signal provided by a first set of detector pixels of the plurality of detector pixels with a direct reflection of the emitted light signal and associate a second detected light signal provided by a second different set of detector pixels of the plurality of detector pixels with a light signal other than the direct reflection of the emitted light signal, wherein the one or more processors are configured to associate the second detected light signal with a light signal from an external emitter located outside the LIDAR system.