Coherent Lidar Interference Reduction via Wavelength Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lidar systems in aircraft and vehicles experience interference from other lidar systems, leading to erroneous sensor data due to overlapping wavelengths and intensities of laser beams.
Innovation Solution
Configuring lidar systems to emit laser beams with specific electromagnetic properties, such as unique wavelengths or polarities, to minimize interference from other lidar systems, allowing for dynamic reconfiguration during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple lidar systems operate simultaneously using conventional laser beams with overlapping wavelengths, then the productivity and coverage of the sensor network is improved, but interference between systems causes measurement precision to deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the electromagnetic properties of laser beams, specifically using different wavelengths and polarizations to differentiate between multiple lidar systems. This allows simultaneous operation of multiple systems without interference, resolving the contradiction between network coverage and measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the electromagnetic spectrum by assigning specific wavelength ranges and polarization states to different lidar systems. This segmentation prevents overlap and interference between systems, enabling multiple platforms to operate simultaneously with maintained precision.
2Ease of operation
If lidar systems use standard laser beam wavelengths and intensities, then the ease of manufacture and operation is improved, but harmful interference from other lidar systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces polarization state as an intermediary property that mediates between multiple lidar systems. By encoding unique polarization signatures in each system's laser beams, the patent enables identification and filtering of interfering beams while maintaining standard operational procedures.
3Measurement precision
If lidar systems emit high-intensity laser beams for better detection, then the measurement precision is improved, but interference from other systems increases due to overlapping intensities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds another dimension to laser beam differentiation by utilizing polarization state alongside wavelength. This dimensional expansion allows multiple high-intensity beams to coexist without interference, as each beam can be uniquely identified by its polarization signature even when wavelengths overlap.
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
Reduces interference between lidar systems, preventing erroneous sensor data and enabling multiple platforms to operate lidar systems simultaneously without significant interference.
Implementation Method 1
Lidar systems generate sensor data by emitting a laser beam into the atmosphere and by detecting backscatter caused by the laser beam encountering particles in the atmosphere. The particles can be air molecules, aerosols, or both.
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle lidar network comprising vehicles and lidar systems in the vehicles. The lidar systems are configured to emit laser beams having a number of electromagnetic properties in which the number of electromagnetic properties is selected to reduce interference caused by the laser beams emitted from other lidar systems.