LiDAR Laser Power Control for Range, Weather, and Eye Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lidar systems face challenges in dynamically adjusting laser power in response to varying environmental conditions and proximity to objects, which can affect safety, range, and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A lidar system that dynamically adjusts laser power based on triggering events such as vehicle conditions and atmospheric conditions, using a controller to provide control signals to the light source to increase or decrease power levels as needed, ensuring safety and optimal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If laser power is increased to improve detection range and penetration through adverse weather, then range and penetration are improved, but safety risks increase when objects are nearby
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of laser power based on real-time detection of object proximity. The system transitions from static high power operation to dynamic power modulation, increasing power when no objects are nearby for maximum range, and decreasing power when objects are detected to eliminate safety risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from object detection to control laser power levels. When objects are detected within a threshold distance, the system reduces power; when no objects are present, the system increases power. This closed-loop control resolves the contradiction by making power adaptive to environmental conditions.
2Reliability
If laser power is increased to improve penetration through adverse weather conditions, then penetration is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts power based on atmospheric conditions rather than operating at constant high power. When adverse weather is detected, power is increased to maintain penetration; when conditions are clear, power is reduced to conserve energy, achieving both reliability and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power parameter adaptively based on detected atmospheric conditions. The system monitors weather parameters and adjusts laser power accordingly, using high power only when necessary for penetration, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If laser power is dynamically adjusted based on triggering events, then safety and efficiency are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it detects triggering events (object proximity, atmospheric conditions), processes this information, and adjusts laser power accordingly. By making the controller multi-functional, the patent achieves high adaptability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own detection capabilities to automatically control its power output. The lidar system monitors its environment and self-regulates power levels without external intervention, achieving adaptability through autonomous operation rather than complex external control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
To dynamically control power in a lidar system, a controller identifies a triggering event and provides a control signal to a light source in the lidar system adjusting the power of light pulses emitted by the light source. The triggering event includes identifying a particular type of object within a threshold distance of the lidar system. In some scenarios, the power is adjusted to address eye-safety concerns.