Light Source Control for LiDAR Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional distance measuring devices using multiple light-emitting regions lack effective control methods, which limits their resolution and accuracy in measuring distances.
Innovation Solution
A light source control device and method that drives n (4 or more) light-emitting regions to emit irradiation light individually, scanning it in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction, with each region emitting m times and setting an emission interval of 2Δt or more and less than nΔt, to improve resolution and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple light-emitting regions are used in a distance measuring device, then the measurement coverage and scanning capability are improved, but the resolution and measurement precision deteriorate due to lack of effective control methods
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is divided into n (n≥4) independent light-emitting regions arranged in a first direction, allowing individual control of each region. This segmentation enables selective emission control to improve resolution while maintaining coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The light source control unit emits light from each light-emitting region m times (m≥2) with periodic intervals, where the emission interval is set to 2Δt or more and less than nΔt. This periodic emission pattern optimizes both resolution and scanning efficiency
2Productivity
If light is emitted frequently from each light-emitting region, then the scanning efficiency and productivity are improved, but the emission timing control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The emission timing is made dynamic and adaptive based on the scanning process. The control unit adjusts emission intervals individually for each light-emitting region, allowing flexible control that optimizes scanning efficiency without requiring overly complex fixed timing mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The emission timing control uses feedback from the scanning unit's operation to adjust when each light-emitting region emits light. This ensures coordinated operation between scanning and light emission, improving efficiency while keeping control manageable through adaptive timing
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
Enhances the resolution and accuracy of distance measurements by optimizing the emission timing and interval of light from multiple light-emitting regions, preventing concentration and improving scanning efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a light source including a plurality of light-emitting regions (for example, a plurality of laser diodes)
Implementation Method 2
a scanning unit that scans the irradiation light in a third direction perpendicular to a second direction corresponding to the first direction
Implementation Method 3
a light-receiving unit that receives incident light including reflected light of the irradiated light
Implementation Method 4
a distance measuring unit that measures a distance based on the incident light
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology relates to a light source control device, a light source control method, and a distance measuring device that can improve the resolution of a distance measuring device that uses a light source having a plurality of light-emitting regions. The light source control device includes a light source control unit that drives a light source in which n (n is 4 or more) light-emitting regions, which emit irradiation light individually, are arranged in a first direction in units of predetermined time Δt, wherein the light source control unit causes the irradiation light to be emitted m times (m is 2 or more) from each of the light-emitting regions every time the irradiation light is scanned by a predetermined angle in a third direction perpendicular to a second direction corresponding to the first direction and sets an emission interval of each of the light-emitting regions to 2Δt or more and less than nΔt. The present technology can be applied to LiDAR, for example.