Lidar Receiving Unit Macrocell Sensor Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR systems face challenges in efficiently detecting incoming laser light due to imaging errors and partial illumination of sensor elements, leading to suboptimal signal-to-noise ratios and reduced detection capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR receiving unit with sensor elements arranged in macrocells, where each emitter element is assigned to multiple sensor elements, allowing for targeted activation and deactivation of sensor elements to compensate for imaging errors and optimize illumination, using a focal plane array configuration and time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) method to enhance detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If each emitter element is assigned to one sensor element in the same spatial configuration, then the system structure is simple and compact, but imaging errors cause only partial illumination of sensor elements reducing detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving unit is segmented into multiple sensor elements arranged in a focal plane array, where each emitter element is assigned to multiple sensor elements rather than one. This segmentation allows the system to capture light that would otherwise be lost due to imaging errors, improving detection accuracy while maintaining a compact static structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-to-one spatial correspondence between emitter and sensor elements to a many-to-one relationship where multiple sensor elements detect light from a single emitter element. This dimensional change in the assignment relationship compensates for optical aberrations and improves measurement precision without increasing mechanical complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensor elements are assigned to each emitter element to compensate for imaging errors, then detection accuracy improves, but the device complexity and data processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor elements that detect light from the same emitter element are merged into a single detection channel. The signals from these sensor elements are combined and processed together, which improves detection accuracy by utilizing all available light while avoiding the complexity of processing each sensor element independently.
Solution Approach 2:
Each sensor element serves multiple functions: it can detect light from its assigned emitter element and also contribute to compensating for imaging errors by being assigned to multiple emitter elements. This multi-functionality improves measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Productivity
If all sensor elements are continuously activated to maximize detection capability, then detection coverage is maximized, but signal-to-noise ratio decreases due to unilluminated sensor elements contributing noise
Solution Approach 1:
The activation state of sensor elements is made dynamic rather than static. Sensor elements are activated or deactivated based on whether they are expected to receive light from their assigned emitter elements. This dynamic control maximizes detection coverage while maintaining high signal-to-noise ratio by preventing unilluminated sensor elements from contributing noise.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sensor elements have different activation states based on their local illumination conditions. Only sensor elements that are actually illuminated by their assigned emitter elements remain active, while others are deactivated. This local quality control ensures that each sensor element contributes usefully to detection without degrading the overall signal-to-noise ratio.
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
This configuration improves the signal-to-noise ratio and directional resolution by ensuring only illuminated sensor elements contribute to measurements, effectively compensating for optical errors and enhancing the detection of incoming laser light, resulting in improved detection accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The incoming reflected laser light is detected by sensor elements
Implementation Method 2
Such SPADs trigger an avalanche effect upon the arrival of a single photon, thus enabling the detection of this photon
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a LIDAR receiving unit (12) with a focal plane array design, comprising multiple sensor elements (26), which are arranged in macrocells (44), and multiple reading elements (28). At least two sensor elements (26) are paired with one macrocell (44), and each sensor element (26) can be individually activated and deactivated or can be activated and deactivated in groups of sensor elements (26). The invention additionally relates to two additional embodiments of a LIDAR receiving unit.