LiDAR Sensor Macropixel Arrays for Range Resolution Trade-off
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Solution Overview
Problem
LiDAR sensors face a trade-off between achieving long range and high angular resolution, making it difficult to detect objects at both distant and close ranges accurately without compromising on either requirement.
Innovation Solution
The use of at least two macropixel arrays with different widths in the pixel detector of a LiDAR sensor, where a narrow array provides high angular resolution for close-range object detection and a wide array enhances range for distant object detection, optimizing signal intensity distribution and signal-to-noise ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single macropixel array is used in the LiDAR sensor, then the device complexity is low, but the sensor cannot simultaneously achieve both long range and high angular resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel detector is segmented into multiple macropixel arrays with different widths. Each macropixel array is specialized for different detection purposes: narrow macropixel arrays provide high angular resolution for close-range objects, while wide macropixel arrays extend the detection range for distant objects. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously achieve both high measurement precision and long detection range without requiring a single complex array design.
2Measurement precision
If a narrow macropixel array is used, then high angular resolution is achieved for close-range objects, but the detection range for distant objects is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the pixel detector are assigned different qualities through the use of macropixel arrays with varying widths. Narrow macropixel arrays are positioned to detect close-range objects with high angular resolution, while wide macropixel arrays are configured to capture distant objects. This local quality differentiation allows each region to be optimized for its specific detection task, simultaneously achieving high resolution and long range capabilities.
3Length of moving object
If a wide macropixel array is used, then detection range is extended, but angular resolution for close-range objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel detector is divided into multiple macropixel arrays with different widths, where wide macropixel arrays are specifically designated for detecting distant objects to extend the detection range, while narrow macropixel arrays handle close-range objects with high angular resolution. This segmentation ensures that no single array needs to compromise between the two conflicting requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple macropixel arrays with different widths are used, then both long range and high angular resolution are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel detector is designed as a universal detection system that incorporates multiple macropixel arrays with different widths, allowing a single device to perform multiple detection functions. The narrow macropixel arrays handle high-resolution close-range detection, while wide macropixel arrays handle long-range detection, making the system universally capable of detecting objects at various distances and resolutions without requiring separate specialized sensors.
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 allows for simultaneous achievement of long range and high angular resolution without additional hardware, enabling early detection of distant objects and precise determination of nearby objects' location and size, while maintaining low costs.
Implementation Method 1
a laser source, which is designed to emit a laser signal in a transmission path
Implementation Method 2
the reflected laser signal is typically detected in a pixel detector
Data Source
AI summary
A LiDAR sensor, in particular a vertical flash LiDAR sensor. The LiDAR device has a laser source, which is designed to emit a laser signal into a transmission path, and a pixel detector, which has at least one macropixel array, which is designed to detect a reflected laser signal in a receiving path. The pixel detector here is designed to evaluate at least two macropixel arrays at each of its measuring points.