Lidar Maximum Instrumented Distance Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lidar systems face challenges in determining the maximum instrumented distance along a given direction without receiving an unambiguous return light signal, which can lead to uncertainty about the presence of obstacles and potentially unsafe vehicle operations.
Innovation Solution
A computing device and lidar system configuration that determines a maximum instrumented distance by emitting transmit light along a light-emission axis and calculating this distance based on a predetermined listening time, environmental conditions, and the sensitivity of photodetectors, even in the absence of return light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If lidar system emits light along a given direction without receiving an unambiguous return light signal, then the system can continue operating, but the instrumented distance becomes unclear and safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by emitting light pulses and waiting for a predetermined listening time before determining maximum instrumented distance. This preliminary listening period ensures that if an object were present within the calculated distance, the light would have had sufficient time to reflect back, thereby establishing reliable confidence in the unobstructed region determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the absence or presence of return light signals to dynamically update the maximum instrumented distance. When no return signal is received within the predetermined time, the system feedbacks this information to calculate and update the maximum instrumented distance, thereby maintaining reliable knowledge of unobstructed space while allowing continuous operation.
2Measurement precision
If the lidar system assumes the ray is entirely unobstructed without return light signal, then the instrumented distance can be determined, but safety is compromised due to potential occluding objects
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary listening for a predetermined time period before concluding the ray is unobstructed. This preliminary action ensures that any potential occluding object within the calculated maximum instrumented distance would have had sufficient time to reflect light back, thereby preventing false conclusions about unobstructed space while maintaining precise measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a predetermined listening time margin into the measurement process. This time cushion ensures that the maximum instrumented distance calculation accounts for potential objects that might be present, thereby cushioning against false positive unobstructed determinations while maintaining measurement precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system determines maximum instrumented distance without return light signal, then dynamic database of instrumented distances can be maintained, but confidence in the determination is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains adaptability by continuously emitting light pulses and performing preliminary listening for predetermined times to update the dynamic database of maximum instrumented distances. This preliminary listening ensures that each database entry is based on reliable confidence that the ray segment is truly unobstructed, while allowing the system to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuity of useful action by continuously updating the dynamic database with new maximum instrumented distance determinations based on ongoing light emission and listening operations. This continuous process maintains both adaptability to environmental changes and reliability in the determined distances, as each update is based on the same rigorous preliminary listening methodology.
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 approach allows for the determination of a maximum instrumented distance with high confidence, enabling safer and more efficient vehicle operations by dynamically updating the known unobstructed region and instrumented volume around the lidar system.
Implementation Method 1
a light-emitter device configured to emit light into an environment of the lidar system
Implementation Method 2
Light detection and ranging (LIDAR or lidar) systems can be utilized to determine a distance to various objects within a given environment
Data Source
AI summary
Computing devices, systems, and methods described in various embodiments herein may relate to light detection and ranging (LIDAR or lidar) systems. An example computing device could include a controller having at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one processor is configured to execute program instructions stored in the at least one memory so as to carry out operations. The operations include receiving information indicative of transmit light emitted from a lidar system along a light-emission axis. The operations also include determining, based on the received information, a maximum instrumented distance. The maximum instrumented distance includes a known unobstructed region defined by a ray segment extending between the lidar system and a point along the light-emission axis.