Lidar Multiplexer Signal Processing Self-Check
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-performance Lidar systems used in autonomous cars require high availability and minimal detection errors, but existing systems lack self-check functions for both the light emitting and optical receiver systems during operation.
Innovation Solution
A Lidar system that includes a multiplexer in the signal processing unit to switch between receiving and monitoring optical sensor signals, allowing for self-checking without additional signal processing units, and featuring multiple receiving optical sensors for enhanced accuracy and error differentiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate signal processing unit is used for each optical sensor, then each sensor can be processed independently, but the device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical sensor signals (both receiving sensors and monitoring sensor) into a single signal processing unit. A multiplexer is used to switch between different sensor inputs, allowing one signal processing unit to handle multiple sensors sequentially rather than requiring separate units for each sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The single signal processing unit is designed to be universal, capable of processing signals from different types of optical sensors (receiving sensors for target detection and monitoring sensor for system health checks). The multiplexer enables this unit to dynamically switch between different sensor inputs based on operational requirements.
2Reliability
If the functioning of optical receiver channels is checked during operation, then system reliability improves, but additional monitoring components and complexity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring optical sensor signal is combined with the receiving optical sensor signals and routed through the same multiplexer and signal processing unit. This integration allows the system to perform self-checks during normal operation without requiring separate monitoring hardware paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing signal processing infrastructure to monitor the health of optical receiver channels. By processing monitoring sensor signals through the same multiplexer and signal processing unit, the system performs self-diagnostics without external intervention or additional dedicated monitoring equipment.
3Measurement precision
If multiple receiving optical sensors are used, then detection accuracy and error differentiation improve, but the quantity of components and processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple receiving optical sensor signals are merged into a single processing path using a multiplexer. This allows the system to maintain multiple sensors for improved detection accuracy and error differentiation while processing all signals through a single shared signal processing unit, reducing the overall component count.
4Device complexity
If a multiplexer is used to switch between sensor signals, then device complexity is reduced, but signal switching time and potential signal loss occur
Solution Approach 1:
The multiplexer switches between different optical sensor signals in a periodic or time-multiplexed manner. During normal operation, the system rapidly switches between receiving sensor signals and monitoring sensor signals, allowing both functions to be performed sequentially by a single processing unit with minimal interruption to overall system performance.
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
The system provides self-check functions for both light sources and signal processing units, reducing complexity and power requirements, while maintaining high accuracy and object recognition capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light source, particularly a laser source like a laser diode, for emitting the light signal
Implementation Method 2
measuring the reflected pulses with an optical sensor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a light detection and ranging system (1) comprising: at least one light source (2) for emitting a light pulse (3) to the surroundings of the light detection and ranging system (1), at least one monitoring optical sensor (4) for monitoring the emitting of the light pulse (3) by the at least one light source (2), at least one receiving optical sensor (5) for receiving a light signal (6) from the surroundings of the light detection and ranging system (1), and at least one signal processing unit (8) for processing the signal of the at least one receiving optical sensor (5) which is characterized in that the at least one signal processing unit (8) comprises a multiplexer (9) at the input for multiplexing between the signal of the at least one receiving optical sensor (5) and the signal of the at least one monitoring optical sensor (4) . The invention further relates to a method for operating a light detection and ranging system (1).