LIDAR Noise Sensing for Eye-Safe Long-Range Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LIDAR systems for autonomous vehicles face limitations in detecting objects at varying distances and through adverse weather conditions due to restricted illumination power to ensure eye safety, which affects their reliability and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR system that dynamically controls light source intensity and pattern, using a processor to differentiate between light signals reflected from objects and noise, and adjusts light projection based on detected obstructions, allowing for improved object detection and distance calculation across different environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If LIDAR illumination power is increased to improve detection of far-away objects, then detection range and reliability are improved, but eye safety is compromised due to potential thermal damage to the retina
Solution Approach 1:
The LIDAR system dynamically adjusts illumination power based on detected conditions. The processor monitors light noise levels and object distances, then adaptively modifies the illumination power of subsequent light pulses. This allows the system to use higher power when detecting distant objects or when no objects are present (improving reliability) while using lower power when objects are close (maintaining eye safety).
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the illumination power parameter dynamically based on detected conditions. The processor determines object distance and light noise levels, then adjusts the power parameter of the light source accordingly. This parameter adaptation enables the system to optimize detection capability while maintaining safety standards.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If LIDAR illumination power is limited to ensure eye safety, then eye safety is maintained, but detection capability for far-away objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static power limitation to dynamic power adjustment. The processor continuously monitors environmental conditions and object positions, then adjusts illumination power in real-time. This allows the system to maintain eye safety as a baseline while temporarily increasing power when conditions permit (improving detection capability).
Solution Approach 2:
The LIDAR system employs periodic light pulses rather than continuous illumination. The processor controls the timing and power of individual pulses, allowing high power for brief periods when safe (improving detection) while maintaining overall safety through periodic operation with appropriate duty cycling.
3Measurement precision
If light noise is present in the detection path, then measurement accuracy deteriorates, but increasing illumination power to overcome noise compromises eye safety
Solution Approach 1:
The processor uses feedback from light noise detection to adjust illumination power. The second sensor detects light noise levels in the detection path, and this information feeds back to the processor, which then adjusts the illumination power of subsequent pulses. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain measurement precision by compensating for noise while avoiding excessive power increases that would compromise eye safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes illumination power parameters in response to detected light noise conditions. The processor analyzes noise levels and adjusts power parameters accordingly, enabling the system to maintain measurement precision under noisy conditions without resorting to unsafe power levels.
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 reliability and accuracy of object detection in various weather conditions and distances by compensating for light noise and adapting light projection to improve signal quality and safety.
Implementation Method 1
measuring distances to objects by illuminating objects with light and measuring the reflected pulses with a sensor
Implementation Method 2
A light detection and ranging system, (LIDAR a/k/a LADAR) is an example of technology that can work well in differing conditions, by measuring distances to objects by illuminating objects with light and measuring the reflected pulses with a sensor
Implementation Method 3
receive from at least one first sensor first signals associated with light projected by the at least one light source and reflected from an object in the field of view
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2A
AI summary
In some embodiments, a LIDAR system may include at least one processor configured to control at least one light source for projecting light toward a field of view and receive from at least one first sensor first signals associated with light projected by the at least one light source and reflected from an object in the field of view, wherein the light impinging on the at least one first sensor is in a form of a light spot having an outer boundary. The processor may further be configured to receive from at least one second sensor second signals associated with light noise, wherein the at least one second sensor is located outside the outer boundary; determine, based on the second signals received from the at least one second sensor, an indicator of a magnitude of the light noise; and determine, based on the indicator the first signals received from the at least one first sensor and, a distance to the object.