Lidar Noise Source Detection for Cross-Talk Point Cloud Filtering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Lidar cross-talk in autonomous vehicles causes saturation and noise in point clouds, leading to issues with vehicle perception, prediction, and motion planning, especially in environments with multiple Lidar systems.
Innovation Solution
A Lidar system with noise source detectors that use light sensors and timing circuits to detect and track noise sources, mitigating cross-talk by determining the direction and classification of noise sources and adjusting sensor data processing accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple Lidar systems operate in the same environment, then the field of view and coverage are expanded, but cross-talk causes saturation and noise in the point cloud
Solution Approach 1:
The patent detects Lidar cross-talk signals (harmful factor) using noise source detectors and converts this harmful information into useful data by identifying the direction and characteristics of interfering Lidar systems. This converted information is then used to mask or filter specific regions in the point cloud, transforming the harmful cross-talk into a beneficial filtering mechanism that improves overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces noise source detectors as intermediary components between the Lidar receivers and the point cloud processing system. These detectors act as mediators that identify cross-talk signals and provide information to the masking system, enabling the main Lidar system to distinguish between valid return signals and interfering signals from other Lidar systems.
2Measurement precision
If Lidar receivers continuously monitor for return signals, then ranging accuracy is maintained, but receiver channels become saturated with cross-talk from other Lidar systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separates cross-talk identification functionality into dedicated noise source detectors that operate independently from the main Lidar receivers. This extraction allows the main receivers to continue monitoring for return signals while the separate detectors specifically identify and report cross-talk conditions, preventing receiver saturation while maintaining ranging accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where noise source detectors continuously monitor for cross-talk signals and provide real-time information about interfering sources to the masking system. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of point cloud masking based on detected cross-talk characteristics, maintaining measurement precision while preventing receiver channel saturation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If noise source detectors and masking systems are added to mitigate cross-talk, then cross-talk reduction is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs noise source detectors that perform multiple functions: detecting cross-talk signals, determining the direction of interfering Lidar systems, and providing information for point cloud masking. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components for each task, thereby mitigating the increase in device complexity while achieving effective cross-talk reduction.
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 solution effectively reduces Lidar cross-talk by accurately detecting and tracking noise sources, improving the accuracy and reliability of Lidar data for autonomous vehicle operations.
Implementation Method 1
A noise source detector includes a light sensor to receive a noise signal produced by a noise source
Implementation Method 2
circuitry to measure the time of flight—i.e., the elapsed time from emitting the light signal to detecting the return signal
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure involve systems, methods, and devices for mitigating Lidar cross-talk. Consistent with some embodiments, a Lidar system is configured to include one or more noise source detectors that detect noise signals that may produce noise in return signals received at the Lidar system. A noise source detector comprises a light sensor to receive a noise signal produced by a noise source and a timing circuit to provide a timing signal indicative of a direction of the noise source relative to an autonomous vehicle on which the Lidar system is mounted. A noise source may be an external Lidar system or a surface in the surrounding environment that is reflecting light signals such as those emitted by an external Lidar system.