LiDAR Object Detector with Spatially Varying Light Emission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LiDAR devices face challenges in increasing detection distance while preventing erroneous detection, particularly due to the trade-off between the number of layers and the amount of light emitted, which affects resolution and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The object detector employs a light-emitting system with a plurality of laser diodes disposed in a one-axis direction, varying the amount of light emitted to different areas to optimize detection distance and prevent erroneous detection by adjusting the illumination amount based on the specific range, using a combination of optical systems and drive circuits to control light emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the amount of light emitted is increased to extend detection distance, then detection distance is improved, but erroneous detection increases due to excessive light in areas where it is not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different light emission amounts to different light-emitting elements based on their respective detection areas. Specifically, light-emitting elements positioned in areas prone to erroneous detection (such as downward directions where ground reflection occurs) emit reduced light amounts, while elements in areas requiring long-range detection maintain higher light emission. This spatially differentiated light emission strategy resolves the contradiction by locally optimizing light intensity to prevent erroneous detection in specific zones while preserving detection distance in other zones.
2Device complexity
If uniform light emission is used across all areas, then the system is simple to control, but detection distance cannot be optimized for specific areas and erroneous detection occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements local quality by individually controlling the light emission amount of each light-emitting element based on its spatial position and the characteristics of its corresponding detection area. The control unit adjusts emission parameters (such as pulse width or intensity) for each element according to pre-stored control data that reflects the specific requirements of each area, thereby achieving precise detection without requiring complex real-time calculations or additional hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary action by pre-storing optimal light emission control data for each light-emitting element in the control unit during the design phase. This pre-computed control data includes the appropriate emission amounts for different areas, allowing the system to execute precise control without requiring complex real-time decision-making, thus maintaining simplicity while achieving high detection accuracy.
3Reliability
If light emission amount is reduced to prevent erroneous detection, then reliability is improved, but detection distance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction through local quality by implementing spatially differentiated light emission control. Light-emitting elements positioned in areas where erroneous detection is not a concern (such as upward or forward directions) maintain high light emission amounts to ensure long detection distance, while elements in problematic areas (such as downward directions) reduce emission to prevent erroneous detection. This selective approach ensures that detection accuracy is improved in critical zones without sacrificing detection distance in zones where it is required.
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 enhances detection distance while minimizing erroneous detection by tailoring the light emission to specific areas, improving both the accuracy and safety of the LiDAR system.
Implementation Method 1
a light source including a plurality of light-emitting elements disposed in one-axis direction. The light-emitting system emits light
Implementation Method 2
The light-receiving system receives the light, emitted from the light-emitting system and reflected by an object
Data Source
AI summary
An object detector includes a light-emitting system and a light-receiving system. The light-emitting system includes a light source including a plurality of light-emitting elements disposed in one-axis direction. The light-emitting system emits light. The light-receiving system receives the light emitted from the light-emitting system and reflected by an object. The plurality of light-emitting elements emits a plurality of light beams to a plurality of areas differing in the one-axis direction. The amount of light to illuminate some of the plurality of areas is different from the amount of light to illuminate other area other than the some of the plurality of areas.