Lidar Optical Trigger Timing Jitter Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lidar systems face challenges in efficiently detecting and measuring distances due to low return signal power from targets, which affects accuracy and range resolution, especially in environments with high background noise or scattered light.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an optical trigger system within the lidar system, utilizing a fiber-optic splitter to split a portion of the ranging pulse as an optical trigger, which is then used to improve timing accuracy and reduce timing jitter, allowing for more precise distance measurement by separating the optical trigger from the ranging pulse and internal scatter signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional electrical triggering is used to detect ranging pulses, then the system structure is simple, but timing accuracy deteriorates due to timing jitter and background noise interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical triggering system with an optical triggering system. Instead of using electrical signals to detect and time the ranging pulses, the system uses optical signals (split from the laser pulse itself) to trigger the detection process. This substitution eliminates electrical timing jitter and improves synchronization accuracy between the transmitted pulse and received signal, directly addressing the timing accuracy problem while maintaining reasonable system complexity through the use of optical fiber components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical trigger as an intermediary element between the laser pulse transmission and the detection process. A portion of the laser pulse is split off to create an optical trigger signal that serves as a precise reference for timing. This intermediary optical signal acts as a mediator that synchronizes the detection system with the transmitted pulse without being affected by electrical noise or jitter, thereby improving measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If optical trigger is separated from ranging pulse using fiber-optic splitter, then timing accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the laser pulse signal into two separate paths using a fiber-optic splitter: a main ranging pulse path and an optical trigger path. This segmentation allows the trigger signal to be generated from a portion of the original pulse while the remaining energy continues to the target. The segmented optical paths enable precise timing reference separation, improving distance measurement accuracy while using standard optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber-optic splitter serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a beam splitter to create the trigger signal, a signal distributor to send light down different paths, and a timing reference generator. By making this single component multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving improved measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If return signal power is increased to improve detection in noisy environments, then range resolution improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the optical trigger signal (derived from the transmitted pulse) to provide a precise timing reference for the detection system. This feedback mechanism allows the system to accurately determine when the pulse was transmitted and when the return signal is received, enabling precise time-of-flight measurements even with low return signal power. The feedback loop improves range resolution without requiring increased energy consumption by optimizing the timing measurement process.
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 enhances the accuracy of distance measurements by reducing timing errors and background noise interference, leading to improved range resolution and reliability in lidar systems.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a fiber-optic splitter to split a portion of the ranging pulse as an optical trigger
Implementation Method 2
The system determines the distance to the target based on the time of flight for a pulse of light emitted by the light source to travel to the target and back to the lidar system
Implementation Method 3
The light source emits light toward a target which scatters the light, and some of the scattered light is received back at the receiver
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a lidar system includes a light source configured to emit a ranging pulse of light that is directed into a field of regard of the lidar system. The lidar system also includes a fiber-optic splitter configured to split off a portion of the ranging pulse of light to produce a trigger pulse of light that is directed to a receiver of the lidar system. The receiver is configured to detect, at a first time, at least a portion of the trigger pulse of light; and detect, at a second time subsequent to the first time, a portion of the ranging pulse of light scattered by a target located a distance from the lidar system. The lidar system further includes a processor configured to determine the distance from the lidar system to the target based at least in part on the first time and the second time.