LiDAR Pixel Allocation for Eye-Safe Long-Range Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LIDAR systems are limited by eye safety regulations, restricting maximum illumination power and affecting their ability to reliably detect far-away objects under varying environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR system that dynamically allocates subsets of detection elements to form pixels and adjusts amplification parameters based on time of flight and optical budget, enabling improved detection and compliance with eye safety regulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If maximum illumination power is increased to detect far-away objects, then detection capability is improved, but eye safety regulations are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is divided into multiple detection elements that are dynamically allocated to different pixels. This segmentation allows the system to distribute the limited optical power across multiple detection channels, improving detection capability without exceeding eye safety limits for any single beam.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically allocates detection elements to pixels based on real-time conditions such as range, reflectivity, and environmental factors. This dynamic adaptation allows optimization of detection performance while maintaining compliance with eye safety regulations under varying operational conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If illumination power is limited by eye safety regulations, then eye safety is maintained, but detection of far-away objects is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple detection elements are combined to form pixels, allowing the system to aggregate signal strength from multiple channels. This merging enables detection of weak returns from far-away objects while keeping individual beam powers within eye safety limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as amplification gain and detection element allocation based on time of flight and measured signal strength. By adjusting these parameters, the system maintains eye safety compliance while optimizing detection capability for different ranges and conditions.
3Device complexity
If detection elements are statically allocated to pixels, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying environmental conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic allocation of detection elements to pixels, allowing adaptation to varying environmental conditions, object ranges, and scene complexity. This dynamic approach improves versatility while the allocation algorithms are designed to balance performance gains against computational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts allocation parameters such as the number of detection elements per pixel, amplification settings, and integration times based on environmental conditions. These parameter changes enable adaptation to diverse scenarios while maintaining manageable system complexity through efficient control algorithms.
4Measurement precision
If amplification is increased to detect weak signals, then detection sensitivity is improved, but noise amplification occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from initial detections and time of flight measurements to dynamically adjust amplification levels. By measuring signal strength and range, the system optimizes amplification to maximize sensitivity while minimizing noise, preventing information loss in the signal-to-noise ratio.
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 detection capabilities while ensuring eye safety, allowing for reliable object detection in diverse conditions and optimizing light usage.
Implementation Method 1
control activation of at least one light source for illuminating a field of view
Implementation Method 2
a time lapse between light leaving the at least one light source and reflection impinging on the least one sensor constitutes a time of flight
Implementation Method 3
receive from at least one sensor having a plurality of detection elements reflections signals indicative of light reflected from objects
Data Source
AI summary
A LIDAR system includes at least one light source and at least one sensor having a plurality of detection elements configured to detect light reflected from objects in a field of view. At least one processor is configured to control activation of the at least one light source for illuminating the field of view; dynamically allocate a first subset of the plurality of detection elements to constitute a first pixel; dynamically allocate a second subset of the plurality of detection elements to constitute a second pixel; receive, from the at least one sensor, reflections signals indicative of light reflected from objects in the field of view; and following processing of the first pixel and the second pixel, dynamically allocate a third subset of the plurality of detection elements to constitute a third pixel, and a fourth subset of the plurality of detection elements to constitute a fourth pixel.