LiDAR Pixel Array Reconstruction for Higher Line Numbers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LiDAR systems face limitations in increasing the number of transmitter and detector units, leading to low resolution and overlapping light spots, resulting in inefficient photon utilization and difficulty in achieving higher line numbers and adjustable angular resolution.
Innovation Solution
A LiDAR system with a detector device comprising pixel arrays of single-photon avalanche diodes, where each pixel is independently gated and addressed, and a data processor that reconstructs electrical signals using convolution kernels to generate a reconstructed signal array, allowing for higher line numbers and adjustable angular resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of transmitter units and detector units is increased to achieve higher line number, then the detection resolution and ranging distance are improved, but the light spots on adjacent detector units overlap, resulting in low photon utilization rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the divergence angle parameter of the light spots to be smaller than the angular separation between adjacent detector units. This parameter change eliminates the overlapping of light spots on adjacent detectors, allowing each photon to be detected only once, thus improving photon utilization rate while maintaining high detection resolution with increased number of detector units
2Measurement precision
If the number of transmitter units and detector units is increased to achieve higher line number, then the detection resolution is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into multiple independent detector units, each with its own transmitter and detector pairs. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high line numbers (256 or more) by simply adding more discrete detector units rather than increasing the complexity of individual units, thus improving detection resolution while keeping device complexity manageable through modular architecture
3Loss of energy
If the divergence angle of light spots is made smaller to reduce overlap, then the photon utilization rate is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the divergence angle parameter to a value smaller than the angular separation between adjacent detector units. This parameter change is achieved through optical design and can be manufactured with standard precision tolerances. By carefully selecting this parameter, the system achieves high photon utilization rate without requiring excessive manufacturing precision, as the effect is achieved at the optical design level rather than requiring tight mechanical tolerances
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 system enhances long-range detection capability and improves photon utilization by generating a point cloud with higher line numbers and flexible angular resolution, reducing overlap regions and power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
each pixel responds to an echo of the detection light beam reflected from the object and converts the echo into an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
LiDAR, data processing method, and light detection and data acquisition and processing device are proved. In one aspect, a LiDAR includes: a transmitter device configured to transmit a detection light beam for detecting an object, a detector device comprising a plurality of detector units, a first detector unit of the plurality of the detector units comprising a first pixel array, the first pixel array comprising a first pixel configured to convert an echo into a first electrical signal, and a second pixel adjacent to the first pixel and configured to convert the echo into a second electrical signal, a data processor device coupled with the detector device and configured to reconstruct the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal to obtain a first reconstructed signal array comprising a first reconstructed electrical signal, and determine a point cloud based on the first reconstructed signal array.