LiDAR Progressive Transmit Delays for Time-Dependent Error Elimination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
LiDAR systems face time-dependent errors due to misalignment between coarse and fine timing components, leading to systematic errors and reduced resolution without increasing system costs or pixel size.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of progressive transmit delays, where the transmission of light pulses is delayed based on a fine resolution, allowing for the detection of signals, determination of coarse and fine times, and assignment of bin values to eliminate time-dependent errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If progressive transmit delays are implemented to eliminate time-dependent errors, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pulse transmission process into multiple segments with different delay values. Each segment corresponds to a specific delay period, allowing systematic coverage of time-dependent errors through segmented delay application rather than requiring a continuous complex delay mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic transmission of test pulses with varying delay periods. By periodically transmitting pulses with different delays and analyzing the returned signals, the system eliminates time-dependent errors through periodic measurement cycles rather than requiring permanently complex hardware modifications.
2Measurement precision
If higher resolution timing is used to reduce time-dependent errors, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies delay periods that are sufficient to cover the range of time-dependent errors but not excessively large. By using partial delays (e.g., 0, T/4, T/2, 3T/4 of the pulse period) rather than continuously variable delays, the system achieves adequate error elimination with reduced energy consumption compared to high-resolution continuous timing mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If more sophisticated error elimination techniques are implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the LiDAR system's own pulse transmission and reception mechanism to eliminate its own time-dependent errors. By transmitting test pulses through the same path and processing the returned signals with the same electronics used for normal operation, the system performs self-diagnosis and self-correction without requiring separate external calibration equipment or complex additional error elimination hardware.
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 reduces or eliminates time-dependent errors and minimizes misalignment without reducing the resolution of the LiDAR system, while also avoiding increased computational, power, or pixel size costs.
Implementation Method 1
The system measures the time it takes for the pulses to return, allowing it to create a detailed 3D map of the environment
Implementation Method 2
LiDAR systems emit their own laser pulses, which are then reflected off objects and returned to the sensor
Implementation Method 3
the fine resolution is based on a delay-locked loop of the device
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are systems, methods, and apparatuses for progressive transmit delays for systematic time-dependent error elimination in LiDAR. In one or more examples, the systems, methods, and apparatuses include a device configured to delay transmission of a pulse of light based on a fine resolution of the device, detect a signal based on a reflected portion of the pulse of light, determine a coarse time and a fine time of the signal, and determine a readout based on the coarse time and the fine time.