Lidar Pulse-Energy Measurement Circuit and Optical Splitter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lidar systems face challenges in accurately measuring and managing pulse energy, particularly during eclipse periods and varying scan angles, which can affect the accuracy of distance measurements and system performance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a pulse-energy measurement circuit that splits the output beam into a test pulse and an output pulse, allowing for real-time measurement of pulse energy and adjusting the energy of subsequent pulses based on feedback to maintain optimal operating conditions, including reducing energy during eclipse periods and adjusting energy as a function of scan angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pulse energy is increased to improve detection range, then measurement precision improves, but system reliability deteriorates due to malfunction risks during eclipse periods and varying scan angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a pulse energy measurement circuit continuously monitors the energy of each laser pulse and provides real-time feedback to a controller. The controller adjusts the pulse energy dynamically based on this feedback, ensuring optimal energy levels for accurate distance measurement while preventing excessive energy that could cause system malfunctions during eclipse periods and varying scan angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static pulse energy emission to dynamic adjustment of pulse energy based on real-time conditions. The controller modifies the pulse energy as a function of scan angle and detects eclipse periods, allowing the system to adapt its operating parameters to maintain reliability while preserving measurement precision across varying operational conditions.
2Reliability
If pulse energy is reduced during eclipse periods to prevent malfunctions, then system reliability improves, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects eclipse periods in advance and preliminarily adjusts the pulse energy before malfunctions can occur. By monitoring scan angle and detecting when the laser beam enters an eclipse condition, the controller proactively reduces pulse energy to prevent system malfunctions while maintaining sufficient energy for accurate measurement throughout the eclipse period.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pulse energy parameter dynamically based on detected eclipse periods and scan angle. The controller modifies this critical parameter in real-time, adjusting it to optimal levels during normal operation and reducing it appropriately during eclipse periods, thereby maintaining both reliability and measurement precision across different operational states.
3Reliability
If real-time pulse energy measurement is implemented to improve reliability, then device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical beam path by introducing an optical splitter that divides the laser pulse into two separate paths: one for measurement and one for output. This segmentation allows the pulse energy measurement circuit to monitor a portion of the beam without interfering with the primary measurement function, thereby improving reliability while managing complexity through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical splitter acts as an intermediary element that enables the pulse energy measurement circuit to access and monitor the laser pulse energy without directly interfering with the main beam path. This intermediary component facilitates real-time measurement and control while maintaining the integrity of the primary lidar measurement function, balancing reliability improvement with acceptable system complexity.
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 solution enhances the accuracy of lidar results, improves reflectance accuracy, and enables failover techniques by ensuring that pulse output remains within expected values, reducing the likelihood of system malfunctions and improving overall performance.
Implementation Method 1
an optical splitter configured to split the emitted beam of light to produce a test pulse and an output pulse
Implementation Method 2
a pulse-energy measurement circuit configured to receive the test pulse and determine a numerical value corresponding to an individual energy amount of the test pulse
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a light source, an optical splitter, and a pulse-energy measurement circuit. The light source is configured to generate an emitted beam of light that includes an emitted pulse of light. The optical splitter is configured to split the emitted beam of light to produce at least (i) a test beam of light that includes a test pulse of light, the test pulse of light including a first portion of the emitted pulse of light and (ii) an output beam of light that includes an output pulse of light, the output pulse of light including a second portion of the emitted pulse of light allowed to at least in part exit the system. The pulse-energy measurement circuit is configured to receive the test pulse of light and determine a numerical value corresponding to an individual energy amount of the test pulse of light.