LiDAR Optical Pulse Power Adjustment for Detection Accuracy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object detection systems, such as LiDAR, face challenges in detecting low-reflectivity objects due to safety concerns and power limitations, leading to inaccurate detection when high-power light is used.
Innovation Solution
A light transmitting and receiving device that outputs optical pulses with varying power levels, adjusting power based on detection data to enhance detection precision while minimizing eye safety risks and power consumption, by outputting most pulses at low power and selectively increasing power for undetectable objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-power light is emitted to improve detection accuracy of low-reflectivity objects, then detection precision is improved, but human eye safety is compromised and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic pulsed illumination instead of continuous high-power light emission. Optical pulses are transmitted at specific intervals, allowing the system to accumulate detection data over multiple pulses while limiting the duration of high-power exposure. This periodic action maintains detection accuracy through multiple measurements while reducing peak power exposure to safe levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination power is dynamically adjusted based on detection requirements and safety constraints. The controller varies the power of optical pulses transmitted at different time points, using higher power when detection of low-reflectivity objects is needed and lower power when safety is the primary concern. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize between detection accuracy and eye safety in real-time.
2Measurement precision
If high-power light is continuously emitted to maintain detection accuracy, then detection precision is improved, but power consumption increases beyond vehicle limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The system transmits optical pulses periodically rather than continuously, significantly reducing overall power consumption. By limiting high-power emission to specific pulse intervals and using lower power between pulses, the system maintains detection capability while staying within vehicle power limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses partial high-power action only when necessary for detecting low-reflectivity objects, rather than maintaining continuous high-power emission. The controller selectively applies higher power pulses only during periods when detection of difficult-to-detect objects is required, reducing total energy consumption while maintaining detection accuracy when needed.
3Measurement precision
If varying power levels are used to improve detection of low-reflectivity objects, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from detection data to control illumination power adjustments. The controller monitors detection results and automatically adjusts the power of subsequent optical pulses based on whether low-reflectivity objects are detected. This feedback mechanism simplifies control by using automated decision-making rather than complex manual control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller performs multiple functions: it manages pulse transmission timing, adjusts power levels, processes detection data, and makes real-time decisions about subsequent pulse characteristics. By consolidating these functions in a single multi-functional controller, the system avoids the need for separate specialized components for each function, thereby managing complexity while achieving sophisticated detection capabilities.
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 allows for precise detection of difficult-to-detect objects while minimizing exposure to high-power light and reducing total power consumption, effectively addressing the limitations of conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
receiving reflected light corresponding to the optical pulses
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a light transmitting and receiving device and method, which output the power of a partial optical pulse such that the power thereof is different from that of another optical pulse, so as to receive reflected light, and identify whether an object, which is undetectable using the reflected light of an optical pulse outputted with relatively low power, is detected using the reflected light of an optical pulse outputted with relatively high power, so as to adjust the power of an optical pulse to be output thereafter. Therefore, detection efficiency can be maximized using low power while eye safety requirements are satisfied.