LiDAR Pulse-Train Trigger Energy Allocation

The patent segments the optical energy into multiple pulses (pulse train) rather than using a single high-energy pulse. The total energy is distributed across N pulses, where each pulse maintains eye-safe energy levels while the cumulative effect provides sufficient signal strength for long-distance measurements. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high SNR without violating eye-safety constraints.

The patent employs periodic pulse transmission with a pulse train consisting of multiple pulses separated by time intervals. This periodic action allows the receiver to integrate signals over multiple periods, improving the signal-to-noise ratio through coherent accumulation while maintaining safe energy levels in each individual pulse. The periodic structure enables effective distance measurement while preserving eye-safety.

The patent divides the total optical energy budget into N segments (pulses), where each segment contains eye-safe energy levels. The segmentation strategy allows the system to achieve high detection accuracy through coherent signal accumulation across multiple pulses while ensuring that no single pulse or aggregate train exceeds eye-safe energy limits.

The patent changes the energy distribution parameter from a single high-energy pulse to multiple low-energy pulses. By adjusting the number of pulses N and the time intervals between them, the system optimizes the balance between achieving sufficient signal strength for accurate detection and maintaining eye-safe energy levels. This parameter optimization enables high detection accuracy without exceeding safety thresholds.

The patent introduces local quality variation by making the trigger pulse have higher energy than the other pulses in the train. This localized energy enhancement at the trigger position provides a strong initial signal for accurate time-of-flight measurement while the remaining pulses maintain uniform, eye-safe energy levels. The local quality difference enables high SNR without compromising overall eye-safety compliance.

The patent employs a preliminary trigger pulse with enhanced energy to initiate the measurement sequence. This preliminary action creates a strong initial signal that establishes accurate timing reference, enabling subsequent pulses to maintain lower, eye-safe energy levels while still achieving sufficient SNR for long-distance measurements through coherent integration.

The patent applies local quality enhancement by concentrating additional energy specifically in the trigger pulse while keeping other pulses at uniform, eye-safe energy levels. This localized energy allocation ensures reliable trigger pulse detection and establishes accurate timing references, while the overall energy distribution remains efficient and compliant with safety standards.

The patent uses the trigger pulse as a template or copy reference for the subsequent pulses in the train. By establishing a clear, high-energy trigger signal, the system creates a reference pattern that enables accurate timing and signal recognition for the remaining pulses, which can then be detected at lower energy levels with maintained reliability through coherent integration.