LIDAR Pulse Width Control for Reliable Blind-Spot Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR systems face inefficiencies in power consumption and malfunctions due to omnidirectional transmission and periodic modulation signals, leading to unclear frequency transmission and potential reception of unwanted wavelength bands, which can result in signal attenuation and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR system with a laser driver device featuring a de-emphasis function that automatically adjusts pulse signals based on channel characteristics, using pulse width modulation and amplitude modulation to enhance signal detection and ensure proper operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If omnidirectional transmission is performed using modulation signals, then light transmission capability is improved, but power consumption increases and unwanted wavelength bands are received
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the modulation signal component from the transmitted light, using only unmodulated continuous wave laser light for transmission. This eliminates the periodic modulation that causes inefficient power consumption while maintaining the ability to perform distance measurements through time-of-flight calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a separate verification light path that copies the main measurement principle but operates independently to detect malfunctions. This verification path sends light in a known direction and monitors whether the receiver can detect it, providing a way to verify system functionality without affecting the main measurement process.
2Measurement precision
If modulation signals are used for light transmission, then transmission efficiency is improved, but frequency identification becomes unclear and malfunction verification becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the modulation signal from the transmission process entirely, using only continuous wave laser light. This simplifies frequency identification since there is no modulation to cause ambiguity, and the laser operates at a known, stable frequency without the complications of periodic signaling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a verification light path that copies the essential measurement function to test system functionality. This separate path allows malfunction verification by comparing expected versus actual receiver responses, simplifying the overall verification process through dedicated test functionality.
3Use of energy by moving object
If pulse width modulation is applied to control laser output, then power consumption is reduced, but signal detection reliability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses continuous wave laser transmission instead of pulsed transmission, maintaining continuous useful action for light transmission. This eliminates the need for pulse width modulation while still enabling power management through controlled emission periods for distance measurement calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The verification light path operates continuously to monitor system health, providing redundant information that ensures signal detection reliability even when main measurement pulses are not being transmitted.
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 improves signal detection reliability by precisely measuring malfunctions and adjusting pulse widths to maintain optimal power levels, ensuring accurate distance measurement and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a light generation unit irradiating a laser to an object disposed in a blind section of the LIDAR system; a light reception unit sensing light reflected from the object
Implementation Method 2
a receiver receiving a signal converted into an electric signal in the light reception unit
Data Source
AI summary
A LIDAR system may include: a light generator configured to irradiate a laser to an object disposed in a blind section of the LIDAR system; a light receiver configured to sensing light reflected from the object; a receiver configured to receive a signal converted into an electric signal in the light receiver; a comparator configured to determine whether the signal is a voltage value which is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference; and a controller configured to control a pulse width of the laser irradiated to the object according to the determination.