LiDAR Range Estimation Using Triangular Waveform Synthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LiDAR systems face accuracy issues in range estimation due to the use of low sampling rate ADCs, which fail to accurately reconstruct the waveform of returned laser pulses, leading to inaccurate determination of arrival times and subsequently impaired range estimation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a triangular laser pulse waveform that can be accurately reconstructed using a low sampling rate ADC, allowing for the generation of synthesized pulse samples to determine the arrival time of the returned pulse and estimate the range between the object and the LiDAR system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a high-speed ADC is used to sample the returned laser pulse at a high frequency, then the waveform reconstruction accuracy is improved and arrival time determination is more accurate, but the system cost increases significantly and noise levels increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the waveform parameter from a conventional shape to a triangular waveform with specific characteristics (rising edge, peak, falling edge). This parameter change allows the waveform to be accurately reconstructed from fewer samples, enabling the use of low-speed ADCs while maintaining measurement precision. The triangular shape provides distinct features that can be reliably detected even at lower sampling rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent generates synthesized pulse samples that replicate the triangular waveform characteristics based on a limited number of actual ADC samples. This copying approach reconstructs the full waveform information without requiring high-speed sampling, effectively creating a virtual high-resolution representation from low-resolution inputs, thereby reducing ADC requirements while maintaining arrival time determination accuracy.
2Device complexity
If a low sampling rate ADC is used to generate pulse samples, then the system cost is reduced, but the waveform reconstruction accuracy deteriorates and arrival time determination becomes inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the waveform parameter from a conventional shape to a triangular waveform with specific characteristics (rising edge, peak, falling edge). This parameter change allows the waveform to be accurately reconstructed from fewer samples, enabling the use of low-speed ADCs while maintaining measurement precision. The triangular shape provides distinct features that can be reliably detected even at lower sampling rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent generates synthesized pulse samples that replicate the triangular waveform characteristics based on a limited number of actual ADC samples. This copying approach reconstructs the full waveform information without requiring high-speed sampling, effectively creating a virtual high-resolution representation from low-resolution inputs, thereby reducing ADC requirements while maintaining arrival time determination accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If conventional laser pulse waveforms are used, then the system operation is straightforward, but the waveform cannot be accurately reconstructed at low ADC sampling rates, impairing range estimation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the waveform parameter from a conventional shape to a triangular waveform with specific characteristics (rising edge, peak, falling edge). This parameter change allows the waveform to be accurately reconstructed from fewer samples, enabling the use of low-speed ADCs while maintaining measurement precision. The triangular shape provides distinct features that can be reliably detected even at lower sampling rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent generates synthesized pulse samples that replicate the triangular waveform characteristics based on a limited number of actual ADC samples. This copying approach reconstructs the full waveform information without requiring high-speed sampling, effectively creating a virtual high-resolution representation from low-resolution inputs, thereby reducing ADC requirements while maintaining arrival time determination accuracy.
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 enhances the accuracy of range estimation while reducing system costs and computational power requirements, making it suitable for applications like autonomous driving and high-definition map generation.
Implementation Method 1
The LiDAR receiver typically includes a detector to convert the returned laser pulse into an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure provide an optical sensing system, a range estimation system for the optical sensing system, and a method for the optical sensing system. The exemplary optical sensing system includes a transmitter configured to emit a laser pulse towards an object. The optical sensing system further includes a range estimation system configured to estimate a range between the object and the optical sensing system. The range estimation system includes an analog to digital converter (ADC) configured to generate a plurality of pulse samples based on the laser pulse returned from the object. The returned laser pulse has a substantially triangular waveform including a rising edge and a falling edge. The range estimation system further includes a processor. The processor is configured to generate synthesized pulse samples on the substantially triangular waveform based on the pulse samples. The processor is further configured to determine an arrival time of the returned laser pulse based on the ADC generated pulse samples and the synthesized pulse samples. The processor is also configured to estimate a range between the object and the optical sensing system based on the arrival time of the returned laser pulse.