LiDAR Ranging System Dynamic Integration Number Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
LiDAR systems face limitations in increasing the number of ranging points per unit time due to the limited amount of laser light emitted, which affects both the ranging distance performance and the resolution of the ranging information, especially when dealing with attenuated laser light and external noise sources like sunlight.
Innovation Solution
The ranging system dynamically adjusts the number of ranging points based on the speed of the transport equipment, relative distance to the target, and weather conditions by varying the integration number and field of view, allowing for optimized ranging performance in different scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple laser light sources are mounted on LiDAR to increase the amount of emitted laser light, then the ranging distance performance is improved, but the cost of the LiDAR increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple ranging results obtained under different integration numbers to generate a final ranging result. This merging approach allows the system to achieve improved ranging distance performance without physically mounting multiple laser light sources, thereby avoiding the cost increase associated with adding more hardware components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the integration number parameter dynamically to obtain multiple ranging results with different characteristics. By varying this parameter rather than changing the physical configuration of laser sources, the system achieves diverse ranging outcomes that can be combined to improve overall performance without increasing device complexity or cost.
2Productivity
If the number of ranging points is increased to improve resolution, then the ranging frequency is improved, but the ranging distance performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the integration number based on the specific ranging scenario and combines multiple ranging results obtained under different integration numbers. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize for either resolution or distance performance as needed, rather than being constrained by a fixed configuration that forces a trade-off between these two parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from multiple ranging results obtained under different integration numbers to determine the final ranging result. By incorporating feedback from multiple measurements with different parameters, the system can resolve the contradiction between resolution and distance performance, achieving both goals simultaneously through intelligent result selection and combination.
3Measurement precision
If the integration number is increased to improve the detection of attenuated laser light, then the ranging distance performance is improved, but the number of ranging points measured per unit time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs ranging measurements periodically with different integration numbers and combines the results. By alternating between different integration numbers in a periodic manner rather than using a single fixed value, the system can maintain high detection sensitivity for attenuated light while still achieving a high overall rate of ranging points through the combination of multiple periodic measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary ranging measurements with different integration numbers to obtain multiple candidate results before finalizing the ranging output. This preliminary action with varied parameters allows the system to prepare multiple options that can be combined to achieve both high detection sensitivity and high productivity, rather than committing to a single parameter setting that would sacrifice one for the other.
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 ranging distance performance and accuracy by adjusting the number of ranging points according to the specific operational conditions, improving obstacle detection and weather determination in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
LiDAR causes its laser light source to emit laser light toward a ranging target. Emitted laser light is reflected by the ranging target and is detected by an optical sensor of LiDAR.
Implementation Method 2
LiDAR calculates a time of flight (ToF) of laser light based on a difference between the time at which the laser light is emitted and the time at which the laser light reflected by the ranging target is detected.
Implementation Method 3
Laser light reflected back by a ranging target is attenuated. In this respect, the attenuation of the laser light increases as a distance between LiDAR and the ranging target increases.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to one arrangement, a ranging device includes a light source, an optical sensor, a measurement circuit, and a control circuit. The light source is configured to emit first laser light. The optical sensor is configured to detect second laser light corresponding to the first laser light reflected by an external subject. The measurement circuit is configured to measure a distance to the subject based on a timing at which the light source emits the first laser light and a timing at which the optical sensor detects the second laser light. The control circuit is configured to control a number of ranging points indicating a number of distances measured per unit time by the measurement circuit in a predetermined area within an angle of view of the ranging device.