LiDAR Receiver Convolution Circuit for Fast, Low-Power ToF

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing LiDAR devices face challenges in increasing distance measurement resolution and scanning speed due to the computational intensity of time-of-flight (ToF) calculations, which require significant processing resources and power consumption.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an analog integrator to perform convolution operations necessary for ToF measurement, reducing the need for digital signal processing and minimizing power consumption by simulating the convolution process in the analog domain using a moving integrator that integrates signals over a preset time interval.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If digital signal processing is used for ToF calculation, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance measurement resolutionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces digital signal processing operations with an analog integrator circuit that performs convolution operations in the analog domain. The integrator uses capacitors to store charge representing signal values and resistors to perform integration, eliminating the need for digital computation of convolution integrals. This substitution of digital electronic processing with analog circuitry significantly reduces power consumption while maintaining the ability to calculate time-of-flight for distance measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational domain from digital to analog by using continuous voltage signals and capacitive integration instead of discrete digital calculations. The analog integrator processes continuous signals representing the received light intensity and transmission signal, performing convolution through physical integration of the product of these signals over time. This parameter change from digital discrete operations to analog continuous operations reduces computational complexity and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If digital signal processing is used for ToF calculation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance measurement resolutionVSAvoidprocessing resources

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex digital signal processing operations with a simple analog integrator circuit consisting of operational amplifiers, capacitors, and resistors. The convolution operation required for accurate ToF measurement is performed by the analog circuit through physical integration, eliminating the need for digital processors, memory, and complex algorithms. This substitution dramatically simplifies the device architecture while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If faster scanning speed is achieved, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning speedVSAvoiddistance measurement resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The analog integrator continuously processes the received signal and transmission signal to compute the convolution integral, providing continuous ToF measurement capability. This continuous analog computation allows for rapid scanning across multiple angles and distances without the need to complete full digital processing cycles for each measurement point, thereby enabling faster scanning speeds while maintaining measurement precision through the continuous nature of analog signal processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 rapid and efficient calculation of ToF, enhancing distance measurement resolution and scanning speed by reducing computational requirements and power usage, thereby improving the performance of LiDAR devices.

Implementation Method 1

an integrator configured to obtain, by integrating a reception signal obtained from the received light, an analog signal corresponding to a convolution result between the reception signal and the transmission signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIntegration:

Implementation Method 2

A LIDAR device may use a method of measuring a time-of-flight (ToF) of light to measure a distance to an object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime-of-flight measurement: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS20240219533A1Lidar device, receiver therefor, and operating method thereof

Publication Date: 2024.07.04 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure provides methods and apparatuses for performing light detection and ranging (LiDAR). In some embodiments, a device includes a light transmitter configured to radiate, to an object, light comprising a transmission signal, a light receiver configured to receive light reflected from the object, an integrator configured to obtain, by integrating a reception signal obtained from the received light, an analog signal corresponding to a convolution result between the reception signal and the transmission signal, and a processor configured to measure, by a time-of-flight (ToF) method, a distance from the device to the object, based on the analog signal.