LIDAR Receiving Unit With Dynamic Sensor Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR systems face challenges in accurately detecting objects at both near and far ranges due to spatial displacement of laser pulses on the receiving unit, which is exacerbated by the focal plane array configuration and parallax errors, leading to impaired detection and increased noise.
Innovation Solution
The method employs a LIDAR system with a focal plane array configuration where sensor elements are organized into macrocells, each assigned to an emitter element, and selectively activates and deactivates these macrocells or readout cells based on the expected displacement of laser light during the measurement cycle to compensate for parallax effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a focal plane array configuration is used with emitter and sensor elements arranged in one plane, then the LIDAR system achieves compact structure without moving parts, but spatial displacement of laser pulses occurs causing impaired detection
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is divided into multiple sensor elements arranged in a grid pattern, with each sensor element capable of independently detecting laser pulses from different spatial positions. This segmentation allows the system to capture the spatial distribution of reflected light and compensate for displacement effects through software processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the active sensor elements based on the detected spatial displacement of laser pulses. By changing which sensor elements are active and how their signals are weighted, the system compensates for the focal plane array's inherent spatial distortion without requiring mechanical adjustment.
2Area of stationary object
If the number of sensor elements is increased to cover larger displacement, then detection coverage is improved, but noise from inactive sensor elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically activates and deactivates sensor elements based on the expected displacement of laser light for near and far field measurements. For far field measurements, only sensor elements in the central region are activated, while for near field measurements, sensor elements at the periphery are activated. This dynamic adjustment ensures that only sensor elements likely to detect valid signals remain active, minimizing noise from inactive elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calculates the expected displacement of laser pulses based on the measured distance to the target object. Before performing the actual measurement, the system activates the appropriate sensor elements that will receive the displaced laser light, ensuring optimal detection while keeping other sensor elements inactive to reduce noise.
3Measurement precision
If sensor elements are selectively activated and deactivated for near and far field detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is divided into multiple independently controllable sensor elements, allowing selective activation based on measurement requirements. This segmentation enables the control unit to activate only the necessary sensor elements for each specific measurement scenario, improving precision while keeping control complexity manageable through systematic patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The same sensor elements and control unit serve multiple functions: they can detect both near field and far field laser pulses, and the system can adaptively reconfigure which elements are active based on the measurement type. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate hardware systems for different measurement ranges.
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 detection range and accuracy of LIDAR systems by maintaining an optimal signal-to-noise ratio across near and far fields, allowing for precise distance measurement up to 300 meters with improved detection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
Based on the propagation time of the light pulse, the distance of the object from the LIDAR measuring system can be determined
Implementation Method 2
Emitter elements of the LIDAR transmitter unit emit light pulses that pass through a transmitter optics and are reflected by an object
Implementation Method 3
A reflected light pulse is focused via a receiver optics onto sensor elements of the receiver unit so that it can be detected
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for the improved near and remote detection of a LIDAR receiving unit (16) for motor vehicles. The receiving unit (16) has multiple sensor elements (22), wherein the sensor elements (22) can be activated and deactivated. At least some of the sensor elements (22) are activated at a first point in time within a measurement cycle, and one or more sensor elements are activated and/or one or more sensor elements are deactivated at a second point in time within the measurement cycle, said second point in time occurring after the first point in time. The invention additionally relates to another method for an improved near and remote detection of a LIDAR receiving unit (14) and to a LIDAR measuring system (10).