LiDAR Scan Control Using Alternating Laser Power Levels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser radar systems require optical members and multiple scanning mechanisms to branch and control laser beams of different intensities, leading to complexity and inefficiencies in object detection and distance measurement, particularly due to stray light interference.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus that uses a processor and memory to control a laser radar system by emitting laser beams of varying output values, allowing for efficient scanning and detection in multiple ranges by adjusting the power supply and scanning angle, thereby reducing stray light interference and enhancing measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If optical members and multiple scanning mechanisms are used to branch laser beams into different intensities, then laser beam intensity control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the optical branching components and scanning mechanisms from the system, eliminating the need for multiple physical scanning mechanisms by using a single scanner that alternates between high-intensity and low-intensity laser beam emission through electronic control of the light source
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical optical branching system with an electronic control system that regulates laser beam intensity through signal control, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic simplicity
2Length of stationary object
If high intensity laser beams are emitted for long-distance detection, then detection range is extended, but stray light saturation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic alternation between high-intensity laser beam emission for long-distance detection and low-intensity laser beam emission to clear stray light saturation from the detector, enabling sustained operation across extended detection ranges
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary low-intensity laser beam emission before high-intensity emission to prepare the detector by clearing stray light, preventing saturation before long-distance detection begins
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
Enables efficient object detection and distance measurement over a wide range by alternating between high and low output laser beams, reducing stray light saturation time and improving measurement speed and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
cause the light source to emit a first laser beam having a first output value by causing a first signal having a first signal value to be supplied to the light source
Implementation Method 2
a scanner configured to deflect a laser beam from a light source, to scan an object
Implementation Method 3
a detector configured to detect the reflected light, and acquire information about the object based on an output from the detector
Data Source
AI summary
A control apparatus is configured to control a laser radar apparatus that includes a scanner and a detector and to acquire information about an object based on an output from the detector. The control apparatus causes the light source to emit a first laser beam having a first output value and a second laser beam having a second output value smaller than the first output value, acquires information about the object in a first scanning range in a scanning range of the scanner in a case where the first laser beam is emitted, and acquires information about the object in a second scanning range in the scanning range of the scanner closer to the scanner than the first scanning range in a case where the second laser beam is emitted.