LiDAR Imaging System Using Segmented Illumination Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LiDAR systems face challenges in achieving a balance between long range, wide field of view, high imaging resolution, high frame rate, high dynamic range, compact size, and low cost, often requiring compromises that result in suboptimal performance in self-driving vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The method involves illuminating a scene with a sequence of illumination patterns, allowing for the construction of images with resolutions greater than the sensor's native resolution, and using subsets of these patterns to generate images with varying resolutions, enabling adaptive imaging and improved flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the integration time is increased to improve the range of the system, then the range is improved, but the frame rate is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination sequence into multiple subsets, where each subset can independently generate an image at a specific resolution. This allows the system to process different resolution requirements in parallel, enabling high frame rate at lower resolutions while maintaining the ability to produce high resolution images when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between integration time and frame rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the resolution of output images based on real-time requirements. By having multiple illumination pattern subsets that can be selectively activated, the system can switch between high frame rate low resolution mode and low frame rate high resolution mode, making the frame rate and resolution parameters dynamic rather than fixed, thereby resolving the contradiction.
2Length of stationary object
If larger optics are used to collect more light, then the range and light collection are improved, but the size and cost of the system are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the illumination pattern sequence multi-functional by designing it to serve multiple resolution requirements simultaneously. The same optical hardware is used to generate images at different resolutions by selectively activating different subsets of illumination patterns, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated optical systems for different resolutions and thus reducing overall system size and cost while maintaining long range capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the resolution parameter dynamically by selecting different subsets of illumination patterns, rather than changing physical optical parameters like aperture size. This allows the system to achieve variable effective resolution without requiring multiple sets of optics with different collecting areas, thus resolving the contradiction between range and system size.
3Device complexity
If a single imaging system is used to cover both long range and wide field of view, then the system complexity is reduced, but the imaging resolution and field of view cannot be simultaneously optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability within a single imaging system by making the illumination pattern selection dynamic. The system can switch between different illumination pattern subsets to optimize for either wide field of view or long range high resolution imaging as needed, providing the versatility of multiple specialized systems while maintaining the simplicity of a single physical platform.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple 3D-imaging systems are used simultaneously to achieve both long range and wide field of view, then the field of view and range are improved, but the cost and complexity of the sensor package are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal imaging system that can perform multiple functions (wide field of view imaging and long range high resolution imaging) using a single sensor package. By designing the illumination pattern sequence to contain multiple subsets that can be selectively activated, the system eliminates the need for multiple separate 3D-imaging systems, thus reducing sensor package complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to cover both wide field of view and long range requirements.
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 enables simultaneous multi-resolution and multi-frame-rate operation, enhancing image quality and dynamic range while maintaining a compact and cost-effective system, suitable for self-driving applications.
Implementation Method 1
one or more sources configured to illuminate a scene using a sequence of illumination patterns
Implementation Method 2
a sensor configured to detect reflections from the scene in respect of each illumination pattern of the sequence
Implementation Method 3
use detected reflections in respect of the illumination patterns of the sequence to construct a first image of the scene having the first resolution
Data Source
AI summary
A method of imaging a scene comprises illuminating the scene using a sequence of illumination patterns, and using a sensor to detect reflections from the scene in respect of each illumination pattern of the sequence. The sequence of illumination patterns is configured to allow a first image of the scene having a first resolution to be constructed. The sequence of illumination patterns includes a first sub-set of illumination patterns, wherein the first sub-set of illumination patterns is configured to allow a second image of the scene having a second resolution to be constructed. The method further comprises using detected reflections in respect of the illumination patterns of the sequence to construct a first image of the scene having the first resolution, and using detected reflections in respect of the first sub-set of illumination patterns to construct a second image of the scene.