LiDAR Shot Scheduling Using a Transient Laser Energy Model
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lidar systems face challenges in operating with low latency and rapid adaptation to environmental changes, particularly in automotive applications where high-speed movement requires rapid decision-making, and the laser source's operational capabilities are strained by variable firing rates, leading to overheating and energy management issues.
Innovation Solution
A transient laser energy model and transient mirror motion model are used to predict and schedule laser pulses with high precision, ensuring sufficient energy for each pulse and optimizing mirror positioning, while also incorporating eye and camera safety models to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the laser source firing rate is increased to rapidly respond to detected objects, then the response speed and detection capability are improved, but the laser source overheats and exceeds maximum energy limits
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the laser firing rate based on real-time energy model predictions and detection priorities. The shot scheduler modifies the firing schedule adaptively, increasing rates for high-priority regions of interest while maintaining lower rates for other areas, thereby managing thermal load while preserving critical detection capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The energy model predicts laser source energy availability and thermal state by modeling parameters such as energy accumulation, decay rates, and maximum energy limits. The system uses these predictions to adjust firing parameters (rate, timing, duration) to stay within safe operational boundaries while maximizing detection performance
2Measurement precision
If the laser source operates at high firing rates for extended periods, then the detection precision and region coverage are improved, but the laser source energy depletes and requires re-charging time
Solution Approach 1:
The energy model predicts future energy availability before scheduling shots. The system uses these predictions to plan shot sequences in advance, ensuring that high-energy detection sequences are scheduled only when sufficient energy is predicted to be available, thereby maintaining detection precision while preventing energy depletion
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic low-rate firing sequences between high-rate detection sequences. This allows the laser source to recharge during lower-demand periods while maintaining high detection precision during critical observation windows, creating a sustainable operational cycle
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lidar system implements low latency operation with rapid frame rates, then the adaptability to environmental changes is improved, but the complexity of coordinating laser pulses with mirror positioning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the energy model predictions and actual detection results to continuously refine the shot schedule and mirror positioning coordination. The model updates based on observed energy consumption patterns and detection outcomes, enabling the system to adapt to environmental changes while maintaining manageable coordination complexity through learned optimization patterns
Data Source
AI summary
A lidar system that includes a laser source and a scannable mirror can also include a circuit that schedules a variable rate firing of a plurality of upcoming laser pulse shots by the laser source using a laser energy model as compared to a plurality of energy requirements applicable to the upcoming laser pulse shots, and wherein the laser energy model takes into consideration a retention of energy in the laser source after the upcoming laser pulse shots are fired and quantitatively predicts available energy amounts for the upcoming laser pulse shots from the laser source based on a history of prior laser pulse shots by the laser source. The laser energy model is capable of modeling the energy available for laser pulse shots in the laser source over very short time intervals (such as 10-100 nanoseconds).