LiDAR Shutter Mechanism for Close-Range Detection Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
LiDAR systems face challenges in detecting objects in close proximity due to self-reflection issues, where light reflected from close objects is intercepted by the inner optics, leading to reduced detection accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR system with a shutter component that modulates between open and closed positions to selectively restrict the inner detection pathway, preventing self-reflection by blocking the pathway during emission and allowing it during reception of reflected beams, thereby improving detection precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the inner detection pathway is left open during emission, then the system structure is simple, but self-reflection interferes with detection of close objects
Solution Approach 1:
A shutter component is introduced as an intermediary element between the radiation source and the detection pathway. This shutter selectively blocks or permits light transmission based on the operational phase (emission vs. detection), thereby eliminating self-reflection interference from close objects while maintaining system functionality. The shutter acts as a temporal gatekeeper that resolves the contradiction between maintaining an open pathway and preventing harmful reflections.
2Reliability
If the shutter blocks the detection pathway during emission, then self-reflection is prevented, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter operates periodically, alternating between blocked and open states synchronized with the emission and detection phases. During emission, the shutter is blocked to prevent self-reflection; during detection, it opens to allow reflected light from distant objects to reach the sensor. This periodic operation ensures high data reliability by eliminating interference while maintaining a relatively simple system architecture through temporal separation of functions.
3Measurement precision
If the shutter operates at high frequency, then detection precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter operates at the minimum necessary frequency to achieve the required detection precision, rather than continuously or at excessively high frequencies. By matching the shutter's operation frequency to the actual detection requirements, the system achieves adequate measurement precision while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption associated with high-frequency actuation.
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
The solution enhances the accuracy and precision of detecting objects in close proximity, ensuring safer vehicle operation by minimizing self-reflection interference and improving data reliability for navigation systems.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting beams of light towards the region of interest, and detecting reflected light beams
Implementation Method 2
detecting reflected light beams, such as from objects in the region of interest
Implementation Method 3
The position and distance of the object can be computed using inter alia Time of Flight calculations of the emitted and detected light beam
Data Source
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AI summary
LiDAR systems (302) and methods for detecting objects in a region of interest (ROI) (325) of a vehicle comprising: a radiation source component (304) configured to emit output beams; a scanner component (314) configured to direct the output beams onto the ROI (325); a receiver component (312) configured to receive input beams reflected from objects in the ROI (325) along an inner detection pathway; a shutter component (308) configured to modulate between closed and open positions, the inner detection pathway being at least partially blocked when the shutter component (308) is in the closed position, and being open when the shutter component (308) is in the open position; a controller component (316) communicatively coupled to the shutter component (308) such that: the shutter component (308) is in the closed position while the radiation source component is emitting the output beams, and is in the open position while receiving the reflected input beams of the given output beams from the ROI (325).