LIDAR Shutter Synchronization for Extended Measurement Range
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shutter-gated LIDAR systems have limited measurement range due to the fixed switching time of optical shutters, which requires hardware modifications and increased power consumption to extend the range, leading to higher costs and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The technique dynamically increases the effective width of the shutter switching window by synchronizing the repetition rate of the shutter with the laser source, allowing the shutter to sample reflected pulses over a wider range without hardware changes or increased power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the switching time of the optical shutter is increased to extend the measurement range, then the measurement range is improved, but the power consumption increases and hardware modifications are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temporal parameters of the system by desynchronizing the shutter and laser source repetition rates, creating a variable time offset that effectively extends the measurement range without modifying the physical shutter switching time or increasing power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic behavior by making the time offset between shutter and laser source adjustable and variable, allowing the system to adapt the effective gate width dynamically rather than being fixed by hardware constraints
2Measurement precision
If the switching time of the optical shutter is increased to extend the measurement range, then the measurement range is improved, but hardware modifications are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends measurement range by changing operational parameters (repetition rates and time offset) rather than modifying hardware, avoiding the need to alter the optical shutter's physical switching time or add parasitic elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically extending shutter switching time with a temporal synchronization strategy, using control logic to achieve extended range without mechanical or hardware changes
3Measurement precision
If the switching time of the optical shutter is increased to extend the measurement range, then the measurement range is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves extended measurement range through parameter adjustment of existing components rather than manufacturing new hardware or modifying the optical shutter, thereby avoiding additional costs
4Measurement precision
If the switching time of the optical shutter is increased to extend the measurement range, then the measurement range is improved, but the efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains high efficiency by using dynamic parameter adjustment and desynchronization strategies that allow rapid adaptation without the sluggish response associated with physically slower shutter switching
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes temporal parameters through software/control logic rather than physical modification, maintaining system responsiveness and efficiency while achieving extended measurement range
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 effectively broadens the measurement range of LIDAR systems without modifying hardware or increasing power consumption, enhancing their applicability in various applications such as high-speed photography, robotics, and autonomous vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a scattered (e.g., reflected) light pulse from a target may pass through an optical shutter (as it is transitioning from an 'off' state to an 'on' state, and vice versa) and may be detected by a receiver
Implementation Method 2
FIG. 2A is a graph of a voltage applied to a Pockels cell as function of time, according to one embodiment. FIG. 2B is a graph of phase retardation of a light pulse as a function of time, according to one embodiment
Data Source
AI summary
A technique for increasing the measurement range of a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system includes triggering a light source of the LIDAR system to emit light pulses towards an environment at a first repetition rate. A different second repetition rate for operation of a shutter of the LIDAR system is determined. The operation of the shutter is synchronized with the light source, based on the second repetition rate, such that reflections caused by the light pulses arrive at the shutter when the shutter is in different states during the time period. An intensity of the reflections that arrive at the shutter is determined. A range to objects in the environment is determined based on the measured intensity of the reflections.