LiDAR Simulation Device Using Time-Delayed Light Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current LiDAR light measurement systems face challenges in testing, particularly in implementing defined distance measurements and simulating moving environments, which are essential for quality control and application development, especially in autonomous driving, due to space and environmental constraints.

Innovation Solution

A simulation device generates time-delayed light signals using an adjustable delay section and photodetectors, allowing for the creation of a simulated moving environment that can be adjusted electronically, enabling the LiDAR system to interpret these signals as objects at varying distances, thus reducing the need for extensive physical space and controlled environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a large physical measuring section is used to test LiDAR at defined distances, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasuring section complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the measurement environment using a light field generator that reproduces optical paths mathematically. Instead of building physical measuring sections of various lengths, the system generates synthetic light fields that simulate reflections from objects at different distances, eliminating the need for complex physical infrastructure while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical measuring section with an optical-computational system. The light field generator uses controlled light emission and computational algorithms to create virtual optical paths, substituting physical distance with controlled light propagation time and pattern recognition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light sources are arranged in a light bar cylinder to simulate 3D environments, then adaptability of testing scenarios is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting scenario adaptabilityVSAvoidlight source arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the light field generator with multiple light sources that can be independently controlled to serve multiple functions: simulating objects at different distances, creating various reflection patterns, and reproducing different environmental conditions. This universal system replaces the need for multiple specialized testing setups

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic control of the light sources through electronic switching and intensity modulation, allowing the system to adapt testing scenarios in real-time without physical reconfiguration. The computer-controlled light field generator can dynamically create different virtual environments by adjusting light emission patterns

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If photodetectors and light sources are positioned in the same plane as the LiDAR sensor, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor alignment easeVSAvoiddistance measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a computer-controlled light field generator as an intermediary between the LiDAR sensor and the test objects. This intermediary creates controlled light fields that mediate the interaction, allowing the sensor to measure virtual objects without requiring complex physical arrangements. The light field generator acts as a bridge that simplifies positioning while maintaining precision through computational control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution enables cost-effective and time-efficient functional and quality control of LiDAR systems, allowing for scalable simulation of moving environments and adaptive testing scenarios, including 3D setups, thereby supporting the development of advanced driver assistance systems.

Implementation Method 1

a light receiver which receives the light signal from the light transmitter and generates an electrical signal from the light signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

A simulation device for a rotating LiDAR light measurement system with a LiDAR light receiving sensor (1) which rotates 360° around an axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission through electronic control: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3404442B1Simulation device for a rotating lidar light measurement system
Publication Date: 2021.07.07 KONRAD GMBH
  • EP3404442B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3404442B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3404442B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a simulation device for a rotating LiDAR light measurement system with a LiDAR light receiving sensor (1), wherein the LiDAR light receiving sensor (1) rotates 360° about an axis (11), wherein a light emitter strip (14) is provided in the plane of the LiDAR light receiving sensor (1).