LIDAR Sub-Detector Grouping for Small Object Detection Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR sensors face limitations in detecting small objects at greater distances due to restricted sensing ranges and difficulties in distinguishing small objects from ambient light interference, particularly in scenarios requiring large detection angles.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR sensor design incorporating a sub-detector array with overlapping macropixels formed by grouping sub-detectors, allowing for enhanced detection of small objects by forming macropixels that include shared sub-detectors, and optimizing macropixel placement to minimize ambient light interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If mechanical laser scanners with motor-driven deflecting mirrors are used to cover large horizontal detection angles, then the sensing range can be extended to 360°, but the maximum sensing range is restricted to about 120° and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical laser scanners with motor-driven deflecting mirrors with a solid-state LIDAR sensor comprising a transmitting unit with laser source and a receiving unit with detector array. This eliminates moving mechanical parts while achieving 360° detection coverage through electronic beam steering and multiple detector elements, directly resolving the contradiction between large detection angle and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The detector unit is divided into multiple sub-detector elements arranged in arrays. By segmenting the detection function across multiple sub-detectors, the system achieves wide-field coverage without requiring mechanical scanning, thus extending detection angle while reducing mechanical complexity
2Measurement precision
If sub-detector arrays are used to detect small objects at greater distances, then detection range and accuracy improve, but ambient light interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sub-detectors are grouped to form macropixels, combining their signals to enhance the detection of small objects. This merging of detector elements increases signal strength for distant objects while the systematic grouping approach allows for differential processing that can reject ambient light interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different processing strategies to different macropixel groups. By assigning specific macropixels to detect specific spatial regions and using the overlapping arrangement, the system can optimize detection sensitivity for small objects in specific areas while filtering out ambient light interference through regional signal processing
3Reliability
If overlapping macropixels are formed by grouping sub-detectors, then small object detection is enhanced, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor unit dynamically selects and processes only those macropixels that contain object signals, rather than processing all macropixel data uniformly. This dynamic processing approach reduces computational complexity by focusing resources on relevant data regions while maintaining high verification precision through the overlapping macropixel arrangement
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 design enables increased detection range and accuracy for small objects, reducing data volume while maintaining precise object verification, even in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
at least one laser source for generating and emitting primary light into the field of view
Implementation Method 2
receiving secondary light that has been reflected and/or scattered in the field of view by an object
Implementation Method 3
receiving secondary light that has been reflected and/or scattered in the field of view by an object
Implementation Method 4
A distance between the LIDAR sensor and an object in the field of view of the LIDAR sensor can be determined, for example based on a signal propagation delay (time of flight, TOF)
Data Source
AI summary
A LIDAR sensor for detecting at least one object in a field of view. The LIDAR sensor includes: a transmitting unit includes a laser source; and a receiving unit having at least one detector unit for receiving secondary light that has been reflected and/or scattered in the field of view by an object. The detector unit includes a sub-detector array including a plurality of sub-detectors arranged in a first direction of extent next to each other and/or in a second direction of extent one behind another, and a processor unit that is designed to select a first group from a plurality of sub-detectors and to group it to form a first macropixel, and simultaneously to select at least one second group and to group it/them to form at least one second micropixel. The first macropixel and at least one of the second macropixels comprise at least one same sub-detector.