LiDAR Sun Noise Reduction via Virtual Void Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light detection and ranging (LiDAR) systems face inefficiencies and inaccuracies due to interference and complex processing, particularly with solid-state optical phase array systems, and are limited by the speed of radio and sound waves, which restrict object detection and ranging capabilities, especially in varying environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a sun module with an optical assembly that emits a light beam and detects returning photons, combined with an inertial measurement circuit and positioning circuit to identify the sun's location and create a virtual void to prevent interference, along with a controller that processes photon information for accurate target identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If LiDAR systems operate in bright sunlight conditions, then the system can maintain continuous operation, but the detection accuracy deteriorates due to sun-induced noise interfering with photon detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process by creating a virtual void that spatially separates sun-induced photons from target photons in the detection field. This segmentation allows the system to process only relevant photons while ignoring sun noise, maintaining detection accuracy during continuous operation in bright sunlight conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational layer (virtual void) between the optical assembly and the detection output. This virtual void acts as a mediator that filters and categorizes incoming photons based on their origin, allowing the system to distinguish between sun-induced noise and target-reflected photons without sacrificing detection precision
2Loss of information
If the optical assembly detects all returning photons, then the system captures complete light information, but processing complexity increases due to sun-induced noise requiring complex filtering algorithms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing the virtual void structure before photon detection occurs. This pre-configured spatial framework allows photons to be automatically categorized upon entry based on their angular origin, eliminating the need for complex post-detection filtering algorithms while preserving complete light information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the virtual void adaptive to changing sun positions and environmental conditions. The virtual void structure can dynamically adjust its parameters in real-time, allowing the system to maintain optimal detection performance without requiring complex static filtering mechanisms
3Measurement precision
If the system uses a virtual void to filter sun photons, then detection accuracy improves by reducing sun-induced noise, but the device complexity increases due to additional processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or algorithmic filtering systems with a computational virtual void structure. This virtual void uses straightforward geometric and temporal criteria to filter photons, achieving high detection accuracy with simpler processing logic compared to traditional noise reduction methods
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 configuration enhances the reliability, accuracy, and efficiency of object detection and ranging by minimizing interference and optimizing photon processing, allowing for robust information gathering in diverse environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Light detection and ranging can be optimized, in various embodiments, by a connecting a sun module to an optical assembly configured to detect downrange targets by emitting a light beam and detecting returning photons
Implementation Method 2
The controller arranged with an inertial measurement circuit and a positioning circuit collectively configured to identify a location of a sun and ignore photons received from the sun's location
Data Source
AI summary
A light detection and ranging system can have a sun module connected to an optical assembly configured to detect downrange targets by emitting a light beam and detecting returning photons. The controller having an inertial measurement circuit and a positioning circuit collectively configured to identify a location of a sun and ignore photons received from the sun's location.