LIDAR Target Simulator Using Diffuse Response Screening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR test systems are costly due to the large number of detectors and transmitters required to simulate a target scenario, making them inefficient for validating LIDAR devices.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR target simulator with a screen, light impinging determination module, control and analysis module, and response generation module, which determines the location of impinging light on the screen, processes this information to generate a diffuse response signal, eliminating the need for individual control of multiple transmitters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If several detectors and several transmitters are used to simulate target scenarios for scanning LIDAR devices, then the LIDAR device can be tested across its entire field of view, but the hardware costs and testing expenses become very high
Solution Approach 1:
A single transmitter is designed to perform multiple functions by sequentially transmitting test signals to different spatial locations corresponding to various field of view angles. The single transmitter replaces what would traditionally require multiple transmitters, thereby reducing hardware complexity while maintaining the ability to validate the LIDAR device across its entire field of view through time-multiplexed operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a screen to optically copy and redirect the test signal to multiple detector positions. The screen acts as an optical element that creates virtual images of the single transmitter at multiple locations, allowing detectors to receive signals that appear to come from different spatial positions without requiring physical transmitters at each location. This optical copying mechanism reduces the number of required transmitters while preserving spatial testing capability
2Measurement precision
If an array of detector/transmitter pairs distributed over a certain area is used to cover the field of view, then appropriate evaluation of LIDAR device characteristics is achieved, but the costs for test systems become very high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple transmitter functions into a single transmitter that operates sequentially. By combining the functionality of multiple transmitters into one device that can be positioned or directed to different locations, the system reduces the quantity of transmitters required while maintaining the capability to evaluate LIDAR characteristics across the entire field of view through systematic sequential testing
Solution Approach 2:
The testing system employs periodic action by sequentially directing the single transmitter to different spatial positions corresponding to various field of view angles. The transmitter operates in a repeating cycle, transmitting test signals to different locations in sequence, which allows comprehensive field of view validation without requiring simultaneous operation of multiple transmitters, thereby reducing hardware quantity while maintaining measurement precision
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 reduces hardware costs and testing expenses by ensuring the LIDAR device receives a response signal irrespective of its field of view, allowing for efficient validation and comparison of LIDAR devices under various scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
The response generation module is configured to generate a diffuse response signal to be received by the LIDAR device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a LIDAR target simulator (18) for testing a LIDAR device (12). The LIDAR target simulator (18) comprises a screen (20), a light impinging determination module (26), a control and/or analysis module (28) and a response generation module (30). The light impinging determination module (26) is configured to determine the location of impinging light on the screen (20) and to forward information concerning the location determined to the control and/or analysis module (28). The control and/or analysis module (28) is configured to process the information concerning the location determined by the light impinging determination module (26) and to determine a response based on a target scenario applied. The control and/or analysis module (28) is further configured to control the response generation module (30) in accordance with the response determined. The response generation module (30) is configured to generate a diffuse response signal to be received by the LIDAR device (12). Further, a LIDAR testing system (10) and a method of testing a LIDAR device (12) are described.