Lidar Target Simulation System Predicting Scan Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LIDAR target simulators have a minimum target distance limitation due to their physical location and processing time, restricting the range of simulated targets that can be tested effectively.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR target simulation system comprising a scenario generation module, pattern detection module, LIDAR simulation module, and signal response generator module, which predicts future LIDAR device behavior based on scan signal characteristics to generate response signals before they arrive, allowing for simulation of targets closer than the physical distance and compensating for processing time, potentially reducing the minimum simulation distance to zero.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the LIDAR target simulator is located at a fixed physical distance from the LIDAR device, then the device structure is simple and stable, but the minimum target distance that can be simulated is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital twin (virtual model) of the LIDAR device that replicates its scanning behavior and characteristics. This virtual copy allows the system to simulate targets at any distance by generating appropriate response signals based on the digital twin's predicted behavior, eliminating the need for physical proximity constraints while maintaining accurate simulation of close-range targets.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the LIDAR device's scan signals to predict future scanning patterns and characteristics. By analyzing current scan signals and predicting future behavior in advance, the system can pre-calculate the appropriate response signals needed for simulating targets at various distances, including very close distances that would otherwise be unreachable due to physical constraints.
2Loss of time
If the LIDAR target simulator processes signals in real-time, then the processing time is reduced, but the minimum target distance that can be simulated is increased due to the time needed to generate response signals
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of scan signals to predict future LIDAR device behavior before the actual scanning occurs. By analyzing current scan patterns and predicting future scanning characteristics in advance, the system can pre-prepare the appropriate response signals, significantly reducing the actual processing time needed when targets at close distances need to be simulated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional physical signal processing approach with a virtual modeling and prediction approach. Instead of physically measuring and responding to signals in real-time with inherent delays, the system uses a digital twin to predict and generate appropriate response signals computationally, eliminating the physical processing time constraints that limit minimum simulatable distance.
3Ease of operation
If the LIDAR device and simulator are positioned far apart, then the system is easier to set up and operate, but the range of simulatable targets is limited to distant objects
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a digital twin (virtual copy) of the LIDAR device that perfectly replicates its scanning behavior, characteristics, and patterns. This virtual model allows the physical simulator to be positioned at any convenient location while still accurately simulating targets at any distance, including very close ranges, by generating appropriate response signals based on the digital twin's predicted behavior rather than relying on physical proximity.
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
Enables the simulation of targets closer than the physical distance between the LIDAR device and simulator, effectively reducing the minimum target simulation distance and improving testing efficiency by predicting and compensating for processing delays, allowing for more realistic and detailed testing scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
LIDAR (light detection and ranging) devices such as LIDAR sensors
Implementation Method 2
the pattern detection module is configured to receive at least one scan signal generated by the LIDAR device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A LIDAR target simulation system (10) for testing a LIDAR device (12) is described. The LIDAR target simulation system (10) comprises a scenario generation module (40), a pattern detection module (26), a LIDAR simulation module (29), and a signal response generator module (30). The scenario generation module (40) is configured to generate a test scenario for testing the LIDAR device (12). The pattern detection module (26) is configured to receive at least one scan signal generated by the LIDAR device (12) to be tested. The pattern detection module (26) further is configured to determine at least one characteristic parameter of the received scan signal. The LIDAR simulation module (29) is configured to simulate at least one current and/or future scan signal of the LIDAR device (12) based on the at least one characteristic parameter. The signal response generator module (30) is configured to generate a response signal to be received by the LIDAR device (12) based on the at least one simulated scan signal of the LIDAR device (12) and based on the test scenario. Further, a method of testing a LIDAR device (12) by means of a LIDAR target simulation system (10) is described.