Temperature-Controlled LiDAR Sensor Wavelength Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
LiDAR sensors face challenges in distinguishing between desired light reflections and unwanted light, such as solar emissions, which can reduce their dynamic range and accuracy in detecting both reflective objects near the sensor and distant, dim objects.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a temperature-controlled bandpass filter and light emitter in the LiDAR sensor system, ensuring that the light emitted is within the wavelength range passed by the filter, thereby minimizing the detection of unwanted light and enhancing the sensor's ability to detect a wide range of objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the LiDAR sensor uses a broad wavelength range for detection, then the sensor can detect both reflective objects near the sensor and dim objects far away, but the sensor cannot distinguish between desired light reflections and unwanted light such as solar emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the central wavelength and bandwidth of the bandpass filter based on temperature variations. The filter parameters are modified to track the wavelength shift of the light emitter, ensuring optimal wavelength matching while maintaining a controlled bandwidth that balances rejection of unwanted light with detection of weak reflections from distant objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the bandpass filter characteristics adaptive rather than fixed. The filter's central wavelength and bandwidth are dynamically adjusted in response to temperature changes and operational conditions, allowing the system to optimize its performance across varying environmental conditions while maintaining discrimination between desired and unwanted light.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the LiDAR sensor uses a narrow wavelength range through a bandpass filter, then the sensor can reduce interference from unwanted light sources, but the sensor may miss dim objects far away due to reduced dynamic range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes to optimize the bandpass filter's bandwidth and central wavelength dynamically. By adjusting these parameters based on temperature and operational context, the system maintains a narrow enough bandwidth to reject unwanted light while preserving sufficient dynamic range to detect both nearby reflective objects and distant dim objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the filter characteristics adaptive. The bandpass filter's parameters are continuously adjusted to balance rejection of unwanted light with maintenance of dynamic range, allowing the system to respond to varying operational conditions and optimize performance across different detection scenarios.
3Ease of operation
If the LiDAR sensor operates at fixed temperature, then the system is simple to operate, but the wavelength of emitted light and filter transmission characteristics vary with temperature, reducing detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using temperature sensors to continuously monitor the operational temperature of the LiDAR system. This temperature information is fed back to the control system, which then adjusts the bandpass filter parameters and light emitter characteristics to compensate for wavelength shifts, maintaining accurate wavelength matching without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically compensate for temperature-induced wavelength drift. The temperature-controlled feedback mechanism allows the LiDAR system to self-adjust its optical parameters, maintaining detection accuracy without requiring external intervention or complex manual calibration procedures.
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 improves the LiDAR sensor's dynamic range, allowing for accurate detection of both reflective objects near the sensor and dim objects far away, by reducing the interference from unwanted light sources, thus enhancing its environmental mapping capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter 14 designed to emit light into a field of illumination FOI
Implementation Method 2
A bandpass filter 18 is between the light detector 16 and the field of illumination FOI of the light emitter 14. The bandpass filter 18 is designed to pass light to the light detector 16 in a wavelength range that is dependent on the temperature of the bandpass filter 18
Implementation Method 3
a light detector 16 with a field of view FOV overlapping the field of illumination FOI
Data Source
AI summary
A LiDAR sensor includes a light emitter designed to emit light into a field of illumination. The wavelength of the light emitted by the light emitter is dependent on the temperature of the light emitter. A light detector has a field of view overlapping the field of illumination. A bandpass filter is between the light detector and the field of illumination of the light emitter. The bandpass filter is designed to pass light to the light detector in a wavelength range that is dependent on the temperature of the bandpass filter. The LiDAR sensor includes at least one temperature controller. The light emitter is coupled to a temperature controller and the bandpass filter is coupled to a temperature controller. A method of operating the LiDAR sensor includes controlling the temperatures of the bandpass filter and the light emitter.