LIDAR Tiered Power Control for ADC-Safe Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR systems face challenges in maintaining high imaging resolution and range while improving power control, especially due to measurement noise and signal saturation issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of tiered illumination power control in LIDAR systems, where the illumination intensity of a pulsed beam is varied based on the intensity of measured return pulses, maintains the intensity within a linear range of the ADC, avoiding low signal-to-noise ratio and saturation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laser pulse intensity is increased to improve signal-to-noise ratio for extended measurement ranges, then measurement range is improved, but detector saturation occurs for short range measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of laser pulse intensity based on detected object distance. The system transitions from static single-intensity operation to dynamic multi-intensity operation, where the illumination source adapts its power level in real-time according to the measured range, thereby optimizing signal-to-noise ratio without causing detector saturation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of laser pulse intensity by implementing multiple discrete power levels (e.g., 4-bit control providing 16 different intensity levels). This allows the system to select appropriate intensity levels based on object distance, transforming a single-parameter system into a multi-parameter system that can adapt to varying measurement conditions
2Area of stationary object
If beam path is altered to achieve broader field of view, then field of view is improved, but point cloud density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the illumination function into multiple independent laser sources arranged in an array configuration. Each laser emitter can be independently controlled to illuminate specific angular sectors, allowing the system to cover a broad field of view while maintaining sufficient point cloud density in each sector through selective activation of appropriate laser elements
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 approach ensures that the intensity of measured return pulses remains within a linear range, effectively reducing measurement noise and saturation, thereby enhancing the imaging resolution and range of LIDAR systems.
Implementation Method 1
LIDAR systems employ pulses of light to measure distance to an object based on the time of flight (TOF) of each pulse of light
Implementation Method 2
In some examples, pulses of light are generated by a laser emitter
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for controlling illumination power of a LIDAR based, three dimensional imaging system based on discrete illumination power tiers are described herein. In one aspect, the illumination intensity of a pulsed beam of illumination light emitted from a LIDAR system is varied in accordance with a set of illumination power tiers based on the difference between a desired and a measured return pulse. In a further aspect, the illumination power tier is selected based on whether an intensity difference exceeds one of a sequence of predetermined, tiered threshold values. In this manner, the intensity of measured return pulses is maintained within a linear range of the analog to digital converter for objects detected over a wide range of distances from the LIDAR system and a wide range of environmental conditions in the optical path between the LIDAR system and the detected object.