Comparative Waveguide LiDAR Switching for Long-Range Signal Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
LIDAR systems face reliability issues in providing accurate distance and velocity data for objects at long distances due to increased time delays in light reflection, leading to less reliable data output.
Innovation Solution
The LIDAR system employs multiple comparative waveguides that concurrently receive different portions of the reflected light signal, with a switch controller selecting the most powerful data signal for processing by an analog-to-digital converter, ensuring reliable data capture across varying distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single waveguide is used to receive the return signal, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of LIDAR data decreases at long distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single waveguide function into multiple comparative waveguides (first, second, third, fourth waveguides), each receiving signals from different regions or angles. This segmentation allows the system to select the most reliable signal based on object distance, thereby improving LIDAR data reliability while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between different waveguides based on object distance. The system transitions from static single-waveguide reception to dynamic multi-waveguide selection, where the controller activates specific waveguides (e.g., first waveguide for near objects, second waveguide for far objects) to optimize reliability across varying operational conditions
2Reliability
If multiple comparative waveguides are used to receive signals concurrently, then the LIDAR data reliability improves across varying distances, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary signal processing within each comparative waveguide before the selection stage. Each waveguide pre-processes its received signal (filtering, amplification), so that when the controller selects which waveguide to use, the signal is already optimized. This preliminary action reduces the complexity of the final selection and processing stages
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary between the multiple comparative waveguides and the signal processing electronics. This intermediary manages the complexity by intelligently selecting which waveguide signal to forward based on object distance, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining the benefits of multiple waveguides
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 maintains reliable LIDAR data accuracy by dynamically switching to the most powerful signal as the object's distance changes, enhancing data reliability at both near and far ranges.
Implementation Method 1
The LIDAR system directs the received light signal to a light sensor that converts the light signal to an electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
A LIDAR system has multiple comparative waveguides that are each configured to concurrently receive a different comparative signal. The comparative signals include light from a system return signal that has been reflected by an object outside of the LIDAR system
Data Source
AI summary
A LIDAR system has multiple comparative waveguides that are each configured to concurrently receive a different comparative signal. The comparative signals include light from a system return signal that has been reflected by an object outside of the LIDAR system. Each of the comparative signals includes light from the same system return signal. The LIDAR system is configured to generate data signals such that each of the data signals is generated from a different one of the comparative signals. The LIDAR system includes a switch configured to receive the data signals. The LIDAR system includes an analog-to-digital converter configured to receive the data signals from the switch.