Off-Axis LIDAR Receiver for External Light Interference Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR devices are vulnerable to external light sources, which can cause interference, damage, or generate false data points, compromising their accuracy and operational safety.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a LIDAR device with an offset light detector and a controller that collects sensor data and determines the presence of external light sources, allowing for mitigation procedures such as modifying sensor data, activating shutters, or adjusting emission characteristics to differentiate from external light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a LIDAR device uses a standard optical receiver to detect reflected light, then it can accurately measure distances to environmental features, but it becomes vulnerable to external light sources that cause interference, false data points, or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The optical receiver is segmented into two distinct detection paths: a primary on-axis detector for normal LIDAR operation and an offset detector positioned at an angle to the optical axis. This segmentation allows the system to separate the detection of reflected light (for distance measurement) from the detection of external light sources (for interference identification), thereby maintaining measurement precision while protecting against harmful external light
Solution Approach 2:
The offset light detector acts as an intermediary sensor that monitors for external light sources before they can interfere with or damage the primary detection system. By detecting external light through a different optical path, the system can identify potential threats and trigger mitigation procedures (such as shutter activation or data filtering) to protect the main measurement system
2Reliability
If the LIDAR device adds an offset light detector and external light detection capabilities, then it becomes protected from external light interference, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The offset light detector serves multiple functions: it detects external light sources, determines their angular position relative to the LIDAR device, triggers protective shutters, and enables data filtering decisions. By making this single component multi-functional, the system achieves comprehensive external light protection without proportionally increasing the number of components or overall system complexity
3Measurement precision
If the LIDAR device processes sensor data to identify and filter out external light sources, then data accuracy is maintained, but processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The offset light detector continuously monitors for external light sources in advance, before reflected light detection occurs. By detecting external light proactively and triggering pre-programmed mitigation procedures (such as shutter activation or data rejection flags), the system filters out problematic data points without requiring complex real-time analysis, thereby maintaining data accuracy while minimizing processing time
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 effectively protects LIDAR devices from external light interference, ensuring accurate data collection and preventing potential damage, thereby enhancing vehicle safety and autonomous operation systems.
Implementation Method 1
a receive lens that receives light from the environment, and focuses at least a portion of the received light along a predefined optical path
Implementation Method 2
an offset light detector positioned outside the predefined optical path to intercept and detect light propagating toward the LIDAR device
Implementation Method 3
a light source that emits light having a wavelength with a wavelength range
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, a LIDAR device includes a light sources that emits light and a transmit lens that directs the emitted light to illuminate a region of an environment with a field-of-view defined by the transmit lens. The LIDAR device also includes a receive lens that focuses at least a portion of incoming light propagating from the illuminated region of the environment along a predefined optical path. The LIDAR device also includes an array of light detectors positioned along the predefined optical path. The LIDAR device also includes an offset light detector positioned outside the predefined optical path. The LIDAR device also includes a controller that determines whether collected sensor data from the array of light detectors includes data associated with another light source different than the light source of the device based on output from the offset light detector.