Light-Receiving Signal Processing With Parallel Event Histograms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LiDAR sensors face challenges in improving angular resolution and maintaining a compact size due to the need for increasing the number of hTDCs, which enlarges the sensor, and struggle with low-resolution images of distant objects despite increased field of view.
Innovation Solution
A signal processing apparatus and method that includes parallel photonic event detection for multiple light-receiving elements and histogram generation, allowing for multiple resolutions while maintaining a compact TDC area, achieved through a signal detection unit and histogram generation unit configured to process photonic events in predefined time intervals and generate histograms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of hTDCs is increased to improve angular resolution, then the resolution of the pixel is improved, but the total area of the hTDCs increases, which increases the size of the light-receiving sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple hTDCs into a single shared hTDC that serves multiple pixels. The signal processing apparatus performs parallel photonic event detection for at least two light-receiving elements and accumulates detection results in a single histogram, eliminating the need for separate hTDCs for each pixel while maintaining high angular resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a spatial arrangement where each pixel has its own hTDC to a temporal/multiplexed approach where a single hTDC sequentially serves multiple pixels through time-division multiplexing. This allows multiple pixels to share the same physical hardware resource across different time slots, reducing the overall sensor area while preserving resolution
2Area of stationary object
If the field of view is increased using a lens to recognize objects in the long range, then the coverage area is expanded, but the angular resolution remains low, causing distant objects to appear blurry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic signal processing apparatus that can adaptively adjust its operation modes. The apparatus performs parallel photonic event detection for multiple light-receiving elements and can dynamically configure the histogram generation to accommodate different field of view requirements while maintaining high angular resolution through the shared hTDC architecture
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 improved angular resolution and time resolution in LiDAR sensors by processing photonic events in parallel, allowing for high-resolution imaging of both near and distant objects without increasing the sensor's physical size.
Implementation Method 1
a signal detection unit configured to perform photonic event detection processes in parallel for at least two light-receiving elements of a pixel array
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a signal processing apparatus and method for a light-receiving element. The signal processing apparatus includes a signal detection unit configured to perform photonic event detection processes in parallel for at least two light-receiving elements of a pixel array and a histogram generation unit configured to accumulate detection results about photonic events recognized at predefined time intervals by the signal detection unit in a plurality of bins and generate a histogram.