Reconfigurable Navigation Doppler Lidar for GNSS-Denied Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current navigation systems using lidar devices face challenges in accurately measuring velocity and position relative to terrain, especially in environments with limited or no global navigation satellite system (GNSS) availability, and struggle to provide high precision and fast measurement rates.
Innovation Solution
The development of Reconfigurable Navigation Doppler Lidars (RNDLs) that incorporate a signal processing and control module, optical transceivers, and an inertial measurement unit, capable of operating in multiple modes such as velocity-only, range-plus-velocity, and imaging modes, utilizing frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) laser emissions to calculate radial velocity and range, and integrating with GNSS for enhanced navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GNSS is used for navigation, then positioning is available, but navigation fails in GNSS outages or degraded environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces lidar and IMU as intermediary systems that can function independently of GNSS. The lidar measures line-of-sight velocity and position relative to terrain, while the IMU provides inertial data, together forming a mediator navigation system that operates in GNSS-denied environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic-based GNSS system with a mechanical/optical-based navigation system using lidar (optical) and IMU (mechanical inertial sensors). This substitution enables navigation without relying on satellite signals, achieving environmental adaptability.
2Measurement precision
If lidar measures velocity and position, then navigation precision improves, but measurement speed and precision are insufficient for real-time navigation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic mode switching where the lidar system can transition between different operating modes (e.g., velocity mode, range mode, imaging mode) based on real-time navigation requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows optimization of both precision and measurement rate for different operational contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The lidar system is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing velocity measurement, range measurement, and imaging functions through a single device. This universal design enables the system to provide high-precision navigation data at high rates by selecting appropriate functions based on real-time needs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple operating modes are implemented, then navigation adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a unified lidar system that can operate in multiple modes (velocity, range, imaging) through a single device architecture. This multi-functional design achieves adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same hardware platform supports all modes through software control and mode-specific signal processing.
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
RNDLs provide high precision velocity and range measurements, exceeding GNSS capabilities, enabling effective navigation even in GNSS outages, with improved safety and accuracy for vehicles by fusing lidar data with IMU outputs, and enabling dead reckoning for autonomous systems.
Implementation Method 1
A Doppler effect (may also be referred to as 'Doppler shift' or 'Doppler') may be described as a change in frequency of a wave in relation to an observer who is moving relative to the wave source. For example, the Doppler effect is observed when the source of the waves is moving towards or away from the observer.
Implementation Method 2
lidar emissions may reflect from a target in the environment and return to the optical aperture to be coupled back into the optical chip waveguide
Implementation Method 3
a transceiver configured to generate at least one electrical return signal
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for navigation using lidar devices in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment, a Reconfigurable Navigation Doppler Lidar (RNDL) for measuring velocity and position relative to terrain is disclosed, containing (1) an optical module with at least one laser source configured to generate a laser emission, where the at least one laser source is capable of operating in a plurality of modes, and a transceiver configured to generate at least one electronic return signal, and (2) a signal processing and control module configured to receive the at least one electronic return signal, generate a control signal, and transmit the control signal to the at least one laser source, where the control signal causes the at least one laser source to switch between the plurality of modes.