Recursive Matched Filters for Multi-Return LIDAR Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LIDAR systems are limited by peak detection technology that can only detect one or at most two returns, which hinders accurate mapping and reconstruction due to the inability to efficiently process multi-return light signals.
Innovation Solution
Implementing multi-return matched filter detectors, including recursive and parallel structures, to identify multiple peaks in light detection and ranging systems, utilizing matched filters and peak detectors to optimize signal-to-noise ratio and centroid calculations for precise time delay information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If peak detection technology is used, then the detection process is simple, but only one or at most two returns can be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process into multiple parallel matched filter detectors, each configured to detect a specific return. This segmentation allows simultaneous detection of multiple returns while maintaining operational simplicity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal detection system using matched filter detectors that can be configured to detect different returns through parameter adjustment. The same detector structure serves multiple functions by detecting first return, second return, and beyond, eliminating the need for different detector types.
2Measurement precision
If a dedicated detector is required to precisely identify each return with time delay information, then multi-return detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves precise return identification by changing detection parameters (time delay values) in the matched filter detectors rather than changing the detector structure. Each detector is configured with specific time delay parameters to identify different returns, maintaining structural simplicity while achieving high measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If matched filter detectors are implemented to detect multiple returns, then mapping accuracy is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mapping enhancement function into multiple specialized matched filter detectors, each optimized for detecting specific returns. This segmentation improves mapping accuracy by capturing detailed environmental data from multiple reflections while organizing system complexity into manageable modular units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple copies of the same matched filter detector structure, each configured with different time delay parameters. This copying approach enhances mapping accuracy through multi-return detection while avoiding the complexity of designing entirely different detector types, as identical modular units are replicated and parameter-adjusted.
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
Enhances the accuracy of mapping and reconstruction by effectively detecting and distinguishing multiple returns, providing more detailed environmental data.
Implementation Method 1
Processing the multi-return signal with a matched filter
Implementation Method 2
A pulse of light emitted from a light source interacts with a distal object. A portion of the light reflects from the object and returns to a detector
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are systems and methods that may efficiently detect multi-return light signals. A light detection and ranging system, such as a LIDAR system, may fire a laser beam that may hit multiple objects with a different distance in one line, causing multi-return light signals to be received by the system. Multi-return detectors may be able to analyze the peak magnitude of a plurality of peaks in the return signals and determine a multitude of peaks, such as the first peak, the last peak and the maximum peak. One embodiment to detect the multi-return light signals may be a multi-return recursive matched filter detector. This detector comprises a matched filter, peak detector, centroid calculation and a zeroing out function. Other embodiments may be based on a maximum finder that algorithmically selects the highest magnitude peaks from samples of the return signal and buffers for regions of interests peaks.