Retro-Reflective Target Coating for Lidar Range Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LIDAR and IR camera systems have limited ranges due to light scattering and unknown target materials, leading to reduced reflected light intensity and increased interference from stray light beams at longer distances.
Innovation Solution
The use of retro-reflective materials that are reflective within a specific infrared range and non-reflective in another, applied to targets to enhance light detection and ranging capabilities, allowing for improved distance measurement and target tracking with reduced interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the search time for reflected light beam is increased to detect distant targets, then the detection range is improved, but the system becomes more subject to interference from stray light beams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses wavelength-specific retro-reflective materials that reflect infrared light at specific wavelengths while absorbing other wavelengths. This wavelength discrimination allows the system to distinguish reflected light beams from stray light beams by their spectral characteristics, enabling extended search times without increased interference from stray light.
2Illumination intensity
If retro-reflective material is made retro-reflective across all infrared wavelengths, then the reflected light intensity is maximized, but the ability to distinguish reflected beams from stray beams is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies retro-reflective material with specific wavelength-selective properties to the target. The material is designed to be highly retro-reflective only at the specific infrared wavelength emitted by the LIDAR system, while being non-retro-reflective at other infrared wavelengths. This creates local quality differentiation in the spectral domain, maximizing reflected intensity at the operating wavelength while maintaining distinguishability from stray light at other wavelengths.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the LIDAR system uses broader wavelength range for illumination, then the robustness to target material variations is improved, but the scattering of light beams increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a narrow wavelength-specific illumination approach combined with wavelength-selective retro-reflective material. By concentrating the illumination at a specific infrared wavelength rather than using a broad spectrum, the system minimizes light scattering while the wavelength-selective properties of the retro-reflective material ensure robust detection across different target materials that may have varying spectral reflectance characteristics.
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 increases the range and accuracy of LIDAR and IR camera systems by minimizing light scattering and distinguishing reflected beams from stray ones, enabling effective tracking and measurement at greater distances with reduced interference.
Implementation Method 1
the retro-reflective material is retro-reflective of light within a first wavelength range and is non-retro-reflective of light within a second wavelength range
Implementation Method 2
The first wavelength range includes a first infrared range and the second wavelength range includes a second infrared range
Implementation Method 3
determining a distance between the electromagnetic source and the target based on a measured time of flight of the incident electromagnetic beam and the reflected electromagnetic beam
Data Source
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AI summary
A system includes a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device. The system further includes a LIDAR target. The LIDAR device is configured to direct a light beam at the LIDAR target. The system also includes a retro-reflective material in contact with the LIDAR target.