LIDAR based 3-D imaging with varying illumination field density
US9983297B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 20, 2017 |
| Grant date | May 29, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 20, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S17/931
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and systems for performing three dimensional LIDAR measurements with varying illumination field density are described herein. A LIDAR device includes a plurality of pulse illumination sources and corresponding detectors. The current pulses supplied to the pulse illumination sources are varied to reduce total energy consumption and heat generated by the LIDAR system. In some embodiments, the number of active pulse illumination sources is varied based on the orientation of the LIDAR device, the distance between the LIDAR device and an object detected by the LIDAR device, an indication of an operating temperature of the LIDAR device, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the number of active pulse illumination sources is varied based on the presence of an object detected by the LIDAR device or another imaging system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.