Abstract: A method of calibrating a LiDAR system includes providing a calibration target with an IR source. A partially IR opaque mask is proximate to the source and defines a plurality of regions with known areas that are at least partially transparent to IR. A vehicle coordinate system is then determined. The calibration target is then positioned in the vehicle coordinate system in a predetermined position with a predetermined orientation. An image of the calibration target is acquired with the LIDAR sensors. Image processing is performed to determine the position and orientation of the calibration target in the LiDAR sensors coordinate system. A rotation of the LIDAR sensors around an axis of attachment of the LiDAR sensor is determined from the image processing that compensates for misalignment of the LIDAR sensors. The LIDAR sensor coordinate system is then adjusted to match the vehicle coordinate system based on the determined rotation.

Abstract: A method of LIDAR includes configuring a laser array such that each laser generates an optical beam having a FOV and intensity that illuminates a ROI and configuring a detector array such that each detector receives light from a detector FOV in the ROI. The laser array is energized and light is received at the detector array from the illuminated ROI. The received light is processed for select ones of the detectors with standard parameters to determine TOF data for the select ones of detectors to generate an image of an object in the ROI. The TOF data for the select detectors is analyzed to determine if a blooming criterion is met and, if so, the laser is re-energized. Light is then received at the detector array from the illuminated ROI and processed with parameters to determine TOF and intensity data that compensate for the blooming.

Abstract: A LiDAR system includes a transmitter having a first and second laser emitter generating first and second optical beams and projecting the optical beams along a transmitter optical axis. A receiver includes an array of pixels positioned with respect to the receive optical axis such that light from the first optical beam reflected from an object forms a first image area and light from the second optical beam reflected by the object forms a second image area on the array of pixels such that an overlap region between the first image area and the second image area is formed based on a measurement range and on a relative position of the transmitter optical axis and the receive optical axis. A processor determines what pixels are in the overlap region from electrical signals generated by at least one pixel in the overlap region and generates a return pulse in response.

Abstract: A LiDAR transmitter with optical power monitoring includes a laser array positioned in a first plane that generates optical beams that propagate along an optical path. A first projecting optical element positioned in the optical path projects the plurality of optical beams to overlap at a common point. A second projecting optical element projects light from the first projecting optical element in a direction of transmission. A directing optical element positioned at the common point in the optical path of the plurality of beams produces an illumination region with light from each of the plurality of beams in a second plane. A monitor generates a detected signal in response to the collected light. A controller generates the electrical signal in response to the detected signal that controls the laser to achieve a desired operation of the LiDAR system transmitter.

Abstract: A system and method of noise filtering light detection and ranging signals to reduce false positive detection of light generated by a light detection and ranging transmitter in an ambient light environment that is reflected by a target scene. A received data trace is generated based on the detected light. An ambient light level is determined based on the received data trace. Valid return pulses are determined by noise filtering, which can for example, by comparing magnitudes of return pulses to a predetermined variable, N, times the determined ambient light level or by comparing magnitudes of return pulses to a sum of the ambient light level and N-times the variance of the ambient light level. A point cloud comprising the plurality of data points with a reduced false positive rate is generated.