Adjustable Sensor Mount for Autonomous Vehicle Obstruction Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in adjusting the position of sensing devices in real-time to overcome obstructions within their field of view, which can impact navigation and data collection efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize an adjustable sensor mount controlled by a control module to determine obstructions within the field of view through analysis of sensor data, including image and lidar data, and adjust the sensing device's position to maintain an unobstructed view using actuators, employing techniques like ray tracing and depth-first search to calculate the optimal position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensing device position is fixed on the vehicle, then the device structure is simple and stable, but the field of view may become obstructed during navigation
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor mount is designed with adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the sensing device to dynamically change its position relative to the vehicle. The mount can be adjusted to multiple positions to avoid obstructions while maintaining a stable mounting structure when not in adjustment mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor mount structure is divided into multiple adjustable segments or components that can independently position the sensing device in different spatial locations, allowing flexible field of view adjustment without requiring complete structural redesign.
2Reliability
If the sensing device position is adjusted in real-time to avoid obstructions, then the field of view is maintained, but the system complexity and control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensor data processing to detect obstructions in the field of view and provides feedback to the control module. The control module then adjusts the sensor mount position accordingly, creating a closed-loop feedback system that maintains navigation capability while managing complexity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing device system automatically detects and responds to obstructions without requiring external intervention. The control module autonomously processes sensor data and adjusts the mount position, enabling the system to serve itself in maintaining optimal viewing conditions.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple sensors are installed to cover all possible obstructions, then the field of view coverage is improved, but the device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple fixed sensors to cover all possible obstructions, the system uses a single adjustable sensing device that can dynamically reposition itself to maintain optimal field of view coverage. This dynamic positioning approach reduces the number of sensors needed while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for adjusting a position of a sensing device relative to a vehicle. In one embodiment, a system includes the sensing device configured to provide sensor data associated with an environment of the vehicle. The system further includes an adjustable sensor mount that mounts the sensing device to the vehicle. The system further includes a control module configured to process the sensor data to a representation of the environment of the vehicle, to process the representation to determine an obstruction within a field of view of the sensing device, to determine a location of the obstruction, and to control the adjustable sensor mount to a desired position based on the location.