Close-In Camera and LiDAR Housing Layout for Blind Spot Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in detecting and classifying objects immediately adjacent to them due to blind spots caused by the placement and occlusions of sensors, which can impact safe driving operations.
Innovation Solution
An exterior sensor system is configured with a lidar sensor and an image sensor co-located in the same housing, along with a control system that processes data to detect and classify objects within a threshold distance, using overlapping fields of view and illumination to enhance object classification, thereby minimizing blind spots and improving driving decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are placed on the vehicle to detect objects in the external environment, then object detection capability is improved, but blind spots are created immediately adjacent to the vehicle due to sensor occlusions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions sensors in multiple spatial dimensions around the vehicle (front, rear, side-mounted sensors at various heights) to detect objects in previously blind areas immediately adjacent to the vehicle. This multi-dimensional sensor arrangement eliminates blind spots by covering all spatial zones around the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the sensing task into multiple specialized sensors positioned at different locations around the vehicle. Each sensor covers a specific zone, and their combined data provides complete coverage. The sensing system is segmented into front sensors, rear sensors, side sensors, and close-in sensors that work together to eliminate blind spots.
2Loss of information
If multiple sensors are used to cover all areas around the vehicle, then blind spots are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensor types (cameras, lidar, radar) into integrated sensor assemblies that are co-located and share common mounting structures. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive coverage by having sensors work together in coordinated fashion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs sensor assemblies that perform multiple functions simultaneously - detecting objects at various distances, classifying object types, and providing coverage for different zones. Each sensor assembly is multi-functional, reducing the total number of separate components needed.
3Loss of information
If sensors are positioned to maximize coverage, then blind spots are minimized, but sensor occlusions increase affecting detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sensors with adjustable fields of view and positioning mechanisms that allow dynamic optimization of sensor angles. Sensors can be dynamically positioned or adjusted to maintain optimal detection accuracy while maximizing coverage, reducing occlusions through adaptive configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent assigns different detection priorities and processing methods to different spatial zones. Close-in sensors use different detection parameters than far-field sensors, optimizing each zone's detection quality. Each sensor's field of view and processing algorithm are locally optimized for its specific coverage area.
Data Source
AI summary
The technology relates to an exterior sensor system for a vehicle configured to operate in an autonomous driving mode. The technology includes a close-in sensing (CIS) camera system to address blind spots around the vehicle. The CIS system is used to detect objects within a few meters of the vehicle. Based on object classification, the system is able to make real-time driving decisions. Classification is enhanced by employing cameras in conjunction with lidar sensors. The specific arrangement of multiple sensors in a single sensor housing is also important to object detection and classification. Thus, the positioning of the sensors and support components are selected to avoid occlusion and to otherwise prevent interference between the various sensor housing elements.