Dichroic Mirror 3D LiDAR for Camera-LiDAR Image Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional LIDAR devices for autonomous vehicles face challenges in synchronizing their field of view with cameras, requiring additional computational power and are hindered by deviations in spin speeds, leading to mismatches in image synchronization.
Innovation Solution
A 3D LIDAR system that uses a dichroic mirror to direct both visible and invisible light beams from a target to separate cameras and sensors, allowing for automatic synchronization of images without the need for additional processing, and includes a scanning component to increase pixel density and a zoom lens to adjust the field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional mechanical LIDAR devices with motorized rotating spinners are used to achieve 360 degrees horizontal field of view, then the field of view coverage is improved, but the synchronization with cameras becomes complex requiring additional computational power and may lead to mismatches due to spin speed deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotating spinner system with a fixed optical array configuration. Multiple LIDAR sensors are arranged in a fixed geometric pattern around the vehicle, eliminating mechanical rotation while maintaining 360-degree coverage. This substitution resolves the synchronization issue by removing the moving parts that caused spin speed deviations and computational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the single 360-degree LIDAR function into multiple fixed LIDAR sensors positioned at different locations (front, rear, left, right). Each sensor covers a specific sector, and together they provide complete coverage. This segmentation eliminates the need for mechanical rotation and simplifies synchronization since all sensors are stationary and can be coordinated through software timing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If LIDAR spin speeds vary over time, then the LIDAR can adapt to different scanning requirements, but image synchronization mismatches occur between LIDAR and camera data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a fixed physical configuration with dynamic software control. The LIDAR sensors are physically fixed in position, but the system dynamically adjusts scanning patterns, rotation speeds, and data processing timing through software to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining synchronization accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If computational algorithms are added to synchronize LIDAR and camera field of view, then synchronization accuracy improves, but computational power requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes precise physical alignment of LIDAR sensors and cameras during the manufacturing and installation phase. The sensors are positioned and oriented to have inherent geometric relationships, so that their fields of view are naturally aligned without requiring complex real-time computational synchronization. This preliminary physical configuration reduces the computational burden to simple coordinate transformations.
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
Enables the generation of synchronized 3D images with both distance and color information, reducing computational load and improving accuracy in object detection and navigation for autonomous vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a dichroic mirror configured to direct the light beam reflected from the target to the light detector to generate a first image, wherein the dichroic mirror further directs optical lights reflected from the target to the first camera to generate a second image
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a three-dimensional LIDAR system includes a light source (e.g., laser) to emit a light beam (e.g., a laser beam) to sense a physical range associated with a target. The system includes a camera and a light detector (e.g., a flash LIDAR unit) to receive at least a portion of the light beam reflected from the target. They system includes a dichroic mirror situated between the target and the light detector, the dichroic mirror configured to direct the light beam reflected from the target to the light detector to generate a first image, wherein the dichroic mirror further directs optical lights reflected from the target to the camera to generate a second image. The system includes an image processing logic coupled to the light detector and the camera to combine the first image and the second image to generate a 3D image.