Distributed Vehicle LiDAR Housing for Eye-Safe Long-Range Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LIDAR systems for autonomous vehicles face limitations in detecting objects at a distance due to eye safety regulations, which restrict the maximum illumination power, and struggle with environmental conditions like rain, fog, and snow, affecting their reliability in providing accurate data.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR system that includes a processor configured to control light sources, receive signals from sensors both within and outside the light spot boundary, determine light noise, and compensate for noise to accurately calculate object distances, while also detecting obstructions and adjusting light projection to improve visibility through protective windows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the illumination power of LIDAR systems is increased to detect objects at a distance, then the detection range is improved, but the eye safety regulations are violated causing thermal damage to the retina
Solution Approach 1:
The LIDAR system divides the detection task into multiple wavelength segments, using a first wavelength (e.g., 905 nm) for long-range detection and a second wavelength (e.g., 1550 nm) for enhanced safety and specific conditions. This segmentation allows the system to operate at power levels that are safe for the human eye while maintaining detection capability through wavelength diversity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by utilizing multiple wavelengths instead of a single wavelength. The first wavelength operates at higher power for range, while the second wavelength provides eye-safe operation. This parameter change (wavelength selection) resolves the contradiction between detection range and eye safety
2Reliability
If the LIDAR system operates in challenging environmental conditions like rain, fog, and snow, then the system reliability is tested, but the detection accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multiple wavelengths, with the second wavelength (1550 nm) being particularly effective in adverse weather conditions. By having this additional wavelength resource available, the system can selectively use the appropriate wavelength for the current environmental conditions, maintaining detection accuracy even when partial obstruction occurs from rain, fog, or snow
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes a processor that analyzes return signals from multiple wavelengths and environmental sensors to determine current conditions. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts which wavelength to use for optimal detection accuracy in the current environmental context
3Length of moving object
If the LIDAR system uses multiple wavelengths to improve detection capability, then the detection range and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LIDAR system uses a single optical platform that can operate with multiple wavelengths, making the system universal and adaptable to different detection needs. The same hardware infrastructure supports both the first wavelength for range and the second wavelength for safety and adverse conditions, reducing the need for entirely separate systems
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
Enhances the reliability and accuracy of LIDAR systems in detecting objects at a distance and through various environmental conditions, ensuring eye safety and improving performance in challenging weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
receive from at least one first sensor first signals associated with light projected by the at least one light source and reflected from an object in the field of view
Implementation Method 2
A light detection and ranging system, (LIDAR a/k/a LADAR) is an example of technology that can work well in differing conditions, by measuring distances to objects by illuminating objects with light and measuring the reflected pulses with a sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A LIDAR system may include: a first housing containing a processor configured to control a light source to enable light flux of the light source to vary over a scan of a field of view; a second housing located in a vehicle remote from the first housing, the second housing containing a controllable light deflector, and an actuator configured to move the light deflector; and a data conduit configured to interconnect the first housing and the second housing, the data conduit is associated with a forward path from the first housing to the second housing and a return path from the second housing to the first housing, wherein the data conduit is configured to cooperate with the processor and the actuator such that the forward path conveys signals for controlling the actuator and the return path conveys reflections signals indicative of light reflected from objects in the field of view.