Dual-LiDAR Roadway Sensing for Flat Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Lidar systems face challenges in reliably detecting smaller, darker, and/or distant objects on the roadway, particularly tires or other flat objects, due to low reflectivity and inadequate resolution or refresh rates, which can lead to missed detections and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A Lidar measuring system with two devices: a scanning device with a 2D scanner unit for a wide field and high refresh rate, and a focal plane array device for a higher resolution in the roadway area, allowing double scanning with enhanced vertical resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a scanning Lidar sensor uses higher resolution to detect small objects on the roadway, then detection precision improves, but the refresh rate becomes inadequate and data processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The visual field is divided into two segments: a first visual field scanned by a scanning Lidar sensor and a second visual field (roadway area) scanned by a non-scanning Lidar sensor. This segmentation allows each sensor to be optimized for its specific function, with the non-scanning sensor providing high-resolution data for the roadway area without the refresh rate limitations of scanning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single scanning approach to a hybrid approach combining scanning and non-scanning dimensions. The non-scanning Lidar sensor uses a focal plane array arrangement with multiple transmitting and receiving elements statically arranged, enabling simultaneous measurement of multiple points in the second visual field without mechanical scanning, thus achieving both high resolution and high refresh rate.
2Reliability
If a scanning Lidar sensor uses larger spots to improve detection of dark objects, then detection capability improves, but the signal-to-noise ratio becomes low in bright environments
Solution Approach 1:
Different quality characteristics are applied to different regions of the visual field. The first visual field is scanned with a scanning Lidar sensor using smaller spots suitable for general environment mapping, while the second visual field (roadway area) is scanned with a non-scanning Lidar sensor using larger spots optimized for detecting dark objects on the roadway. This local optimization allows each region to be scanned with the most appropriate spot size for its specific detection requirements.
3Measurement precision
If a single Lidar sensor scans the entire visual field with high resolution, then detection precision improves, but the device complexity and data processing requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into two specialized sensors: a scanning Lidar sensor for the first visual field and a non-scanning Lidar sensor for the second visual field. This segmentation reduces the complexity of each individual sensor while maintaining high overall detection precision, as each sensor can be optimized for its specific scanning requirements and data processing capabilities.
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
Improves the reliability of detecting flat objects on the roadway by increasing the detection range and refresh rate, enhancing vehicle safety by preventing collisions with these objects.
Implementation Method 1
A Lidar sensor is based upon transmitting light signals and detecting the reflected light. A distance to the location of the reflection can be calculated by means of a runtime measurement.
Implementation Method 2
A distance to the location of the reflection can be calculated by means of a runtime measurement
Data Source
AI summary
A Lidar measuring system for detecting an object in an environment of a vehicle, with a first Lidar measuring device, which is configured to scan a first visual field with a first vertical resolution; and a second Lidar measuring device, which is configured to scan a second visual field with a second vertical resolution, wherein the second visual field lies in a vertical direction within the first visual field, and comprises an area of a roadway in front of the vehicle; and the second vertical resolution is higher than the first vertical resolution. Further, a vehicle with a Lidar measuring system and a method for detecting an object in an environment of a vehicle.