LADAR Sensor 3D Scanning for Autonomous Vehicle Obstacle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for vehicle object identification and obstacle avoidance in autonomous vehicles are limited by their inability to effectively scan and process three-dimensional environments, leading to potential hazards due to driver fatigue, environmental conditions, or hazardous surroundings.
Innovation Solution
A navigation and control system utilizing a LADAR sensor that scans a two-dimensional sector and pans to create a three-dimensional field of view, using a processor to determine object existence and location based on beam emission and reflection timing, combined with GPS and INS data for accurate geospatial positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a driver manually controls the vehicle, then the vehicle can be operated with simple systems, but the driver's ability becomes compromised due to fatigue, impairment, or environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical driver control system with an automated sensor-based detection and control system. The LADAR sensor, processor, and control mechanisms substitute for human driver functions, eliminating fatigue and impairment issues while maintaining reliable vehicle operation through electronic and optical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle equips itself with LADAR sensors and processing systems to autonomously detect obstacles and control its own movement without human intervention. The system performs self-monitoring and self-control functions, making the vehicle independent of human driver capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If a two-dimensional scanning system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to identify objects in three-dimensional space is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional scanning to three-dimensional object detection by adding temporal dimension (time-of-flight measurements) to the spatial scanning. The LADAR system measures the time for light to travel to and from objects, creating depth information that transforms 2D scan data into 3D spatial mapping capability.
3Reliability
If real-time obstacle detection is implemented, then safety is improved, but the processing time and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously scans and builds a three-dimensional map of the environment in advance, maintaining an updated model of obstacles and terrain before they become critical threats. This preliminary mapping allows the control system to react more quickly when obstacles are detected, as the computational framework is already established.
Solution Approach 2:
The LADAR system uses time-of-flight measurements to rapidly determine distances to objects, skipping intermediate measurement steps. The direct measurement of light travel time provides immediate depth information without requiring complex multi-step calculations, enabling real-time response.
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 precise identification and avoidance of obstacles in real-time, even in challenging conditions, improving safety and operational efficiency of autonomous vehicles by providing accurate three-dimensional mapping and obstacle detection.
Implementation Method 1
determine the existence and location of the objects in the three dimensional field of view based on a position of the vehicle and a time between an emittance of the beam and a reception of the reflection of the emitted beam from one of the objects
Implementation Method 2
detecting a reflection of the emitted beam from an object removed from the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A navigation and control system including a sensor configured to locate objects in a predetermined field of view from a vehicle. The sensor has an emitter configured to repeatedly scan a beam into a two-dimensional sector of a plane defined with respect to a first predetermined axis of the vehicle, and a detector configured to detect a reflection of the emitted beam from one of the objects. The sensor includes a panning mechanism configured to pan the plane in which the beam is scanned about a second predetermined axis to produce a three dimensional field of view. The navigation and control system includes a processor configured to determine the existence and location of the objects in the three dimensional field of view based on a position of the vehicle and a time between an emittance of the beam and a reception of the reflection of the emitted beam from one of the objects.