Laser Scanner Zero-Point Detection for Autonomous Driving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser scanners used in autonomous vehicles face significant throughput delays due to the processing and transmission of measurement data, which can negatively impact the timely detection of obstacles, especially with a scan rate of 25 Hz, leading to delayed output signals that affect further processing.
Innovation Solution
A laser scanner design that incorporates a zero point detection unit generating electromagnetic or magnetic signals to provide zero point position information, allowing for precise temporal synchronization of measurement data, using separate and spatially distinct signal transmission paths to minimize latency and ensure timely data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If measurement data is transmitted through a single shared signal transmission path to the control and processing device, then device complexity is reduced, but temporal precision and synchronization of measurement data deteriorate due to processing delays and fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the signal transmission into two separate paths: a first signal transmission path for measurement data and a second signal transmission path for zero-point position information. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized independently, with the second path providing precise temporal reference signals that are not affected by processing delays in the first path.
Solution Approach 2:
The zero-point position information acts as an intermediary temporal reference that mediates between the measurement data transmission and the synchronization requirement. By providing a separate reference signal path, it enables precise temporal correlation without being subject to the processing delays of the main measurement data path.
2Device complexity
If a single processor handles all measurement data processing and transmission, then device complexity is reduced, but processing time and output signal delay increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the transmission of zero-point position information from measurement data transmission, enabling parallel processing paths. This allows the control and processing device to receive temporal reference information independently of the measurement data processing load, reducing overall processing time and delay.
3Device complexity
If measurement data is processed and transmitted sequentially through a single path, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and data transmission speed deteriorate due to cumulative delays
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the data transmission into parallel paths (first path for measurement data, second path for zero-point position information), the system enables simultaneous transmission of different data types. This parallel transmission increases overall data throughput and reduces cumulative delays, improving productivity without significantly increasing device complexity.
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
This solution enables the laser scanner to provide measurement data synchronized with zero point position information within 18 ms, allowing for effective use in obstacle detection and navigation, even at high scan rates, by reducing temporal fluctuations and latency in data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
The zero-point detection unit is designed to generate an electromagnetic and/or magnetic signal and transmit it via a second signal transmission path between the rotating part and the stationary part
Implementation Method 2
The laser measuring unit is designed to generate a laser signal for detecting an object and to receive a reflection signal from the object
Implementation Method 3
the measurement data can include, for example, distance values of the object
Data Source
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AI summary
A laser scanner (1) comprising a control and processing device (2), a laser measuring unit (3), a zero-point detection unit (11), a stationary part (12), and a rotatable part (13). The laser measuring unit (3) is configured to generate a laser signal (6) and to receive a reflection signal (7) in order to generate measurement data. The rotatable part (13) is configured to allow the laser signal (6) to be emitted from the laser scanner (1) at different angular positions. The measurement data can be transmitted via a first signal transmission path (10a).The zero-point detection unit (11) is designed to generate an electromagnetic signal (17) and transmit it via a second signal transmission path (10b) between the rotatable and stationary parts (13, 12), and to generate zero-point position information (18) based on the transmitted electromagnetic signal (17), from which it can be determined when the rotatable part (13) has rotated 360° about its axis of rotation (14). The first signal transmission path (10a) and the second signal transmission path (10b) are spatially separated.