Lateral LIDAR Tilt for Protruding Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle sensor systems, particularly LIDAR and radar sensors, have limited vertical visual range, making it difficult to reliably recognize vehicles with protruding or exposed superstructures or loads, such as logging trucks, which can lead to unsafe assessments of traversable spaces.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system utilizing two lateral LIDAR sensors tilted to cover upper spatial areas on either side of the vehicle, with a control device evaluating their signals to assess traversability, and optionally supplemented with additional sensors for enhanced 360° panoramic view and robust object detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If lateral LIDAR sensors are tilted to detect upper spatial areas, then recognition of protruding objects above sensor height is improved, but lateral detection capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system divides the detection task into multiple segments by using multiple LIDAR sensors with different tilt angles. Each sensor is responsible for a specific spatial zone (upper lateral area, lower lateral area, direct lateral area), and their detection results are combined to achieve comprehensive coverage. This segmentation allows each sensor to be optimized for its specific zone while maintaining overall lateral detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the traditionally horizontal LIDAR detection by tilting the sensors upward. This dimensional change allows the detection of protruding objects that extend above the typical sensor height, transforming the detection capability from a 2D lateral scan to a 3D spatial assessment that includes vertical clearance.
2Reliability
If multiple LIDAR sensors are installed to achieve 360° panoramic view, then reliability of surroundings ascertainment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LIDAR sensors in this system serve multiple functions: they detect lateral obstacles, assess vertical clearance for protruding objects, and contribute to the overall 360° panoramic view. By making each sensor multi-functional, the system achieves high reliability with a relatively compact sensor suite, reducing the need for additional specialized sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the detection data from multiple LIDAR sensors with different orientations and detection ranges into a unified surroundings model. The control device merges the upper lateral detection data, lower lateral detection data, and direct lateral detection data to create a comprehensive view, reducing complexity by integrating multiple sensor inputs rather than requiring separate processing systems.
3Ease of operation
If LIDAR sensors are positioned horizontally for lateral detection, then lateral obstacle detection is improved, but detection of suspended superstructures above sensor level is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic tilt angles for the LIDAR sensors, where the first lateral sensor is tilted at a first angle to detect upper spatial areas and the second lateral sensor is tilted at a second angle to detect lower spatial areas. This dynamic angular configuration allows the sensors to adapt their detection planes to cover both lateral obstacles and vertically extended objects, maintaining lateral detection effectiveness while adding vertical awareness.
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 reliable recognition of vehicles with protruding or exposed objects above the typical sensor height, preventing hazardous lane changes by providing a comprehensive and robust detection of objects in the vehicle's surroundings, even in varying light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first lateral LIDAR sensor, situated on a first side of the vehicle, having a first detection range which covers first lateral surroundings of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor system for a vehicle for recognizing adjacent vehicles, situated in an adjacent lane, with protruding or exposed objects, is described which includes a first lateral LIDAR sensor. The first lateral LIDAR sensor is tilted about a first transverse axis with respect to the horizontal, so that the first detection range, with its front portion in the travel direction, detects a first upper spatial area laterally ahead of the vehicle, at a height above the installed position of the first lateral LIDAR sensor. The second lateral LIDAR sensor is tilted opposite to the tilt direction of the first LIDAR sensor about a second transverse axis with respect to the horizontal, so that the second detection range, with its rear portion in the travel direction, detects a second upper spatial area laterally behind the vehicle, at a height above the installed position of the second LIDAR sensor.