LCWG Laser Scanner for Negative Obstacle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LADAR systems struggle to accurately detect small negative obstacles, such as holes or depressions, in the path of autonomous vehicles, especially at higher speeds, due to limitations in scanning resolution and adaptability, which can lead to navigation failures.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a negative object detector using a high-speed solid-state liquid crystal waveguide (LCWG) laser scanner that dynamically adjusts scan patterns and frequencies based on terrain, vehicle speed, and GPS/INS data to focus on high-priority areas, enabling precise detection of small negative obstacles by emitting a laser beam across specific locations within the field of regard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional LADAR systems scan a laser beam across the entire field of regard at a constant rate, then the entire area is covered, but small negative obstacles cannot be detected with sufficient accuracy and the data refresh rate is too low for high-speed operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by dynamically adjusting the scan pattern to concentrate laser beams in high-priority areas (such as directly in front of the vehicle and near the wheels) rather than uniformly scanning the entire field of regard. This allows higher measurement precision in critical zones while maintaining acceptable coverage elsewhere, enabling detection of small negative obstacles at high data refresh rates suitable for high-speed operation.
2Measurement precision
If the field of regard area is decreased to improve detection precision, then small negative obstacles can be detected more accurately, but the system cannot capture information about the entire area in front of the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the scan pattern adaptive and changeable in real-time based on vehicle speed, terrain type, and detected features. The system dynamically concentrates scan lines in high-priority areas when precision is needed while expanding coverage when the vehicle is moving slowly or in familiar terrain, thus achieving both high precision detection and comprehensive area coverage at different operational states.
3Ease of operation
If conventional systems use rotating mirrors or rotating structures to scan the laser beam, then the laser can be directed across the field of regard, but the system size increases and cannot be implemented on small platforms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical rotating mirror systems with an electro-optical beam steering mechanism that uses liquid crystal waveguides or similar solid-state devices to deflect the laser beam electronically. This substitution eliminates moving mechanical parts, dramatically reducing system size and complexity while maintaining the ability to scan the laser beam across the field of regard, enabling implementation on small autonomous vehicle platforms.
4Area of stationary object
If the laser power is increased to scan the entire scene, then coverage is improved, but the system becomes too large and powerful for small platform implementation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality in terms of power distribution by concentrating laser power only in high-priority scan areas rather than uniformly illuminating the entire scene. The electro-optical beam steering mechanism directs high-power laser beams selectively at critical regions (such as the immediate path in front of the vehicle), achieving sufficient scene coverage with much lower overall power requirements that can be accommodated on small platforms.
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 allows for the accurate detection of small negative obstacles at ranges of up to 40 meters and sensor heights of 2 meters off the ground, improving navigation safety and efficiency by enhancing data refresh rates and focusing on critical areas, thereby overcoming the limitations of conventional horizontal scan LADAR systems.
Implementation Method 1
the laser scanner device can include a high-speed, solid-state liquid crystal waveguide (LCWG) beam scanner
Implementation Method 2
solid-state liquid crystal waveguide (LCWG) beam scanner
Implementation Method 3
Conventional implementations of autonomous vehicles can include laser detection and ranging (LADAR) sensors that are used to measure the range to each point within a scan area
Implementation Method 4
laser detection and ranging (LADAR) sensors that are used to measure the range to each point within a scan area
Data Source
AI summary
An obstacle detector configured to identify negative obstacles in a vehicle's path responsive to steering a laser beam to scan high priority areas in the vehicle's path is provided. The high priority areas can be identified dynamically in response to the terrain, speed, and/or acceleration of the vehicle. In some examples, the high priority areas are identified based on a projected position of the vehicles tires. A scan path for the laser, scan rate, and/or a scan location can be dynamically generated to cover the high priority areas.