Lidar Alignment Validation Using Asymmetric Illumination Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lidar sensor validation methods lack the ability to accurately validate the positioning of a laser-based light source and lens in lidar systems, especially in high dynamic intensity scenarios, leading to potential inaccuracies in object detection by autonomous vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A lidar validation system that utilizes an asymmetric illumination pattern to determine positioning errors between a laser-based light source and a lens by comparing the actual illumination pattern with a set of reference patterns, allowing for adjustments to ensure accurate alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional lidar sensor validation methods are used, then the validation process is simple, but the positioning accuracy of light source and lens cannot be accurately validated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an asymmetric illumination pattern as an intermediary element to validate lens positioning. The pattern serves as a mediator between the light source, lens, and detection system, enabling accurate measurement of positioning errors without requiring direct complex measurement of component locations. The asymmetric pattern creates detectable variations that reveal positioning inaccuracies.
Solution Approach 2:
The validation method changes the illumination parameter from uniform to asymmetric pattern. This parameter change enables the detection system to distinguish positioning errors by observing variations in the asymmetric pattern, transforming an otherwise imperceptible positioning error into a measurable optical parameter.
2Measurement precision
If asymmetric illumination pattern is used for validation, then positioning errors can be accurately detected, but the validation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning measurement systems with an optical field-based detection method. Instead of mechanically measuring the positions of light source and lens, the system uses optical illumination patterns and their variations to indirectly and more accurately determine positioning errors, substituting mechanical measurement with optical field analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The validation system creates a reference asymmetric illumination pattern that serves as a template or copy of the ideal pattern. By comparing the actual illumination pattern against this reference copy, the system can detect deviations caused by positioning errors without requiring absolute position measurements, simplifying the detection process through pattern matching.
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
The system effectively corrects positioning errors, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of lidar systems in autonomous vehicles by ensuring proper alignment of the light source and lens, thereby improving object detection and vehicle safety.
Implementation Method 1
a laser-based light source to project laser illumination through a lens adjacent to the laser-based light source
Implementation Method 2
project laser illumination through a lens adjacent to the laser-based light source to form an asymmetric illumination pattern across a field of view (FOV)
Implementation Method 3
a lens adjacent to the laser-based light source to form an asymmetric illumination pattern
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology is directed to validating a lidar system based on an asymmetric illumination pattern. More specifically, the present technology is generally related to determining a positioning error between a laser-based light source and a lens in a lidar system based on the asymmetric illumination pattern. The present technology can project the light source through the lens adjacent to the light source, receive an illumination pattern representing a distribution of light intensity across the field of view, compare the illumination pattern with a set of illumination patterns to determine a matching illumination pattern that is substantially corresponding to the illumination pattern, and determine whether the matching illumination pattern is within a predetermined range of the set of illumination patterns.