Vehicle LiDAR Alignment Using Phase-Shifted Pulse Interleaving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face limitations in sensor resolution and detection range due to sensor quality and mechanical mounting and alignment issues, which affect their ability to accurately navigate and detect objects.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a controller that initiates laser pulses from multiple lidar devices with phase-shifted angles to improve sensor data alignment, increasing resolution and range by interleaving and overlapping return data to form a point cloud for enhanced vehicle control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical mounting and alignment tolerances are used for sensor installation, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment systems with a computational approach. Instead of using complex mechanical mounting structures with tight tolerances, the system uses software-based post-processing to correct misalignments. The computational method calculates and compensates for angular and positional offsets between sensors, achieving high measurement precision without requiring complex mechanical alignment infrastructure.
2Measurement precision
If sensor resolution is increased to improve detection capability, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines data from multiple sensors with different resolutions and characteristics to achieve high measurement precision. Instead of using a single high-resolution sensor that would increase device complexity, the system merges measurements from multiple lower-resolution sensors, using computational algorithms to integrate the data and produce high-precision detection results.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are added to improve detection range and resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the sensor system multi-functional by designing a unified processing framework that can handle various sensor types and configurations. The same computational algorithms and processing pipeline can process data from different sensor combinations, allowing the system to achieve enhanced detection capabilities without proportionally increasing complexity. The system adapts to different sensor arrangements rather than requiring separate processing systems for each configuration.
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 approach enhances the resolution and range of sensor data, enabling more accurate object detection and navigation, particularly in scenarios where traditional sensor limitations are restrictive.
Implementation Method 1
initiating a first laser pulse from a first laser device; initiating a second laser pulse from a second laser device
Implementation Method 2
receiving first return data and second return data as a result of the first laser pulse and the second laser pulse
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and method are provided for controlling a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes: initiating, by a controller onboard the vehicle, a first laser pulse from a first laser device; initiating, by a controller onboard the vehicle, a second laser pulse from a second laser device, wherein the initiating the second laser pulse is based on a phase shift angle; receiving, by the controller onboard the vehicle, first return data and second return data as a result of the first laser pulse and the second laser pulse; interleaving, by the controller onboard the vehicle, the first return pulse and the second return pulse to form a point cloud; and controlling, by the controller onboard the vehicle, the vehicle based on the point cloud.