Vehicle LIDAR Clock Synchronization to Prevent Scan Interference
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Interference between vehicle-mounted LIDAR sensors can affect the reliability and quality of scans, particularly when multiple LIDAR-equipped vehicles are proximally located, leading to misinterpretation of light pulses.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a vehicle with a LIDAR device and a communication interface to receive timing information from an external clock source, such as GPS or NTP, to synchronize and adjust the pointing direction of LIDARs, using actuators and sensors like IMUs and gyroscopes to align LIDARs with a common clock signal, reducing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple LIDAR-equipped vehicles operate in proximity without synchronization, then each vehicle can independently perform scans, but interference between LIDAR sensors occurs causing misinterpretation of light pulses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by synchronizing LIDAR sensors across multiple vehicles to emit light pulses at coordinated time intervals. The system uses a common clock source to establish periodic emission cycles, ensuring that vehicles transmit pulses in a time-divided manner rather than continuously overlapping, thereby preventing interference while maintaining continuous scanning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where each vehicle's LIDAR controller receives timing information from a common clock source and adjusts its pulse emission accordingly. The synchronization protocol allows vehicles to monitor and adjust their transmission timing based on received clock signals, creating a closed-loop system that maintains reliable operation even when vehicles enter or leave the synchronized group
2Area of stationary object
If LIDAR sensors emit continuous light pulses for scanning, then environmental coverage is comprehensive, but interference with other vehicles' sensors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts continuous pulse emission into periodic, time-synchronized emission cycles. Each vehicle emits light pulses only during its assigned time window within the synchronized period, creating discrete emission events rather than continuous transmission. This allows comprehensive spatial coverage over time while eliminating simultaneous emissions that cause interference
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary synchronization actions before scanning begins. Vehicles exchange timing information and establish their emission schedules in advance, allowing each vehicle to pre-coordinate its pulse transmission times with others in the vicinity. This preliminary coordination ensures that during the actual scanning operation, interference is prevented without requiring real-time adjustments
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An example system includes a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device that scans a field-of-view defined by a pointing direction of the LIDAR device. The system also includes an actuator that adjusts the pointing direction of the LIDAR device. The system also includes a communication interface that receives timing information from an external system. The system also includes a controller that causes the actuator to adjust the pointing direction of the LIDAR device based on at least the received timing information.