LIDAR Cluster Data Publishing Before Full Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current LIDAR sensor systems face delays in data analysis and distortion issues due to the need for a full 360° rotation to process 3D point cloud data, leading to inaccurate object representation and tracking.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system that identifies and publishes LIDAR clusters before a full 360° rotation by using processors to analyze point cloud data in real-time, determining cluster ends, and checking for discontinuities to expedite data publication and prevent distortion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the LIDAR sensor completes a full 360° rotation before processing data, then the completeness of point cloud data is improved, but the time delay in data analysis increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of point cloud dataVSAvoidtime delay in data analysis
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary processing and publishing of LIDAR cluster data before the full 360° rotation is complete. The processor identifies and publishes clusters as they are formed during the rotation, rather than waiting for the complete rotation to finish, thus reducing time delay while maintaining data reliability through validation checks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The point cloud data is segmented into discrete clusters that can be independently identified and published. By dividing the complete point cloud into separable clusters, the system can process and publish individual clusters as they become available during rotation, rather than processing the entire point cloud only after the full rotation completes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Speed

If the LIDAR sensor rotates faster to reduce time delay, then the speed of data acquisition is improved, but the distortion in object representation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of data acquisitionVSAvoiddistortion in object representation
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary validation checks on clusters before publishing, including checking for discontinuities and verifying cluster completeness. This preliminary action ensures that even when rotating faster, the published clusters maintain accurate object representation without distortion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the processor continuously monitors the rotation status and data quality, adjusting cluster identification and publishing decisions based on real-time conditions. This feedback ensures that faster rotation does not compromise the accuracy of object representation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If the system waits for complete rotation to publish data, then the accuracy of object tracking is improved, but the productivity of the system decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of object trackingVSAvoidproductivity of data processing
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the point cloud data into identifiable clusters that can be processed independently. By identifying and publishing complete clusters as they form during rotation, the system maintains accurate object tracking while improving productivity through earlier data publication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary validation to ensure cluster completeness and accuracy before publishing. This preliminary check on cluster validity ensures that published clusters accurately represent objects, maintaining tracking accuracy while enabling earlier publication than waiting for the full rotation to complete.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 enables faster and more accurate publishing of cluster data, reducing the likelihood of distortion and improving the reliability of LIDAR data analysis.

Implementation Method 1

the LIDAR sensor transmitting a signal and generating data responsive to detecting the transmitted signal reflected off a surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10663584B2Publishing LIDAR cluster data
Publication Date: 2020.05.26 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • US10663584B2 patent drawing
  • US10663584B2 patent drawing
  • US10663584B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods for publishing LIDAR cluster data are described. The vehicle can identify one or more clusters based on data from the LIDAR sensor. The identified one or more clusters can be representative of at least one object in an external environment of the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle can publish the identified one or more clusters before the LIDAR sensor completes a full 360 degree rotation about the axis of rotation.