LIDAR Defocus Detection Using Segmented Reception Areas
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
LIDAR sensors in vehicles are prone to defocusing due to contamination on protective glass or weather phenomena like fog, rain, or snow, leading to disrupted information flow and reduced functionality.
Innovation Solution
A method using a matrix-shaped detector unit with separate first and second reception areas, where the first area is calibrated for distance measurement and the second area is intermittently activated during scan recordings, allowing detection of defocusing by comparing adjacent pixel rows, and a control unit adjusts cleaning or switches to alternative sensors if necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cleaning devices are attached to the protective glass to eliminate contamination, then the functionality is restored, but the complexity of the system increases and additional components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The LIDAR sensor performs self-diagnostics using its existing detector unit and evaluation unit. By analyzing the optical properties of received secondary light and comparing them against stored calibration data, the system automatically detects contamination-induced defocusing without requiring separate diagnostic devices or increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector unit serves multiple functions: it detects secondary light for normal distance measurements and simultaneously detects defocusing by analyzing light reception patterns. The evaluation unit also performs dual roles in processing measurement data and monitoring optical quality, eliminating the need for separate dedicated detection systems.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the detector unit continuously monitors for defocusing using a second reception area, then detection accuracy is improved, but the measurement precision for distance determination may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The detector unit is functionally segmented into a first reception area for distance measurements and a second reception area for defocusing detection. This spatial segmentation allows simultaneous operation of both functions without mutual interference, as each area is optimized for its specific purpose while sharing the same physical detector hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The second reception area is activated intermittently during individual scan recordings rather than continuously. This periodic activation allows the system to switch between measurement modes, using the first reception area for primary distance measurements and the second reception area for periodic defocusing checks, thereby maintaining measurement precision while enabling detection.
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
Enables accurate distance measurement and ensures safe vehicle operation by detecting and mitigating defocusing without additional systems, ensuring reliable LIDAR functionality even in adverse conditions.
Implementation Method 1
emitting primary light in the form of a laser line into a field of view of the LIDAR sensor by means of at least one laser emitter unit
Implementation Method 2
receiving, by means of a matrix-shaped detector unit of a receiving unit, secondary light reflected and/or scattered by an object in the field of view
Implementation Method 3
determine a distance between the LIDAR sensor and an object in the field of view of the LIDAR sensor on the basis of secondary light received in the first reception area
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting a defocusing of a LIDAR sensor. The method includes: emitting primary light as a laser line into a field of view of the LIDAR sensor using a laser emitter unit of a transmitting unit of the LIDAR sensor for scanning the field of view; receiving, using a matrix-shaped detector unit of a receiving unit, secondary light reflected and/or scattered by an object in the field of view, wherein the detector unit has a first reception area and a second reception area different from the first reception area; determining, using evaluation unit, a distance between the LIDAR sensor and an object in the field of view of the LIDAR sensor based on secondary light received in the first reception area, and ascertaining, by means of an evaluation unit, information about an extent of the defocusing based on the secondary light received in the second reception area.