LiDAR Galvanometer Mirror Zero Position Offset Fault Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

LiDAR systems mounted on vehicles face challenges in accurately measuring vertical positions of objects due to shifts in the zero position of the galvanometer mirror caused by vehicle vibrations, leading to potential safety risks from inaccuracies in data processing.

Innovation Solution

A fault-detection system that includes processors and memory devices to obtain vehicle speed, conversion parameters, and determine if a fault has occurred by comparing the representation of the road surface plane with the native horizontal plane, allowing for real-time detection and correction of galvanometer mirror issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the LiDAR system is mounted on a vehicle to enable mobile scanning applications, then the adaptability and versatility of the system is improved, but the stability of the galvanometer mirror zero position deteriorates due to vehicle vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemobile scanning application capabilityVSAvoidgalvanometer mirror zero position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the galvanometer mirror position and compares it against expected values. When a deviation is detected (indicating a shift in zero position), the system generates a fault indication to alert operators. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables real-time detection of position drift caused by vehicle vibrations, allowing for timely intervention or recalibration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical vibration isolation or stabilization mechanisms with an electronic detection and indication system. Instead of physically isolating the galvanometer from vibrations through mechanical means, the system uses electronic sensors and processing to detect position changes and generate fault signals, thereby substituting mechanical stabilization with electronic monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If regular maintenance checks are performed to detect galvanometer mirror position shifts, then the manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but the loss of time between maintenance checks increases the risk of undetected faults

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault detection reliabilityVSAvoidtime between maintenance checks
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fault detection system operates continuously during LiDAR operation, constantly monitoring galvanometer mirror position rather than performing periodic checks. This continuous monitoring eliminates idle time between maintenance checks while maintaining high reliability, as the system is actively detecting position shifts at all times during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically monitoring its own galvanometer mirror position and generating fault indications when deviations are detected. This self-monitoring capability eliminates the need for external maintenance personnel to perform frequent checks, as the system serves itself by detecting and reporting its own faults in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the galvanometer mirror zero position shifts due to vibrations, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the measurement precision of vertical object positions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem operation simplicityVSAvoidvertical object position accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides continuous feedback regarding the accuracy of measurements by monitoring galvanometer position. When position shifts occur that would compromise measurement precision, the fault indication system alerts operators, allowing them to address the issue before it affects measurement quality. This feedback loop maintains measurement precision without complicating operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of position shifts before they significantly impact measurement precision. By continuously monitoring and generating early warnings of galvanometer drift, the system allows for corrective action to be taken before measurement accuracy deteriorates, thereby preserving precision while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20230305125A1Methods and systems for detection of galvanometer mirror zero position angle offset and fault detection in lidar
Publication Date: 2023.09.28 SEYOND INC
  • US20230305125A1 patent drawing
  • US20230305125A1 patent drawing
  • US20230305125A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A fault-detection system for detecting fault in a LiDAR system mounted on a vehicle is provided. The LiDAR system is configured to provide point cloud data of an external environment of the vehicle in accordance with a LiDAR coordinate system. The fault-detection system includes processor-executable instructions which comprise instructions for: obtaining a vehicle speed; obtaining conversion parameters used for converting from the LiDAR coordinate system to a vehicle coordinate system; determining whether the vehicle speed exceeds a vehicle speed threshold; in accordance with a determination that the vehicle speed exceeds the vehicle speed threshold, obtaining a representation of a road surface plane expressed in the vehicle coordinate system; obtaining a representation of a native horizontal plane provided by the vehicle; and determining whether a fault in the LiDAR system has occurred based on the representation of the road surface plane and the representation of the native horizontal plane.