LIDAR Housing Obstruction Detection for Clear Field-of-View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Active sensors, such as LIDAR, can have their field-of-view (FOV) obstructed by objects, obstacles, debris, or dirt, preventing effective scanning of the environment.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR device is configured to transmit and detect light pulses through a housing to identify obstructions within its FOV, allowing for detection and potential removal or notification of occlusions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the LIDAR device is enclosed in a housing for protection, then the device is protected from environmental damage, but obstructions can accumulate on the housing surface and block the field-of-view
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection by transmitting light pulses through the housing at multiple angles before the obstruction can completely block the FOV. This early detection allows for timely cleaning or removal of the obstruction, maintaining the protective function of the housing while preventing FOV blockage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from detected light pulse returns to identify obstructions on the housing surface. When obstructions are detected, the system can trigger cleaning mechanisms or alert operators to remove the obstructions, thus maintaining both the protective enclosure and clear FOV.
2Measurement precision
If the LIDAR device transmits light pulses at multiple angles to detect obstructions, then detection accuracy is improved, but the complexity of the scanning system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning system divides the detection task into multiple discrete light pulse transmissions at different angles. Each angle provides segmented information about different portions of the housing surface, collectively achieving comprehensive obstruction detection without requiring a single complex scanning mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The same LIDAR light pulse transmission mechanism serves dual functions: both detecting obstructions on the housing and performing environmental scanning. This multi-functionality improves detection accuracy without proportionally increasing system complexity.
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 effective scanning by identifying and potentially removing obstructions, ensuring continuous and accurate environmental mapping.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a plurality of returning light pulses comprising reflected portions of the transmitted plurality of light pulses that are reflected back toward the LIDAR device
Data Source
AI summary
One example method involves obtaining a plurality of scans of a field-of-view (FOV) of a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device disposed inside a housing. Obtaining each scan of the plurality of scans comprises: transmitting, through a plurality of sections of the housing, a plurality of light pulses emitted from the LIDAR device in different directions toward the housing; and detecting a plurality of returning light pulses comprising reflected portions of the transmitted plurality of light pulses that are reflected back toward the LIDAR device. The method also involves detecting an obstruction that at least partially occludes the LIDAR device from scanning the FOV through the housing based on the plurality of scans.