Vehicle LiDAR Inspection Using NIR Cameras and Compact Screen Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR sensor installation inspection methods require large, heavy correction targets that are difficult to maneuver and occupy excessive space, making it challenging to inspect multiple sensors simultaneously and in-line, and they interfere with other heterogeneous sensors due to reflection characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A system using miniaturized screen panels and Near Infrared (NIR) cameras to inspect LIDAR sensors, allowing for simultaneous correction of LIDAR and heterogeneous sensors without space restrictions, by capturing LIDAR beam images and generating sensor correction values to align the sensors accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large correction target is used to measure LIDAR sensor position and distortion, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the weight and space requirements increase excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical correction target with an optical solution using a screen panel that displays specific patterns. The LIDAR sensor projects laser beams onto the screen panel, and the reflected light is captured by a camera to determine sensor position and distortion. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy mechanical correction targets while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a screen panel that displays a copied or represented version of the correction target pattern. Instead of using a physical correction target, the system projects laser beams onto a screen showing a digital or optical representation of the correction pattern, allowing measurement without the physical constraints of a heavy target.
2Measurement precision
If a large correction target is used for LIDAR inspection, then measurement coverage is improved, but the space required for inspection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the space-consuming mechanical correction target with an optical screen panel system. The screen panel can be positioned closer to the LIDAR sensor, and the laser beam projection and camera capture enable measurement coverage without requiring the large physical space needed for traditional correction targets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional physical correction target to a three-dimensional optical measurement system. By projecting laser beams in multiple directions and capturing reflections from different angles using a camera, the system achieves comprehensive measurement coverage in a compact space by utilizing spatial dimensions optically rather than mechanically.
3Measurement precision
If traditional correction targets are used, then LIDAR sensor inspection is achieved, but parallel inspection with heterogeneous sensors is prevented due to signal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a screen panel with specific optical properties that are optimized for LIDAR beam reflection. The screen panel can be designed with specific materials and surface characteristics that reflect LIDAR wavelengths effectively while being transparent or non-interfering to other sensor types such as radar or optical cameras, enabling parallel inspection without signal interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the inspection system by using optical projection and capture instead of passive reflection from correction targets. The screen panel can be controlled to display patterns at specific brightness levels and frequencies that are optimized for LIDAR detection while minimizing interference with other sensor modalities, allowing simultaneous multi-sensor inspection.
4Loss of information
If beam reflection from correction target is used, then LIDAR beam path is visible, but a large measuring space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical correction target that requires large space for beam reflection with an optical screen panel system. The screen panel can be positioned closer to the LIDAR sensor, and the laser beam projection onto the screen creates a visible beam path through the projected pattern itself, eliminating the need for large measuring space while maintaining beam visibility.
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
The system reduces space requirements and enables efficient inline inspection of LIDAR sensors, correcting pitch, roll, and yaw errors, while also allowing parallel inspection of heterogeneous sensors like radar or cameras, enhancing detection performance without additional space or cost.
Implementation Method 1
a LIDAR beam image projected on the screen panel
Implementation Method 2
a Near Infrared (NIR) camera which captures the LIDAR beam projected on the screen panel
Data Source
AI summary
A system for inspecting a LIDAR sensor for correcting an error of the LIDAR sensor in a vehicle includes: a centering unit which aligns the vehicle equipped with a communication terminal to match a reference inspection position of the LIDAR sensor; screen panels miniaturized so that an uppermost end point of a LIDAR beam according to an irradiation angle of the LIDAR sensor is projected on a center portion of the screen; a Near Infrared camera which captures the LIDAR beam; and a server which detects an installation error in which the uppermost end points of the LIDAR beams are different, generates a sensor correction value, and transmits the sensor correction value to the LIDAR sensor.