Lidar Sensor Emission Pattern Modulation for Interference Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles equipped with lidar sensors face challenges in distinguishing between their own reflections and those from other independent lidar sensors, leading to potential interference and security risks, especially in environments with multiple sensors or malicious spoofing attempts.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an orthogonally modulated emission pattern for lidar sensors, which alters parameters such as pulse duration, frequency, amplitude, and transmission angle in response to detected interference, allowing sensors to differentiate between their own reflections and those from other sensors or potential attackers, and utilizing an infrastructure node to manage emission patterns and reduce conflicts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent lidar sensors operate in the same physical environment, then the coverage and sensing capability are improved, but interference and misidentification between sensors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modulating lidar emission patterns with multiple orthogonal dimensions including time, frequency, amplitude, and transmission angle. Each sensor is assigned a unique emission pattern signature across these parameters, enabling reliable differentiation between signals from multiple sensors operating simultaneously in the same environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional single-parameter modulation to multi-dimensional orthogonal modulation. By adding frequency, amplitude, and transmission angle dimensions to time-based modulation, the system creates a multi-dimensional signal space where multiple sensors can operate without interference, resolving the contradiction between coverage and identification accuracy.
2Device complexity
If lidar sensors use standard emission patterns, then the device complexity is reduced, but susceptibility to spoofing attacks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances security by dynamically modifying multiple emission parameters including time modulation, frequency variation, amplitude changes, and transmission angle adjustments. This multi-parameter approach creates complex emission patterns that are difficult for attackers to predict and replicate, thereby reducing spoofing vulnerability while maintaining manageable system complexity through structured modulation frameworks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic emission patterns that can be adjusted in real-time based on detected interference and security conditions. The ability to modulate multiple parameters dynamically allows the system to adapt to spoofing attempts and maintain reliable operation, balancing complexity with security requirements.
3Reliability
If lidar sensors modulate emission patterns to avoid interference, then the reliability of signal differentiation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the emission pattern modulation into distinct orthogonal components: time modulation for basic signal separation, frequency modulation for additional differentiation, amplitude modulation for enhanced distinction, and transmission angle modulation for spatial differentiation. This segmentation allows each component to be implemented and managed independently, reducing overall system complexity while achieving reliable signal differentiation through their combined effect.
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
Enhances the reliability and security of lidar sensors by reducing the likelihood of misinterpretation and interference, improving the accuracy of object detection and preventing malicious spoofing attempts, enabling multiple lidar systems to coexist effectively.
Implementation Method 1
emit a light beam in a 360° field of view (FOV) and analyze reflections of the emitted light beam in terms of flight time
Implementation Method 2
analyze reflections of the emitted light beam in terms of flight time
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses and methods may provide for technology that initiates one or more optical pulses in accordance with a first emission pattern, obtains a second emission pattern in response to one or more of a time-variable trigger or a deviation of one or more received optical reflections from an expected reflection pattern, and initiates one or more optical pulses in accordance with the second emission pattern. Moreover, infrastructure node technology may detect, based on an interference notification from a first sensor platform, a deviation of received optical reflection(s) from an expected reflection pattern, select emission parameter(s) in response to the deviation, and alter a first emission pattern with respect to the selected emission parameter(s) to obtain a second emission pattern.