Lidar Parallax Object Detection via Linear Beam Deviation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in accurately detecting and recognizing three-dimensional objects due to the limitations of radar and camera sensors, particularly in low-light conditions and the unmanageable volume of data produced, which hinder effective navigation.
Innovation Solution
A lidar sensor system utilizing a line generator to produce a linear beam, a photodetector to detect reflections at an angle, and computer-implemented modules to determine object attributes such as distance, size, shape, and orientation through parallax principles, enabling precise object recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If radar is used for object detection, then detection range is improved, but object detail information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines radar and lidar sensors into an integrated sensor system. The radar provides detection range and object location, while the lidar adds detailed three-dimensional structural information. The data fusion module merges these complementary data sources to achieve both long-range detection and detailed object characterization.
2Loss of information
If cameras are used for object recognition, then object detail information is improved, but data volume becomes unmanageable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential three-dimensional structural information from the lidar point cloud data using plane fitting algorithms, rather than processing complete high-resolution images. This extraction approach captures critical geometric features (planar surfaces, edges, vertices) while significantly reducing data volume compared to full camera image processing.
3Loss of information
If cameras are used for object detection, then object detail information is improved, but performance in low-light conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces camera-based optical detection with lidar-based active illumination detection. The lidar system uses its own light source to illuminate the scene, making it independent of ambient lighting conditions. This substitution of passive optical detection with active illumination enables reliable object detection and three-dimensional reconstruction in low-light, nighttime, or varying light conditions.
4Loss of information
If traditional lidar with spinning laser emitter is used, then three-dimensional information is obtained, but system complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the three-dimensional scanning function into multiple stationary laser emitters positioned at different locations and angles, rather than using a single spinning emitter. Each emitter captures a portion of the three-dimensional space, and the data is fused to create complete three-dimensional information. This segmentation eliminates mechanical moving parts while achieving the same three-dimensional mapping capability.
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 effectively determines object attributes with high accuracy, improving navigation capabilities in various lighting conditions and reducing data complexity, enhancing the performance of autonomous vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a line generator comprising an optical element configured to produce a linear beam of detectable light
Implementation Method 2
produce a linear beam of detectable light along a first plane
Implementation Method 3
detect a reflection of the linear beam from the object
Implementation Method 4
a photodetector tuned to detect a reflection of the linear beam
Implementation Method 5
the photodetector is displaced from the optical element such that the photodetector detects the reflection along a second plane at an angle to the first plane
Data Source
AI summary
A lidar sensor system and method use the parallax phenomenon to determine one or more attributes of an object, such its distance, size, or shape. An optical element illuminates the object with a linear beam along a first plane. A photodetector is displaced from the optical element so that it detects the reflection of the linear beam from the object along a second plane, which is at an angle to the first plane. A computer-implemented line detection module determines a measure of deviation of the linear beam reflection from a vanishing point of the first plane. A computer-implemented analysis module determines the attribute based on the measure of deviation.