LiDAR Power Control for Vulnerable Road User Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LiDAR systems face challenges in maintaining eye safety for vulnerable road users while ensuring high detection range and resolution, particularly in automotive applications, as current power control systems fail to differentiate between potential hazards and non-hazards, leading to unnecessary power loss and range reduction.
Innovation Solution
A light-emitting device integrating a camera unit and LiDAR unit with a control unit that utilizes real-time object detection and neural networks to identify vulnerable road users, adjusting LiDAR transmission power based on detection, posture, and atmospheric conditions to ensure continuous eye-safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laser power is increased to improve detection range and resolution, then LiDAR performance is improved, but eye safety of vulnerable road users is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The LiDAR system dynamically adjusts laser transmission power based on real-time detection of vulnerable road users. When VRUs are detected within a hazardous distance threshold, the system switches from high power mode to low power mode, creating a dynamic power control mechanism that adapts to changing environmental conditions while maintaining both detection performance and eye safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different power levels to different spatial zones. High power is used in areas without vulnerable road users to maximize detection range, while low power is applied in zones where VRUs are detected. This localized quality adjustment allows the system to optimize performance in safe zones while protecting vulnerable areas.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If power control is applied to all detected objects, then eye safety is maintained, but laser power and sensing range are unnecessarily reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system differentiates between object types by analyzing detection data characteristics. Only objects classified as vulnerable road users (based on specific detection criteria and distance thresholds) trigger power reduction, while other objects do not affect power levels. This selective approach ensures power is reduced only when necessary for eye safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism dynamically evaluates each detected object's characteristics and applies power control only when VRU-specific conditions are met. The system transitions between different control states (power reduction vs. normal operation) based on real-time object classification, avoiding unnecessary power loss while maintaining eye safety.
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 LiDAR performance by optimizing power levels for safe operation around vulnerable road users, maintaining detection range and resolution, and adapting to adverse conditions without compromising eye safety.
Implementation Method 1
solid state LiDAR typically uses a laser beam to illuminate the scene in front of it, and a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor array to capture the 3D data that is returned
Implementation Method 2
a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor array to capture the 3D data that is returned
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A power control solution for a light-emitting device. The light-emitting device includes a camera unit with a first field of view, a LiDAR unit with a second field of view, and a control unit communicatively coupled to the camera unit and the LiDAR unit. The first field of view and the second field of view are directed to at least partially coincide, and a part where the fields of view coincide forming a field of control view of the device. The control unit is configured to receive from the camera unit image data captured in the first field of view, to detect from the image data objects that are in the field of control view of the device and belong to a class of vulnerable road users; and control operation of the LiDAR unit based on said detection of objects.