Lidar Dynamic Pulse Density for Remote Mirror Reflections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser range finder systems face challenges in adapting to limited and obstructed fields of view, particularly in real-world applications like autonomous vehicles, due to obstacles that dynamically obstruct the field of view, and lack effective methods to utilize remote mirrors for enhanced coverage.
Innovation Solution
The system detects and characterizes remotely located mirrors within the field of view, tracks their position, and adjusts laser pulse density and steering to maximize the utilization of these mirrors, allowing for indirect reflections from otherwise inaccessible locations, and dynamically compensates for changes in the vehicle's shape and environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the laser range finder uses a fixed field of view configuration, then the system structure is simple, but the coverage range is limited and cannot adapt to dynamic obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the laser beam scanning pattern adaptive rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts the scanning density and direction based on detected obstacles and remote mirrors, allowing the field of view coverage to change in real-time according to environmental conditions while maintaining a relatively simple physical structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the scanning parameters (pulse density, scanning speed, angular range) based on the detected environment. When remote mirrors are detected, the system increases laser pulse density in those specific regions and adjusts scanning patterns to maximize utilization of indirect reflections, thereby expanding effective coverage without hardware changes
2Quantity of substance
If the laser range finder increases laser pulse density in remote mirror regions, then the measurement density improves, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by concentrating laser pulses selectively in specific regions where remote mirrors are detected, rather than uniformly across the entire field of view. This localized increase in pulse density improves measurement data from inaccessible areas while minimizing additional energy consumption by maintaining normal scanning density in other regions
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses partial action by applying enhanced laser pulse density only to the extent necessary to capture sufficient reflections from remote mirrors. Rather than continuously operating at maximum pulse density, the system activates enhanced scanning only when and where remote mirrors are detected, optimizing the balance between data density and energy consumption
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
This approach improves the accuracy and coverage of 3D laser range finding by identifying and utilizing remote mirrors, enabling more accurate 3D location computation and increased data density from previously inaccessible areas, enhancing vehicle safety and autonomy.
Implementation Method 1
a laser generator operable to generate a sequence of laser beams
Implementation Method 2
the time associated with the reflections from each of the one or more directions is used to measure distance
Implementation Method 3
a laser positioner to steer the laser beams in a sequence of directions in a field of view
Implementation Method 4
the time associated with the reflections from each of the one or more directions is used to measure distance
Implementation Method 5
a remote mirror at some distance from a laser range finder in the FOV of the range finder can provide indirect reflections from otherwise inaccessible locations
Data Source
AI summary
A LIDAR can encounter a remotely located mirror as it moves through a local environment (e.g. a convex roadside mirror). The remote mirror can occupy a small portion of the LIDAR field of view but offer a wealth of reflection data regarding a larger indirect field of view (e.g. around a corner). In one embodiment a LIDAR can learn the location of the remote mirror and then can dynamically increase the density of laser ranging measurements in an associated mirror region of the field of view. The LIDAR can track the mirror region as it moves in the local environment with an increased density of outgoing laser pulses and thereby interrogate the remote mirror for reflection data from a wide indirect field of view.