LIDAR and Radar Power Control for Context-Aware Sensing Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Active sensor systems in autonomous vehicles face challenges in achieving both a wide field of view and long sensor range simultaneously due to power and computational limitations, requiring dynamic power management to optimize sensor emission based on the vehicle's operating context.
Innovation Solution
The system dynamically adjusts the power configuration of LIDAR and radar sensors by prioritizing high power in directions where longer sensing range is needed and reducing or eliminating power in less critical areas, using multiple sensors and beams to tailor emission power based on the vehicle's speed, location, and environmental context.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If sensor power is increased to achieve long sensing range, then sensor range is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing high sensor power selectively to specific spatial sectors that require long-range detection, while reducing or eliminating power in less critical areas. This creates a non-uniform power distribution pattern where each spatial region receives appropriate power levels based on its importance to vehicle safety and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts sensor power configuration based on real-time operating context, including vehicle speed, location, and environmental conditions. The controller continuously modifies which sectors receive high power and which receive reduced power, adapting the power distribution pattern as driving conditions change.
2Measurement precision
If sensor power is increased to detect objects at distance, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
High measurement precision is achieved locally in critical spatial sectors where object detection is most important, such as forward-facing directions during highway driving. Other sectors receive reduced power, maintaining acceptable detection capability while significantly reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by providing full sensor power only to the extent necessary for safe operation in each sector. Rather than uniformly maximizing power across all directions, the system provides exactly the amount of power needed in each spatial region based on operational requirements.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors operate at high power to cover wide field of view and long range, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically manages multiple sensors by selectively activating and deactivating them based on operating context. Rather than all sensors operating at full power simultaneously, the system adjusts which sensors are active and at what power levels, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability through contextual optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of multiple sensors based on driving conditions, including power levels, scanning patterns, and active sensor selection. This parameter adaptation allows the sensor ensemble to maintain high reliability when needed while reducing complexity during normal operation.
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 allows for efficient use of power and computational resources, enhancing the vehicle's ability to detect objects at a distance while reducing overall power consumption and improving sensor system performance in various driving scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
Active sensors include devices that emit energy, which can reflect off environmental surroundings and can be measured upon return to the device
Implementation Method 2
The present disclosure generally relates to light detection and ranging (LIDAR)
Implementation Method 3
Active sensors include radar and LIDAR, among others
Implementation Method 4
radio detection and ranging (RADAR or radar) systems
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that facilitate active sensor systems. An example method includes receiving information indicative of an operating context of a vehicle, wherein at least one Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) sensor or at least one radar sensor are coupled to the vehicle. The method also includes selecting, from a plurality of sensor power configurations, a desired sensor power configuration based on the operating context of the vehicle. The method further includes causing at least one of: the at least one LIDAR sensor to emit light pulses according to the desired sensor power configuration or the at least one radar sensor to emit radar energy according to the desired sensor power configuration.