LiDAR System Integrating Road Condition Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LiDAR systems are limited in their ability to simultaneously detect surroundings objects and road conditions, requiring separate sensor systems for visible and infrared light, which complicates safe and highly automated driving, especially when dealing with intermediate road media like water, snow, or oil.
Innovation Solution
An optical system that combines LiDAR with an optical road condition sensor by detecting and differentiating reflected light beams in multiple wavelength ranges or polarization directions, allowing the LiDAR to evaluate information from these sources to determine road conditions and object properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate sensor systems are used for visible light LiDAR and infrared road condition detection, then detection coverage is comprehensive, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the LiDAR system and road condition sensor into a single integrated optical system. The optical transmitter emits light beams that serve dual purposes: for LiDAR ranging and for road condition detection. The optical detector receives reflected light and separates it into multiple wavelength ranges, enabling both object detection and road surface analysis through a unified system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. The same optical transmitter and detector are used for both LiDAR operations (detecting surroundings objects) and road condition monitoring (detecting intermediate media). The system evaluates different wavelength ranges of reflected light to determine both object positions and road surface properties, making the system universal rather than requiring separate specialized sensors.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate sensors are deployed for different detection purposes, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detection functions into a single optical system with one transmitter and one detector. The detector separates reflected light into multiple wavelength ranges and evaluates each range independently, maintaining the measurement precision that would require separate sensors while reducing system complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the reflected light into multiple wavelength ranges using optical filters or prisms. Each wavelength range is evaluated separately to determine different properties (object position from time-of-flight, road condition from spectral characteristics). This segmentation allows precise multi-parameter measurement within a unified system architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the LiDAR system is enhanced to detect road conditions, then functionality is expanded, but existing LiDAR performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously emits light beams that simultaneously serve LiDAR ranging and road condition detection. The optical detector continuously receives and processes reflected light, separating it into multiple wavelength ranges for parallel evaluation. This continuous dual-function operation ensures that LiDAR performance is maintained while road condition detection is added, without requiring alternating or separate measurement cycles.
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 combination enhances LiDAR functionality by enabling simultaneous detection of road conditions and object properties, improving the accuracy and safety of highly automated driving without the need for separate sensor systems.
Implementation Method 1
the optical detector being configured to receive a reflected light beam from the surroundings
Implementation Method 2
detect and differentiate reflected light beams having at least two polarization directions
Implementation Method 3
the optical detector being configured to receive a reflected light beam from the surroundings
Implementation Method 4
These wavelength(s) (ranges) are differentiated in that their absorption lines of water in all physical conditions (liquid, ice-covered, snow-covered, or mixed conditions) are pronounced at a different intensity
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system, in particular a LiDAR system, is provided, including at least one optical transmitter and at least one optical detector as well as a data processing unit. The optical transmitter is configured to emit a scanning light beam into the surroundings to scan same for surroundings objects. The optical detector is configured to receive a reflected light beam from the surroundings. The optical system is configured to a) detect and differentiate reflected light beams in at least two wavelength ranges and/or b) detect and differentiate reflected light beams having at least two polarization directions. The optical system is configured with the aid of the data processing unit to determine the surface properties of the scanned surroundings objects from the differences between the reflected light beams and the emitted scanning light beams.