Vehicle LiDAR Scan Field Pivoting for Adaptive Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lidar scanning devices on motor vehicles are not widely utilized due to their rigid alignment, limiting their flexibility for different driving situations and applications, such as collision warnings and parking assistance.
Innovation Solution
A lidar scanning device with a pivot device that adjusts the scanning field based on the vehicle's driving situation, allowing the scanning field to be dynamically aligned in various directions, including horizontal and vertical axes, to enhance flexibility and usability for diverse tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the lidar scanning device uses a rigid alignment, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the flexibility for different driving situations and applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a pivot device that enables the lidar sensor or its optical elements to change alignment dynamically based on driving situations. The scanning device transitions from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamic adjustable structure, allowing real-time adaptation of the scanning field alignment according to different driving conditions and applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire lidar sensor is made pivotable, then the alignment flexibility is improved, but the device complexity and mechanical design become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the pivotable component into separate elements - either pivoting the entire lidar sensor assembly or selectively pivoting only specific optical elements (mirrors, prisms) within the optical path. This segmentation allows flexibility to be introduced only where needed, rather than making the entire sensor complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a pivot device as a separate mechanical component that mediates between the fixed mounting structure and the lidar sensor. This intermediary pivot mechanism allows alignment adjustment without requiring the entire sensor to be redesigned as a pivotable unit.
3Weight of moving object
If reflective or refractive elements are pivoted instead of the entire sensor, then the moved mass is reduced and electrical contacting is simplified, but the alignment precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the critical optical elements (reflective or refractive elements) from the entire sensor assembly and makes only these extracted elements pivotable. This extraction allows the pivot mechanism to handle only the essential light-deflecting components, reducing moved mass while maintaining scanning functionality.
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
Enables more flexible and effective use of the lidar scanning device across different driving scenarios, improving collision detection and obstacle avoidance by optimizing the scanning field alignment according to driving speed and situation, thereby enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The scanning device emits light into an environment and receives light that was reflected at an object. A distance to the object is then able to be determined on the basis of a propagation time of the light.
Implementation Method 2
The scanning device emits light into an environment and receives light that was reflected at an object.
Data Source
AI summary
A lidar scanning device for use in a motor vehicle includes a lidar sensor having a predefined scanning field, the lidar sensor being configured for determining the distance of an object within the scanning field, and a pivot device for varying an alignment of the scanning field of the lidar sensor as a function of a driving direction of the motor vehicle.