Lidar Sensor Design Aberration Correction via Real-Time Calibration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to correct design-related aberrations in automobile lidar sensors during operation, such as those caused by design covers or misalignment of subsensors, leading to inaccurate object localization and dimension determination.
Innovation Solution
A method that continuously receives sensor data to detect characteristic features, tracks their changes over time, and determines a correction factor to adjust for design-related aberrations by recalibrating the sensor data, ensuring high angular accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a design cover is installed on the lidar sensor, then the lidar sensor can be protected and integrated into the vehicle structure, but angle distortion occurs due to external environmental influences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing calibration of the lidar sensor before the design cover is installed. The calibration process determines calibration parameters that compensate for the expected angle distortion caused by the design cover. These pre-determined calibration parameters are then used during operation to correct the measured angles, maintaining measurement precision while the sensor is protected by the design cover.
2Area of moving object
If multiple lidar subsensors are used to achieve a large field of view, then the field of view increases, but exact calibration between subsensors becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring the calibration status of multiple lidar subsensors during operation. The system detects changes in calibration parameters that indicate misalignment between subsensors and automatically triggers recalibration procedures. This closed-loop feedback mechanism maintains calibration accuracy across all subsensors, ensuring that the combined field of view remains precise even as the vehicle operates under varying conditions.
3Productivity
If the lidar sensor operates for extended periods, then productivity increases, but design-related aberrations accumulate due to mechanical wear and aging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies continuity of useful action by implementing continuous calibration monitoring and correction during the entire operational period of the lidar sensor. Rather than performing calibration only at the beginning or end, the system continuously tracks calibration parameters and applies real-time corrections. This continuous approach maintains measurement precision throughout extended operation, preventing the accumulation of errors due to mechanical wear and aging while maximizing productivity.
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 real-time correction of design-related aberrations, maintaining high angular accuracy of lidar sensors even when installed behind a design cover, by compensating for distortions caused by environmental factors or subsensor misalignment.
Implementation Method 1
The term lidar is an abbreviation for the underlying measurement method, which is based on a time-of-flight measurement by way of ultraviolet, infrared, or beams from the range of visible light
Implementation Method 2
one or more light pulses are emitted and reflected on any object present in the surroundings. The time until the reflected signal is received is proportional to the distance
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving sensor data from a lidar sensor, the sensor data describing the surroundings of a vehicle using a point cloud. The method also includes detecting a characteristic feature in the sensor data, the characteristic feature having a predetermined characteristic. The method also includes detecting the design-related aberration by means of re-verification of the characteristic feature for the predetermined characteristic. The method also includes determining the correction factor, by way of which the design-related aberration in the sensor data can be corrected, such that the detected characteristic feature has the predetermined characteristic during the re-verification in that the characteristic feature and/or the sensor data associated with the characteristic feature is subject to a temporal and/or spatial change contrary to the predetermined characteristic.