Configurable LiDAR Sensor Module for Parallax-Free Data Correlation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Autonomous navigation systems face challenges in accurately and efficiently processing and correlating data from multiple sensors due to parallax errors and differing data collection rates, leading to potential motion errors and delays in decision-making.

Innovation Solution

A configurable and dynamic sensor module system within LIDAR systems that allows for the integration of various sensors, including LiDAR, infrared, and thermal sensors, with a microcontroller (MCU) and sensor bus for real-time data processing and correlation, enabling adaptive configuration based on environmental conditions and vehicle mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple discrete sensors are integrated into autonomous navigation systems, then the system can gather more environmental data, but parallax errors and motion errors increase due to different vantage points and data collection rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequantity of sensor dataVSAvoiddata accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple discrete sensors (LiDAR, infrared, thermal, cameras) into a single integrated sensor module with a unified data packet structure. This merging eliminates parallax errors by collocating all sensors at the same vantage point and synchronizes data collection across all sensor types within the same module, thereby maintaining measurement precision while gathering diverse environmental data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a microcontroller unit (MCU) as an intermediary that receives and correlates data from multiple sensors. The MCU processes and synchronizes data from different sensor types, correcting timing discrepancies and coordinating data collection rates. This intermediary enables accurate correlation of multi-sensor data without requiring the sensors to operate at identical rates, thus maintaining measurement precision while utilizing diverse sensor inputs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If data from multiple sensors is processed and correlated before autonomous navigation decisions, then more comprehensive environmental information is available, but processing time and decision-making delays increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of environmental informationVSAvoiddecision-making time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary correlation and synchronization of multi-sensor data within the sensor module itself, before data leaves the module for autonomous navigation processing. The unified data packet structure pre-integrates data from all sensor types with proper timing and spatial correlation, so that downstream processing receives ready-to-use correlated data. This preliminary action reduces the processing burden and time required for autonomous navigation decisions while maintaining complete environmental information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Area of stationary object

If sensors are positioned at different locations on vehicles, then system coverage is improved, but parallax errors occur due to different vantage points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem coverage areaVSAvoiddata correlation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple sensor types into a single collocated sensor module, eliminating parallax errors by ensuring all sensors observe from the same vantage point. The unified data packet structure integrates data from LiDAR, infrared, thermal, and camera sensors that are physically positioned together, thereby maintaining measurement precision while achieving comprehensive environmental coverage through multi-sensor fusion rather than spatial distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution enhances the accuracy and timeliness of sensor data processing, reducing errors and delays in autonomous navigation decisions by providing a unified data packet that includes range, reflectivity, color, and temperature data, improving the system's responsiveness and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

light detection and ranging (hereinafter, "LIDAR") systems

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

LIDAR systems that enable an improved correlation between sensor data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 3

infrared, and thermal sensors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation detection: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS12061263B2Systems and methods for a configurable sensor system

Publication Date: 2024.08.13 VELODYNE LIDAR USA INC

AI summary

The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for generating, processing and correlating data from multiple sensors in an autonomous navigation system, and more particularly to the utilization of configurable and dynamic sensor modules within light detection and ranging systems that enable an improved correlation between sensor data as well as configurability and responsiveness of the system to its surrounding environment.