Lidar Module Test Apparatus Using Camera and Beam Splitter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing lidar sensors in series production are inefficient and require significant effort, as each sensor must be tested quickly and thoroughly to ensure quality, which is challenging due to the complex structure of lidar sensors and the need for precise measurement of multiple parameters.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a camera, lasers, and an optical beam splitter is used to test lidar sensor modules by generating test signals that simulate return pulses, allowing for the measurement of important parameters such as emitted laser signal properties, response behavior, angle coupling, angle resolution, and background influence, within a compact and climatically controlled setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional lidar sensor testing methods are used in series production, then comprehensive quality testing can be performed, but the testing process requires significant time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to capture images of the lidar sensor's light patterns and creates test signal representations that copy the actual sensor output. This allows comprehensive quality testing through image analysis rather than traditional time-consuming measurement methods, enabling parallel processing of multiple test parameters simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calibration and characterization of the lidar sensor during the manufacturing process itself. By establishing baseline parameters and test patterns in advance, the system can quickly compare production units against known good references, significantly reducing the time required for final quality acceptance testing.
2Measurement precision
If multiple parameters of lidar sensors are measured precisely, then quality assurance is improved, but the measurement process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional test setup where a single camera system performs multiple measurement tasks simultaneously - capturing light patterns, measuring angular resolution, detecting beam characteristics, and evaluating sensor response. This universal measurement apparatus eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision across all parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional point-by-point measurement approaches to two-dimensional image-based measurement. By capturing the entire light pattern in a single image frame, the system can extract multiple parameters (beam width, angle resolution, intensity distribution) simultaneously from spatial information, greatly simplifying the measurement process while improving precision through comprehensive data capture.
3Reliability
If lidar sensors are tested thoroughly in series production, then product quality is ensured, but the testing effort and resources increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates digital copies of the lidar sensor's optical output through camera imaging, allowing virtual analysis and evaluation of sensor performance. This copying approach enables automated image processing and comparison against reference patterns, significantly reducing manual testing effort while maintaining thorough quality assessment across all critical parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The test system is designed to be self-calibrating and self-evaluating, using the lidar sensor's own output patterns as reference standards. The system automatically captures test images, processes the data, compares results against predefined acceptance criteria, and generates quality assessments without requiring extensive manual intervention, thereby maintaining high product quality while maximizing testing efficiency and 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
This solution enables simultaneous and uncomplicated measurement of key parameters, ensuring high efficiency and accuracy in testing lidar sensors, thereby supporting the reliability and resolution needed for autonomous driving applications.
Implementation Method 1
an optical beam splitter in the beam path between the lidar sensor module and an absorber
Implementation Method 2
the camera has an optical distance to an object to be detected which is greater than the optical distance between lidar sensor module and object to be detected
Implementation Method 3
lasers for generating at least one return pulse due to test signals of the lasers
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for testing a lidar sensor module includes a camera, at least one laser for generating at least one return pulse on account of test signals from the at least one laser, an optical beam splitter in the beam path between the lidar sensor module and an absorber, wherein the camera is arranged perpendicular to the beam path between the lidar sensor module and the absorber and the camera has an optical distance from an object to be detected that is greater than the optical distance between the lidar sensor module and the object to be detected.