Lidar Sensor Control During Wiper Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lidar sensors experience a reduction in sensing performance when a wiper is operated to remove contaminants, as the wiper covers the sensor and disrupts the laser transmission and reception process.
Innovation Solution
A control method and system for a lidar sensor that includes a control unit, a cleaning device driving unit, and a signal processing unit, which determine when the sensor is covered by the wiper and adjust the laser transmission and mirror rotation accordingly to prevent signal loss during cleaning operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wiper is operated to remove contaminants from the lidar sensor cover, then the sensing performance is improved by removing foreign matters, but the sensing signal is lost during the wiper operation when the sensor is covered
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives operation timing information from the cleaning device driving unit before the wiper operates, and in advance controls the transmitter to stop laser transmission and the mirror rotating unit to pause rotation. This preliminary action prevents signal loss by ensuring the sensor is protected before contamination removal begins
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives operation timing information from the cleaning device driving unit, creating a feedback loop that allows the lidar system to detect when the wiper is operating and automatically adjust its transmission and rotation operations accordingly, preventing signal loss during cleaning
2Measurement precision
If the lidar sensor is mounted exposed to the outside for optimal sensing, then the sensing capability is improved, but the sensor becomes vulnerable to contamination from foreign matters
Solution Approach 1:
A cover is introduced as an intermediary element between the lidar sensor and the external environment. The cover protects the sensor from contamination while allowing the sensor to remain mounted in an exposed position for optimal sensing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device (wiper) is integrated into the lidar sensor assembly, enabling the sensor system to self-clean and remove contaminants from the cover without external intervention, maintaining sensing capability over time
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
Prevents reduction in sensing performance by controlling the lidar sensor's operations during wiper usage, ensuring continuous data collection and maintaining accuracy in distance calculations.
Implementation Method 1
The cover has a hot wire mounted thereon, and the hot wire serves to remove moisture or snow adhering to the surface of the cover
Implementation Method 2
the lidar sensor includes a transmitter to transmit laser
Implementation Method 3
a mirror serving to reflect the transmitted or received laser
Data Source
AI summary
A lidar sensor may include: a transmitter configured to transmit laser; a receiver configured to receive reflected laser; a mirror rotating unit configured to rotate a mirror in a designated direction, the mirror serving to reflect the transmitted or received laser; a cleaning device driving unit configured to drive a cleaning device to remove foreign matters adhering to the cover of the lidar sensor; a signal processing unit configured to determine when or where the lidar sensor is covered and calculate a distance to an object; and a control unit configured to control the transmitter not to transmit a laser signal or control a rotational velocity or rotation time of the mirror at a point of time that the lidar sensor is covered by the cleaning device, and control detection or utilization of the received signal when the distance to the object is calculated.