Mirror-Guided LiDAR Inspection Layout to Prevent False Obstacles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle inspection devices with optical laser devices for obstacle detection, such as LiDAR, often incorrectly detect test instruments as obstacles due to incomplete light absorption, leading to failed inspections of automatic braking performance.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle inspection device with a mirror unit that directs light emitted from the optical laser device upward, combined with a light-absorbing ceiling, to prevent detection of test instruments as obstacles by increasing optical path lengths and attenuating scattered light, using a configuration of plane mirrors and an intermediate ceiling wall to minimize reflections back to the LiDAR.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If absorbers are used to cover LiDAR devices to prevent obstacle detection, then the LiDAR devices can recognize the test vehicle as traveling on grassland with no obstacle, but the absorbers cause scattering of light and the LiDAR devices still detect the scattering as obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful light scattering problem by removing the absorbers from the optical path and replacing them with a mirror unit that redirects light away from the LiDAR devices. This eliminates the source of scattering while maintaining the protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mirror unit as an intermediary element between the test instrument and the LiDAR devices. This mirror unit serves as a mediator that redirects light upward toward the ceiling, preventing direct interaction between the test instrument and LiDAR while avoiding light scattering issues.
2Reliability
If absorbers cover the LiDAR devices to prevent false obstacle detection, then the test vehicle can operate without automatic braking interference, but the configuration becomes unavailable for emergency operation tests such as sudden pedestrian run-out scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mirror unit movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be dynamically adjusted or removed. This enables the system to switch between normal operation mode (mirror unit in place to prevent false detection) and emergency test mode (mirror unit removed to allow full LiDAR functionality for pedestrian detection tests).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares the test environment in advance by installing the movable mirror unit and light absorber system, which can be quickly deployed or removed depending on the test requirements. This preliminary setup allows seamless transition between different test scenarios without requiring complete reconfiguration.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the inspection room ceiling is open to allow light to escape, then scattered light from the ceiling cannot return to the LiDAR devices, but the inspection room structure becomes more complex and may affect other test parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful ceiling reflection into a beneficial light absorption opportunity by directing scattered light toward the ceiling where absorbers are installed. The harm of light hitting the ceiling is transformed into a benefit where the ceiling becomes an additional light absorption surface, preventing reflections from returning to the LiDAR devices.
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 configuration effectively prevents the optical laser device from detecting test instruments as obstacles, enabling reliable testing of automatic driving and braking performance by ensuring that scattered light is absorbed or directed away from the LiDAR, thus ensuring accurate obstacle detection.
Implementation Method 1
a mirror unit that covers an upper face of the test instrument and upwardly guides light emitted from the optical laser device
Implementation Method 2
Under current technology, any existing absorber fails to absorb 100 percent of such laser light used in LiDAR devices, and causes scattering of light
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle inspection device for implementing a test on automatic braking performance of a test vehicle including an optical laser device for obstacle detection, in an inspection room three sides of which are surrounded by side walls, the vehicle inspection device comprising: a test instrument disposed at a side of the test vehicle; and a mirror unit that covers an upper face of the test instrument and upwardly guides light emitted from the optical laser device. The mirror unit may include a combination of a first plane mirror part disposed horizontally and a second plane mirror part disposed to be inclined.