Movable Light Simulator for Dynamic Sensor Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicle sensors, especially environmental sensors like cameras and lidar, face interference due to varying and quickly changing lighting conditions, leading to unreliable object recognition and potential late or missed detection of obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A test device with a movable light simulator and control unit, capable of simulating diverse lighting conditions by adjusting intensity, spectrum, and position, allowing for realistic reproduction of various test scenarios, including glare, cornering, and tunnel conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If stationary light simulators are used to test sensor performance, then the test setup is simple and stable, but the ability to simulate diverse and dynamic lighting scenarios is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the light simulator movable instead of stationary. The light simulator is mounted on a movable platform that can be positioned at different locations and angles within the test field, enabling dynamic reproduction of various lighting scenarios such as oncoming traffic, cornering, and tunnel passages while maintaining controlled test conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a multi-functional light simulator that can generate multiple types of light sources (headlights, taillights, brake lights, fog lights, sunlight) and simulate various driving scenarios from different positions and angles, allowing a single device to perform multiple testing functions that would otherwise require separate test setups
2Reliability
If multiple light sources are used to simulate different lighting conditions, then the realism of test scenarios improves, but the complexity of controlling each light source increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by integrating multiple controllable light sources (headlights, taillights, brake lights, fog lights, and sunlight simulators) into a single light simulator unit that can be controlled by one control unit, consolidating what would otherwise be separate control systems into a unified interface for managing all lighting conditions
3Adaptability or versatility
If the light simulator is made movable to reproduce dynamic scenarios, then the variety of test cases increases, but the precision and reproducibility of test conditions may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by equipping the movable light simulator with position sensors that continuously monitor its location and orientation within the test field. This feedback information is transmitted to the control unit, which automatically adjusts the light simulator's position and lighting parameters to precisely reproduce predefined test scenarios, ensuring consistent and reproducible test conditions across multiple tests
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 the creation of highly realistic and varied test scenarios, allowing for precise determination of lighting conditions that affect sensor performance, thereby optimizing sensor systems for reliable object recognition and obstacle detection.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light emitter for simulating various lighting conditions within a test field
Data Source
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AI summary
A test device (1) for testing the effects of light on the environment and/or object detection by sensors (3), in particular by environmental sensors of motor vehicles (14), comprises at least one light simulator (4) with at least one light source (5) for simulating different lighting conditions within a test field, and a control unit (9) for controlling the at least one light source (5) of the light simulator (4). The light simulator (4) is mountable on a movable chassis (8), and the control unit (9) is configured to define a path for the chassis (8) along which the chassis (8) can be moved at least in a longitudinal and a transverse direction within the test field (7).