Multi-LiDAR Data Fusion Architecture for Wider Autonomous Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current LiDAR systems in autonomous driving face challenges in coordinating multiple sensors, leading to increased complexity, cost, and insufficient detection accuracy due to limited angular and distance ranges, as well as complications in wiring and power supply.
Innovation Solution
A LiDAR system with multiple LiDARs connected through Ethernet switches and transmission ports, enabling coordinated operation and data fusion, with redundant transmission links to enhance stability and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple LiDARs are added to expand detection range, then the detection coverage is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase due to complicated wiring and power supply coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple LiDAR devices into a coordinated system where one LiDAR controls and synchronizes others. The LiDARs share common wiring and power supply infrastructure through a unified control architecture, reducing the overall complexity compared to completely independent systems while maintaining expanded detection coverage through multiple units.
Solution Approach 2:
The control LiDAR performs multiple functions: it serves as a detection device itself while simultaneously acting as a master controller for other LiDARs, managing their synchronization and data collection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated control hardware, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple LiDARs are coordinated to expand detection range, then the detection coverage is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to coordination challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The master LiDAR receives echo signals from slave LiDARs and performs centralized data fusion. This feedback mechanism ensures that all LiDARs are synchronized to the same control instructions and that their data is integrated with proper timing and spatial relationships, maintaining measurement precision across the expanded detection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The master LiDAR sends control instructions to slave LiDARs before they emit laser beams, pre-synchronizing their operation. This preliminary coordination ensures that all LiDARs operate in a coordinated manner with proper timing, avoiding data conflicts and maintaining measurement accuracy across the distributed sensor array.
3Device complexity
If a single LiDAR is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the detection coverage is insufficient due to limited angular and distance range
Solution Approach 1:
The detection task is segmented across multiple LiDAR units, each responsible for specific angular sectors or distance ranges. The master LiDAR coordinates these segmented detection zones, allowing the system to achieve comprehensive coverage while keeping individual LiDAR units relatively simple in design.
4Measurement precision
If multiple LiDARs are coordinated for data fusion, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases due to coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions of multiple LiDARs into a single master LiDAR that handles synchronization and data fusion. This consolidation approach achieves high detection accuracy through coordinated data fusion while minimizing coordination complexity by centralizing control rather than requiring complex peer-to-peer communication between all LiDAR units.
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
The system achieves coordinated operation of multiple LiDARs, improving detection accuracy and reducing complexity and cost by ensuring stable data and power transmission.
Implementation Method 1
The second LiDAR is configured to emit a laser beam according to the control instruction and receive the second echo signal
Implementation Method 2
The first LiDAR is further configured to receive the first echo signal; the second LiDAR is further configured to receive the second echo signal
Data Source
AI summary
A LiDAR system and an autonomous driving device are provided. The LiDAR system includes a first LiDAR and a second LiDAR. The LiDAR includes a first transmission port and a second transmission port. The first LiDAR is configured to send a control instruction to the first transmission port or the second transmission port of the second LiDAR through the first transmission port of the first LiDAR, and the first LiDAR is also configured to receive a first echo signal. The second LiDAR is configured to emit a laser beam according to the control instruction, and receive a second echo signal according to the laser beam, and the second LiDAR is also configured to transmit the second echo signal to the first LiDAR. The first LiDAR is configured to perform data fusion according to the first echo signal and the second echo signal to obtain the echo signal after data fusion.