Multi-LIDAR Vehicle Layout for Near- and Long-Range Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sensing systems, particularly those using LIDAR, face challenges in effectively scanning environments for objects across various ranges and conditions due to limitations in field-of-view, resolution, and refresh rate, which can lead to inadequate detection and identification of objects, especially near the vehicle or at long distances.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multiple LIDAR devices with different configurations and positions on a vehicle, including a high-refresh-rate LIDAR for medium-range detection, a high-resolution LIDAR for long-range detection, and a third LIDAR for short-range detection, allowing for comprehensive scanning and identification of objects across a wide range of distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single LIDAR device is used for environment scanning, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and detection capability across various ranges are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the environment scanning function into multiple LIDAR devices, each responsible for specific detection ranges (short-range, medium-range, long-range). This segmentation allows each device to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall measurement precision while managing system complexity through functional division.
Solution Approach 2:
Different LIDAR devices are positioned at different locations on the vehicle (front, rear, sides) and configured with different specifications appropriate for their local detection needs. This local quality approach ensures that each region of the environment is scanned by a LIDAR device with appropriate resolution and range characteristics for that specific area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple LIDAR devices with different configurations are used, then the detection capability across various ranges is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller integrates data from multiple LIDAR devices with different configurations (short-range, medium-range, long-range) to provide comprehensive environment scanning coverage. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to detect objects at various distances and in different locations using a unified control architecture, improving adaptability while managing complexity through centralized processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the dimension of detection range by deploying LIDAR devices with different scanning ranges and resolutions. Instead of using a single device that compromises on all ranges, the system uses multiple devices with specialized configurations for short-range, medium-range, and long-range detection, creating a multi-dimensional detection capability.
3Area of stationary object
If LIDAR devices are positioned at the top side of the vehicle, then the field-of-view is expanded, but the detection of objects near the vehicle is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric positioning of LIDAR devices, placing them at various locations including the front, rear, and sides of the vehicle, not just at the top. This asymmetric arrangement allows LIDAR devices to detect objects in their respective near-fields, complementing the top-mounted devices and eliminating blind zones for near-object detection.
4Measurement precision
If a high-resolution LIDAR is used for long-range detection, then the measurement precision is improved, but the refresh rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection task by resolution requirements, using high-resolution LIDAR devices for long-range detection where detail is critical, and lower-resolution devices for short-range detection where refresh rate is more important. This segmentation allows each device to operate at optimal performance for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial high-resolution scanning only where needed (long-range detection) rather than using high resolution across all ranges. This partial action approach maintains high refresh rates for overall scanning while providing high-resolution data only for distant objects where it is most valuable.
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 multi-LIDAR system enhances the vehicle's ability to detect and identify objects accurately across different ranges, improving safety and autonomous operation by providing detailed environmental mapping and real-time object tracking.
Implementation Method 1
Individual points in the point cloud can be determined by transmitting a laser pulse and detecting a returning pulse, if any, reflected from an object in the environment, and determining the distance to the object according to the time delay between the transmitted pulse and the reception of the reflected pulse
Implementation Method 2
A LIDAR can estimate distance to environmental features while scanning through a scene to assemble a point cloud indicative of reflective surfaces in the environment
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle is provided that includes one or more wheels positioned at a bottom side of the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a first light detection and ranging device (LIDAR) positioned at a top side of the vehicle opposite to the bottom side. The first LIDAR is configured to scan an environment around the vehicle based on rotation of the first LIDAR about an axis. The first LIDAR has a first resolution. The vehicle also includes a second LIDAR configured to scan a field-of-view of the environment that extends away from the vehicle along a viewing direction of the second LIDAR. The second LIDAR has a second resolution. The vehicle also includes a controller configured to operate the vehicle based on the scans of the environment by the first LIDAR and the second LIDAR.