Multi-LIDAR Vehicle Layout for Near and Long-Range Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sensor configurations, particularly with LIDAR devices, face challenges in effectively scanning environments for objects across various ranges and scenarios 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
A vehicle equipped with multiple LIDAR devices positioned strategically to cover different fields-of-view and ranges, including a first LIDAR for medium-range detection with high refresh rate and high resolution, a second LIDAR for long-range detection with higher resolution, and a third LIDAR for short-range detection, allowing for comprehensive object identification and tracking.
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 are insufficient for objects at various ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the environment scanning function into multiple LIDAR devices, each responsible for specific spatial zones (front, rear, side views). This segmentation allows each LIDAR to be optimized for its specific detection range and resolution requirements, thereby improving overall measurement precision without requiring a single overly complex device
Solution Approach 2:
Different LIDAR devices are positioned at specific locations on the vehicle (front bumper, rear bumper, sides) to provide locally optimized detection quality for different spatial regions. Each LIDAR is configured with appropriate resolution and field-of-view characteristics suited to its specific operational context, improving detection precision where needed while managing overall system complexity
2Productivity
If a single LIDAR device scans the entire environment, then the device structure is simple, but the refresh rate and detection speed are insufficient for real-time autonomous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The environment scanning task is divided among multiple LIDAR devices, each handling a specific portion of the field-of-view. This allows each LIDAR to operate at high refresh rates for its designated zone, achieving overall real-time detection capability without requiring a single device to scan the entire environment, which would compromise refresh rate
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple LIDAR devices are merged into a coordinated sensor system where each device contributes data from its specific viewing direction. The controller integrates these multiple high-refresh-rate scans to create a complete real-time environment model, achieving high productivity through combined operation rather than a single device working alone
3Area of stationary object
If LIDAR devices are positioned at the front and rear of the vehicle, then the field-of-view coverage is improved, but the detection capability for objects near the vehicle remains inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of LIDAR devices at different vertical heights and horizontal locations on the vehicle. This asymmetric arrangement creates overlapping fields-of-view that specifically target near-object detection zones, allowing the system to maintain wide area coverage while improving precision for objects close to the vehicle through geometric optimization
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 multi-LIDAR configuration enables the vehicle to detect and identify objects across a wide range of distances, improving safety and autonomous operation by providing detailed environmental mapping and real-time object tracking.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting a laser pulse and detecting a returning pulse, if any, reflected from an object in the environment
Implementation Method 2
determining the distance to the object according to the time delay between the transmitted pulse and the reception of the reflected pulse
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.