Multi-Sensor Mapping System for Stationary, Ground and Airborne Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LiDAR data acquisition systems are large, heavy, expensive, and limited to specific modes of operation, lacking flexibility and compatibility with non-proprietary sensors, which restricts their use in various applications such as stationary, ground mobile, and airborne modes.
Innovation Solution
A multi-sensor mapping system comprising a range sensor, location sensor, orientation sensor, and a system management unit, integrated into a single device with three degrees of freedom for the range sensor, allowing operation in different modes and enabling the integration of additional sensors, with a data processing unit that generates three-dimensional geo-referenced point cloud data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional LiDAR systems are designed for long-range stationary mode, then mapping precision is improved, but device weight and size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal LiDAR system that can operate in multiple modes (stationary long-range, mobile medium-range, airborne short-range) using the same hardware platform. The system uses a modular sensor array with interchangeable components that allow adaptation to different operational requirements without requiring separate dedicated systems for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as laser pulse rate, scanning pattern, and sensor configuration based on the desired mode of operation. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system achieves long-range precision when needed while maintaining the ability to operate in lighter, more portable configurations for mobile and airborne applications.
2Ease of operation
If conventional LiDAR systems are designed for mobile ground mode, then device portability is improved, but mapping range and precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reconfigures its operational parameters and sensor configuration based on the mobile platform's capabilities and the mapping task requirements. The LiDAR array can adjust scanning patterns, pulse rates, and sensor activation to optimize performance for mobile ground operation while maintaining extended range capability through coordinated sensor operation.
3Weight of moving object
If conventional LiDAR systems are designed for airborne mode, then device weight is reduced, but mapping range and precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensor functions into a single integrated LiDAR array system. By combining multiple range sensors, location sensors, and orientation sensors that can be selectively activated, the system achieves airborne portability while maintaining extended mapping range through coordinated operation of the sensor array, compensating for the weight reduction effect.
4Reliability
If conventional LiDAR systems use proprietary sensors, then system performance is optimized, but adaptability and ease of repair deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the LiDAR functionality into modular, independently replaceable sensor units within the array. Each sensor can be individually characterized and configured, allowing users to select from different sensor types (proprietary or non-proprietary) and replace individual components without affecting the entire system, thereby improving adaptability and ease of repair while maintaining overall performance.
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 provides a flexible, modular, and efficient means to generate mapping data across multiple modes of operation, including stationary, ground mobile, and airborne modes, with increased field-of-view and data density, reducing the need for multiple systems and improving data consistency.
Implementation Method 1
Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) is a mapping or surveying method that measures distance (or range) to a target by illuminating the target with laser light and recording the reflected light with the transmitted sensor. The measured time difference between illumination and sensing of the reflected light is used to calculate the distance or range to the target.
Implementation Method 2
The measured time difference between illumination and sensing of the reflected light is used to calculate the distance or range to the target.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for multi-sensor mapping are provided for a multi-sensor device having a range sensor, a location sensor and an orientation sensor that provide range data, location data and orientation data, respectively. The device may be operated in a stationary mode, a mobile ground mode or an airborne mode. The range data, the location data and the orientation data are combined to generate three-dimensional geo-referenced point cloud data.