Multispectral Imaging and Ranging for Autonomous Vehicle Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation systems for autonomous vehicles face challenges in precision distance measurement and environmental adaptability due to high attenuation of certain optical wavelength bands and limitations of single imaging technologies, especially at night.
Innovation Solution
A multispectral imaging and ranging system with a focal plane detector array capable of passive and active imaging at multiple wavelengths, including visible, infrared, and ultraviolet spectrums, using a chip-scale multi-sensor integrated device that can provide sensor information across four channels, enabling multi-mode detection and coverage of a full environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single optical band is used for imaging, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of navigation under varying environmental conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is designed to perform multiple functions by capturing images across multiple optical wavelength bands (visible, infrared, ultraviolet). Each detector array is optimized for specific wavelength ranges, enabling the system to adapt to different environmental conditions such as daytime, nighttime, and atmospheric attenuation scenarios, thereby improving navigation reliability without requiring separate specialized systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wavelength bands are used for imaging, then the adaptability to environmental conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple detector arrays sensitive to different wavelength bands (visible, infrared, ultraviolet) are merged into a single integrated imaging system with a shared optical path and processing architecture. This consolidation approach enables the system to capture multispectral data simultaneously while avoiding the complexity of operating multiple separate imaging systems, thus achieving environmental adaptability with manageable system complexity
3Ease of operation
If single imaging technology is used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the measurement precision of distances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system incorporates multiple detector arrays optimized for different wavelength bands, enabling it to perform both passive imaging and active illuminated imaging functions. This multi-functionality allows the system to select the most appropriate imaging mode and wavelength band for specific navigation scenarios, thereby improving distance measurement precision while maintaining ease of operation through automated mode selection
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 enables accurate navigation and environment perception for autonomous vehicles by providing robust, multi-spectral sensing capabilities, overcoming limitations of single wavelength reliance and environmental conditions, and allowing for nearly 360-degree assessment of the local environment.
Implementation Method 1
collect retro-reflected light, transmitted by the at least one light illumination source, to support active illuminated imaging; and collect retro-reflected light, transmitted by the at least one light illumination source, to support active illuminated ranging
Implementation Method 2
collect passive light to support passive imaging
Data Source
AI summary
A system for multispectral imaging and ranging is provided. The system comprises at least one light illumination source, and a focal plane detector array configured to support both passive imaging and active imaging at multiple wavelengths. The focal plane detector array includes a plurality of pixels, wherein each of the pixels comprises a plurality of detectors. The detectors are configured to collect passive light to support passive imaging; collect retro-reflected light, transmitted by the at least one light illumination source, to support active illuminated imaging; and collect retro-reflected light, transmitted by the at least one light illumination source, to support active illuminated ranging.