Oscillating Axis LIDAR for High-Resolution Autonomous Driving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LIDAR sensing units require expensive sensors with tightly spaced laser beams to create high-resolution 3D maps of vehicle surroundings, making them costly and inefficient for mapping areas between concentric circles.
Innovation Solution
Oscillating or shifting the axis of rotation of the LIDAR sensing unit to create a spiral scanning pattern, allowing for improved mapping resolution without the need for additional sensors, enabling the use of lower-cost sensors with larger separation angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive LIDAR sensors with tightly spaced laser beams are used, then mapping resolution is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by making the LIDAR sensing unit oscillate during rotation, transforming the static rotation axis into a dynamic oscillating axis. This oscillation causes the laser beams to sweep in spiral patterns rather than simple concentric circles, allowing a single sensor to cover more area with effective higher resolution mapping without adding more expensive sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the Another dimension principle by adding the oscillation dimension to the rotational motion. The LIDAR unit not only rotates around the vehicle but also oscillates the rotation axis, creating a two-dimensional motion pattern (rotation + oscillation) that generates spiral scanning paths. This dimensional addition allows lower-cost sensors with larger separation angles to achieve effective high-resolution mapping by utilizing the extra oscillation dimension to fill gaps between laser beams
2Device complexity
If lower cost LIDAR sensors with larger separation angles are used, then system cost decreases, but mapping resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillation of the rotation axis dynamically adjusts the scanning pattern, causing laser beams to sweep through spiral paths that fill the gaps between beams. This dynamic motion allows lower-cost sensors with larger separation angles to effectively achieve high-resolution mapping by utilizing temporal and spatial distribution of scans rather than relying solely on dense beam spacing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies Periodic action through the oscillation of the rotation axis, which periodically varies the scanning angle and position. This periodic oscillation creates overlapping spiral scan patterns that ensure complete coverage of the surrounding area, allowing lower-cost sensors to achieve high effective resolution through repeated scanning of the same areas from slightly different angles
3Device complexity
If the LIDAR sensing unit rotates without oscillation, then device complexity is reduced, but areas between concentric circles are not mapped
Solution Approach 1:
By adding oscillation to the rotation, the patent transforms the simple circular scanning pattern into spiral patterns. This dynamic oscillating motion ensures that laser beams sweep through intermediate areas between what would otherwise be concentric circles, eliminating blind spots and improving overall mapping coverage without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillation adds a second dimension to the rotational scanning motion, creating spiral scan paths that naturally fill the gaps between concentric circles. This dimensional addition ensures complete area coverage by varying the radial and angular positions of the laser beams over time, preventing information loss in intermediate regions
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 approach enhances the resolution of 3D spinning LIDAR sensors, allowing for effective object detection and mapping in areas between traditional concentric circles, achieving a higher mapping resolution comparable to more expensive systems with fewer sensors.
Implementation Method 1
at least three LIDAR sensors receiving a reflection of the laser beams and converting optical signals to electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for sensing objects disposed about a vehicle includes LIDAR sensors in a LIDAR sensing unit mounted above the vehicle. The system includes outputting a plurality of laser beams from lasers while rotating the LIDAR sensing unit and simultaneously oscillating or changing an axis of rotation for the LIDAR sensing unit. The LIDAR sensors receive a reflection of the laser beams and convert optical signals to electrical signals. An electronic processor is configured to determine a presence or absence of objects from the electrical signals and provide a warning indication or control movement of the vehicle in response to detection of objects. The oscillating of the LIDAR sensing unit causes the laser beams to change an angle with respect to horizontal during rotation. The change in oscillation or offset angle for an axis of rotation is accounted for by the electronic processor to map the presence of objects. An autonomous vehicle is controlled based on the sensed objects or a warning is provided.