Movable Platform 360° Sensing System Using Overlapping Laser Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autonomous driving systems face challenges in achieving 360° sensing of the surrounding environment without blind spots, providing reliable and stable data, and efficient calibration, particularly due to the limitations of existing sensors such as expensive lidars and the need for effective configuration and combination of sensors.
Innovation Solution
An environment sensing system is proposed, comprising a laser detection module with multiple laser modules strategically positioned on a movable platform to achieve 360° sensing, including overlapping fields of view to enhance point cloud density and reduce redundancy, combined with camera and radar modules for comprehensive data coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sensors are used to achieve 360° sensing without blind spots, then the sensing coverage is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is divided into multiple functional modules: laser detection modules for distance measurement, camera modules for visual information, and radar modules for electromagnetic wave detection. Each module is positioned at specific locations (front, rear, left, right sides) to segment the 360° sensing task, achieving complete coverage while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple types of sensors (laser, camera, radar) are merged into an integrated sensing system that combines their complementary strengths. The laser modules provide precise distance data, camera modules provide color and texture information, and radar modules provide all-weather detection capability, creating a unified sensing solution that achieves 360° coverage without requiring an excessive number of individual sensors
2Measurement precision
If lidars are used for stable distance detection, then the measurement precision is improved, but the cost and ease of manufacture worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The laser detection modules are designed to perform multiple functions: primary distance measurement through time-of-flight detection, secondary environmental mapping, and tertiary calibration reference for other sensors. This multi-functionality justifies the investment in lidars by maximizing their utility across different operational modes and reducing the need for additional specialized sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a hierarchical sensor architecture where expensive high-precision lidars are used only where critical distance measurement is required (front and center positions), while cheaper alternative sensors (ultrasonic, infrared, camera-based depth estimation) are deployed in less critical positions. This selective deployment reduces overall cost while maintaining measurement precision where it matters most
3Measurement precision
If overlapping fields of view are used to enhance point cloud density, then the measurement precision is improved, but the quantity of sensors required increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing uniform coverage across all areas, the system concentrates sensor beams and fields of view in regions where higher point cloud density provides greater value (direct forward path, immediate surroundings). Some areas receive overlapping coverage from multiple sensors while others receive minimal coverage, optimizing the trade-off between precision and sensor quantity by applying excessive sensing action only where necessary
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 stable and reliable 360° sensing data, reduces the number of sensors required, and facilitates real-time calibration, improving detection accuracy and cost-effectiveness while avoiding blind spots.
Implementation Method 1
a laser detection module, the laser detection module including a first laser module, a second laser module, a third laser module, and a fourth laser module
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an environment sensing system. The sensing system includes a laser detection module, the laser detection module including a first laser module, a second laser module, a third laser module, and a fourth laser module, a field of view (FOV) angle of each laser module being less than or equal to 120°. The first laser module and the second laser module are disposed on a front side of a movable platform to detect an area in front of the movable platform, the FOVs of the first laser module and the second laser module partially overlap. The third laser module and the fourth laser module are respectively disposed on both sides of the movable platform to detect a front left area and a front right area of the movable platform.