Rotating Multi-Receiver LiDAR for Near and Far Range Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LIDAR devices face challenges in detecting objects near the vehicle due to their mounting position and scanning configuration, which can result in insufficient resolution for identifying both close and distant objects, affecting safety and autonomous operation.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR device with multiple receivers, each configured to scan the environment at different resolutions and fields of view, is positioned on a rotating platform to provide a vertical beam width that encompasses both receivers' fields of view, allowing for detailed detection of objects at varying distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single receiver is used in a conventional LIDAR device, then the device structure is simple and cost-effective, but the resolution and field of view are insufficient for detecting both close and distant objects
Solution Approach 1:
The LIDAR device divides the detection task by using multiple receivers (first receiver and second receiver) with different fields of view and resolutions. The first receiver handles distant objects with higher resolution, while the second receiver covers closer objects with a wider field of view. This segmentation allows the system to achieve comprehensive detection capabilities without requiring a single complex receiver to handle all scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
Each receiver is configured with specific local qualities optimized for its detection range. The first receiver has higher resolution optimized for distant objects, while the second receiver has a wider field of view optimized for closer objects. This local quality differentiation ensures that each receiver performs its specific detection function at optimal performance levels.
2Area of stationary object
If the LIDAR device is mounted on top of the vehicle, then it can scan a wide area, but objects near the vehicle are difficult to detect with sufficient resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The detection area is segmented into two zones: distant objects detected by the first receiver with higher resolution, and closer objects detected by the second receiver with wider field of view. This segmentation resolves the mounting position limitation by assigning different detection responsibilities to different receivers based on distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes detection parameters (resolution and field of view) by selecting different receivers based on object distance. For distant objects, the first receiver provides higher resolution; for closer objects, the second receiver provides adequate detail with its wider field of view, optimizing detection across all ranges despite the top-mounted position.
3Measurement precision
If high resolution scanning is applied to all ranges, then distant objects can be identified clearly, but power consumption and processing load increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying high-resolution scanning to all ranges, the system applies high resolution only where necessary (distant objects via first receiver) and uses lower resolution with wider field of view for closer objects (second receiver). This partial application of high resolution reduces power consumption and processing load while maintaining adequate identification clarity for all objects.
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 configuration enhances object detection capabilities by providing higher resolution for distant objects and sufficient detail for closer objects, improving safety and autonomous operation while reducing sensor costs and power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
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
Described herein is a LIDAR device that may include a transmitter, first and second receivers, and a rotating platform. The transmitter may be configured to emit light having a vertical beam width. The first receiver may be configured to detect light at a first resolution while scanning the environment with a first FOV and the second receiver may be configured to detect light at a second resolution while scanning the environment with a second FOV. In this arrangement, the first resolution may be higher than the second resolution, the first FOV may be at least partially different from the second FOV, and the vertical beam width may encompass at least a vertical extent of the first and second FOVs. Further, the rotating platform may be configured to rotate about an axis such that the transmitter and first and second receivers each move based on the rotation.