Autonomous Vehicle Sensor Alignment for Coverage and Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in achieving comprehensive sensor coverage due to varying shapes and mounting orientations of sensors on the vehicle, necessitating custom installations for each position to meet field of view requirements.
Innovation Solution
Implement systems and methods for aligning and synchronizing sensors on autonomous vehicles, improving accuracy and coverage by optimizing sensor positions and data flow, particularly in vertical fields, and aligning high-resolution views for robust coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If custom sensors are mounted in each position to achieve field of view requirements, then sensor coverage and accuracy are improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using identical sensor units (model ESS-0030) across all mounting positions on the vehicle. Each sensor unit has the same specifications and capabilities, allowing them to perform the same function of detecting environmental data. The system achieves different field of view requirements not through custom sensors but through strategic placement and orientation of standardized units, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by orienting each standardized sensor unit differently according to its specific mounting position. Sensors are rotated and angled to achieve optimal field of view coverage for each location on the vehicle. This allows identical sensors to adapt to local requirements through orientation adjustment rather than through custom hardware design.
2Area of stationary object
If sensors are mounted at different heights and orientations, then comprehensive environmental coverage is achieved, but synchronization and data flow issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring each sensor unit with a unique identifier and pre-determined orientation parameters before installation. The system establishes communication protocols and synchronization mechanisms in advance, allowing sensors at different heights and orientations to coordinate their data collection and transmission without encountering data flow issues during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where each sensor unit transmits its operational status, orientation, and detected data to a central processing system. The system monitors data flow from all sensors and can identify and correct synchronization issues. This feedback loop ensures that even with sensors mounted at varying positions and angles, the overall system maintains reliable data collection and coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are methods for sensor operation, which can include obtaining first location data of a first sensor associated with an autonomous vehicle and determining a first position parameter and a first configuration parameter of the first sensor. Some methods described also include operating the first sensor based on the first configuration parameter. Systems and computer program products are also provided.