Autonomous Vehicle Sensor FoV Adjustment for Reliable Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in accurately detecting objects in varying environmental conditions due to changes in weather, terrain, and other external factors, which can degrade sensor performance and affect navigation reliability.
Innovation Solution
The system adjusts the field of view volume of vehicle sensors in real-time based on operational design domains and environmental conditions, using predefined thresholds and data from weather stations to optimize sensor operation for enhanced detection confidence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the sensor field of view volume is increased to improve object detection coverage, then the detection area is improved, but the reliability of sensor detection decreases in varying environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of sensor field of view volume based on environmental conditions. The system continuously monitors environmental parameters (weather, terrain, lighting) and adapts the sensor FoV volume in real-time, transitioning from a static to a dynamic configuration that optimizes both coverage area and detection reliability for current conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes sensor operating parameters (field of view volume) in response to environmental condition changes. By adjusting the FoV volume parameter according to detected environmental factors, the system maintains optimal detection performance across varying conditions without requiring a fixed large-volume configuration that would compromise reliability in adverse environments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor field of view volume is adjusted frequently to adapt to changing environmental conditions, then the adaptability is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-establishes multiple operational design domains (ODDs) with predetermined sensor configurations for different environmental conditions. Rather than calculating optimal parameters in real-time, the system prepares configuration sets in advance and selects the appropriate pre-configured ODD based on current environmental monitoring, reducing computational complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where environmental sensors continuously monitor conditions and trigger transitions between predefined operational design domains. This feedback loop enables automatic adaptation to environmental changes without requiring complex real-time optimization algorithms, as the system responds to environmental feedback by selecting from pre-validating configuration sets.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems and methods that can be used for adjusting the field of view of one or more sensors of an autonomous vehicle. In the systems and methods, each sensor of the one or more sensors is configured to operate in accordance with a field of view volume up to a maximum field of view volume. The systems and methods include determining an operating environment of an autonomous vehicle. The systems and methods also include based on the determined operating environment of the autonomous vehicle, adjusting a field of view volume of at least one sensor of the one or more sensors from a first field of view volume to an adjusted field of view volume different from the first field of view volume. Additionally, the systems and methods include controlling the autonomous vehicle to operate using the at least one sensor having the adjusted field of view volume.