Vehicle Sensor Power Tailoring for Range and Energy Trade-Offs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Active sensors in vehicles face a trade-off between achieving a wide field of view and long sensor range due to limitations in power, computation, and integration, which are not optimally addressed by existing systems.
Innovation Solution
A system that dynamically tailors sensor emission power based on the vehicle's operating context, directing high power where it is needed and reducing or turning off sensors in less critical directions to optimize power usage and range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If sensor power is increased to achieve long range, then sensor range is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of sensor emission power based on real-time operating context. The controller monitors vehicle state, environmental conditions, and map data to dynamically select from multiple power configurations, transitioning between low-power and high-power modes as needed rather than maintaining a fixed power level.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different power levels to different spatial sectors based on their importance. High-power emission is directed toward critical sectors requiring long-range detection (such as forward direction during highway driving), while low-power or zero-power modes are used in less critical directions, creating a non-uniform power distribution optimized for each situation.
2Length of stationary object
If sensor power is increased to achieve long range, then sensor range is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic power configuration selection based on predefined operating contexts. Rather than implementing a continuously variable power system, the patent employs discrete power configurations (e.g., low-power mode, high-power mode) selected through controller logic that evaluates operating context, thereby achieving adaptability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the emission power parameter of the sensor based on operating context. By pre-defining multiple power configurations and selecting among them based on vehicle state, environment, and map data, the system achieves variable performance without requiring complex real-time power adjustment mechanisms.
3Use of energy by moving object
If sensor power is dynamically adjusted based on operating context, then power consumption is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes power consumption by changing the emission power parameter based on operating context. The controller evaluates multiple factors (vehicle state, environmental conditions, map data) and selects from pre-defined power configurations, achieving energy optimization through parameter adjustment rather than hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the operating context into distinct categories or modes (e.g., highway driving, urban driving, parking maneuvers) with associated power configurations. This segmentation allows the controller to select appropriate power levels based on the current mode, simplifying the decision-making process compared to continuous optimization while still achieving significant power savings.
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
Enhances sensor performance by providing both wide field of view and long range while reducing power consumption, improving detection capabilities in various driving scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
Active sensors include devices that emit energy, which can reflect off environmental surroundings and can be measured upon return to the device
Implementation Method 2
light detection and ranging (LIDAR) systems, which may be configured to obtain information about an environment
Implementation Method 3
Active sensors include devices that emit energy, which can reflect off environmental surroundings and can be measured upon return to the device
Implementation Method 4
radio detection and ranging (RADAR or radar) systems, which may be configured to obtain information about an environment
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that facilitate active sensor systems. An example method includes receiving information indicative of an operating context of a vehicle, wherein at least one Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) sensor or at least one radar sensor are coupled to the vehicle. The method also includes selecting, from a plurality of sensor power configurations, a desired sensor power configuration based on the operating context of the vehicle. The method further includes causing at least one of: the at least one LIDAR sensor to emit light pulses according to the desired sensor power configuration or the at least one radar sensor to emit radar energy according to the desired sensor power configuration.