Stereoscopic Camera and Range Finder Sensor Assembly for Autonomous Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current distance sensing technologies for vehicles, such as LIDAR and stereoscopic cameras, face high costs due to power requirements, complex data processing, and susceptibility to false positives and noise, limiting their effectiveness in autonomous vehicle control.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device comprising multiple range finders and cameras that emit and detect near-infrared radiation, with a processor determining distance and object size using stereoscopic image processing techniques, selectively choosing cameras based on range information to reduce processing load and enhance accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If LIDAR systems are used for distance detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to high power requirements, fast response sensor capabilities, and significant data processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines LIDAR distance measurement capabilities with stereoscopic camera imaging capabilities into a single integrated sensor device. The LIDAR component provides accurate distance measurements while the stereoscopic cameras capture visual information, and both functions share common processing resources and housing, reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining high measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it conducts active LIDAR distance measurement, captures stereoscopic images for object recognition, and processes both types of data through a unified processor. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated systems, reducing device complexity while preserving measurement accuracy
2Device complexity
If stereoscopic cameras are used for distance measurement, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to false positive indications from shadows, retro-reflections, and noise in two-dimensional imagery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces LIDAR active illumination as an intermediary that provides structured light patterns to the stereoscopic camera system. This structured light serves as a reliable reference that disambiguates true objects from false positives caused by shadows and retro-reflections, significantly improving detection reliability while the system maintains lower complexity compared to pure LIDAR approaches
3Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are used for stereoscopic imaging, then measurement precision is improved, but processing requirements and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic illumination from the LIDAR emitter synchronized with the camera frame rate. By activating the emitter in periodic pulses that coincide with camera exposure periods, the system achieves accurate time-of-flight measurements and structured light imaging while minimizing energy consumption compared to continuous illumination
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the illumination duration and camera exposure timing based on distance measurements and scene requirements. The emitter activates only during periods when cameras are capturing images, and the duration of illumination is optimized based on the detected range, reducing energy consumption while maintaining measurement precision
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 approach reduces processing requirements and costs while providing accurate distance and object information, minimizing false positives and noise, thereby improving vehicle control systems.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of range finders that each have an emitter configured to emit a selected radiation and a detector configured to detect the selected radiation reflected from an object
Implementation Method 2
The selected radiation may comprise near infrared radiation
Implementation Method 3
A plurality of cameras are configured to generate an image of an object based upon receiving the selected radiation from the object
Implementation Method 4
A plurality of cameras are configured to generate an image of an object
Implementation Method 5
A processor is configured to determine a distance between the sensor device and the object based on at least two of the images, wherein the images are each from a different camera
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
An illustrative example sensor device (22) includes a plurality of range finders (24RF-28RF) that each have an emitter configured to emit a selected type of radiation and a detector configured to detect the selected type of radiation reflected from an object (42, 44). A plurality of cameras (24C-28C) are configured to generate an image (54, 56) of the object (42, 44) based upon receiving the selected type of radiation from the object (42, 44). A processor (50) is configured to determine a distance between the sensor device (22) and the object (42, 44) based on at least two of the images (54, 56), wherein the images (54, 56) are each from a different camera (24C-28C).