Synchronized Multi-Lidar Vehicle Scanning System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lidar systems face challenges in capturing a complete 360-degree horizontal field of regard around a vehicle due to limitations in scanning technology, particularly in synchronizing multiple sensors to cover the entire area effectively.
Innovation Solution
A synchronized scanning system is implemented using multiple lidar sensors placed along the perimeter of a vehicle, each configured to scan a 90-degree field of regard with a uniform phase angle, allowing them to work together to capture a complete 360-degree view by emitting light pulses and detecting scattered light to generate pixels, with a processor combining data from each sensor to create a comprehensive image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single lidar sensor is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the field of regard coverage is insufficient to capture a complete 360-degree view
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the 360-degree field of regard into multiple overlapping sectors, each covered by a separate lidar sensor. Four sensors are positioned at different locations around the vehicle, each scanning a specific angular range. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage while managing system complexity through modular sensor deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-sensor viewpoint to a multi-sensor spatial arrangement, adding dimensional complexity to achieve complete coverage. By positioning sensors at different angular positions and combining their respective fields of regard, the system creates a comprehensive 360-degree view that neither sensor could achieve alone.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple lidar sensors are used to cover 360 degrees, then the field of regard coverage is improved, but the synchronization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the processor receives data from multiple sensors, determines their relative positions and scanning states, and adjusts scanning parameters to maintain synchronization. This feedback loop ensures that all sensors operate in a coordinated manner, with uniform phase angle relationships maintained between neighboring sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
A central processor acts as an intermediary that coordinates between multiple lidar sensors. It manages the synchronization by receiving data from all sensors, determining their spatial relationships, and controlling their operation to maintain uniform phase angles. This intermediary component simplifies the synchronization complexity by centralizing control.
3Productivity
If lidar sensors scan at high speed, then the productivity of environmental scanning is improved, but the measurement precision may be reduced due to reduced sampling time
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous scanning operation across all sensors simultaneously, ensuring that environmental monitoring is ongoing without interruption. Each sensor continuously emits light pulses and detects returned light, maintaining a steady state of data collection that balances scanning speed with measurement precision through persistent observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lidar sensors operate using periodic pulsed light emission, where light pulses are emitted at regular intervals during scanning. This periodic action allows for consistent sampling rates that maintain measurement precision while enabling high-speed scanning through the structured repetition of measurement cycles.
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 solution enables efficient and comprehensive scanning of the environment around a vehicle, enhancing navigation and obstacle detection by ensuring all areas are monitored without gaps or overlaps, improving safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The light source emits light toward a target which then scatters the light. Some of the scattered light is received back at the receiver.
Implementation Method 2
The system determines the distance to the target based on the time of flight of a returned light pulse.
Implementation Method 3
The light source emits light toward a target which then scatters the light. Some of the scattered light is received back at the receiver.
Data Source
AI summary
To generate an image that captures a 360-degree horizontal view around a vehicle in a lidar system, four or more lidar sensors may be placed at the four corners of the vehicle. Each lidar sensor is phased 90 degrees apart and synchronously scans a respective 90-degree field of regard. The 90 degree fields of regard from each of the four or more lidar sensors may combine to scan a complete 360-degree field of regard around the vehicle.