Variable Resolution Lidar Scanning for Motor Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lidar systems face challenges in achieving a balance between resolution and field of view, often resulting in either redundant information or insufficient data due to limitations in optical and mechanical properties, which affects their light sensing capabilities.

Innovation Solution

The lidar system adapts by scanning different regions of the field of view with varying resolutions, including high-resolution and low-resolution areas, allowing for efficient data acquisition by optimizing scanning directions and patterns, and using a single scanning device to cover multiple regions with different resolutions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a large field of view is scanned with high resolution, then detailed information is obtained, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveresolutionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The field of view is divided into multiple scanning regions (first region, second region, third region) with different resolution requirements. The scanning device sequentially scans each region with appropriate resolution, avoiding the need to scan the entire field of view at high resolution and thus reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement precision where needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the field of view are assigned different scanning resolutions based on their importance. The first region (e.g., direct前方) is scanned with high resolution, while the second and third regions (e.g., lateral areas) are scanned with lower resolution. This local differentiation optimizes the balance between measurement precision and device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of information

If the scanning device scans the entire field of view with high resolution, then complete detailed information is obtained, but the scanning time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation completenessVSAvoidscanning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The field of view is segmented into multiple regions that are scanned sequentially. The scanning device completes the high-priority first region quickly, then proceeds to the second and third regions with reduced resolution or lower priority, thereby reducing total scanning time while maintaining information completeness for critical areas

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The scanning device performs periodic scanning of different regions in a predetermined sequence. High-priority regions are scanned more frequently or with higher resolution in each period, while lower-priority regions are scanned less frequently or with lower resolution, optimizing the balance between information completeness and scanning time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Measurement precision

If high resolution is used throughout the field of view, then measurement precision is improved, but the light transmission efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveresolutionVSAvoidlight transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The scanning device concentrates light transmission resources on the first region by scanning it with high resolution, while using lower resolution for the second and third regions. This local allocation of light energy improves measurement precision where most needed while maintaining overall light transmission efficiency across the entire field of view

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 enhances light sensing capabilities by providing detailed information in critical areas while maintaining cost-effectiveness and reducing the number of required components, enabling efficient scanning and data processing.

Implementation Method 1

at least one laser light source (2) adapted to generate a light beam (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

a surface is illuminated by a light beam that originates from a light source and is reflected by the surface. The reflected light beam is incident on a lens arrangement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

The time-of-flight of the light beam is indicative of the distance between the system and a point on the surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 4

one scanning device (15) adapted to scan a field of view (90) by deflecting the light beam (3) to a scanned surface (4) in the environment (5) of the vehicle along one of a plurality of scanning directions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight deflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3591436B1Lidar system and lidar method for a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.05.08 MAGNA ELECTRONICS SWEDEN AB
  • EP3591436B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3591436B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3591436B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A lidar system (1) for a motor vehicle (100) comprises at least one laser light source (2) adapted to generate a light beam (3) which is directed to at least one scanning device (15; 15a, 15b), wherein the at least one scanning device (15; 15a, 15b) is adapted to scan a field of view (90) by deflecting the light beam (3) to a scanned surface (4) in the environment (5) of the vehicle (100) along one of a plurality of scanning directions; at least one light sensing device (8) adapted to sense light which is incident on said light sensing device (8a, 8b); and a data processing device (19). Said at least one scanning device (15; 15a, 15b) is adapted to scan different regions (91a, 91b, 92a, 92b) of said field of view (90) with different resolutions.