Variable Resolution Sensor Nonuniform Pixel Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensors in autonomous vehicles capture data of uniform resolution, requiring multiple sensors to achieve high resolution in distinct regions of interest, which increases cost and space usage.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system with a processor configured to acquire data of nonuniform resolution, featuring uneven pixel distributions to focus on regions of interest, such as traffic signs or landmarks, allowing for dynamic adjustment of resolution based on object presence and change rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If uniform resolution sensors are used to capture data across the entire field of view, then consistent data quality is achieved, but the number of sensors required increases to obtain high-resolution data in specific regions of interest
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor chip implements non-uniform pixel distribution where different regions have different pixel densities. Regions of interest (such as outer regions for traffic signs and landmarks, or inner regions for nearby objects) have higher pixel concentrations to capture high-resolution data, while other regions have lower pixel densities. This allows high measurement precision in specific areas without requiring multiple sensors across the entire field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The field of view is divided into multiple regions with different resolution requirements. The sensor chip segments the pixel distribution accordingly, creating first regions, second regions, and third regions with varying pixel concentrations. This segmentation enables the system to allocate sensing resources efficiently, providing high resolution only where needed rather than uniformly across all areas.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are deployed to capture high-resolution data in distinct regions of interest, then enhanced measurement precision is achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensing functions are merged into a single sensor chip with non-uniform pixel distribution. Instead of deploying separate sensors for different regions of interest, the invention integrates multiple resolution zones within one chip, combining the functionality of what would otherwise require multiple discrete sensors. This reduces device complexity and the number of components while maintaining high measurement precision in multiple regions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
A single sensor chip performs multiple functions by capturing high-resolution data in different regions of interest simultaneously. The non-uniform pixel distribution enables the sensor to function as both a high-resolution imager for distant objects and a high-resolution detector for nearby objects, depending on which region of the field of view is active. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized sensors for different scenarios.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform pixel distribution is used across the sensor chip, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but high-resolution data capture in specific regions requires additional sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel distribution is optimized for local quality requirements rather than uniformity. High pixel concentrations are placed in regions where high measurement precision is needed (such as outer regions for traffic signs or inner regions for nearby objects), while other regions have lower pixel densities. This non-uniform distribution maintains ease of manufacture through standard semiconductor fabrication processes while achieving superior region-specific data resolution.
4Measurement precision
If high-resolution data is captured across the entire field of view, then comprehensive measurement precision is achieved, but the number of pixels and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
High measurement precision is achieved locally in regions of interest rather than uniformly across the entire field of view. By concentrating pixels only where high resolution is needed (such as outer regions for distant objects or inner regions for nearby objects), the system reduces the total number of pixels while maintaining comprehensive measurement precision for relevant areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The field of view is segmented into regions with different resolution requirements. High pixel density is allocated to first regions and third regions where high measurement precision is needed, while second regions have lower pixel density. This segmentation reduces the total pixel count compared to uniform high-resolution coverage, while still achieving comprehensive precision for critical areas.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a system and method that acquires data and determines a driving action based on the data. The system comprises a processor configured to acquire data of nonuniform resolution over a field of view of the sensor, and a controller configured to determine a driving action of a vehicle based on the data, and perform the driving action.