Vehicle Laser Power Control for Adaptive Object Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle detection systems face challenges in dynamically adjusting their power consumption and detection capabilities based on varying vehicle speeds and locations, leading to inefficient operation and potential interference with other systems, especially in densely populated areas.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a method and apparatus that dynamically adjust the radiated power of signals, such as lasers, based on the current speed and position of the vehicle, using inputs from speedometers and GPS, to optimize detection range and reduce interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the sensor operates at constant power, then the detection capability is maintained, but the power consumption is inefficient and interference increases in densely populated areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power adjustment of the laser sensor based on real-time vehicle speed and position data. The controller continuously modifies the radiated power level according to current operating conditions, transitioning from static constant-power operation to dynamic adaptive power control, thereby optimizing both detection capability and power consumption efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the power parameter of the laser signal dynamically based on vehicle speed and position inputs. By adjusting the radiated power level according to environmental context (highway vs. urban areas), the system adapts its operational parameters to match detection requirements while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption and interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Length of stationary object

If the sensor operates at constant power, then the detection range is sufficient, but the interference with other systems increases in densely populated areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection rangeVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality adjustment by modifying the laser power level according to the specific operational context (vehicle speed and position). In urban environments with lower speeds and higher interference risk, the power is reduced locally, while on highways with higher speeds, the power is increased to maintain appropriate detection ranges for each specific operating condition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring vehicle speed and position data, then using this information to adjust the laser power output. This closed-loop control ensures that the detection range remains sufficient while dynamically minimizing interference with other systems based on real-time environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Length of stationary object

If the radiated power is increased, then the detection range is extended, but the processing demands and interference increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection rangeVSAvoidprocessing demands
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements partial action by adjusting the laser power to the minimum necessary level for each specific operating condition rather than always operating at maximum power. This approach extends detection range only when and where needed, reducing unnecessary processing demands and interference in situations where full detection capability is not required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 the detection system's efficiency by adjusting power consumption according to operational needs, minimizing reflections and interference, thereby improving safety and reducing processing demands, especially in low-speed or densely populated environments.

Implementation Method 1

receiving one or more reflections of the emitted laser reflected from the one or more objects located in the direction of travel of the vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20240168139A1Methods, systems, and apparatus for dynamically adjusting radiated signals
Publication Date: 2024.05.23 QUALCOMM INC
  • US20240168139A1 patent drawing
  • US20240168139A1 patent drawing
  • US20240168139A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and apparatus for providing dynamically adjusted radiated signals are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of detecting one or more objects in a path of travel of a vehicle may include generating a laser with radiated power. The method may further include emitting the laser in a direction of travel of the vehicle and receiving one or more reflections of the emitted laser reflected from the one or more objects located in the direction of travel of the vehicle. The method may also further include generating a signal indicating that the one or more objects are in a path of the vehicle based on the received one or more reflections. The method may also include dynamically adjusting the radiated power of the laser based on an input corresponding to one or more of (i) a current speed of the vehicle or (ii) a current position of the vehicle.