Zoom Radar Focal Length Control for Vehicle Speed Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser radars on vehicles face challenges in increasing detection distance without corresponding increases in energy consumption and heat generation, as higher light intensity is typically required for longer detection ranges.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an automatic zooming control method that adjusts the focal length of the zoom radar based on the vehicle's speed and predicted detection distance, allowing for extended detection ranges without increasing light intensity, thereby reducing energy consumption and heat generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the light intensity of the laser beam is increased to increase the detection distance, then the detection distance is improved, but the energy consumption and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the focal length of the radar lens adjustable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically changes the focal length based on the vehicle's speed and driving state, allowing the system to optimize detection distance without continuously increasing light intensity. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by enabling long detection distance only when necessary (at high speeds) while maintaining lower energy consumption at lower speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameter (focal length) of the radar lens to control the detection distance. By adjusting the focal length between different values (e.g., first focal length for long distance, second focal length for short distance), the system achieves variable detection ranges without proportionally increasing light intensity, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining detection effectiveness.
2Length of stationary object
If the light intensity of the laser beam is increased to increase the detection distance, then the detection distance is improved, but the heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the focal length based on real-time driving conditions, enabling long detection distance only when the vehicle is moving at high speed. This prevents continuous operation at high light intensity, thereby reducing heat generation while maintaining detection distance when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller periodically evaluates the vehicle speed and driving state to determine whether to switch between different focal lengths. This periodic adjustment ensures that high light intensity (and associated heat generation) is applied only during necessary periods (high-speed driving) rather than continuously.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the focal length is adjusted frequently to adapt to changing detection requirements, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability decreases due to increased adjustment frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic focal length adjustment based on vehicle speed thresholds. The controller monitors speed and only triggers focal length changes when the vehicle enters or exits predefined speed ranges, providing adaptability to different driving conditions while avoiding excessive adjustments that would compromise reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller uses feedback from the vehicle speed sensor and driving state information to intelligently determine when focal length adjustment is necessary. This feedback mechanism ensures adjustments are made only when detection requirements actually change, maintaining adaptability while minimizing unnecessary adjustments that would reduce system reliability.
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 enables longer detection distances while minimizing energy consumption and heat generation, and reduces the frequency of focal length adjustments, thus enhancing the reliability of the laser radar system.
Implementation Method 1
The laser beam emitted by the area light source diffuses in a field of the laser radar. A diffusion degree of the laser beam is related with a detection distance of the laser radar.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of automatic zoom control comprises acquires a speed of a moving device and a speed change signal. A detection distance required by the moving device after a specified time duration is predicted according to the speed of the moving device and the speed change signal. A target focal length of a zoom radar is calculated according to the predicated detection distance, and the focal length of the zoom radar is adjusted to be the target focal length over the specified time duration. The longer detection distance, the focal length will be larger for satisfying with a detecting requirement, a light intensity of the zoom laser does not increase for increasing the detection distance. An energy consumption and a generated heat of the laser radar to be reduced. An apparatus, an electronic device, and a computer readable storage medium applying the method are also disclosed.