LiDAR System Control Method - Dynamic sensor control system for automated driving systems
Ref.-No. 7383
Keywords: Adaptive sensor control system, situation oriented, LiDAR, autonomous vehicles, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), software
The ongoing development of automated driving assistance systems and completely automated vehicles means that detection requirements in the vehicle environment are very high. This invention is a control method for lidar sensor systems. Conventional lidar systems typically function statically – they scan the environment according to fixed patterns, no matter how the vehicle is moving. Instead, individual sensors can be activated in response to vehicle parameters such as speed and steering angle in order to give priority to dynamically relevant areas of the environment. A combination allows the system to dynamically select between great detail with overlapping detection areas on the one hand and a wide field of view on the other – efficiently, in real time, and dependent on driving situation.
Sensor orientation can be mechanical, optoelectronic, or software-based. The basis of this development is an in-house sensor modelling and simulation environment that generates physically realistic point clouds to map even inclement weather and difficult vehicle dynamics.
Competitive Advantages
- Needs-oriented sensor allocation
- Enhanced driving safety
- Hardware-independent
Commercial Opportunities
Dynamic adaptation concentrates sensor power on relevant areas, reducing computing power, energy consumption, and the number of lidar sensors if prioritized.
Adapted software allows additional sensor orientation hardware at low cost. If the sensor’s field of view is large enough and the sensor follows specified scanning patterns, a solution based solely on software could be implemented.
Current Status
A German patent application has been submitted. Initial simulation tests have established technical feasibility. The sensor control system has been incrementally refined. Steps have included lane change, a curvy street, and city traffic. The result is a situation-specific balance between coverage and detailed observation of potential danger points. We are offering interested companies the opportunity to refine the technology in collaboration with the inventors at the University or to license it.
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Technology concept formulated
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An invention from Paderborn University.
