ADAS Compatible Coatings for Enhanced LiDAR Detection
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) rely on precise LiDAR detection, yet current vehicle coatings can attenuate near-infrared signals by up to 40% at oblique angles. Field measurements show that dark-colored vehicles, particularly those with metallic finishes, can reduce effective LiDAR range by 15-25 meters in typical operating conditions.
The fundamental challenge lies in developing coating systems that enhance LiDAR reflectivity while maintaining aesthetic appeal and protecting the underlying substrate.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including diffuse reflectivity layers with near-infrared absorbing pigments, metallic flake and glass bead combinations, and specialized infrared-emitting films. These and other approaches focus on improving ADAS performance across varying environmental conditions while meeting automotive coating durability requirements.
1. Coating Film for LiDAR Sensors with Diffuse Reflectivity Layer and Near-Infrared Absorbing Pigment
FECT CO LTD, 2025
Coating film for LiDAR sensors that enhances detection accuracy by incorporating a diffuse reflectivity layer. The coating film, comprising a base layer and a topcoat, is applied to the tunnel structure surface. The topcoat contains a specific type of pigment that selectively absorbs near-infrared light while reflecting it, thereby improving LiDAR sensor performance in tunnel environments where traditional reflective coatings may be ineffective.
2. Vehicle Surface Coating with Pigment Flakes and Spherical Glass Beads for Enhanced LIDAR Signal Transmission
INK INVENT IP BV, 2024
Vehicle with improved LIDAR detection capabilities through a specialized coating that enhances both LIDAR signal transmission and visibility. The coating comprises a base layer and a top layer containing a unique combination of pigment flakes and spherical glass beads with specific particle sizes. The pigment flakes have a high aspect ratio, particularly when their median diameter exceeds 35% of the median particle size of the spherical glass beads, while the glass beads provide effective transmission of LIDAR signals. This combination enables improved LIDAR detection while maintaining visibility under visible light conditions.
3. Car Cover Film with Infrared Emitting Layer for Enhanced Laser Radar Detection
ZHEJIANG FULAI NEW MATERIAL LIMITED BY SHARE LTD, 浙江福莱新材料股份有限公司, 2024
A car cover film for autonomous vehicles that enhances laser radar detection capabilities by incorporating a specialized infrared sensing layer. The film's unique composition enables it to effectively emit infrared radiation in the 800-1000 nm range, overcoming the limitations of current dark paint coatings that absorb this spectrum. This enables autonomous vehicles to perceive the surrounding environment more accurately, particularly in low-light conditions.
4. Coating Formulations with Metal Effect Pigments Featuring Controlled Thickness Variations and Dielectric Encapsulation for Enhanced Radar and Lidar Sensor Performance
SCHLENK METALLIC PIGMENTS GMBH, 2024
Coating formulations for vehicle paint that enhance radar and lidar sensor performance through metal effect pigments without compromising color or brightness. The formulations employ metal substrates with controlled thickness variations and dielectric encapsulation, achieving average pigment thicknesses of 20 nm to 2000 nm and standard deviations of 0.1 nm to 40%. These pigments provide improved radar and lidar sensitivity while maintaining high reflectivity and color intensity. The formulations enable precise control over pigment thickness and dielectric properties, enabling optimal performance in radar and lidar applications.
5. Coating Compositions with Metal Effect and Mica Pigments for Enhanced LiDAR Reflectivity
BASF COATINGS GMBH, 2024
Coating compositions for LiDAR applications that enhance reflectivity and visibility in low-light conditions. The compositions contain metal effect pigments, mica pigments, and near-infrared-reflective and transparent color blends. The coatings are formulated as basecoat layers and can be applied to substrates, including vehicle bodies, to improve LiDAR reflectivity and visibility in various environmental conditions.
6. Optical Sensing System with Diffractive Structures Behind Tilted Interfaces for LiDAR Beam Steering
Apple Inc., APPLE INC, 2024
Optical sensing system for LiDAR-based depth mapping using diffractive structures behind tilted interfaces. The system employs a transparent window with a diffractive structure positioned to intercept light beams emitted by the LiDAR assembly and steer them relative to the window's normal. This configuration enables the detection of reflected radiation through the window while maintaining beam alignment, enabling precise depth measurements in LiDAR-based applications.
7. Vehicle Coating with Metallic Pigment Flakes and Spherical Glass Beads for Enhanced LIDAR and Radar Signal Interaction
INK INVENT IP BV, 2024
Vehicle with improved LIDAR detection capabilities through a coating that enhances both reflectivity and transmission of radar signals. The coating comprises a base layer, a layer of metallic pigment flakes, and a layer of spherical glass beads. The metallic pigment flakes have a high aspect ratio, particularly when their median diameter is greater than 35 microns, while the spherical glass beads enhance reflectivity. This combination provides superior LIDAR detection performance, particularly at increased angles of incidence, and improved radar signal transmission.
8. Automotive Panel Assembly with Integrated Transparent Lidar Module
Jidu Technology Co., Ltd., 2023
Automotive panel assembly and vehicle that improves lidar functionality by incorporating a transparent lidar module into the vehicle's interior. The assembly features a transparent lidar module integrated into the vehicle's dashboard or instrument panel, which enables the lidar to maintain its optical functionality even when obstructed by external environmental factors like mud or leaves. This design solution addresses the lidar's current exposure issues while maintaining its performance capabilities.
9. Vehicle Coating with Metallic and High Aspect Ratio Pigment Flakes for Enhanced LIDAR Reflectance
INK INVENT IP BV, 2023
Vehicle with improved LIDAR detectability through a coating that enhances Lambertian reflectance. The coating comprises a metallic coating and dark-colored pigment flakes with high aspect ratio, particularly when the pigment flakes' median diameter exceeds 35% of the metallic coating's diameter. This combination provides improved LIDAR detectability, particularly at increased angles of incidence, through enhanced Lambertian reflectance. The coating can be applied to a vehicle's surface or as a substrate, and the LIDAR process can capture the vehicle's 3D contours under visible light conditions.
10. Coating Film with Black Near-Infrared Reflective Layer and RGB Pigment Paint Layer for Enhanced LiDAR Signal Reflectance
KOREA ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY, 2023
Coating film with enhanced LiDAR reflectance for autonomous vehicle sensors. The coating film comprises a black near-infrared reflective layer containing iron oxide-based pigments, copper oxide-based pigments, or chromium oxide-based pigments heat-treated to 300°C to 800°C, combined with a black paint coating layer that includes red, green, and blue pigments. The film achieves high reflectance for LiDAR signals at near-infrared wavelengths while maintaining transparency and preventing water film formation.
11. Coating System with High-Refractive Index Intermediate Layer for Enhanced Laser Radar Reflection
NIPPON SHANGHAI COATING RES AND DEVELOPMENT CO LTD, 2023
A laser radar reflection enhancement coating system for traffic facilities and vehicle surfaces that improves detection accuracy in varying environmental conditions. The system comprises an intermediate coating, a color paint coating, and a varnish coating, with the intermediate coating featuring a high-refractive index reflective material. This combination enables enhanced laser signal transmission at angles beyond the normal incidence angle, thereby improving obstacle detection capabilities in complex environments. The system can be applied to traffic facilities and vehicle surfaces to enhance laser radar reflection and improve safety in autonomous driving applications.
12. Transparent Automotive Trim with Integrated Lidar and Optical Filter Layer
Ningbo Xintai Machinery Co., Ltd., NINGBO XINTAI MACHINERY CO LTD, 2023
A transparent automotive trim with integrated lidar that seamlessly integrates lidar sensors into the vehicle's main body. The trim features a mounting frame, a transparent main body, and a laser radar system that includes an optical filter layer with hardened anti-reflection properties. The filter layer enhances light transmission in the specified wavelength range while preventing excessive light transmission beyond it. This enables precise lidar detection and processing of the vehicle's surroundings, particularly in applications requiring high-resolution lidar data.
13. Transparent Automotive Trim with Integrated Laser Radar and Multi-Layer Coating Structure
NINGBO XINTAI MACHINERY IND CO LTD, 2022
Transparent automotive trim with integrated laser radar and manufacturing method. The trim features a transparent main body with a laser radar window, a filter layer that selectively allows light of specific wavelengths while blocking others, and a hardened layer that enhances the filter's performance. The filter layer is applied to the laser radar window area, followed by a hardened layer that provides additional protection. The hardened layer is applied using a specialized coating process that incorporates a medium and anti-reflection layer for optimal performance.
14. Coating Film with Resin-Pigment System for Controlled Near-Infrared Reflectance in LiDAR Sensors
THE UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO, 2022
Coating film for LiDAR sensors that enhances detection accuracy through controlled near-infrared reflectance. The coating film comprises a resin and pigment system where the pigment achieves near-infrared reflectance of 15% or more in the 800-2500 nm range. This enables improved LiDAR signal detection in the near-infrared spectrum while maintaining sufficient brightness for vehicle applications. The film can be applied to metal, plastic, or other surfaces, and its near-infrared reflectance can be tailored to optimize detection performance in specific LiDAR applications.
15. Coatings with Structured Effect Pigments for Enhanced Near-Infrared Reflectivity
BASF COATINGS AG, 2022
Coatings with enhanced reflectivity for electromagnetic radiation, particularly near-infrared radiation used in Lidar systems, through structured effect pigments. The coatings incorporate three-dimensional retroreflective geometries that redirect radiation back to the light source, enabling improved detection of paint in close proximity to the Lidar emitter. The pigments are comprised of micron-sized metal flakes with specific geometrical structures that exhibit retroreflective properties.
16. Thermoplastic LiDAR Sensor Cover with Dihydroxyaryl Compound-Based Infrared Absorptive Colorants
COVESTRO INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GMBH & CO KG, 2022
A thermoplastic cover for LiDAR sensor systems that provides improved absorption of ambient light while maintaining signal integrity. The cover incorporates a base layer made of thermoplastic compositions containing specific colorants with absorption maxima in the 700-900 nm range, specifically dihydroxyaryl compounds. This colorant mixture provides effective absorption of infrared light in the LiDAR operating range while maintaining transparency in the 900-1600 nm range. The cover achieves a black opaque impression with a transmittance of less than 0.5% at 4 mm thickness, enabling reliable operation of LiDAR sensors in environments with significant ambient light.
17. Windshield Coating Film with Segmented Antireflection and Reflective Areas for Internal LiDAR Optimization
VERTILITE INC, 2021
A windshield coating film to improve LiDAR performance in a vehicle when the LiDAR is mounted inside the vehicle instead of outside. The coating is split into two areas, one around the LiDAR emitter and the other around the LiDAR receiver. The emitter area has an antireflection coating matching the LiDAR wavelength to minimize windshield reflection of the emitted light. The receiver area has a reflective coating to reduce background noise and stray light interference. This allows more LiDAR exit light to pass through the windshield, stronger received signals, and better LiDAR detection.
18. Motor Vehicle with Integrated Retroreflective Markers for Enhanced Lidar Detection
AUDI AG, 2020
A motor vehicle with enhanced lidar detection capabilities through strategically integrated retroreflective elements. The vehicle features specially designed retroreflective markers integrated into its surface, particularly along its exterior surfaces, including bumpers, mirrors, and upper edges. These markers are designed to enhance the visibility of the vehicle's reflective surfaces for lidar sensors, particularly in low-light conditions. The markers are engineered to maximize reflectivity while maintaining durability and safety standards. The integrated retroreflective system enables improved detection of the vehicle's reflective surfaces, particularly for lidar sensors that rely on these surfaces to measure distance and speed.
19. Marking Paint with Magnetic Response Particles and Water-Repellent Film for Lidar Recognition Systems
SHANXI TRAFFIC TECH RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CO LTD, 2020
Road surface sensing marking paint for autonomous vehicles lidar recognition systems that enhances visibility and durability through a unique blend of magnetic response particles and water-repellent film. The coating comprises a matrix of thermoplastic resin, plasticizer, and magnetic powder, with fillers and additives optimized for the specific requirements of autonomous vehicle applications. The paint formulation balances magnetic responsiveness, water resistance, and durability to ensure reliable performance under various environmental conditions.
20. Vehicle Detection System with Advanced Reflector Geometry and Material Properties for Enhanced Low-Light Sensor Visibility
APPLE INC, 2019
Improving visibility for vehicles through enhanced detection capabilities in low-light conditions. The technology utilizes advanced reflector systems to enhance the visibility of vehicles through radar, vision-based cameras, and LiDAR sensors. By optimizing reflector geometry and material properties, the system can effectively enhance the detection of vehicles in conditions where traditional sensors may be compromised.
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