Adaptive Lidar Tracking Pattern for Long-Range Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current object tracking methods are inadequate for covering large distance ranges while accurately tracking fast-moving objects, as they often suffer from limited angular resolution and complexity in implementation, especially when using optical cameras or LIDAR systems.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a LIDAR apparatus with a laser source and movement system to dynamically adjust the tracking pattern based on the object's distance and movement parameters, allowing for continuous tracking over extensive ranges with high frequency and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If optical camera or flash LiDAR systems use optical zoom system or several cameras to increase tracking distance range, then tracking distance range is improved, but device complexity increases and implementation becomes relatively complex especially when object moves at high velocity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the tracking pattern adaptable and adjustable based on real-time object distance and velocity. The system dynamically modifies the angular parameters of the tracking pattern to match the detected object characteristics, allowing a single fixed apparatus to achieve variable tracking ranges without requiring multiple cameras or zoom systems. This resolves the contradiction by enabling long-range tracking through software-controlled pattern adjustment rather than hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the angular parameters of the tracking pattern based on detected object distance and velocity. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system can optimize tracking performance for different ranges and speeds using the same hardware configuration. This parameter-based adaptation eliminates the need for multiple physical systems while maintaining effective tracking across varying conditions.
2Measurement precision
If scanning LIDAR is used to improve angular resolution, then angular resolution is improved, but scanning time for large field of view becomes too great and cannot enable tracking of fast-moving objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using passive imaging or emissivity-based detection to identify and locate the target object before initiating active LIDAR tracking. This preliminary localization provides the system with advance knowledge of the object's position and motion characteristics, allowing the high-resolution LIDAR to focus its scanning efforts only on the relevant region. This pre-positioning eliminates the need for exhaustive full-field scanning while maintaining high angular resolution for the tracked object.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the tracking process into two stages: initial detection using passive imaging/emissivity methods to locate the object, followed by focused active tracking using LIDAR. This segmentation allows the system to use low-time-cost methods for broad area search and high-resolution methods only when needed, thereby achieving high angular resolution without the time penalty of continuous full-field scanning.
3Productivity
If active tracking based on LIDAR uses fixed tracking pattern to track object, then tracking frequency is improved, but tracking accuracy deteriorates when object distance varies significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the tracking pattern adaptable and adjustable based on real-time object distance and velocity. The system dynamically modifies the angular parameters of the tracking pattern to match the detected object characteristics, allowing a single fixed apparatus to achieve variable tracking ranges without requiring multiple cameras or zoom systems. This resolves the contradiction by enabling long-range tracking through software-controlled pattern adjustment rather than hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the object's distance and velocity through detection means, then using this information to adjust the tracking pattern parameters in real-time. This closed-loop control ensures that the tracking pattern remains optimized for the current object state, maintaining both high tracking frequency and accurate position determination even as the object moves through different ranges and speeds.
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
Enables effective tracking of objects over large distances and high velocities by optimizing the tracking pattern according to the object's distance, speed, and direction, providing improved angular resolution and reduced complexity compared to existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
a laser source configured to emit a probe laser beam... the method comprising the following steps: A. identifying an object to track, B. estimating a position of the object, the position of the object comprising a distance between the object and the LIDAR apparatus
Implementation Method 2
active tracking, that is to say based on the use of an electromagnetic radiation source internal to the system, for example based on LIDAR
Data Source
AI summary
A method of tracking objects is based on the use of a LIDAR apparatus. This method includes in particular a step C) of tracking the object. Step C of tracking the object including in particular a sub-step of determining a tracking pattern to pass along by the probe laser beam along a perpendicular plane containing the estimated position of the object and which is perpendicular to a line passing via the estimated position of the object and the position of the LIDAR apparatus, at least one angular parameter of the tracking pattern in relation to the LIDAR apparatus being determined from the estimated position of the object, including in particular the distance between the object and the LIDAR apparatus.