Laser Data Filtering for Sunny Weather Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Autonomous vehicles face challenges in accurately detecting weather conditions, particularly sunny weather, using onboard sensors, which can lead to false object detection and unsafe driving conditions due to sunlight interference with laser data.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize laser data points to identify unassociated data points with objects, determining if they represent untracked objects that remain stationary relative to the vehicle, indicating sunny weather conditions by analyzing laser data points' association with objects and their persistence over time, and corroborating with other sensors like RADAR and camera data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If laser data is used to detect objects in the environment, then object detection capability is improved, but false object detection occurs due to sunlight interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject detection accuracyVSAvoidsunlight interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that analyzes laser data points and distinguishes between valid object reflections and sunlight interference. The system uses computational logic to filter out false detections caused by sunlight, acting as a mediator between the raw laser data and the final object detection output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the harmful element (sunlight interference) from the laser data stream by identifying and filtering out laser data points that correspond to sunlight reflections rather than actual objects. This extraction process cleans the data to improve detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Extent of automation

If the vehicle operates in autonomous mode, then automation level is improved, but safety is compromised under sunny weather conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous mode operationVSAvoiddriving safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors laser data quality and provides feedback about weather conditions to the autonomous vehicle control system. When sunlight interference is detected, the feedback mechanism triggers a transition from autonomous to manual mode, ensuring safety while maintaining high automation during suitable conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the vehicle's operational mode based on real-time environmental conditions. The system transitions between autonomous and manual modes flexibly, adapting to changing weather conditions to maintain both automation and safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If laser data points are associated with objects to improve tracking accuracy, then object tracking is improved, but untracked objects caused by sunlight are missed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject tracking accuracyVSAvoiduntracked objects

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful sunlight interference into a useful indicator of weather conditions. By analyzing the pattern and characteristics of unassociated laser data points, the system identifies sunny weather conditions and adjusts its detection parameters accordingly, turning the interference pattern into a beneficial environmental awareness capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

Effectively identifies sunny weather conditions, reducing false object detection and enabling the vehicle to adjust its behavior, such as switching to manual mode or altering sensor settings, for safer operation.

Implementation Method 1

receiving laser data collected for an environment of a vehicle, and the laser data includes a plurality of laser data points

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLIDAR: LIDAR

Implementation Method 2

determining given laser data points of the plurality of laser data points that are unassociated with the one or more objects in the environment as being representative of an untracked object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS9025140B2Methods and systems for detecting weather conditions including sunlight using vehicle onboard sensors

Publication Date: 2015.05.05 WAYMO LLC

AI summary

Methods and systems for detecting weather conditions including sunlight using onboard vehicle sensors are described. In one example, a method is provided that includes receiving laser data collected for an environment of a vehicle. The method also includes associating laser data points with one or more objects in the environment, and determining given laser data points that are unassociated with the one or more objects in the environment as being representative of an untracked object at a given position with respect to the vehicle. The method also includes determining that the untracked object remains at a substantially same relative position with respect to the vehicle as the vehicle moves, and identifying by the computing device an indication that a weather condition of the environment of the vehicle is sunny.