Laser Road Surface Detection for Pothole and Crack Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting road conditions, such as road distress or obstacles, in vehicles are either ineffective or too expensive for widespread adoption in low-cost vehicles, particularly in identifying potholes and cracks, and do not provide timely and accurate data for reactive measures.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a laser source that projects geometrical laser projections onto the road, an imaging unit to capture these projections, and a processing unit that uses machine learning algorithms to calculate surface reflectance and geometrical parameters to determine road conditions, enabling early detection and distance calculation from road distress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If machine vision-based techniques or radar-based detection are used to identify road conditions, then detection capability is improved, but cost increases and integration becomes difficult in low-cost vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/optical detection systems (machine vision, radar) with a simpler laser-based projection system. By projecting geometric laser patterns onto the road and analyzing their reflection, the system achieves road condition detection without requiring expensive cameras or radar sensors, thus reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection approach by using laser projection parameters (geometric patterns, reflection analysis) instead of traditional image processing or radar wave analysis. This parameter change enables a simpler, more cost-effective system that can be integrated into low-cost vehicles while still providing accurate road condition detection.
2Reliability
If existing detection methods are used, then some road conditions can be identified, but they are ineffective in identifying road distress such as potholes and cracks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ineffective detection methods with a laser projection system that specifically targets road distress detection. By projecting geometric patterns and analyzing reflection distortions, the system can identify potholes and cracks that other methods miss, improving reliability for specific road distress detection while keeping the system relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality analysis by examining specific regions of the laser projection reflection patterns. By focusing on local distortions in the reflected laser geometry, the system can detect localized road distress features like potholes and cracks, improving detection accuracy for these specific conditions without requiring complex overall system design.
3Loss of time
If manual reaction time is used for braking, then braking response is delayed, but automated systems increase complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection function and the braking control function into an integrated system. The laser projection and reflection analysis are directly coupled with the braking system, allowing automated response without requiring separate complex processing and control systems. This merging reduces overall system complexity while achieving fast braking response.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection using laser projection continuously, so that when road distress is detected, the braking system can respond immediately without delay. The preliminary action of continuous laser scanning and reflection monitoring enables the automated system to be ready to act, reducing response time while maintaining manageable complexity through proactive detection.
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 system reduces driver reaction time by processing images in under 100 milliseconds, allowing for timely braking and reducing the overall braking time by half compared to manual reaction, while being cost-effective and suitable for integration into modern vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging unit to capture these projections
Data Source
AI summary
A system adapted to detect road condition in a vehicle and a method thereof uses geometrical laser projections and an image processing system. The system includes a laser source, an imaging unit and at least a processing unit. The laser source is adapted to project geometrical laser projections on the road. The imaging unit is adapted to capture images of the geometrical projections. The processing unit is configured to calculate a surface reflectance for the projected geometrical projection. Further it is configured to compute geometrical parameters of the projections at regular time intervals based on the captured images. It determines a road condition based on the surface reflectance and the geometrical parameters.