Laser Scanner Vehicle Speed Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle speed detection systems using Doppler radar struggle to unambiguously assign measured speed to the correct vehicle, especially in multi-lane environments due to the wide radar cone and varying reflection behaviors, leading to unreliable lane identification and high computational efforts.
Innovation Solution
A method employing pulsed laser radiation and a laser scanner to determine vehicle speed and position within a defined angular range, generating a marking from measured values to visually identify the vehicle in images with reduced computational and storage requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Doppler radar systems are used to measure vehicle speed, then speed measurement precision is improved, but the ability to unambiguously assign the measured speed to the correct vehicle deteriorates due to the wide radar cone covering multiple vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a laser scanner as an intermediary measurement device that works in conjunction with the radar system. The laser scanner provides precise distance measurements to individual vehicles, which serve as additional identifying information to distinguish between multiple vehicles in the radar cone. This intermediary system resolves the ambiguity caused by the wide radar coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to the measurement system by incorporating distance measurements from the laser scanner. This creates a three-dimensional measurement space (range, azimuth, elevation) that allows differentiation between vehicles at different positions within the radar cone, transforming the problem from two-dimensional speed measurement to three-dimensional vehicle identification and tracking.
2Loss of information
If the radar cone angle is reduced to improve vehicle identification, then the area covered by the radar deteriorates, requiring more radar devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges radar technology with laser scanning technology into a hybrid measurement system. The radar provides speed measurements over a wide area while the laser scanner provides precise spatial positioning. This combination allows the system to maintain wide coverage with a single radar device while achieving accurate vehicle identification through the integrated laser positioning data.
3Loss of information
If distance measurement is used to assign vehicles to lanes, then vehicle identification is improved, but the reliability of lane assignment deteriorates due to varying reflection behavior and multiple reflections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors measurement quality indicators and uses this information to weight and evaluate different measurement results. The evaluation unit compares measurements from multiple sources (radar range, laser distance, angle data) and selectively uses the most reliable measurements for lane assignment, thereby improving reliability despite varying reflection conditions.
4Measurement precision
If high-resolution distance measurement is implemented, then vehicle identification is improved, but the computational effort and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively processing only the most relevant measurement data for vehicle identification. The evaluation unit filters and prioritizes measurements based on their reliability and relevance to lane assignment, processing only the necessary subset of data rather than all available high-resolution measurements, thereby reducing computational burden while maintaining identification accuracy.
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 accurate and efficient identification of vehicles exceeding speed limits by generating a marking directly from measured values, reducing computational and storage needs while ensuring correct vehicle assignment in images.
Implementation Method 1
A method employing pulsed laser radiation and a laser scanner to determine vehicle speed and position within a defined angular range
Implementation Method 2
Doppler radar systems and laser scanning systems are used in particular, which, set up to the side of the roadway, cover the roadway in a predetermined area with their radar cone or their scanning angle range
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for measuring the speed of a vehicle (3) in which a pulsed laser beam scans a predetermined angular range (1) horizontally above the road surface (2). After determining the speed and, if applicable, confirming that it exceeds a predetermined speed limit, a camera (5) is triggered and an electronic image is taken when a predetermined photo distance (efoto) is reached. The measured values generated during the scan, in which the photo distance (efoto) is recorded, are used to generate a marker (7) to identify the relevant vehicle (3) in an evidentiary photograph.