Laser Sensor Weather Detection Using Untracked Data Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in detecting weather conditions such as rain, fog, and sunlight using onboard sensors, which can lead to inaccurate object detection and unsafe driving operations.
Innovation Solution
The method involves receiving laser data from a vehicle's environment, associating laser data points with objects, and identifying unassociated data points as indicative of weather conditions, using a computing device to determine weather conditions by comparing laser data with radar and camera data, and adjusting vehicle behavior accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are used to detect both objects and weather conditions, then detection comprehensiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing laser sensor system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both object detection and weather condition detection. The same laser data points are processed to identify tracked objects, and the unassociated portion of the data is analyzed for weather indicators. This eliminates the need for separate weather-specific sensors, maintaining detection comprehensiveness while avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges object detection and weather detection functions into a single integrated processing pipeline. Both functions operate on the same laser sensor data, with object detection handling associated data points and weather detection analyzing unassociated data points. This consolidation achieves comprehensive detection capability without adding separate sensor systems.
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 approach enables autonomous vehicles to accurately detect weather conditions, ensuring safe driving operations by modifying speed and distance settings based on weather conditions, thereby improving safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
receiving laser data collected for an environment of a vehicle, and the laser data includes a plurality of laser data points
Implementation Method 2
associating laser data points of the plurality of laser data points with one or more objects in the environment
Data Source
AI summary
Example methods and systems for detecting weather conditions using vehicle onboard sensors are provided. An example method includes receiving laser data collected for an environment of a vehicle, and the laser data includes a plurality of laser data points. The method also includes associating, by a computing device, laser data points of the plurality of laser data points with one or more objects in the environment, and 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. The method also includes based on one or more untracked objects being determined, identifying by the computing device an indication of a weather condition of the environment.