Laser Tracking System with Gyro-Stabilized Pan/Tilt Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser-based speed measurement devices are limited in autonomous and mobile applications due to the need for precise manual aiming, leading to errors such as the cosine effect and geometric errors, which affect accuracy and are not suitable for tracking multiple targets or vehicles at angles.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent laser tracking system with a pan/tilt mechanism stabilized by a gyro and inclinometer, using brushless DC motors and a visual sensor subsystem, allows for autonomous or manual targeting of vehicles, compensating for cosine errors and ensuring accurate speed measurement across multiple lanes and angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laser based speed guns are used for accurate speed measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for precise manual aiming
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs visual sensors to automatically detect and track target vehicles, and the pan/tilt mechanism autonomously adjusts the laser beam direction to follow the target. This self-tracking capability eliminates the need for manual aiming while maintaining high measurement precision through continuous automatic target acquisition and tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical aiming with an automated optical-mechanical system. Visual sensors capture target position, and this information drives the pan/tilt mechanism to automatically orient the laser beam, substituting human operator skill with sensor-based automated control systems.
2Measurement precision
If laser pulses are directed to track a single point on target vehicle, then measurement precision is improved by minimizing cosine and geometric errors, but device complexity increases due to tracking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The pan/tilt mechanism serves multiple functions: it positions the laser beam to track the target vehicle, positions the visual sensors to capture target images, and enables scanning of multiple lanes. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing both precise single-target measurement and versatile multi-target capability within a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary that processes visual sensor data and translates it into pan/tilt mechanism commands. This intermediary layer coordinates the complex interactions between sensor feedback and mechanical actuation, managing the system complexity through structured control logic rather than direct mechanical coupling.
3Ease of operation
If radar based devices are used for broad signal coverage, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates compared to laser devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the automated target detection capability of radar with the high precision measurement capability of laser technology. Visual sensors provide automatic target acquisition similar to radar's broad detection, while the laser speed measurement subsystem delivers precise speed data, combining the advantages of both approaches in a single system.
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
The system provides highly accurate and efficient tracking of vehicle speeds, minimizing errors and enabling remote monitoring, with the ability to track multiple vehicles and provide 3D scanning capabilities, enhancing traffic enforcement and safety.
Implementation Method 1
laser based speed guns employ the emission of a series of short pulses comprising a very narrow beam of monochromatic laser energy and then measure the flight time of the pulses from the device to the target vehicle and back
Implementation Method 2
a laser rangefinder of the high performance laser speed measurement subsystem
Implementation Method 3
The visual sensor subsystem 104 may comprise a wide view camera 140 and a narrow view camera 142
Implementation Method 4
an intelligent pan/tilt subsystem (106) coupled to the processor and operative to position the visual sensor subsystem (104) and the laser speed measurement subsystem (108)
Data Source
AI summary
An intelligent laser tracking system and method for mobile and fixed position traffic monitoring and enforcement applications. The system disclosed herein can autonomously track multiple target vehicles with a highly accurate laser based speed measurement system or, under manual control via a touch screen, select a particular target vehicle of interest. In a mobile application the police vehicle speed is determined through the OBD II CAN port and updated for accuracy though an onboard GPS subsystem. The system and method of the present invention simultaneously provides both narrow and wide images of a target vehicle for enhanced evidentiary purposes. A novel, low inertia pan/tilt mechanism provides extremely fast and accurate target vehicle tracking and can compensate for geometrical errors and the cosine effect.