LIDAR Dwell-Angle Normalization for Object Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR systems for tracking objects are complex and require light to detect objects, making them less effective in varying environments and susceptible to object motion, especially when beams are not normal to the object's surface.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR system that operates independently of visible imaging hardware, using a single integrated unit with processing circuitry, memory, and a scanning/tracking mechanism to determine object motion and dwell location without relying on video, by normalizing beam patterns to those at normal incidence, thus functioning in total darkness and reducing motion susceptibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a video system is used to detect objects, then object detection capability is improved, but the system requires light and becomes ineffective in darkness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the video-based optical detection system with a LIDAR system that uses laser beams and time-of-flight measurement. This substitution eliminates dependence on visible light, allowing the system to operate reliably in total darkness, sunlight, and varying light conditions by using active laser illumination and precise timing measurement instead of passive light capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental detection parameter from optical intensity (video) to time-of-flight (LIDAR). By measuring the time for laser beams to travel to and from the target, the system achieves light-independent operation while maintaining reliable object detection capability across all lighting conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If laser beams track objects at oblique dwell angles, then tracking coverage is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to non-normal incidence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback by continuously measuring the dwell angle of laser beams on the target surface and using this information to correct range measurements. The system calculates the actual incidence angle from the reflected beam pattern and applies compensation algorithms to maintain millimeter-level accuracy even when tracking objects at oblique angles or undergoing rotational movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the measurement parameters by calculating and compensating for the dwell angle effect. By introducing the angle of incidence as an additional measured and corrected parameter, the system maintains high measurement precision across varying beam angles, effectively decoupling tracking coverage from accuracy degradation.
3Device complexity
If a single integrated LIDAR unit is used, then device complexity is reduced, but functionality may be limited compared to multi-component systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single integrated LIDAR unit that performs multiple functions: range measurement, object tracking, dwell angle detection, and motion compensation. By combining these capabilities into one device, the system reduces structural complexity while maintaining full tracking capability for objects undergoing both translational and rotational movement, achieving universality without sacrificing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the laser transmission, reception, angle measurement, and processing functions into a single integrated unit. This consolidation simplifies the overall system architecture while the internal integration of multiple functional components preserves the versatility needed for comprehensive object tracking in three-dimensional space.
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 efficient tracking and monitoring of objects regardless of dwell angle, providing accurate motion determination and millimeter range accuracy, even in complex environments with varying light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A LIDAR system tracks and monitors an object
Implementation Method 2
Light Detection And Ranging (LIDAR)
Data Source
AI summary
A remote tracking system such as a LIDAR system may track objects such as human faces. In such objects there is a natural axis of symmetry that is seen to be substantially normal to the orientation of the object. Nevertheless, because the object is typically in motion, one cannot expect that beams incident on the object to be normal to the object consistently. Rather, the beams tend to dwell on the object at some skew angle. In a typical case, the detected beam pattern from a given portion of the object is dependent on this dwell angle. In conventional remote tracking systems, it may be difficult to identify the portion of the object efficiently through all of the possible beam patterns due to variation of the dwell angle. It is an objective of improved techniques described herein to efficiently monitor and track an object regardless of the dwell angle.