LIDAR Motion Tracking Without Video Hardware
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LIDAR systems for tracking objects are complex and require visible light, making them less effective in environments without light or prone to motion artifacts.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR system that operates independently of video hardware, using a single integrated unit with processing circuitry and a scanning mechanism to track objects' motion solely through LIDAR measurements, allowing operation in total darkness and reducing susceptibility to object motion, by decomposing motion into lateral and axial components and refining velocity estimates through multiple scans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a video system is used in conjunction with LIDAR to track objects, then object tracking capability is improved, but device complexity increases and the system requires visible light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the video system component from the tracking system, relying solely on LIDAR measurements to track objects. This eliminates the need for visible light and reduces device complexity while maintaining object tracking capability through pure LIDAR-based motion estimation algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The LIDAR system is designed to perform multiple functions including object detection, range measurement, and motion estimation without requiring separate video hardware. The single LIDAR unit accomplishes what previously required a combination of LIDAR and video systems
2Reliability
If a video system is used to detect objects, then object detection capability is improved, but the system becomes dependent on visible light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical/video-based detection system with a LIDAR-based detection system. This substitution eliminates dependence on visible light by using laser illumination and time-of-flight measurement, enabling object detection in total darkness and various lighting conditions
3Reliability
If conventional LIDAR systems are used for motion tracking, then motion tracking is achieved, but susceptibility to motion artifacts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration and establishes reference measurements before actual motion tracking begins. By pre-characterizing the scanning mechanism and establishing baseline data, the system compensates for motion artifacts during subsequent measurements, improving motion tracking precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where measured motion data is used to correct and refine subsequent measurements. The system continuously monitors for motion artifacts and applies corrective algorithms to maintain measurement accuracy during object motion
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 tracking of objects' linear and rotational velocities in various lighting conditions and environments, achieving millimeter range accuracy without the need for visible imaging, and effectively compensating for axial motion.
Implementation Method 1
a LIDAR system that includes a laser system that includes lasers or laser beams configured to move in a pattern or patterns with respect to an object that is being tracked
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques of tracking an object's motion involve using a LIDAR system that is configured to track an object over a period of time in which the object is moving using a single scanning motion. Using the LIDAR system, tracking of the object can be performed while eliminating visible imaging hardware (e.g., video camera hardware). Accordingly, the LIDAR system can be configured to operate in total darkness, into the sun, etc. The LIDAR system can be less susceptible to motion of the object than conventional systems. Accordingly, the motion of the object 110 be determined in some implementations solely from LIDAR measurements, without, for example, video.