LIDAR Vehicle Obstruction Detection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles with higher than typical heights or additional equipment may collide with overpasses and signs due to lack of awareness of their increased height, leading to potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a data acquisition device equipped with LIDAR technology to record measurements of objects in a vehicle's vicinity, determine its path, and detect stationary obstructions by comparing object heights to the vehicle's height, providing notifications to avoid collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vehicle operator is not alert or astutely aware of the additional height of the vehicle, then the vehicle may be damaged due to collision with objects in the roadway, but implementing a detection system adds device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The data acquisition device performs multiple functions: it records measurements of objects, determines vehicle path, detects stationary obstructions, and provides notifications. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional system rather than separate dedicated devices for each function, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive collision prevention capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects obstructions and provides notifications without requiring continuous manual monitoring by the operator. The processor autonomously analyzes measurement data, determines vehicle path, identifies stationary obstructions, and triggers notifications, enabling the system to serve itself and reduce reliance on operator alertness
2Measurement precision
If LIDAR technology is used to accurately detect stationary obstructions, then collision prevention is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs measurements periodically as the vehicle travels through the geographic area rather than continuously at maximum capacity. The processor records measurements at intervals along the vehicle path, which maintains detection accuracy for stationary obstructions while reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous high-power LIDAR operation
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
Effectively prevents collisions by accurately detecting stationary obstructions and providing timely notifications to the vehicle operator or autonomous systems, ensuring safe passage for vehicles of varying heights.
Implementation Method 1
A method and apparatus using a data acquisition device equipped with LIDAR technology to record measurements of objects in a vehicle's vicinity
Data Source
AI summary
Obstructions in a path of a vehicle may be determined by recording a plurality of measurements while the vehicle is traveling through a geographic area. The plurality of measurements may involve a velocity of the vehicle, positions relative to the vehicle of a plurality of objects in the geographic area. Also, a path of a vehicle may be determined. An obstruction in the path may be detected as an object of the plurality of objects that is in the path. Also, the obstruction may be determined to be a stationary obstruction as a function of the velocity of the vehicle and multiple positions of the obstruction relative to the vehicle measured over time.