Vehicle Road Profile Recognition Using LIDAR Path Point Grouping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems relying solely on cameras for elevation information of surroundings have lower accuracy, which affects ride comfort and driving stability, and there is a need for improved elevation information of the ground to enhance vehicle control and stability.
Innovation Solution
An object recognition apparatus using LIDAR to identify elevation information of the ground by classifying path points into groups based on distance, determining representative points, and interpolating between them to generate accurate road profiles for autonomous driving control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If only a camera is relied on to acquire information about the vehicle's surroundings, then the device complexity is reduced, but the accuracy of elevation information of the surroundings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines LIDAR and camera systems to acquire elevation information. The LIDAR provides precise distance measurements while the camera captures visual data, and their results are integrated to produce accurate elevation maps of the surroundings, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a processor as an intermediary that receives data from both LIDAR and camera sensors, processes the information, and generates elevation information. This intermediary component enables the system to achieve high measurement precision while maintaining a relatively simple overall device architecture.
2Measurement precision
If LIDAR is used to identify elevation information of the ground, then the accuracy of elevation information is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensor system into distinct functional components: LIDAR for distance measurement, camera for visual capture, and processor for data integration. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, achieving high elevation accuracy while keeping the overall system complexity manageable through clear functional division.
3Stability of the object's composition
If elevation information accuracy is improved for autonomous driving control, then the driving stability is enhanced, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of LIDAR and camera data to generate elevation information before it is needed for autonomous driving control decisions. By pre-processing and storing elevation data, the system reduces real-time processing complexity while maintaining high driving stability through accurate terrain awareness.
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
Improves the accuracy of elevation information, enhances driving stability by accounting for road surface defects, and provides robustness to noise, thereby improving the driving experience.
Implementation Method 1
a technology for detecting a surrounding environment is essential for avoiding obstacles and identifying hazards. A vehicle may acquire information about its surroundings through one or more sensors, such as a LIDAR
Data Source
AI summary
An object recognition apparatus includes a sensor (e.g., LIDAR) and a processor. The processor may obtain at least one point representing an external environment of a vehicle via the sensor, determine a plurality of path points representing positions on a ground. The plurality of path points may correspond to a path along which the vehicle is expected to travel. The processor may further classify each path point of the plurality of path points into at least one group of a plurality of groups, based on a distance between the vehicle and a position, on the ground, of each path point of the plurality of path points, determine a representative point for each group of the plurality of groups, determine a road profile comprising at least one of elevation information of the ground or contour information of the ground, and output a signal associated with autonomous driving control of the vehicle.