Lidar Reflectivity Road Wetness Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Weather conditions such as rain can affect the accuracy of object detection sensors in vehicles, impacting their ability to determine road surface wetness and vehicle driving dynamics, particularly affecting stopping distance.
Innovation Solution
A system using lidar sensors to determine road surface reflectivity and classify it as wet or dry based on adjusted reflectivity thresholds and viewing angles, allowing for accurate detection of road surface conditions and adjusting vehicle operations accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If object detection sensors are used to detect road surface conditions, then vehicle safety can be improved, but sensor accuracy deteriorates under weather conditions such as rain
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameters used for road surface detection from direct optical/visual sensors to lidar-based reflectivity measurements. By measuring the reflectivity of lidar returns from the road surface and comparing it against thresholds, the system can accurately detect wet conditions even in rain, overcoming the limitations of traditional object detection sensors in adverse weather
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or optical object detection sensors with a lidar-based reflectivity measurement system. This substitution enables the system to detect road surface wetness by analyzing the optical properties (reflectivity) of the road surface rather than relying on direct visual or mechanical contact methods that fail in rain
2Measurement precision
If lidar sensors measure road surface reflectivity to detect wetness, then detection accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing lidar sensor, which is already part of the vehicle for other functions such as obstacle detection and navigation, to also measure road surface reflectivity for wetness detection. This multi-functional use of the lidar sensor increases detection accuracy without adding separate dedicated hardware for wetness detection
Solution Approach 2:
The lidar sensor serves multiple purposes: it performs its primary function of obstacle detection and navigation while simultaneously measuring road surface reflectivity to detect wet conditions. The system processes the existing lidar return data to extract reflectivity information, eliminating the need for additional sensors or complex dedicated wetness detection hardware
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
Enhances the accuracy of road surface wetness detection and improves vehicle control by adjusting speed and braking distance based on real-time surface conditions, ensuring safer vehicle operations in various weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
determine, based on vehicle lidar sensor data, a reflectivity of an area of a road surface
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a computer comprising a processor and a memory. The memory stores instructions such that the processor is programmed to determine, based on vehicle lidar sensor data, a reflectivity of an area of a road surface, and to determine whether the area is wet based on the determined reflectivity of the area, a dry-condition reflectivity threshold for the area, and an angle of viewing the area from the lidar sensor.