Onboard LiDAR Transit Localization Using 3D-to-2D Image Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for determining the location of vehicles on pathways using LIDAR technology require significant computational power that exceeds the capacity of standard vehicles, necessitating the use of wayside equipment, which increases installation and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
Converting captured 3D LIDAR images to 2D images for comparison, utilizing on-board computers to process and determine vehicle location, eliminating the need for wayside equipment by reducing computational demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If LIDAR technology is used to determine vehicle location, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential features needed for location determination from the complete LIDAR point cloud data. By selecting and processing only relevant points and features rather than all captured data, the system reduces computational load and energy consumption while maintaining accurate vehicle location determination through selective feature extraction and matching.
2Measurement precision
If computational power is increased to process LIDAR data, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the vehicle to perform its own location determination using onboard LIDAR and processing capabilities. The system captures LIDAR data, processes the point cloud information, extracts features, and determines location autonomously without requiring external wayside equipment or infrastructure, thereby simplifying overall system complexity while maintaining precision.
3Reliability
If wayside equipment is deployed, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for wayside equipment by implementing a self-contained location determination system on the vehicle itself. The onboard LIDAR sensor and processing unit capture and analyze environmental features autonomously, removing the need for external infrastructure installation and maintenance while maintaining reliable location determination through self-sufficient 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
Reduces operational costs by eliminating the need for wayside equipment while maintaining accurate vehicle location determination, utilizing on-board systems capable of processing 2D image comparisons efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
The vehicle may employ Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) technology to generate the 3D image of the pathway
Implementation Method 2
capturing a 3D image from the vehicle on the pathway the vehicle is traveling
Data Source
AI summary
Transit location systems and methods using LIDAR are provided. In some embodiments, a computer-implemented method comprises receiving a 3D image captured from a vehicle on a pathway; transforming the 3D image into a first 2D image; and determining a location of the vehicle along the pathway, comprising: comparing the first 2D image to a plurality of second 2D images each captured at a respective known location along the pathway, selecting one or more of the second 2D images based on the comparing, and determining the location of the vehicle along the pathway based on the known location where the selected one or more of the second 2D images was captured. The 3D image may be captured by capturing LIDAR data with a LIDAR unit mounted on the vehicle.