Onboard LIDAR Transit Localization Using 3D-to-2D Image Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing location systems for vehicles require significant computational power to compare 3D images, exceeding the capacity of standard subway trains, and rely on costly wayside equipment for installation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
Converting 3D images captured by a LIDAR unit on the vehicle to 2D images, which can be processed by onboard computers, eliminating the need for wayside equipment and reducing computational demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If 3D images are compared using existing location systems, then location accuracy is improved, but computational power requirements exceed the capacity of standard subway trains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential features needed for location determination from the full 3D LIDAR data, converting it to simplified 2D images. This extraction process removes redundant information while retaining the key characteristics necessary for accurate location identification, thereby reducing computational requirements while maintaining location accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates simplified 2D representations (copies) of the original 3D LIDAR images. These 2D copies contain the essential spatial information needed for location determination but require significantly less computational power to process and compare, resolving the contradiction between accuracy and power consumption.
2Measurement precision
If wayside equipment is used for location systems, then location determination capability is improved, but installation and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service approach where the vehicle carries its own LIDAR unit and onboard computer for processing. The system uses the vehicle's movement along the pathway to automatically capture and process images, eliminating the need for external wayside equipment. This self-contained approach reduces installation and maintenance costs while maintaining location determination capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having fixed infrastructure (wayside equipment) determine vehicle location, the patent inverts the approach by having the moving vehicle carry the sensing and processing equipment. This inversion eliminates the need for costly wayside installation and maintenance while preserving the location determination function.
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 vehicle location determination with reduced power consumption and lower operational costs by utilizing onboard processing, without the need for external infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
The vehicle may employ Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) technology to generate the 3D image of the pathway
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.