Lidar Occupancy Detection for Vehicle Enforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for enforcing carpool lanes, such as camera-based systems, are unreliable due to occlusions and glare, leading to inefficient and costly manual enforcement, and honor systems lack accountability, necessitating a more accurate means to determine vehicle occupancy for automatic enforcement and tolling.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented system using a lidar system to emit light beam pulses and generate three-dimensional images of vehicle interiors, allowing for accurate detection of occupancy through time-of-flight measurements and image recognition, enabling reliable automatic enforcement and tolling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If camera-based systems are used to enforce carpool lanes, then occupancy detection can be automated, but the detection accuracy deteriorates due to occlusions and glare
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces camera-based optical detection with lidar-based three-dimensional imaging technology. The lidar system emits light pulses and measures the time of flight to create accurate three-dimensional images of vehicle interiors, enabling reliable occupancy detection without the occlusion and glare problems that plague camera systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional camera images to three-dimensional lidar images. By capturing depth information through time-of-flight measurements, the system creates three-dimensional representations of vehicle interiors that can accurately detect occupants even when occluded by seats or affected by lighting conditions.
2Reliability
If manual enforcement by patrol officers is used, then occupancy verification can be performed, but enforcement efficiency and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated enforcement system that performs occupancy detection and verification without human intervention. The lidar system automatically captures three-dimensional images, processes them to determine occupancy status, and enforces carpool lane regulations, eliminating the need for manual patrol officer involvement while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection by patrol officers with automated lidar-based detection. The system uses light pulses and time-of-flight measurements to automatically verify occupancy, significantly improving enforcement productivity while maintaining or enhancing reliability compared to manual methods.
3Device complexity
If honor systems are used for carpool lane access, then system complexity is reduced, but enforcement reliability and accountability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces honor-based manual verification with automated lidar detection and processing. The system automatically captures three-dimensional images, analyzes occupancy status, and enforces regulations, providing objective and reliable accountability while maintaining manageable system complexity through integrated automated processing.
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
The system provides accurate and reliable data on vehicle occupancy, reducing manual enforcement costs and eliminating reliance on honor systems, ensuring consistent enforcement of carpool lane regulations and fair tolling practices.
Implementation Method 1
A time is measured from when each beam pulse was emitted to receipt of the signal. A distance of the signal from the lidar system is calculated using the measured time.
Implementation Method 2
Light beam pulses emitted from a lidar system are applied to a passing vehicle. Scans of an object are generated from the light beam pulses. A signal is received from each of the beam pulses reflected at a point of reflection along a segment of the vehicle.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented system and method for detecting vehicle occupancy is provided. Light beam pulses emitted from a lidar system are applied to a passing vehicle. Scans of an object are generated from the light beam pulses. A signal is received from each of the beam pulses reflected at a point of reflection along a segment of the vehicle. A time is measured from when each beam pulse was emitted to receipt of the signal. A distance of the signal from the lidar system is calculated using the measured time. The points of reflection for that vehicle segment are positioned in relation to one another as a scan. The scans are compiled in a consecutive order according to the vehicle and a three-dimensional image of an interior of the vehicle is generated from the consecutive scans. A presence or absence of vehicle occupancy is determined based on the three-dimensional image.