Polarized Black-Body Emission for LIDAR Interference Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machine vision and object recognition systems using LIDARs face environmental noise due to laser light interference from multiple systems operating in close proximity, leading to inefficient object detection and recognition, especially in autonomous vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A hyperspectral infrared camera system that captures three-dimensional images of objects using black-body emissions data, incorporating polarization filters to determine material composition, distance, and relative velocity, while utilizing kirigami filters for enhanced data acquisition and reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If LIDAR systems are used for machine vision and object recognition, then object detection capability is improved, but environmental noise increases due to laser light interference from multiple systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active LIDAR systems with passive thermal imaging systems that detect black-body emissions. This substitution eliminates the need for laser light emission, thereby removing the source of environmental noise while maintaining object detection capability through thermal radiation detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of thermal radiation from objects into a useful signal for detection. By detecting the black-body emissions that all objects naturally emit, the system transforms what could be considered thermal noise into the primary detection mechanism, enabling passive imaging without active illumination.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple LIDAR systems operate in close proximity, then coverage area is improved, but laser light interference increases leading to reduced detection efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active LIDAR systems with passive thermal imaging systems. This allows multiple systems to operate in close proximity without interference, as each system independently detects thermal emissions without emitting laser light that could interfere with others, thereby maintaining coverage area while improving detection efficiency.
3Speed
If active illumination systems are used, then detection range is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active illumination systems with passive thermal detection systems. The hyperspectral infrared camera detects black-body emissions from objects without requiring active illumination, thereby eliminating the power consumption associated with laser sources while maintaining detection capability through the natural thermal radiation emitted by objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the natural black-body emissions from objects as the detection source, eliminating the need for external power-intensive illumination systems. Objects essentially provide their own detection signal through their inherent thermal radiation, allowing the system to operate with significantly reduced power consumption.
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 efficient object recognition and navigation by passively detecting polarized black-body emissions, reducing environmental noise and power consumption, and can be used in conjunction with other sensors for cross-validation.
Implementation Method 1
black-body emissions data indicating a polarization of black-body radiation emitted from the object
Implementation Method 2
at least one polarization filter configured to filter the three-dimensional image of the object to generate the black-body emissions data indicating the polarization
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for object and material recognition are provided and include a hyperspectral infrared camera that captures a three-dimensional image of an object and black-body emissions data indicating a polarization of black-body radiation emitted from the object. An image processing device accesses a database of expected polarization signatures of black-body emissions from materials at different temperatures and determines a material of the object based on (i) the black-body emissions data indicating the polarization of the black-body radiation emitted from the object, (ii) an ambient temperature of the environment of the system, and (iii) the database of expected polarization signatures of black-body emissions from a plurality of materials for different temperatures.