Retroreflective Optical Patterns for Multi-Distance Object Identification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The transition period for autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles sharing roads with traditional human-operated vehicles is prolonged due to practical constraints like vehicle lifespan, infrastructure costs, and time for replacement, necessitating effective communication and interpretation of vehicle pathways for safe and efficient coexistence.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of hyperspectral optical patterns on pathway articles that include machine-perceptible information, such as retroreflective properties and spatial properties, allowing vehicles to interpret and respond to both human-readable and machine-readable cues, enhancing safety and efficiency by providing redundant information validation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional single-distance information display methods are used, then the system is simple, but the vehicle cannot reliably determine object identity and characteristics at varying distances
Solution Approach 1:
The information display is segmented into multiple distance-specific optical sub-patterns (first sub-pattern for far distance, second sub-pattern for near distance). Each sub-pattern contains information optimized for its specific distance range, allowing the vehicle to reliably identify objects at any distance by processing the appropriate segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a distance dimension to the information display by using retroreflective properties (wavelength, polarization) that vary with distance. This creates multiple information layers that can be decoded based on the vehicle's distance from the object, transforming a single-distance display into a multi-distance display system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple distance-specific optical sub-patterns are implemented, then information can be conveyed at multiple distances, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple distance-specific optical sub-patterns are merged into a single retroreflective article. The first and second optical sub-patterns are integrated on the same article, allowing one manufacturing process to produce all distance-specific information displays rather than requiring separate articles for each distance range.
Solution Approach 2:
The retroreflective article is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it displays information at far distances using the first sub-pattern and at near distances using the second sub-pattern. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized articles for different distance ranges.
3Measurement precision
If retroreflective properties are used for far-distance detection, then object detection is possible beyond visual resolution limits, but the system cannot provide detailed spatial information
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection using retroreflective properties at far distances to identify potential objects before the vehicle approaches. Once the vehicle enters the near-distance range, the system transitions to decoding the second optical sub-pattern which contains detailed spatial information, thus preparing the vehicle's response in advance while maintaining information accuracy at each stage.
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
This solution enables vehicles to receive critical information from both human and machine-readable sources, ensuring consistent communication and response, thereby improving safety and efficiency during the transition period and in various environments like roads, warehouses, and construction zones.
Implementation Method 1
determine a first set of information based on retroreflective properties of light returned from a retroreflective article
Implementation Method 2
Examples of retroreflective properties as described in this disclosure may include light polarization direction or wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a method may include receiving retroreflected light that indicates at least one retroreflective property of a retroreflective article, wherein retroreflected light is captured at a first distance. The method may include determining a first set of information based at least in part on the at least one retroreflective property of the retroreflective article. The method may include receiving, from the light capture device, an image that includes at least one object, wherein the image is captured at a second distance. The method may include determining, based at least in part on the spatially resolvable property, a second set of information that corresponds to the object in the image. The method may include performing, by a computing device, at least one operation based at least in part on the second set of information.