Road Surface Laser Sensing for Low-Speed Grip Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for detecting road surface conditions, such as ice or wet asphalt, are ineffective at low vehicle speeds, leading to delayed or inaccurate detection of potential hazards, compromising driving safety.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle equipped with an optical sensor system that uses a laser emitter and single-photon avalanche diodes to detect road surface conditions by analyzing the intensity and polarization of reflected laser signals, allowing for precise and timely identification of road surface conditions, including dry, wet, snowy, or icy surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If capacitive, piezoelectric or optical sensors are used to detect road surface conditions, then measurement capability is improved, but detection accuracy at low speeds deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/contact-based sensors (capacitive, piezoelectric) with an optical detection system using laser emitter and single-photon avalanche diodes. This optical system measures the intensity and polarization of reflected laser light to determine road surface conditions, eliminating the speed-dependent limitations of mechanical sensors and enabling accurate detection even when the vehicle is stationary.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameter from electrical signals (capacitive/piezoelectric) to optical parameters (intensity and polarization of reflected light). By measuring how the polarization state of reflected laser light changes based on road surface properties, the system achieves speed-independent detection accuracy.
2Device complexity
If grip coefficient estimation is performed only at high travel speeds close to grip limit, then system complexity is reduced, but detection timeliness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detection system continuously monitors road surface conditions in advance, regardless of vehicle speed or proximity to grip limit. This preliminary detection capability allows the system to identify hazardous conditions before they become critical, providing early warning and enabling preventive actions even when traveling at low speeds or stationary.
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 and prompt detection of road surface conditions at low speeds and when stationary, enhancing driving safety by providing real-time information on grip levels, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.
Implementation Method 1
an emitter (15) configured to emit a laser signal (R) towards a road surface (16)
Implementation Method 2
one or more single-photon avalanche diodes (11a, 11b, 11c) configured to detect laser signals (S, T, U) reflected by the road surface (16)
Implementation Method 3
process a parameter associated with a superficial condition of said road surface (16), based on the intensities (ITE, ITM) of the laser signals (S, T) in the respective planes (P, Q)
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A motor vehicle (1) comprising a body (2) defining a passenger compartment (3), a plurality of wheels (4, 5); and a sensor (10) designed to detect a parameter associated with a superficial condition of a road surface (16); the sensor (10) comprises, in turn, an emitter (15) configured to emit a first laser signal (R) towards a road surface (16); and one or more single-photon avalanche diodes (11a, 11b, 11c) configured to detect a second laser signal (S, T, U) corresponding to the reflection of the first laser signal (R) against said road surface (16).