Road Surface Classification Using Lidar and RGB Sensor Fusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing road surface condition detection systems lack accuracy and precision, particularly in identifying black ice, and require cost-effective and space-saving hardware solutions for vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A method combining a Lidar unit and an RGB sensor to illuminate and scan the road surface, using laser or LED light, and process combined images to classify road conditions, including black ice detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If electromagnetic sensors are used to detect road surface conditions, then measurement capability is improved, but sensor contamination from spray water and road debris causes measurement errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroad surface condition detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an air cushion as an intermediary layer between the road surface and the electromagnetic sensor. This air cushion, generated by blowing air through nozzles, prevents spray water and road debris from directly contacting the sensor while still allowing the sensor to detect road surface conditions through the air medium, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and sensor contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If mechanical sensors are used to detect road surface conditions, then direct contact measurement is improved, but mechanical wear and contamination occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroad surface condition detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor service life

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contact-based sensors with electromagnetic sensors that detect road surface conditions through non-contact or minimal-contact means. The air cushion further enables completely non-contact measurement, eliminating mechanical wear and extending sensor service life while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If air is blown to prevent sensor contamination, then sensor protection is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor contamination protectionVSAvoidair blowing energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies air blowing only in the specific local area where the electromagnetic sensor is positioned, rather than blowing air across the entire road surface or vehicle underside. This localized air cushion approach provides sufficient protection against sensor contamination while minimizing the overall energy consumption of the air blowing system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Enhances detection accuracy and reliability, allowing for precise classification of road conditions up to 250 meters ahead, improving road safety by providing detailed and early information on road friction.

Implementation Method 1

electromagnetic sensor that is arranged to detect a dielectric constant of the road surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric constant measurement: Dielectric Permittivity

Implementation Method 2

arrangement is arranged to generate an air cushion between the road surface and the electromagnetic sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir cushion effect:

Data Source

PatentEP4301646B1Method and arrangement for determining a condition of a road surface

Publication Date: 2026.04.22 KLIMATOR AB

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AI summary

The disclosure relates to a method for determining a classification of a condition of a road surface (3) for vehicle (1) traffic. The method comprises: defining a reference surface (9) of said road surface (3) ahead of the vehicle (1 ); illuminating said reference surface (9) with at least one light source (4) positioned on the vehicle (1); detecting light which is reflected off said reference surface (9); and determining said classification of the condition of the road surface (3) by analyzing detected information related to said reference surface (9). Furthermore, the method comprises the following steps: illuminating said reference surface (9) by means of laser or LED light; providing image information related to said reference surface (9) by detecting said reflected light by means of a Lidar unit (5); providing further image information related to said reference surface (9) by scanning said reference surface (9) by means of an RGB sensor (6); and determining said classification of the road surface (3) by combining image information related to said reference surface (9) from said Lidar unit (5) and said RGB sensor (6). The disclosure also relates to an arrangement for determining a classification of a condition of a road surface (3) for vehicle (1 ) traffic.