Solid-State LIDAR Traffic Sensing Without Mechanical Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LIDAR-based traffic sensors face limitations due to mechanical scanning components, which introduce maintenance requirements, reliability concerns, and installation challenges, while environmental factors affect measurement accuracy and precision.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state LIDAR traffic sensor system with dual laser range finders, each with a solid-state laser transmitter and receiver, creates parallel detection zones across a traffic lane, using time-of-flight measurements for accurate velocity calculations and vehicle classification without moving parts, and incorporates noise correction and adaptive threshold mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical scanning components are used in LIDAR systems, then comprehensive traffic analysis capability is achieved, but maintenance requirements and reliability concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning components with solid-state laser transmitters that generate laser beams without moving parts. This substitution eliminates the mechanical scanning mechanism while maintaining the ability to perform comprehensive traffic analysis through electronic control and processing of laser return signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the mechanical scanning components from the LIDAR system, retaining only the essential solid-state laser transmission and reception functions. This extraction eliminates maintenance requirements associated with moving parts while preserving the core traffic monitoring capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical scanning components are used in LIDAR systems, then comprehensive traffic analysis capability is achieved, but installation challenges arise due to size and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning components with solid-state laser transmitters that generate laser beams without moving parts. This substitution eliminates the mechanical scanning mechanism while maintaining the ability to perform comprehensive traffic analysis through electronic control and processing of laser return signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the mechanical scanning components from the LIDAR system, retaining only the essential solid-state laser transmission and reception functions. This extraction eliminates maintenance requirements associated with moving parts while preserving the core traffic monitoring capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If conventional LIDAR systems are used, then distance measurements are obtained, but environmental noise such as solar reflections affects measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of environmental noise by using noise correction circuitry that processes and compensates for interference signals. The system utilizes the characteristics of solar reflections and other environmental noise to dynamically adjust detection thresholds, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy despite the presence of harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through adaptive threshold adjustment based on detected noise levels. The system continuously monitors environmental conditions and adjusts its detection parameters in real-time, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains measurement precision despite varying environmental interference.
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 high accuracy (1.5% at 250 km/h) and reliability, reduces maintenance needs, and offers flexible installation options with compact and lightweight design, effectively addressing environmental interference and mechanical limitations.
Implementation Method 1
using time-of-flight measurements for accurate velocity calculations
Implementation Method 2
solid-state LIDAR traffic sensor system
Implementation Method 3
Each laser range finder includes a laser diode transmitter and an avalanche photodiode detector or PIN photodiode detector
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a solid-state LIDAR traffic sensor system comprising a housing configured for installation over a traffic lane, two laser range finders positioned within the housing where each laser range finder comprises a solid-state laser transmitter and a solid-state receiver with no moving parts, wherein the two laser range finders are spaced apart by a predetermined distance and oriented to create two parallel laser detection zones across a width of the traffic lane, and a timing and processing unit operatively connected to both laser range finders and configured to measure time intervals between vehicle detection events at each laser detection zone, calculate vehicle velocity based on the predetermined distance between the laser range finders and the measured time intervals, count vehicles crossing both laser detection zones, generate vehicle height profiles by measuring momentary height of vehicle cross-sections as vehicles pass under each laser range finder, determine vehicle length based on calculated vehicle velocity and time duration of vehicle presence at the laser detection zones, and classify vehicles based on the generated vehicle height profiles and determined vehicle length.