Steerable Lidar Target Tracking for Traffic Surveillance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional police Doppler radar systems face challenges in accurately measuring vehicle speeds in multiple vehicle environments due to their non-target selective nature and cumbersome operation, which limits their effectiveness in traffic surveillance.
Innovation Solution
A Lidar measurement device with a steerable laser that scans a field of view horizontally and vertically to identify and track multiple vehicles, integrating target data such as range, direction, and speed into a video image for precise identification and measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Doppler radar is used for speed detection, then speed measurement capability is provided, but target selectivity is poor due to 15-degree beam width
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function by combining Doppler radar with an independent optical targeting system. The optical system divides the field of view into discrete selectable targets, allowing the operator to choose which specific vehicle to measure, thereby achieving target selectivity without changing the radar's inherent 15-degree beam width.
2Adaptability or versatility
If Lidar with narrow beamwidth is used, then target selectivity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to need for shoulder mounting or fixed tripod
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges Doppler radar and optical targeting systems into a single integrated device housing. The optical system provides narrow beamwidth target selection while the radar provides speed measurement, combining their functions in one unit that can be easily mounted on police vehicles without requiring shoulder mounting or fixed tripods.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device serves multiple functions: target acquisition through optical narrow beamwidth scanning, target selection via video display, speed measurement through Doppler radar, and simultaneous multi-target tracking. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate equipment and complex mounting arrangements.
3Ease of operation
If Doppler radar with wide beamwidth is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates in multiple vehicle environments
Solution Approach 1:
The optical targeting system acts as an intermediary between the operator and the Doppler radar. It provides precise target selection and verification through video display and range gating, ensuring that the radar energy is focused on the correct vehicle even though the radar beam itself remains wide at 15 degrees.
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 efficient tracking of moving vehicles in multiple vehicle environments without the need for awkward accessories, reducing human fatigue and improving the precision of speed measurements.
Implementation Method 1
Lidar speed-measuring devices use laser pulses and time-distance principles to measure vehicle speed
Implementation Method 2
A processing circuit portion determines target data of the target based upon range and time measurements associated with reflected laser range-finding signals
Implementation Method 3
video circuitry acquires video of a field of view having a target therein
Data Source
AI summary
A Lidar measurement device for vehicular traffic surveillance and method for use of same are disclosed. In one embodiment, video circuitry acquires video of a field of view having a target therein. A steerable laser progressively scans the field of view to identify targets. The steerable laser then progressively, repeatedly scans a sub-field of the field of view containing the target. A processing circuit portion determines target data of the target based upon range and time measurements associated with reflected laser range-finding signals from the scans of the sub-field. The processing circuit then integrates the target data into the video such that the video may displayed with an image of the target and target data, such as a speed measurement, associated therewith.