Autonomous Vehicle Tracking Camera for Long-Range Object Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LiDAR systems in autonomous vehicles face limitations in accurately identifying and tracking objects beyond a certain threshold distance, leading to reduced reaction time and potentially unsafe vehicle operations.
Innovation Solution
A tracking camera system is implemented onboard autonomous vehicles, which receives object coordinate data to adjust its position and focus, capturing image data to identify objects using object recognition algorithms, thereby augmenting LiDAR capabilities when objects are beyond its accurate detection range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If LiDAR is used to detect objects, then detection speed is improved, but detection accuracy diminishes beyond threshold distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines LiDAR and camera systems into an integrated tracking camera system. The LiDAR provides rapid detection and coordinate data, while the camera captures detailed images for accurate identification. This merging allows the system to maintain both fast detection speed and high accuracy even at distances beyond LiDAR's reliable identification range.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking camera acts as an intermediary between LiDAR detection and final object identification. When LiDAR detects an object beyond its accurate identification range, the camera system uses the LiDAR coordinates to target and capture images of the distant object, serving as a mediator that extends the effective identification range while maintaining accuracy.
2Reliability
If tracking camera system adjusts position to follow object, then object tracking capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from LiDAR coordinate data to continuously adjust the camera's azimuth and elevation positions. The LiDAR provides real-time coordinate feedback about object location, and this feedback drives the motorized adjustments of the tracking camera system, enabling reliable automatic tracking without complex manual control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking camera system integrates multiple functions into a single platform: object detection, coordinate reception, motorized positioning (azimuth and elevation adjustment), focus control, and image capture. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate systems for each function.
3Measurement precision
If camera focuses on distant object, then image quality is improved, but adjustment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by using LiDAR to pre-determine object coordinates and calculate required camera adjustments before actual image capture. The azimuth and elevation motors are pre-positioned based on LiDAR data, and focus adjustment is pre-calculated based on object distance, minimizing delays during actual tracking and capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking camera system maintains continuous useful action by seamlessly integrating LiDAR detection, coordinate processing, camera positioning, and focus adjustment into a continuous operational flow. Rather than discrete sequential steps with idle transitions, the system continuously receives LiDAR updates and continuously adjusts camera parameters, eliminating unnecessary delays in the tracking process.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media are provided for implementing a tracking camera system onboard an autonomous vehicle. Coordinate data of an object can be received. The tracking camera system actuates, based on the coordinate data, to a position such that the object is in view of the tracking camera system. Vehicle operation data of the autonomous vehicle can be received. The position of the tracking camera system can be adjusted, based on the vehicle operation data, such that the object remains in view of the tracking camera system while the autonomous vehicle is in motion. A focus of the tracking camera system can be adjusted to bring the object in focus. The tracking camera system captures image data corresponding to the object.