Waymo llc (20240183959). METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETECTING OBSTRUCTIONS ON A SENSOR HOUSING simplified abstract

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETECTING OBSTRUCTIONS ON A SENSOR HOUSING

Organization Name

waymo llc

Inventor(s)

Gil Shotan of Mountain View CA (US)

Luke Wachter of Mountain View CA (US)

Colin Braley of Mountain View CA (US)

Christian Lauterbach of Mountain View CA (US)

Xiaoxiang Hu of Mountain View CA (US)

Ming Zou of Mountain View CA (US)

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETECTING OBSTRUCTIONS ON A SENSOR HOUSING - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240183959 titled 'METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETECTING OBSTRUCTIONS ON A SENSOR HOUSING

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a method involving obtaining multiple scans of a field-of-view of a LiDAR device inside a housing by emitting light pulses in different directions and detecting reflected light pulses to identify obstructions.

• The method includes transmitting light pulses from the LiDAR device in various directions towards the housing.
• It involves detecting returning light pulses that are reflected back towards the LiDAR device.
• The method also includes identifying obstructions that block the LiDAR device from scanning the field-of-view through the housing based on the collected scans.

Key Features and Innovation

• Utilizes LiDAR technology to obtain scans of a field-of-view.
• Detects obstructions that hinder the LiDAR device from scanning the field-of-view.
• Uses reflected light pulses to identify obstructions within the housing.

Potential Applications

This technology can be applied in:

• Autonomous vehicles for obstacle detection.
• Security systems for intruder detection.
• Industrial automation for monitoring machinery.

Problems Solved

• Identifying obstructions that obstruct the LiDAR device's scanning capabilities.
• Enhancing the accuracy of LiDAR scans by detecting and addressing obstructions.

Benefits

• Improved safety and efficiency in various applications.
• Enhanced obstacle detection capabilities.
• Increased reliability of LiDAR scanning technology.

Commercial Applications

Title: "LiDAR-based Obstruction Detection System for Enhanced Safety and Efficiency" This technology can be utilized in:

• Automotive industry for autonomous vehicles.
• Surveillance systems for security applications.
• Industrial automation for monitoring and safety purposes.

Prior Art

No prior art information available at this time.

Frequently Updated Research

No frequently updated research available at this time.

Questions about LiDAR-based Obstruction Detection System

What are the key benefits of using LiDAR technology for obstruction detection?

Using LiDAR technology for obstruction detection provides high accuracy and reliability in identifying obstacles in various applications, leading to improved safety and efficiency.

How does the method differentiate between different types of obstructions within the field-of-view?

The method analyzes the returning light pulses to determine the presence and location of obstructions that block the LiDAR device's scanning capabilities, allowing for the differentiation between various types of obstructions.

Original Abstract Submitted

one example method involves obtaining a plurality of scans of a field-of-view (fov) of a light detection and ranging (lidar) device disposed inside a housing. obtaining each scan of the plurality of scans comprises: transmitting, through a plurality of sections of the housing, a plurality of light pulses emitted from the lidar device in different directions toward the housing; and detecting a plurality of returning light pulses comprising reflected portions of the transmitted plurality of light pulses that are reflected back toward the lidar device. the method also involves detecting an obstruction that at least partially occludes the lidar device from scanning the fov through the housing based on the plurality of scans.