To achieve superhuman safety, a detailed 3D map of various dynamic objects (such as other cars, pedestrians, and bicycles) is generally considered essential to an AV. Light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensors are often considered among the most useful systems to have on board, as they are capable of forming such detailed maps. An example is shown in Figure 1.
The farther away a self-driving car can reliably detect the presence of an object on the road, the easier an evasive manoeuvre becomes.
Researchers based at Analog Garage (Analog Devices’ technology centre) have investigated extending the detection range of LIDAR systems and developed a way of using physical constraints on the movement of objects to extend range.
Read the full article in DPA's October issue