Localization of autonomous vehicles via ground image recognition
US11566902B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 3, 2018 |
| Grant date | Jan 31, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 12, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06T2207/30252
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for localizing an autonomous vehicle using a digital stereo camera mounted to the autonomous vehicle and oriented to obtain images of the road surface. The system comprises an image processor configured to analyze the images of the road surface and identify micro-features, such as pores, holes, cracks, and granular material embedded in the street. The image processor is configured to compile previously obtained images of the road surface into reference mosaics and to compare the micro-features identified in newly obtained images to the reference mosaic to determine the location of the autonomous vehicle. The system may be further configured with a communications module to transmit images and localization information to a database repository or server.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.