Patent · US Active

Enhanced obstacle detection and tracking for three-dimensional imaging systems used in motor vehicles

US7741961B1 · kind B1 · utility

64Cited by
6References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 28, 2007
Grant dateJun 22, 2010
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 22, 2028

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG06T2207/30252
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An obstacle detection and tracking system identifies objects in the path of a vehicle equipped with the system and issues a visual, audible, and/or control system warning. The system includes a depth imaging system that acquires depth data from objects in the field of view of a detection zone encompassing at least a portion of the road to be driven upon. It is assumed most of the acquired data represents road plane information. Statistical analysis of the depth image data identifies in (X,Y,Z) space at least one plane of the road being driven, after which identification threshold normal heights above and below the road plane are defined. Imaged objects within the detection zone that are higher or lower than a threshold normal are deemed of potential concern and will generate a warning to the vehicle operator or vehicle.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.