Determining travel path features based on retroreflectivity

US8699755B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• NAVTEQ B.V. · NL

Inventors

• Matei Nicolai Stroila · Chicago, US
• Xin Chen · Evanston, US
• Masha Kamali Moghaddam · Champaign, US
• Victor Lu · Foster City, US
• Bradley Kohlmeyer · Lisle, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 20, 2009
• Grant date: Apr 15, 2014
• Expiry date: Oct 31, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G09B29/008
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Systems, devices, features, and methods for determining geographic features corresponding to a travel path to develop a map database, such as a navigation database, are disclosed. For example, one method comprises emitting light from a light source, such as a LIDAR device, while on the travel path. Returning light is received based on the emitted light. The returning light is used to generate data points representing an area about the travel path. The data points are filtered as a function of a return intensity value to identify a feature associated with the travel path, in which the feature is treated with a retroreflective substance.