Overhead object detection using optical measurements
First Claim
1. A height pole detection system for detecting a height of an overhead object from a moving vehicle, the height pole detection system comprising:
- a laser operable to emit a plurality of laser light pulses substantially upwards; and
a laser light detector operable to detect one or more of the plurality of laser light pulses that are emitted from the laser and subsequently reflected from the overhead object that is located above the height pole detection system,wherein the laser light detector enables detection of the height of the overhead object based on a time of flight of detected laser light pulses; and
wherein the height pole detection system is further configured to communicate information to one or more processors operable to;
calculate the time of flight for the laser light pulse to;
travel from the laser to the overhead object, reflect off of the overhead object, and be detected at the laser light detector;
calculate the height of the overhead object based on the time of flight of the laser light pulse;
compare the height of the overhead object to a defined threshold, wherein the defined threshold is associated with a height of an oversize load that is being transported along a defined route; and
generate an alert when the height of the overhead object is less than the defined threshold.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Technology is described for a height pole detection system for detecting a height of an overhead object from a moving vehicle. The height pole detection system can include a laser operable to emit a plurality of laser light pulses substantially upwards. The height pole detection system can include a laser light detector operable to detect one or more of the plurality of laser light pulses that are emitted from the laser and subsequently reflected from the overhead object. The height pole detection system can include an ambient light filter enclosure operable to partially surround the laser light detector. The ambient light filter enclosure can include an optical absorbing material for absorbing ambient light that is not reflected from the overhead object. The height pole detection system can enable detection of the height of the overhead objects based on a time of flight of detected laser light pulses.
-
Citations
19 Claims
-
1. A height pole detection system for detecting a height of an overhead object from a moving vehicle, the height pole detection system comprising:
-
a laser operable to emit a plurality of laser light pulses substantially upwards; and a laser light detector operable to detect one or more of the plurality of laser light pulses that are emitted from the laser and subsequently reflected from the overhead object that is located above the height pole detection system, wherein the laser light detector enables detection of the height of the overhead object based on a time of flight of detected laser light pulses; and wherein the height pole detection system is further configured to communicate information to one or more processors operable to; calculate the time of flight for the laser light pulse to;
travel from the laser to the overhead object, reflect off of the overhead object, and be detected at the laser light detector;calculate the height of the overhead object based on the time of flight of the laser light pulse; compare the height of the overhead object to a defined threshold, wherein the defined threshold is associated with a height of an oversize load that is being transported along a defined route; and generate an alert when the height of the overhead object is less than the defined threshold. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 14)
-
-
9. A height pole detection device operable to be mounted on a first vehicle, the height pole detection device configured to detect a height of an overhead object relative to the first vehicle, the height pole detection device comprising:
-
a laser operable to emit a plurality of laser light pulses substantially upwards; a laser light detector operable to detect one or more of the plurality of laser light pulses that are emitted from the laser and subsequently reflected from the overhead object; and an ambient light filter enclosure operable to partially surround the laser light detector, the ambient light filter enclosure including an optical absorbing material for absorbing ambient light that is not reflected from the overhead object, wherein the laser and the laser light detector are configured to communicate with at least one processor that is operable to; calculate a time of flight for a laser light pulse to;
travel from the laser to the overhead object, reflect off of the overhead object, and be detected at the laser light detector;calculate the height of the overhead object based on the time of flight of the laser light pulse, compare the height of the overhead object to a defined threshold, wherein the defined threshold is associated with a height of an oversize load that is being transported along a defined route; and generate an alert when the height of the overhead object is below the defined threshold. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
-
-
15. A method for detecting a height of an overhead object using a height detection device that is mounted on a moving vehicle, the method comprising:
-
emitting, from a laser of the height detection device, a plurality of laser light pulses in a direction above the moving vehicle, wherein at least a portion of the laser light pulses are reflected from an overhead object that is above the moving vehicle; detecting, using a laser light detector of the height detection device, the laser light pulses that are reflected from the overhead object that is above the moving vehicle; calculating, using at least one processor in communication with the height detection device, the height of the overhead object based on a time of flight for the laser light pulses to;
travel from the laser to the overhead object, reflect off of the overhead object, and be detected at the laser light detector; andcomparing, using the at least one processor in communication with the height detection device, the height of the overhead object to a defined threshold, wherein the defined threshold is associated with a height of an oversize load to be transported along a defined route. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
-
Specification