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DETECTING ROAD WEATHER CONDITIONS

  • US 20140081507A1
  • Filed: 09/20/2012
  • Published: 03/20/2014
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/20/2012
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method comprising:

  • receiving, by a processor, laser data collected for a roadway as a vehicle is driven along the roadway, wherein the laser data include a plurality of laser data points each data point of the plurality of laser data points having location and intensity information associated therewith;

    determining, by a processor, an average intensity of the plurality laser data points associated with locations within the roadway;

    comparing the average intensity to a threshold value associated with an expected average intensity of the roadway under dry weather conditions;

    when the average intensity is above the threshold value, identifying, by a processor, an indication that the roadway is at least partially snow covered;

    estimating, by a processor, driving conditions of the roadway based on the indication that the roadway is at least partially snow covered; and

    using the estimate, by the processor, to make a driving decision for the vehicle.

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