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Vehicular environment scanning techniques

  • US 7,983,802 B2
  • Filed: 03/17/2008
  • Issued: 07/19/2011
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/22/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method for creating and managing a digital map embodied in a map database for use by vehicles and including information relating to a travel lane on which the vehicles can travel or are traveling, comprising:

  • illuminating the environment outside of and around the vehicle with infrared illumination in an eye-safe part of the infrared spectrum using an infrared illumination device as the vehicle is traveling on a travel lane to be mapped;

    forming, on the vehicle, at least one image from reflections from any objects in the path of the infrared illumination;

    analyzing, using a processor, the at least one image formed from the received reflections to obtain information about the object from which the infrared illumination has been reflected; and

    incorporating the obtained information into the map in the database if not already present therein.

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