Terminator eyes. Scientists have created a laser that will allow seeing through clouds and thick fog

The key problem in the development of unmanned vehicles and autonomous driving systems remains the ability of robotic systems to analyze the surrounding situation and distinguish objects around.

Cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and LIDAR systems can err in estimating nearby objects and distance to them, not to mention conditions with limited visibility.

Scientists from Stanford University recently came up with their solution to this problem – the researchers presented a new laser device that can distinguish objects even through a layer of thick fog, smoke or clouds.

This device is based on “confocal diffuse tomography”, a method of studying an object by measuring the movement of light particles produced by laser pulses, which are reflected from an object behind an obstacle.

These measurements are performed by a computer algorithm that processes the signal and reconstructs the shape of an object hidden from direct observation.

The authors of the development said that during the experiment, the device confirmed the ability to distinguish objects hidden behind a layer of foam, one inch thick.

It is reported that similar technologies have been used before, but the new system can work for the first time without data on how far behind the obstacle the object is.

“It really pushes the boundaries of what can be possible with any sensory system. It looks like superhuman vision”, – the researchers say.

The product version of such a device can be used in various fields, taking into account unmanned vehicle control systems in conditions of limited visibility, satellite images of the Earth’s surface (or other planets) through thick clouds, etc.

The key disadvantage of the technology is the signal processing time, which now takes from a minute to an hour. In a car driving at high speed, such a radar will be ineffective, so scientists still have work to do.

Source: nv.ua