Abstract
Abstract. This investigation focuses on the performance assessment of a low-cost automotive LIDAR, the Livox Mid-40 series. The work aims to examine the qualities of the sensor in terms of ranging, repeatability and accuracy. Towards these aims a series of experiments were carried out based on previous research of low-cost sensor accuracy, LIDAR accuracy investigation and TLS calibration experiments. The Livox Mid-40 series offers the advantage of a long-range detection beyond 200 m at a remarkably low cost. The preliminary results of the tests for this sensor indicate that it can be used for reality capture purposes such as to obtain coarse as-built plans and volume calculations to mention a few. Close-range experiments were conducted in an indoor laboratory setting. Long-range experiments were performed outdoors towards a building façade. Reference values in both setups were provided with a Leica RTC 360 terrestrial LIDAR system. In the close-range experiments a cross section of the point cloud shows a significant level of noise in the acquired data. At a stand-off distance of 5 m the length measurement tests reveal deviations of up to 11 mm to the reference values. Range measurement was tested up to 130 meters and shows ranging deviations of up to 25 millimetres. The authors recommend further investigation of the issues in radiometric behaviour and material reflectivity. Also, more knowledge about the internal components is needed to understand the causes of the concentric ripple effect observed at close ranges. Another aspect that should be considered is the use of targets and their design as the non-standard scan pattern prevents automated detection with standard commercial software.
Highlights
1.1 General IntroductionLaser scanning has become a very commonly used method for reality capture, gaining popularity in many fields such as the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) sector
Besides the cost of an instrument and its accuracy requirements, the resolution of a LIDAR is another matter of importance, as this aspect affects the level of details that can be observed from a point cloud
In this study we want to investigate the capabilities of a new automotive LIDAR system that became available to the market in 2019 for only $600
Summary
Laser scanning has become a very commonly used method for reality capture, gaining popularity in many fields such as the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) sector. Reality Capture (RC), has become a vital asset for collecting data in new industries Examples of these comprehend autonomous vehicles, virtual and augmented reality amongst others. Autonomous vehicles could navigate in constrained environments surrounded by mobile objects they have to continuously observe the drivable space to enrich passengers and third person safety (Moras et al, 2012) This new generation of low-cost, small LIDAR sensors may not have the same standards as established surveying. Besides the cost of an instrument and its accuracy requirements, the resolution of a LIDAR is another matter of importance, as this aspect affects the level of details that can be observed from a point cloud As a consequence, this condition has a direct implication on the quality of the 3D model that could be obtained (Ling et al, 2008). Previous research of low-cost 3D sensors mentions that accuracy and repeatability are crucial when assessing structured- light-based 3D sensors (Boehm, 2014)
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