Optical ground-speed sensor for real-time traction measurement
This technology uses laser light and the Doppler effect to precisely measure how a vehicle is moving and what the road or surface beneath it is actually like — without physically touching the surface. By shining light at an angle onto the ground and analyzing how the reflected light shifts in frequency, the system can determine vehicle speed, detect tire slip, measure friction conditions, and characterize surface properties like texture or wetness. It works in real time and is entirely optical, meaning no mechanical contact is needed. This makes it far more accurate than wheel-speed-based measurements, which can be fooled by spinning or skidding tires.
What you could build
A non-contact optical sensor module that mounts under a vehicle to provide real-time ground truth speed, traction, and road surface data; primary buyers would be automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers integrating it into advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), stability control, and autonomous vehicle platforms.
Who in Virginia should care
Defense contractors and autonomous vehicle testing operations in Northern Virginia and the broader NOVA/DC corridor, including those supplying sensing systems for military ground vehicles, would be natural prospects.
Readiness: Prototype likely
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Carvel Holton, Mehdi Ahmadian
- Granted
- October 23, 2012
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 8294883
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.