After a hectic couple of weeks, I was finally able to get the new LIDAR prototype installed on my bike to take it out for it's first test ride this weekend. And it worked! Not perfectly of course, still a lot of things to iron out, but the proof of concept definitely shows promise. This is the latest ranging LIDAR prototype, complete with both visual and audio alerts - an LED display and audio blips when new objects come into range.
Taking the bike out on Valencia St in SF on Sunday afternoon, I was able to "see" other bicyclists behind me as well cars as they would approach up on my left side (riding in a bike lane). The visual range of the sensor was well beyond that of the ultrasonic system,and was able to provide clarity between a bicyclist riding behind me and a car approaching from behind (on the left) all at the same time. I was a little worried that the constant jostling of the bicycle while traveling over the street would disrupt the LIDAR sensor from working effectively (all the prior tests were with the sensor stationary), but the system worked just fine.
I just got a new GoPro and will shoot some footage of the new bike radar system in action as soon as I can (handy little cameras, I tell ya). In the meantime, here are a couple photos of it installed on my bicycle in my neighborhood after the test ride.
Taking the bike out on Valencia St in SF on Sunday afternoon, I was able to "see" other bicyclists behind me as well cars as they would approach up on my left side (riding in a bike lane). The visual range of the sensor was well beyond that of the ultrasonic system,and was able to provide clarity between a bicyclist riding behind me and a car approaching from behind (on the left) all at the same time. I was a little worried that the constant jostling of the bicycle while traveling over the street would disrupt the LIDAR sensor from working effectively (all the prior tests were with the sensor stationary), but the system worked just fine.
I just got a new GoPro and will shoot some footage of the new bike radar system in action as soon as I can (handy little cameras, I tell ya). In the meantime, here are a couple photos of it installed on my bicycle in my neighborhood after the test ride.
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There's still a lot of work to be done to even get this functional prototype dialed in to be useful for cyclists ... getting the "refresh rate" of the LIDAR sensor perfectly timed, getting the software and the audio dialed in, not to mention all the design work on look-and-feel. Lots more to be done, but making real progress now.
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