Apple granted patent for ‘barrier detection’ for an ‘Apple Car’ — Apple World Today

Lidar is a method for measuring distances by illuminating the target with laser light and measuring the reflection with a sensor. Differences in laser return times and wavelengths can then be used to make digital 3-D representations of the target. It has terrestrial, airborne, and mobile applications.

The invention involves systems and methods for barrier detection using birds-eye-view maps of lidar data. Some implementations may include receiving lidar data from a lidar sensor; determining, based on the lidar data, a birds-eye-view map of one or more objects that are reflected in the lidar data; and inputting the birds-eye-view map to a machine learning system.

Apple has been granted, and filed for, many applications related to an “Apple Car.” However, as I’ve said before, I don’t think the tech giant will build its own branded vehicle, but will work with current car companies to integrate its various technologies.