Detecting Falling Objects with a LiDAR

[daniel1211]

I am experimenting with a LiDAR system, one of my goals is to detect falling objects. The scanning frequency is 100Hz with an angular resolution of 1°. I have been able to detect an object if it is a certain size or greater moving horizontally but I'm not sure what I should focus on to make sure that it will see an object falling vertical as it scans horizontal.

 

[mfb]

Where do the objects fall?
If you can just scan a narrow horizontal line, I guess you'll miss some objects that fall through faster than your scanning frequency.

 

[davenn]

rotate the LIDAR so it is vertical

do you need to detect speed of the falling object or just that it is there ?

if just that it is there ... why use a LIDAR ?

tell us more about what you are trying to achieve ... as in explain you project clearly

Dave

 

[daniel1211]

I would like to detect if objects are being thrown over a balcony, edge, bridge, etc... but I would also like to avoid false positives such as a bird.

 

[davenn]

but I would also like to avoid false positives such as a bird.

in an open area ... that is going to be virtually impossible

 

[mfb]

Well, most birds have a motion different from falling objects, but I don't see why a LIDAR would be used. A conventional camera and some image processing looks easier.