LiDAR on Speed Cameras: Laser, LED, ToF

Leddar vs Viion’s LiDAR: A Comparative Analysis of LiDAR-Based Traffic Management Technologies

In the ever-evolving world of technology, the transportation industry continuously seeks innovative solutions to improve road safety and optimize traffic management. One of the most significant advancements in recent decades is Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), a technology now at the core of many speed detection cameras. Originally used in handheld police speed guns in the late 1980s, modern LiDAR has expanded into fixed-beam and scanning laser-based range and speed sensors, as well as a new breed of Time-of-Flight (ToF) LiDAR cameras.

Given the increasing adoption of LiDAR in speed enforcement, there is some confusion in the market when terms like LiDAR, ToF, and Leddar are used interchangeably. This article intendents to clarifies these distinctions while comparing the technologies used by Viion Systems Inc. and LeddarTech, two companies leveraging ToF LiDAR in their speed enforcement applications.

LiDAR for Speed and Ranging Detection

LiDAR technology in the traffic industry typically falls into two categories based on the light source used:

• Laser-Based LiDAR
• LED-Based LiDAR

Laser-Based LiDAR is traditionally found in handheld speed guns used by law enforcement since the late 1980s.

LED-Based LiDAR represents the latest evolution, incorporated into traffic enforcement cameras by manufacturers like Viion Systems Inc. and companies using LeddarTech technology.

Viion Systems has developed proprietary LiDAR hardware and software but continues using the term LiDAR as a broad industry identifier. In contrast, LeddarTech has branded its proprietary LiDAR technology as Leddar. While both companies employ LED-based ToF LiDAR, there are key differences in their implementations.

Viion’s ToF LiDAR: Cutting-Edge 3D Traffic Enforcement

How It Works

Viion’s LiDAR-based speed cameras detect vehicle speed and range by measuring the time a modulated illumination signal takes to reflect off vehicle surfaces (such as license plates or headlights) and return to the camera. Unlike most LiDAR speed enforcement systems that rely on scanning lasers, Viion’s technology captures full 3D images at precise time intervals. This enables:

• Accurate determination of vehicle position on the road.
• Speed measurement independent of the distance or angle to the target.
• Multi-object tracking with high accuracy.

The camera operates by illuminating the entire scene with a high-speed modulated LED light source. A specialized processor calculates the phase of the return signal at each pixel of the field of view. The resulting 3D trajectory of the vehicle allows Viion to track speed with unmatched precision.

Advantages

• Exceptional Accuracy: Uses the speed of light for highly precise measurements.
• Wide Field of View: Full-scene coverage ensures comprehensive monitoring.
• Multiple Applications: Beyond speed enforcement, Viion cameras detect red-light violations, illegal turns, and other traffic infractions. They also feature onboard Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR).
• Flexible Deployment: Can be installed on poles, gantries, tripods, trailers, and vehicles for both fixed and mobile operations.
• High-Speed Measurement Range: Detects speeds up to 240 km/h.
• High Mounting Capability: Can be installed up to 6 meters.

LeddarTech’s ToF LiDAR:

Leddar is the proprietary ToF LiDAR technology developed by LeddarTech, a company specializing in LiDAR solutions for automotive, smart cities, and industrial automation.

Disadvantages when used on traffic enforcement cameras

• Limited Detection Field: Uses only 16 beams (19° horizontal x 3° vertical).
• Single-Purpose: Primarily limited to speed detection.
• Lower Speed Measurement Range: Detects speeds up to 170 km/h.
• Lower Mounting Capability: Maximum mounting height of 3.8 meters.

Laser Speed Cameras: The Law Enforcement Specialist

Laser-based speed cameras use focused laser beams to measure vehicle speeds and are commonly employed by police officers for roadside enforcement.

Advantages

• Highly Accurate: Can pinpoint a single vehicle in heavy traffic.
• Portable: Typically used as handheld devices.

Disadvantages

• Requires Line of Sight: Needs an unobstructed view for accurate readings.
• Limited Scope: Primarily for speed detection only.
• Manual Operation: Requires human intervention.

Feature Comparison Table