Autonomous Vehicle Camera Ring Structure for 360° View and EMI Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera systems in autonomous vehicles often face challenges in providing seamless and unimpeded fields of view, mechanical stiffness, and protection against electromagnetic interference, which can impact their ability to operate effectively in autonomous driving modes.
Innovation Solution
A camera ring structure that co-locates image sensors to provide 360° and 60-135° fields of view, includes mechanical stiffness and damping, and offers protection against electromagnetic interference, while integrating with other sensors like LIDAR and radar.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cameras are mounted on the front and rear bumpers of autonomous vehicles, then the cameras can capture images of road signs and traffic lights, but the cameras are likely to be damaged due to vehicle collisions or other accidents
Solution Approach 1:
The camera mounting system is segmented into a movable ring structure that can independently move relative to the vehicle body, separating the camera protection function from the vehicle structure while maintaining image capture capability
Solution Approach 2:
The ring structure is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position to protect cameras during collisions while maintaining optimal positioning for image capture during normal operation
2Reliability
If a fixed camera mounting structure is used on the vehicle, then the structure is simple and stable, but the camera cannot be protected during collisions or accidents
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure transitions from a static fixed design to a dynamic movable ring structure that can respond to collision forces while maintaining structural simplicity in its basic configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The movable ring structure acts as a protective barrier that absorbs and distributes collision forces away from the cameras, functioning as a mechanical counterweight system
3Reliability
If cameras are positioned to capture road signs and traffic lights, then the vehicle can recognize traffic rules, but the cameras are exposed to harmful factors such as collisions and environmental damage
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is separated from the vehicle body through an independent movable ring structure, creating a protective zone that isolates cameras from direct collision impacts
Solution Approach 2:
The movable ring structure serves as a pre-positioned protective barrier that cushions cameras against collision forces before they can reach the camera sensors
Data Source
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AI summary
The technology relates to autonomous vehicles that use a perception system (224) to detect objects and features in the vehicle's surroundings. A camera assembly (310) having a ring-type structure is provided that gives the perception system an overall 360° field of view around the vehicle. Image sensors are arranged in camera modules around the assembly to provide a seamless panoramic field of view. One subsystem has multiple pairs of image sensors (402, 404) positioned to provide the overall 360° field of view, while another subsystem provides a set of image sensors (406) generally facing toward the front of the vehicle to provide enhanced object identification. The camera assembly may be arranged in a housing (302) located on top of the vehicle. The housing may include other sensors (306, 308) such as LIDAR and radar. The assembly includes a chassis (1002) and top (1004) and base plates (1102), which may provide EMI protection from other sensors disposed in the housing.