Autonomous Vehicle Camera Ring Layout for 360° Sensing Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in achieving seamless and unimpeded fields of view due to the placement and types of cameras used, which can impact their ability to operate effectively in autonomous driving modes, and require protection against electromagnetic interference and temperature regulation.
Innovation Solution
A camera ring structure that co-locates image sensors to provide 360° and 60-135° fields of view, with mechanical stiffness and damping, and includes features for electromagnetic interference protection and temperature regulation, such as a thermal heatsink, to ensure reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are placed at different locations to gather environmental information, then the field of view coverage is improved, but the device complexity and mechanical stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple camera modules are integrated into a single camera ring structure that rotates as one unit, combining multiple sensing functions into a unified system. This reduces the overall device complexity compared to having separate fixed cameras at different locations, while maintaining comprehensive field of view coverage through rotational movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera ring structure implements dynamic field of view adjustment by rotating the camera modules to different angular positions. This allows a single rotating structure to provide the equivalent coverage of multiple fixed cameras, reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive environmental monitoring capability.
2Area of stationary object
If cameras are placed at different locations to achieve comprehensive sensing, then the field of view is improved, but the mechanical stability and vibration resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple camera modules are mounted on a single rigid camera ring structure, consolidating what would be multiple separate mounting locations into one unified mechanical platform. This improves mechanical stability by reducing the number of separate mounting points and vibration sources, while the rotational capability maintains comprehensive field of view coverage.
3Reliability
If camera modules are densely arranged to provide 360° field of view, then the sensing capability is improved, but the protection against electromagnetic interference deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The camera modules are extracted from a completely enclosed housing and arranged in an open ring structure. This spacing arrangement between camera modules reduces electromagnetic interference between adjacent sensors while maintaining 360° sensing capability, as the modular design allows each camera to operate independently with adequate separation.
4Manufacturing precision
If the camera structure is made rigid to provide mechanical stiffness, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the damping and vibration resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The camera ring structure utilizes composite material construction that combines rigid components for maintaining manufacturing precision with damping materials integrated into the structure. This composite approach provides both the structural stiffness needed for precise camera positioning and the vibration damping necessary to reduce harmful mechanical oscillations during vehicle operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The camera ring structure provides comprehensive and unimpeded sensing capabilities, enhances mechanical stability, and protects against electromagnetic interference, enabling effective autonomous driving by ensuring image sensors operate within defined tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
The structure can include a thermal heatsink Or otherwise provide a degree of temperature regulation to the cameras and other components of the sensor system
Implementation Method 2
The structure can include a thermal heatsink Or otherwise provide a degree of temperature regulation to the cameras and other components of the sensor system
Implementation Method 3
The structure also provides mechanical stiffness and dampening to ensure image sensor operation within defined tolerances
Implementation Method 4
The top plate, base plate and outer cover may be configured to provide at least one of electromagnetic interference protection for the camera modules from emissions by other sensors, and electromagnetic interference protection for the other sensors from emissions by the camera modules
Data Source
AI summary
The technology relates to autonomous vehicles that use a perception system to detect objects and features in the vehicle's surroundings. A camera assembly having a ling-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 positioned to provide the overall 360° field of view, while another subsystem provides a set of image sensors generally facing toward the front of the vehicle to provide enhanced object identification. The camera assembly may be arranged in a housing located on top of the vehicle. The housing may include other sensors such as LIDAR and radar. The assembly includes a chassis and top and base plates, which may provide EMI protection from other sensors disposed in the housing.