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For LiDAR scanning solution Polygon Mirrors and Scanner Motors Vol.2

For LiDAR scanning solution Polygon Mirrors and Motors Vol.2

 

Chapter 4

Various Sensors required for Autonomous Driving

What sensors are used in autonomous vehicles?

 

Various sensors equipped for driverless cars

As mentioned earlier, various sensors are required to detect obstacles and recognize the surrounding environment in order to achieve autonomous driving. Automobiles equipped with these various sensors are actually the image above. However, the role and performance of each sensor differ depending on the distance, angle, detection accuracy, etc. of the object to be detected. In particular, to realize advanced visual functions for the practical application of automatic driving, we must use several kinds of sensors as so-called “Sensor Fusion” while compensating for the disadvantages of the other sensors according to their respective roles. The table below briefly summarizes the roles of each of the various sensors.

SensorsMain roles / functions
  • Cameras
Recognition of shape and color, such as road signs and white lines [Lane departure prevention, Parking assist, Surround view]
  • Ultrasonic
    waves
Detection of objects at close distances
[Parking Assist]
  • Short / Medium
    range radar
Detection of objects at close distances including relative speeds [Crossing vehicle warning, Rear collision warning]
  • Millimeter-wave
    radar
Detection of long-distance objects including relative velocity [ACC, LKAS, Simple pedestrian detection]
  • LiDAR
Detection of object position and distance / Azimuth resolution: High [Pedestrian detection, Emergency braking, Collision avoidance]

Of these sensors, LiDAR is an essential sensor technology for real autonomous driving that requires collision avoidance. Let's take a quick look at what LiDAR is in the next chapter.

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