Multiple operating modes to expand dynamic range

    公开(公告)号:US10757320B2

    公开(公告)日:2020-08-25

    申请号:US16199998

    申请日:2018-11-26

    Applicant: Waymo LLC

    Abstract: Example embodiments relate to multiple operating modes to expand dynamic range. An example embodiment includes a camera system. The camera system may include a first image sensor having a first dynamic range corresponding to a first range of luminance levels in a scene. The system may also include a second image sensor having a second dynamic range corresponding to a second range of luminance levels in the scene. The camera system may further include a processor coupled to the first image sensor and the second image sensor. The processor may be configured to execute instructions to identify objects of a first type in a first image of the scene captured by the first image sensor and identify objects of a second object type in a second image of the scene captured by the second image sensor.

    Methods and systems for controlling extent of light encountered by an image capture device of a self-driving vehicle

    公开(公告)号:US10558873B2

    公开(公告)日:2020-02-11

    申请号:US15842182

    申请日:2017-12-14

    Applicant: Waymo LLC

    Abstract: Example implementations may relate to use of a light-control feature to control extent of light encountered by an image capture device of a self-driving vehicle. In particular, a computing system of the vehicle may make a determination that quality of image data generated by an image capture device is or is expected to be lower than a threshold quality due to external light encountered or expected to be encountered by the image capture device. In response to the determination, the computing system may make an adjustment to the light-control feature to control the extent of external light encountered or expected to be encountered by the image capture device. This adjustment may ultimately help improve quality of image data generated by the image capture device. As such, the computing system may operate the vehicle based at least on image data generated by the image capture device.

    CAMERA RING STRUCTURE FOR AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES

    公开(公告)号:US20190384313A1

    公开(公告)日:2019-12-19

    申请号:US16008462

    申请日:2018-06-14

    Applicant: Waymo LLC

    Abstract: 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 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 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.

    Multiple Operating Modes to Expand Dynamic Range

    公开(公告)号:US20190208111A1

    公开(公告)日:2019-07-04

    申请号:US16199998

    申请日:2018-11-26

    Applicant: Waymo LLC

    Abstract: Example embodiments relate to multiple operating modes to expand dynamic range. An example embodiment includes a camera system. The camera system may include a first image sensor having a first dynamic range corresponding to a first range of luminance levels in a scene. The system may also include a second image sensor having a second dynamic range corresponding to a second range of luminance levels in the scene. The camera system may further include a processor coupled to the first image sensor and the second image sensor. The processor may be configured to execute instructions to identify objects of a first type in a first image of the scene captured by the first image sensor and identify objects of a second object type in a second image of the scene captured by the second image sensor.

    Single Optic for Low Light and High Light Level Imaging

    公开(公告)号:US20190204572A1

    公开(公告)日:2019-07-04

    申请号:US15856194

    申请日:2017-12-28

    Applicant: Waymo LLC

    Inventor: Brendan Hermalyn

    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to multiple view optical systems. An example optical system includes at least one primary optical element configured to receive incident light from a scene and a plurality of relay mirrors optically coupled to the at least one primary optical element. The optical system also includes a lens optically coupled to the plurality of relay mirrors, and an image sensor configured to receive focused light from the lens. The image sensor includes a first light-sensitive area and a second light-sensitive area. The primary optical element, the plurality of relay mirrors, and the lens interact with the incident light to form a first focused light portion and a second focused light portion. The first focused light portion forms a first image portion of the scene on the first light-sensitive area and the second focused light portion forms a second image portion of the scene on the second light-sensitive area.

    Camera ring structure for autonomous vehicles

    公开(公告)号:US11561282B2

    公开(公告)日:2023-01-24

    申请号:US17503571

    申请日:2021-10-18

    Applicant: Waymo LLC

    Abstract: 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 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 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.

    Rotating LIDAR with co-aligned imager

    公开(公告)号:US11470284B2

    公开(公告)日:2022-10-11

    申请号:US17187775

    申请日:2021-02-27

    Applicant: Waymo LLC

    Abstract: Example implementations are provided for an arrangement of co-aligned rotating sensors. One example device includes a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) transmitter that emits light pulses toward a scene according to a pointing direction of the device. The device also includes a LIDAR receiver that detects reflections of the emitted light pulses reflecting from the scene. The device also includes an image sensor that captures an image of the scene based on at least external light originating from one or more external light sources. The device also includes a platform that supports the LIDAR transmitter, the LIDAR receiver, and the image sensor in a particular relative arrangement. The device also includes an actuator that rotates the platform about an axis to adjust the pointing direction of the device.

    Single Optic for Low Light and High Light Level Imaging

    公开(公告)号:US20200049965A1

    公开(公告)日:2020-02-13

    申请号:US16656123

    申请日:2019-10-17

    Applicant: Waymo LLC

    Inventor: Brendan Hermalyn

    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to multiple view optical systems. An example optical system includes at least one primary optical element configured to receive incident light from a scene and a plurality of relay mirrors optically coupled to the at least one primary optical element. The optical system also includes a lens optically coupled to the plurality of relay mirrors, and an image sensor configured to receive focused light from the lens. The image sensor includes a first light-sensitive area and a second light-sensitive area. The primary optical element, the plurality of relay mirrors, and the lens interact with the incident light to form a first focused light portion and a second focused light portion. The first focused light portion forms a first image portion of the scene on the first light-sensitive area and the second focused light portion forms a second image portion of the scene on the second light-sensitive area.

    Rotating LIDAR with co-aligned imager

    公开(公告)号:US10447973B2

    公开(公告)日:2019-10-15

    申请号:US15671845

    申请日:2017-08-08

    Applicant: Waymo LLC

    Abstract: Example implementations are provided for an arrangement of co-aligned rotating sensors. One example device includes a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) transmitter that emits light pulses toward a scene according to a pointing direction of the device. The device also includes a LIDAR receiver that detects reflections of the emitted light pulses reflecting from the scene. The device also includes an image sensor that captures an image of the scene based on at least external light originating from one or more external light sources. The device also includes a platform that supports the LIDAR transmitter, the LIDAR receiver, and the image sensor in a particular relative arrangement. The device also includes an actuator that rotates the platform about an axis to adjust the pointing direction of the device.

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