What is the optimal placement for autonomous vehicle sensors?

To provide more info about the main sensors: camera, LiDAR, RADAR. I would like to add. 1) Camera with standard lens, fish eye. Camera: RGB, IR, NIR, SWIR, MWIR, LWIR (thermal), polarization, event (dynamic vision sensor), hyperspectral imaging (chemical composition), ranged gate. 2) LiDAR: 905, 1550 nm. Mechanical vs solid state. Time of Light (ToF) vs Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) or 4D LiDAR to provide azimuth, range, elevation and velocity). And lastly, RADAR: FMCW, with more Rx and Tx channels to provide. 4D RADAR to provide range, velocity, azimuth, and vertical

sensors on autonomous vehicles could be referred as to organizing puzzle pieces on a board. Like puzzle pieces that fit seamlessly together, each sensor serves a distinct purpose. For example, cameras are best suited for capturing a wide range of views and are typically mounted on high locations for optimal perspective. Radar sensors, on the other hand, are strategically spread out on the vehicle to accurately detect objects at varying distances and angles. LiDAR sensors, with their precise measurement capabilities, are often mounted on top of the vehicle. By thoughtfully arranging these sensor types, autonomous vehicles are able to navigate with utmost safety and efficiency, much like successfully solving a complex puzzle.

The optimal placement depends on several factors, including sensor capabilities, vehicle design, and intended use cases. However, there are some common guidelines and principles: 1. Sensors should be around the vehicle to provide complete coverage in all directions, minimizing blind spots. 2.Sensors should be positioned at different heights and angles to maximize their field of view and minimize interference from obstacles like the vehicle's body or other sensors. 3.Critical sensors, such as LiDAR and cameras, are often duplicated to ensure redundancy and reliability. Placing redundant sensors in different locations helps mitigate the risk of sensor failure.

As its above, selecting the perfect locations for sensors on self-driving cars is like solving a puzzle. Just like fitting pieces together, each spot has its pros and cons, requiring careful consideration. Placing sensors at a higher point, such as on the roof, provides a panoramic view, but it may also give the car a bulkier and sluggish appearance. On the other hand, situating them lower to the ground improves accuracy but also puts them at risk of damage. Achieving optimum positioning involves weighing these trade-offs to ensure the car's safety and performance.

Safety is the top priority for performance & function under different types of traffic and weather. However, sensor limitation, cost, scalability, and experience/trend/research and leadership also contribute to sensor trade-offs.

1. Sensors should be integrated seamlessly into the vehicle's design to minimize aerodynamic drag, reduce aesthetic impact, and avoid compromising structural integrity. 2. Sensors should be shielded or protected from environmental factors such as rain, snow, dirt, and direct sunlight to ensure reliable operation in various conditions. 3.Sensors should be positioned to minimize occlusion by other vehicle components, such as mirrors, pillars, or roof racks, which could obstruct their field of view. 4. Sensor placement should allow for easy maintenance, repair, and upgrades, and should accommodate future advancements in sensor technology.

In general, sensor selection and placement depend on Operational Design Domain (ODD) and functionality . Strategically choosing or limiting the ODD plays a crucial role in safety and meeting requirements. For instance, if the ODD excludes high-gradient roads, it allows for a relaxed Vertical Field of View (VFOV) in Lidar and Radar. A higher VFOV typically results in higher sensor costs, especially in the case of Lidar, making the vehicles less commercially viable. Another factor to consider for VFOV is the movement of the vehicle suspension, which may range from 1 cm to 20 cm. However, this needs to be taken into account when defining the sensing requirements.

For sensors in general, it is important to listen to an expert who has a passion for ADS, is responsible, and optimistic and deeply care about safety for the driver, engineers and customers. These will make him or her to spend time to read different scholar articles, use different key words to search, check out patents, and look for news inside & out of US to provide a meaningful reports for leader teams to decide the strategies.

When it comes to sensors, it's crucial to have them strategically placed for optimum visibility. Ensuring that all areas of the car are easily within the sensors' range is essential. Industry experts advise placing sensors at the front, back, and sides of the vehicle to ensure accurate detection of objects. However, it's also vital to consider factors such as susceptibility to damage and impact on the car's maneuverability. Similar to selecting the perfect spot to sit, deciding where to position sensors requires careful consideration of various elements to ensure the safe operation of the vehicle.