Camera in Autonomous Vehicle and Active Safety Systems

In recent years, camera-based systems and computer vision have become increasingly important in various applications, like manufacturing, security, facial recognition, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), autonomous vehicles and active safety systems. Cameras are a reliable and cost-effective solution for object detection, recognition, and tracking in real time. A camera is a sensor that depends on light and can capture information or details concerning frames. Other sensors (apart from the camera & LiDAR), depending on the sound, vibration, force, contact, pressure or metallic properties, can only state the presence of an object within the sensor range. But a camera can capture information within the field of view, making the camera a high-engineering application-dependent sensor.

On the other hand, cars are turning out to be intelligent to maintain safety standards. There are two types of safety systems active and passive. Passive safety systems work after the vehicle encounters an impact, including an airbag and seat belt. Through their onboard intelligence, the active safety systems try to reduce the accidents that can happen. Active safety systems are designed to prevent accidents by using various sensors and algorithms to detect potential hazards and alert the driver or take corrective action. Cameras are essential to active safety systems because they can detect potential hazards that other sensors might miss.

Cameras can detect pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vehicles on the road, which a vehicle frequently encounters in urban environments. They can also detect potholes or debris on the road.

One of the most significant benefits of camera-based safety systems is that they can provide early warnings to drivers, allowing them to take corrective action before an accident occurs. For example, if the system detects that the vehicle is drifting out of its lane, it can alert the driver or even take corrective action by applying the brakes or steering the vehicle back into its lane.

The active safety system feature has become an important part of the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). Out of the five-level of the autonomous vehicle evolutionary process, level 1 and 2 is considered ADAS. Autonomous vehicles use sensors, including cameras, RADARs, LiDAR and short-range sensors, to perceive the environment. Apart from all the other sensors, the camera is one key sensor that helps make critical road decisions.

Today's modern cameras are capable of producing high-resolution images and videos that enable the vehicle to sense its surroundings clearly. They detect objects, identify road signs, and track lane markings. They can also detect traffic lights and other vehicles on the road.

Cameras in autonomous vehicles are not limited to the vehicle's exterior. Cameras can also be used inside the vehicle to monitor the driver's behaviour and alert the system if the driver is not paying attention or appears to be falling asleep.

Using cameras to assist drivers can reduce the probability of accidents due to human errors. To learn more about other safety features of autonomous vehicles, explore our courses on ADAS. 

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