As a compliment to cameras, lidar, and radar, a new family of IREDs—infrared emitting diodes—can expand the vision of SAE Level 4 and 5 autonomous vehicles without harming human eyes, according to maker Osram Opto Semiconductors.
Infrared night vision cameras, lidar, radar, and vehicle headlamps will provide autonomous vehicles with an ability to see the surroundings at night, but the technologies have limitations.
Osram Opto Regional Marketing Manager Rajeev Thakur says “Visible camera sensors only work during the day when there is sunlight. Cameras don’t work as well at night and depend on streetlights or other light sources. And radar does not have the resolution necessary to be a complete solution”.
The goal is to achieve a two-point sensing verification where the camera sees an object as well as lidar, allowing the vehicle to act appropriately to the data, explains Thakur. Osram’s new IREDs add sensing depth to SAE Level 4 and 5 autonomous vehicle’s cameras, lidar, and radar. “We’re one step closer to making two-point sensing verification a reality”, he says.
The Oslon Black 850 nm versions are intended for exterior applications, such as night vision enhancement, lane detection, and pedestrian protection. Thakur says “To ensure eye safety while providing high illumination intensity, it is necessary to pulse the IRED. The Oslon Black sensors have pulsing capability”. Meanwhile, the 940nm versions emit less red glow, making the sensors well suited for in-vehicle applications, such as driver monitoring and gesture recognition.
