Replacing Radar by an Optical Sensor in Automotive Applications

Abstract

The author would like to present here in the outline a passive optical alternative to commonly used and tested active sensors like radar or laser. The proposed stereo camera system is able to detect traffic on the road and obstacles at distances up to 200 meters or more. Subsequent algorithms track individual measurements and estimate the object’s motion. The same sensor provides information about the road’s direction in order to classify detected objects and to support additional assistance in lane keeping and monitoring the driver’s attention.

Possible applications in driver assistant systems will be demonstrated. In conclusion the authors will present a sensor system comparable or even superior to commonly used radar or laser sensors. The advantages are greater resolution, usability for various driver assistant systems, attractive price, robustness against electromagnetic interference and the absence of any kind of radiation. On the other hand, the disadvantage is slightly less accuracy at greater distances, which can be scaled by the sensor’s aperture and resolution and compensated for by adequate tracking algorithms and a high sample rate.