Camera Sensor

A camera sensor in the context of self-driving cars is a digital imaging device that captures visual information from the vehicle’s surroundings. It converts light into electronic signals, allowing onboard systems to interpret objects, lane markings, traffic lights, and pedestrians. These sensors function similarly to the cameras in smartphones but are built for durability and precision under constantly changing conditions such as glare, rain, and low light.

In autonomous systems, camera sensors are essential for scene understanding. They provide detailed, high-resolution data that complements information from radar and lidar, helping the car recognize colors, shapes, and textures that other sensors cannot detect. For example, cameras enable the identification of road signs, brake lights, and lane boundaries — critical elements for safe navigation and decision-making.

Self-driving vehicles typically use multiple camera sensors placed around the car to achieve 360-degree coverage. This configuration allows for depth perception, object tracking, and redundancy in case one sensor’s view is obstructed. Combined with machine learning algorithms, the camera sensor network forms a key component of the vehicle’s perception system, bridging the gap between raw visual input and actionable driving intelligence.