Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, for a stray-light testing station. In one aspect, the stray-light testing station includes an illumination assembly including a spatially extended light source and one or more optical elements arranged to direct a beam of light from the spatially extended light source along an optical path to an optical receiver assembly including a lens receptacle configured to receive a lens module and position the lens module in the optical path downstream from the parabolic mirror so that the lens module focuses the beam of light from the spatially extended light source to an image plane, and a moveable frame supporting the optical receiver assembly including one or more adjustable alignment stages to position the optical receiver assembly relative to the illumination assembly such that the optical path of the illumination assembly is within a field of view of the optical receiver assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a baffle assembly for an optical sensor. In one aspect, the baffle assembly is coupled to an optical sensor that is mounted on an autonomous vehicle. The baffle assembly can include a baffle housing coupled to the optical sensor at a proximal edge, and configured to at least partially enclose a field of view of the optical sensor. Additionally, the baffle assembly may include one or more nozzles that are configured to project fluid toward a surface of a lens of the optical sensor.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for preserving dynamic range in images. In some aspects, a process can include steps for receiving, at an autonomous vehicle system, image data from an image sensor, generating, by the autonomous vehicle system, a high dynamic range (HDR) output by performing HDR processing on the image data from the image sensor, generating, by the autonomous vehicle system, a least significant bit (LSB) output by performing LSB processing on the image data from the image sensor, and generating, by the autonomous vehicle system, an 8-bit output by performing a buffer process on the HDR output and the LSB output of the image sensor.

Abstract: Liquid cleaning systems for cleaning AV sensors are disclosed herein. An example liquid cleaning system includes a reservoir storing a liquid. The liquid can flow from the reservoir to a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger can transfer heat generated by a part of the AV to the liquid, thereby improving cleaning efficacy. The part may be battery, motor, engine, sensor (e.g., the sensor to be cleaned with the liquid or another sensor), etc. The heat may be an unintended product of an operation of the part. The heat exchanger can use the heat to warm up the liquid and cool down the part. Additionally or alternatively, the liquid can be heated by another heat exchanger or a heater. The heater can generate heat intended for heating the liquid. The heater may be local to the sensor to be cleaned, e.g., the heater is closer to the sensor than the reservoir.

Abstract: The subject disclosure relates to features that facilitate the automatic cleaning of optical sensors and in particular Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensors used in autonomous vehicle deployments. In some aspects, the disclosed technology includes a sensor cleaning apparatus having a housing, wherein the housing is configured to be rotatably coupled to an optical sensor, a wiper blade coupled to the housing, wherein the wiper blade is disposed at a downward angle relative to a top-surface of the optical sensor, and one or more nozzles disposed within the wiper blade, wherein the nozzles are configured to apply compressed gas to a surface of the optical sensor.

Abstract: The subject disclosure relates to features that facilitate the automatic cleaning of optical sensors and in particular Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensors used in autonomous vehicle deployments. In some aspects, the disclosed technology includes a sensor cleaning apparatus having a housing, wherein the housing is configured to be rotatably coupled to an optical sensor, a wiper blade coupled to the housing, wherein the wiper blade is disposed at a downward angle relative to a top-surface of the optical sensor, and one or more nozzles disposed within the wiper blade, wherein the nozzles are configured to apply compressed gas to a surface of the optical sensor.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, for a stray-light testing station. In one aspect, the stray-light testing station includes an illumination assembly including a spatially extended light source and one or more optical elements arranged to direct a beam of light from the spatially extended light source along an optical path to an optical receiver assembly including a lens receptacle configured to receive a lens module and position the lens module in the optical path downstream from the parabolic mirror so that the lens module focuses the beam of light from the spatially extended light source to an image plane, and a moveable frame supporting the optical receiver assembly including one or more adjustable alignment stages to position the optical receiver assembly relative to the illumination assembly such that the optical path of the illumination assembly is within a field of view of the optical receiver assembly.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for preserving dynamic range in images. In some aspects, a process can include steps for receiving, at an autonomous vehicle system, image data from an image sensor, generating, by the autonomous vehicle system, a high dynamic range (HDR) output by performing HDR processing on the image data from the image sensor, generating, by the autonomous vehicle system, a least significant bit (LSB) output by performing LSB processing on the image data from the image sensor, and generating, by the autonomous vehicle system, an 8-bit output by performing a buffer process on the HDR output and the LSB output of the image sensor.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, for a stray-light testing station. In one aspect, the stray-light testing station includes an illumination assembly including a spatially extended light source and one or more optical elements arranged to direct a beam of light from the spatially extended light source along an optical path to an optical receiver assembly including a lens receptacle configured to receive a lens module and position the lens module in the optical path downstream from the parabolic mirror so that the lens module focuses the beam of light from the spatially extended light source to an image plane, and a moveable frame supporting the optical receiver assembly including one or more adjustable alignment stages to position the optical receiver assembly relative to the illumination assembly such that the optical path of the illumination assembly is within a field of view of the optical receiver assembly.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for preserving dynamic range in images. In some aspects, a process can include steps for receiving, at an autonomous vehicle system, image data from an image sensor, generating, by the autonomous vehicle system, a high dynamic range (HDR) output by performing HDR processing on the image data from the image sensor, generating, by the autonomous vehicle system, a least significant bit (LSB) output by performing LSB processing on the image data from the image sensor, and generating, by the autonomous vehicle system, an 8-bit output by performing a buffer process on the HDR output and the LSB output of the image sensor.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are provided for implementing a self-cleaning sensor apparatus. In some examples, the self-cleaning sensor apparatus can include an optical sensor; an actuator system to rotate a rotary joint of the self-cleaning sensor apparatus; a manifold directly or indirectly coupled to the rotary joint, the manifold being configured to rotate in response to a rotation of the rotary joint, and wherein the manifold is disposed at an angle relative to a top or bottom surface of the optical sensor; and one or more nozzles disposed within the manifold, the one or more nozzles being configured to spray compressed air on an exterior surface of the optical sensor, the exterior surface including a surface of a lens of the optical sensor and/or a surface configured to send and receive optical signals associated with the optical sensor.

Abstract: The subject disclosure relates to features that facilitate the automatic cleaning of optical sensors and in particular Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensors used in autonomous vehicle deployments. In some aspects, the disclosed technology includes a sensor cleaning apparatus having a housing, wherein the housing is configured to be rotatably coupled to an optical sensor, a wiper blade coupled to the housing, wherein the wiper blade is disposed at a downward angle relative to a top-surface of the optical sensor, and one or more nozzles disposed within the wiper blade, wherein the nozzles are configured to apply compressed gas to a surface of the optical sensor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to optical systems and methods of their manufacture. An example optical system includes a lens assembly having at least one lens. The lens assembly defines an optical axis, a focal distance, and a corresponding focal plane. The optical system includes a substrate having a first surface and an image sensor attached to the first surface of the substrate. The optical system also includes a sensor holder attached to the first surface of the substrate. The sensor holder positions the image sensor along the optical axis and substantially at the focal plane. The optical system includes a registration body having a first registration surface and a second registration surface. The lens assembly is coupled to the first registration surface and the sensor holder is coupled to the second registration surface.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, for a stray-light testing station. In one aspect, the stray-light testing station includes an illumination assembly including a spatially extended light source and one or more optical elements arranged to direct a beam of light from the spatially extended light source along an optical path to an optical receiver assembly including a lens receptacle configured to receive a lens module and position the lens module in the optical path downstream from the parabolic mirror so that the lens module focuses the beam of light from the spatially extended light source to an image plane, and a moveable frame supporting the optical receiver assembly including one or more adjustable alignment stages to position the optical receiver assembly relative to the illumination assembly such that the optical path of the illumination assembly is within a field of view of the optical receiver assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to optical systems and methods of their manufacture. An example optical system includes a lens assembly having at least one lens. The lens assembly defines an optical axis, a focal distance, and a corresponding focal plane. The optical system includes a substrate having a first surface and an image sensor attached to the first surface of the substrate. The optical system also includes a sensor holder attached to the first surface of the substrate. The sensor holder positions the image sensor along the optical axis and substantially at the focal plane. The optical system includes a registration body having a first registration surface and a second registration surface. The lens assembly is coupled to the first registration surface and the sensor holder is coupled to the second registration surface.