ADAS camera sensors: What they power and when to calibrate

Camera sensors are a type of ADAS sensor that play an important role in driver assistance and safety  features like blind spot detection, forward collision warnings, automatic emergency braking (AEB), parking assistance, and lane departure warnings. They’re positioned on the back, sides, and front of a vehicle to capture images of its surroundings, including pedestrians, street signs, and other moving vehicles. 

In this post, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of camera sensors compared to other types of ADAS sensors, the future of this technology, and common ADAS calibrations that repair shops can offer. 

Pros and cons of ADAS camera sensors

Camera sensors have some invaluable strengths that make them essential components of a car’s ADAS system. They offer exceptionally high resolution images and strong object identification, especially at short- and mid-range distances. 

Different types of camera sensors use image or video sensors to detect and model objects. They’re highly effective at helping drivers with tasks like blind spot detection or parking assistance, and deliver the highest resolution and most accurate 2D shape detection out of all ADAS sensors.

While ADAS camera sensors have undeniable strengths, they also have some vulnerabilities. They may be negatively impacted by weather or lighting conditions, for example. They can be blinded by sunlight,, or may have lower performance during poor-visibility conditions. Finally, they aren’t quite as effective at detecting distances compared to other systems. 

Fortunately, most ADAS systems use a variety of different sensor types to combat these vulnerabilities and deliver more well-rounded and consistent functionality. 

ADAS camera sensors compared to radar sensors

Radar sensors use radio waves to detect an object’s location and the distance from the vehicle. Unlike camera sensors, they function reliably regardless of weather or light conditions. Camera sensors, however, offer higher resolution images. 

ADAS camera sensors compared to LiDAR sensors

LiDAR sensors use laser-emitted lights to accurately calculate an object’s distance from the vehicle. They can deliver high resolution at a further range than some camera sensors, and offer exceptionally powerful 3D mapping capabilities. 

Like camera sensors, however, they may have reduced performance in inclement weather. LiDAR sensors may be particularly prone to misidentifying or miscalculating information during rain or snow. They also require significant computing power compared to other sensor types, though future advancements may reduce this. 

ADAS camera sensors compared to sonar sensors 

Sonar sensors utilize sound waves to detect nearby objects. They’re a particularly low cost solution, and are effective at detecting close objects even in tight spaces. They may be able to detect objects outside of a camera’s field of vision, for example. 

They are most effective at shorter detection ranges than some camera sensors, however, and may not accurately detect small or soft objects that cameras would have noticed. 

The future of camera sensors

Automotive camera sensors already offer advanced functionality and play an important role in ADAS systems. The future of camera sensors offers enormous potential, with many improvements likely to focus on the following:

• Power efficiency: We’ll likely see decreased power consumption and size of camera sensors in the near future. These developments will be aided by the consumer demand for advanced cameras on smartphones and other devices, allowing system-on-chip (SOC) technology to have improved drastically in recent years. 
• Image and video resolution: Improvement in pixel densities and the resolution of image and video is a significant advancement in ADAS camera sensors. Modern camera sensors already offer the highest resolution of all ADAS technology, but improved resolutions and pixel densities are well underway. 
• Performance in diverse light conditions: The biggest vulnerability of current camera sensors is their performance in inclement lighting. Increased sensor sensitivity will likely improve performance even in low-lighting situations. There are also developments in sensors that use back-side illumination (BSI) to improve responsiveness, and in sensors that image heat or infrared light to better identify objects from further distances. 
• Signal processing: Advanced processing may lead in more accurate actions from a vehicle’s ADAS response systems. Improved real-time image processing and advancement will likely be the future of camera sensor technology. 

Common calibrations needed for ADAS camera sensors

ADAS camera calibrations involve adjusting camera sensors to ensure it’s properly aligned with the vehicle. It may involve adjusting the camera’s:

• Position.
• Angle.
• Zoom.
• Focus.

This is a technical process that may require specialized knowledge and steps for each vehicle’s unique VIN. 

You should always reference OEM service information to confirm that you’re following the correct procedures for each VIN. Depending on the manufacturer, camera sensors are generally recalibrated in circumstances such as the following:

• Windshield replacement.
• Removal or replacement of sensors.
• Changes in overall alignment.
• Airbag deployment. 
• Reports of inaccurate performance from the driver.  
• After collisions, even minor fender benders. 

As a best practice, always reference and confirm with OEM service information. Calibration of camera sensors is essential for cars with ADAS systems. If they aren’t properly calibrated, they may fail to accurately identify or track objects. When drivers depend on these safety features that are failing to work properly, it can be dangerous. 

How to identify camera calibrations with Revv

ADAS calibration is a highly technical and complex process, especially once you factor in each VIN’s unique requirements, processes, and technology. As a result, many repair shops and mechanics haven’t been able to offer comprehensive calibration services to their customers.

Revv, however, changes that. Our AI-powered ADAS calibration reporting can help shops identify every billable ADAS procedure. Look up a vehicle’s VIN to identify equipped and optional ADAS features. You can review the vehicle’s mandated OEM calibrations, procedures, and requirement links to ensure that you can deliver every calibration service needed, increasing your bottom line and better serving your customers. 

Learn more about how we’ve helped mechanics grow their ADAS services in our case studies today.