The VIDAS™ software from Compound Eye utilizes automotive-grade cameras and computing to provide pixel-level depth and semantic segmentation. View 3D images at 10 times the resolution of LiDAR through cameras. According to MEMS Consulting, leading 3D sensing and perception software developer Compound Eye has announced the early completion of its VIDAS development kit. VIDAS generates dense 3D outputs and pixel-level semantic class images in various road and off-road environments using only scalable passive sensors (such as automotive cameras). VIDAS can accurately measure depth without LiDAR or RADAR. VIDAS ensures that vehicles can understand their surroundings in real-time with dense 3D output images, applicable from dashboard displays and driving assistance functions to autonomous driving. The software runs on off-the-shelf embedded computers, providing 10 times the resolution of LiDAR at the original cost. VIDAS is the first system that integrates information from environmental stereo disparity, motion disparity, and semantic cues, combining classical computer vision with modern machine learning.
From top to bottom: Collecting perception data using the VIDAS Operator; VIDAS development kit hardware; VIDAS development kit installation; VIDAS development kit hardware (side view); VIDAS development kit hardware installation and arbitrary camera placement model; Analyzing perception data using VIDAS Inspector and comparing it with ground truth.
Automotive-grade Safety Technology The VIDAS from Compound Eye is built on industry hardware standards and designed with OEM (original equipment manufacturer) and Tier 1 (first-tier automotive suppliers) in mind. To facilitate packaging and integration, cameras can be installed in almost any location on the vehicle. VIDAS features self-calibration to adapt to various automotive cameras and can work with OEM or third-party software. Compound Eye’s VIDAS perception software employs a dense 3D perception technology that does not require proprietary hardware.
Easy-to-Install Hardware The early-access VIDAS development kit includes two reference cameras, a computing module, a GPS antenna, two FAKRA cables, and a 12V power line. Initial installation takes 30 minutes or less and allows immediate viewing of perception output on a tablet or laptop.
User-Friendly Software The VIDAS development kit includes VIDAS Operator for viewing and recording data, and VIDAS Inspector for analyzing perception output.
About Compound Eye Compound Eye is a leading developer of 3D sensing and perception software. The company’s VIDAS technology provides dense depth and pixel-level semantics using only cameras. VIDAS is a complete alternative to LiDAR and RADAR, suitable for applications ranging from remote 3D sensing to collision avoidance to fully autonomous driving. Compound Eye is based in Redwood City, California, and is supported by top-tier market investors, including Khosla Ventures and K9 Ventures.
Further Reading: “Automotive Radar Technology and Market – 2022 Edition” “Autonomous Vehicles, Robotic Taxis, and Their Sensors – 2021 Edition” “Emerging Image Sensor Technologies, Applications, and Market – 2021 Edition” “Automotive LiDAR Patents Panorama Analysis – 2022 Edition”