Original Device Concept

This was the original design concept I had that got me started on this project. Of course, I over-complicated it quite a bit, but this is closer to the design I would like to get to. The smaller I can get, with less parts, and of course..cheaper, the more accessible this system can become to a DIYer.

With this version of the positioning system, LIDAR would be optional (and mounted elsewhere on the vehicle, if desired). There are no servos for repositioning the cameras, so the whole system is much smaller, and should be faster since we don't have to wait around for LIDAR data to come in or cameras to move.

The way this version would get multiple views to improve accuracy is using mirrors. A camera would be fixed above two back-to-back mirrors (also stationary), so the system has two views with which to find landmarks, with a single camera. A second camera with a different set of mirrors could also be added, for 4 simultaneous views.

No Arduino device would be required for this device, since there are no moving parts. Something would be needed to run the pilot software. In my diagram and measurements, I have a Jetson Nano in one area where that host system could be mounted (above the camera).