Automotive Camera and Sensor System

Camera and sensor system to bring modern features to a 2007 Tacoma

Goals and Requirements

  • Camera System

    • Backup camera

    • Left and Right turn signal cameras

    • Front-facing camera

    • Recording capabilities to external hard drive*

    • Manual overrides to view cameras at any time*

  • Blind spot sensors

  • Reverse/Forward ultrasonic distance sensors

  • Altitude/pressure sensor

  • Gyroscope for pitch and roll angle

  • LAN Communication to main Raspberry Pi

  • Second Video Multiplexer for additional cameras*

  • Off-Road cameras*

  • Moveable Wifi-enabled camera for towing*

  • OBDII Diagnostics*

  • Touch Screen control of all aftermarket lights*

  • Remote Start*



*Future improvements

Components

  • Raspberry Pi 4 running Raspbian OS

  • 4-Channel Optocoupler Photoelectric Isolator for turn signal and reverse inputs to Pi

  • 4-Channel Video Multiplexer

  • IR Transmitter to emulate remote control of Video Multiplexer

  • RCA to HDMI Converer

  • HDMI to PiCamera Converter

  • 12V-5V Buck Converter

  • BMP388 Barometric Pressure Sensor

  • DFRobot SEN0192 Digital Microwave Sensor (Blind Spot)

  • JSN-SR04T Ultrasonic Sensors

  • MPU6050 6-axis Accelerometer Gyroscope Sensor

Design Considerations

Secondary Raspberry Pi to handle all sensors and cameras

    • Most sensors are very well documented for use with Raspbian OS. Development will be much simpler and more stable compared to developing scripts for LineageOS

    • Current build of LineageOS from KonstaKANG has issues with camera apps, making Android app development for camera purposes not likely

    • A Java application can be used to display the desired data to be accessed over LAN

Power Supply

    • Use Buck-boost converter to regulate the unstable 13-14.5V from the running engine to a stable 12V

    • Use additional buck-boost converter to reduce 12V to 5V

        • Most of the accessories require 5V input

        • Separate power source for accessories to prevent unnecessary loads on the Pi

Buck-Boost Converter

Camera switching

    • HDMI handshake adds delay for video

        • Delay is slightly too long for a seamless backup camera

        • Delay is far too long for a usable turn signal camera

    • AV Multiplexer to handle video switching

    • IR Transmitter to emulate the remote control for the switcher

    • 4-way opto-coupler allows for L/R turn signal and Reverse gear inputs to Pi

AV Multiplexer

AV - HDMI - PiCamera Converters

4 Way Opto-Coupler

Sensors

      • Blind Spot microwave sensors require a waterproof and dust-proof enclosure

      • PCBs for the JSN-SR04T ultrasonic sensors require waterproof and dust-proof enclosures

JSN-SR04T Ultrasonic Sensors

Blind Spot Microwave Sensors

Pressure Sensor and Accelerometer

Java Application

      • PiP Pitch and roll display with 3d model

      • PiP Parking Sensor display during reverse and for 20 seconds after

      • Manual override buttons to select camera views

LineageOS Integration

      • Shortcut/gesture to display Java app

      • Scripting to automate switching between CarPlay and camera view for L/R turn signals and reverse