A recent video shared on Reddit demonstrates the catastrophic consequences of pointing your phone camera directly at a lidar sensor, permanently damaging its delicate sensors.
A recent video shared on Reddit demonstrates why pointing your phone camera directly at a lidar sensor is a bad idea. As the camera zooms in on the sensor affixed to the top of a Volvo EX90, a whole galaxy of colorful dots is burned into the image, forming over the exact spot that the flashing light inside the lidar device can be seen.
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensors use 'laser light' to measure distances between objects.
They emit pulses of light, which bounce back to the sensor, allowing for precise 3D mapping.
Common applications include autonomous vehicles, surveying, and robotics.
LiDAR sensors can detect speed and direction of movement, as well as provide detailed topographic data.
They are often used in conjunction with other sensors, such as cameras and radar.
This phenomenon isn’t lens flare or a digital glitch — it’s real, physical damage to the camera. And it’s permanent. The Reddit user warned, ‘Lidar lasers burn your camera.‘ This warning was echoed by Volvo’s support page and owners manual, which explicitly state that avoiding direct exposure to lidar sensors is crucial.
Lidar, short for light detection and ranging, works by shooting a constant stream of infrared laser beams to measure the distance to nearby objects. A computer uses this data to form a 3D reconstruction of everything in the vicinity of the vehicle. While we can’t see the laser beams since they’re in a wavelength outside the range of human vision, cameras are sensitive to these powerful beams.
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing method that uses laser light to measure distances between objects.
It works by emitting pulses of light towards the target, which are then reflected back to create high-resolution 3D models.
LiDAR technology has various applications in fields such as surveying, mapping, autonomous vehicles, and robotics.
Its accuracy and speed make it a valuable tool for real-time data collection and analysis.
Cameras’ delicate little sensors can be damaged if they’re brought too close to a lidar source or if a long lens is used to look at one. This is why backup cameras are usually unaffected, as they use an ultra-wide angle lens. The video demonstrates this phenomenon, showing the burn-in damage disappearing when the camera zooms out.
Even self-driving car engineers can fall victim to this risk. One engineer discovered that their $2,000 Sony camera’s sensor was permanently fried after attending a CES show where lidar-equipped cars were being exhibited. Volvo has doubled down on its warning, advising owners to avoid pointing cameras directly at lidar sensors.
Some may worry about the safety of their eyeballs due to the high-intensity light emitted by lidar beams. However, experts confirm that these beams are harmless, using wavelengths that can’t even reach the retina. While we shouldn’t stare at them anyway, this myth-busting is a relief for those concerned.
If you’re worried about damaging your camera due to lidar exposure, there are steps you can take. Using filters or protective covers on the camera lens can help reduce the impact of lidar exposure. Some cameras even have built-in protections against high-intensity light sources.
While the risks associated with pointing a camera at a lidar sensor may seem low, it’s still essential to exercise caution. Avoid direct exposure to lidar sensors to prevent permanent damage to your camera. By understanding how lidar sensors work and taking precautions, you can ensure your camera remains safe and functional.
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technology that uses laser light to measure distances between objects.
In educational settings, LiDAR technology is used for surveying, mapping, and analyzing environments.
Students can learn about 'LiDAR principles' , applications, and limitations through hands-on experiments and projects.
Educational institutions are incorporating LiDAR education into curricula to develop skills in fields like geospatial analysis, environmental science, and engineering.
