Ambarella and Momenta are working together to develop an HD mapping platform for autonomous vehicles.

The solution will leverage the California-based Ambarella’s CV22AQ CVflow computer vision system-on-chip (SoC) and the China-based Momenta’s deep learning algorithms, according to a news release. It will provide mapping, localization for autonomous vehicles, and map updates through crowdsourcing.

Momenta’s vision-based HD semantic mapping solution is scalable and production-ready. Through crowdsourcing, it has the ability to create a closed feedback loop of big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and HD map updates. It can identify changes in the map elements based on localization and provide frequent updates to the cloud.

The CV22AQ is manufactured using a 10-nanometer process, which provides the ultra-low power consumption required for designing compact automotive systems. The CVflow architecture offers real-time processing of up to 8 megapixel resolution video at 30 frames per second (fps). This allows for high-precision deep learning based object recognition. Its image signal processor (ISP) provides optimal image quality in low-light environments, while high dynamic range (HDR) processing extracts more image detail in high-contrast scenes.

With CV22AQ, Momenta is able to use a single monocular camera input to generate two separate video outputs: one for vision sensing (perception of lanes, traffic signs, and other objects), and another for feature point extraction for self-localization and mapping (SLAM) and optical flow algorithms.

Ambarella also offers tools designed to help customers port their neural networks to the CV22AQ SoC. Momenta can then quickly migrate deep learning perception models to embedded platforms.

“HD map is essential to autonomous driving systems. Ambarella’s CV22AQ CVflow computing platform has made it easier for Momenta to deploy and upgrade our HD map software and algorithm on embedded systems. Our HD map can automatically build maps, perform localization, and update through crowdsourcing,” Momenta CEO Xudong Cao said. “We look forward to continuing our work with Ambarella to deliver a wide range of autonomous driving software.”