Self-cleaning sensor surfaces

Abstract

A computing device in a vehicle can be programmed to activate a self-cleaning glass surface by illuminating the self-cleaning glass surface with LED ultraviolet radiation based on a determined external ultraviolet radiation energy and a schedule. The computing device can activate the self-cleaning glass surface by illuminating the self-cleaning glass surface with LED ultraviolet radiation based on a determined optical state of the self-cleaning glass.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The field relates to the field of vehicle technology and more specifically to self-cleaning sensor surfaces. BACKGROUND

[0002] A vehicle can be equipped to operate in both an autonomous driving mode and a passenger driven mode. The vehicle can be equipped with computing devices, networks, sensors, and controllers to obtain information about the environment of the vehicle and drive the vehicle based on the information. The safety and comfort of the vehicle driving can depend on obtaining accurate and timely information about the environment of the vehicle. The computing devices, networks, sensors, and controllers can be equipped to analyze their performance, detect when information is not being obtained accurately and timely, and take corrective measures including notifying the vehicle passenger, relinquishing autonomous control, or parking the vehicle. SUMMARY

[0003] According to the invention, a method is provided, comprising:

[0004] activating the self-cleaning glass surface by irradiating the self-cleaning glass surface with UV LED radiation based on the determined environmental UV radiation energy and a schedule.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the invention, wherein the UV LED radiation is further based on a determined optical state of the self-cleaning glass.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises determining the optical state of the self-cleaning glass by determining an IR reflectance of the self-cleaning glass.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the invention, wherein the UV LED radiation comprises a wavelength of 365 nanometers.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the invention, wherein the UV LED radiation has an energy greater than 1 W / cm 2 .

[0009] According to one embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises determining the schedule based on expected environmental UV radiation.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises determining external UV radiation based on estimating a W*sec / cm 2 of UV radiation energy per time period on the self-cleaning glass.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, wherein the self-cleaning glass is coated with an optical UV coating.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, wherein the schedule comprises less than 1 / 2 hours of UV LED radiation.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein said less than 1 / 2 hours of UV LED radiation activates said self-cleaning glass surface for at least 2 to 5 hours.

[0014] According to the present invention, there is provided a computer device programmed to:

[0015] activate said self-cleaning glass surface by irradiating said self-cleaning glass surface with UV LED radiation based on the determined energy and schedule of ambient UV radiation.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein said UV LED radiation is further based on a determined optical state of said self-cleaning glass.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the device further comprises determining an optical state of said self-cleaning glass by determining an IR reflectance of said self-cleaning glass.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein said UV LED radiation comprises a wavelength of 365 nanometers.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the device further comprises irradiating said self-cleaning glass surface with UV LED radiation having an energy greater than 1 W / cm 2 .

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the device further comprises determining said schedule based on expected ambient ultraviolet radiation.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the device further comprises determining an external UV radiation energy based on W*sec / cm 2 of UV energy per time period on said self-cleaning glass.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein said self-cleaning glass is coated with an optical UV coating.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein said schedule comprises less than 1 / 2 hours of UV LED radiation.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein said less than 1 / 2 hours of UV LED radiation activates said self-cleaning glass surface for at least 2 to 5 hours.

[0025] Figure illustration

[0026] Figure 1is a block diagram of an example vehicle;

[0027] Figure 2 is a diagram of an example vehicle with a sensor container;

[0028] Figure 3 is a diagram of an example vehicle with a sensor container;

[0029] Figure 4 is a flowchart of an example process for activating self-cleaning glass;

[0030] Figure 5 is a flowchart of an example process for activating self-cleaning glass. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] A vehicle can be equipped to operate in both an autonomous driving mode and a passenger driven mode. By semi-autonomous or fully autonomous mode, we mean an operating mode in which the vehicle can be driven by a computing device that is part of the vehicle information system having sensors and controllers. The vehicle can be occupied or unoccupied, but in either case can drive the vehicle without assistance from a passenger. For the purposes of this disclosure, autonomous mode is defined as a mode in which each of vehicle propulsion (e.g., via a powertrain including an internal combustion engine and / or electric motor), braking, and steering is controlled by one or more vehicle computers; in semi-autonomous mode, the vehicle computer controls one or two of vehicle propulsion, braking, and steering.

[0032] Disclosed herein is a method comprising activating a self-cleaning glass surface by irradiating the self-cleaning glass surface with UV LED (light emitting diode) radiation based on a determined ambient UV (ultraviolet) radiation energy and a schedule. The UV LED radiation can be further based on a determined optical state of the self-cleaning glass. The optical state of the self-cleaning glass can be determined by determining an IR (infrared) reflectance of the self-cleaning glass, wherein the UV LED radiation comprises a wavelength of 365 nanometers, and wherein the UV LED radiation has an energy greater than 1 W / cm 2 The schedule can be based on an expected ambient UV radiation. Determining the external UV radiation can be based on estimating a W*sec / cm 2 of UV radiation energy on the self-cleaning glass for each time period, wherein the self-cleaning glass is coated with an optical UV coating.

[0033] The schedule can comprise less than 1 / 2 hours of UV LED radiation, wherein the less than 1 / 2 hours of UV LED radiation activates the self-cleaning glass surface for at least 2 to 5 hours. The schedule can be based on estimating a W*sec / cm 2including acquiring data about ambient UV radiation energy, wherein the UV LED "on" time is based on the acquired data about ambient UV radiation energy and a schedule. A location history of the vehicle can be determined, and the self-cleaning glass surface can be activated by irradiating the self-cleaning glass surface with UV LED radiation based on the location history, wherein the UV LED "on" time is based on the acquired data about ambient UV radiation energy, the schedule, and the location history.

[0034] A computer readable medium storing program instructions for performing some or all of the above method steps is also disclosed. A computer comprising a computer device programmed to perform some or all of the above method steps is also disclosed, the computer device programmed to activate the self-cleaning glass surface by irradiating the self-cleaning glass surface with UV LED radiation based on a determined ambient UV radiation energy and a schedule. The computer device can be further programmed to determine the UV LED radiation based on a determined optical state of the self-cleaning glass. The optical state of the self-cleaning glass can be determined by determining an IR reflectance of the self-cleaning glass, wherein the UV LED radiation comprises a wavelength of 365 nanometers, and wherein the UV LED radiation has an energy greater than 1 W / cm 2 The schedule can be based on an expected ambient UV radiation. Determining the external UV radiation can be based on estimating a UV radiation energy in W*sec / cm 2 over each time period on the self-cleaning glass, wherein the self-cleaning glass is coated with an optical UV coating.

[0035] The computer device can be further programmed to determine a schedule that can include less than 1 / 2 hours of UV LED radiation, wherein less than 1 / 2 hours of UV LED radiation activates the self-cleaning glass surface for at least 2 to 5 hours. The estimating a UV energy in W*sec / cm 2 over each time period on the self-cleaning glass surface. The computer device can be further programmed to determine a location history of the vehicle, and the self-cleaning glass surface can be activated by irradiating the self-cleaning glass surface with UV LED radiation based on the location history, wherein the UV LED "on" time is based on the acquired data about ambient UV radiation energy, the schedule, and the location history.

[0036] Figure 1is a diagram of a vehicle information system 100 that includes a vehicle 110 that can operate in autonomous (in the present disclosure, "autonomous" by itself means "fully autonomous") and occupant-driven (also referred to as non-autonomous) modes in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The vehicle 110 also includes one or more computing devices 115 for performing computations for driving the vehicle 110 during autonomous operation. The computing devices 115 can receive information about operation of the vehicle from sensors 116.

[0037] The computing devices 115 include a processor and a memory such as are known. Further, the memory includes one or more forms of computer-readable media and stores instructions executable by the processor for performing various operations including as disclosed herein. For example, the computing devices 115 can include programming that operates one or more of vehicle brakes, propulsion (e.g., controlling acceleration in the vehicle 110 by controlling one or more of an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, a hybrid engine, etc.), steering, climate control, interior and / or exterior lighting, etc., and determines whether and when the computing devices 115 (rather than an operator) control such operations.

[0038] The computing devices 115 can include or be communicatively connected to (e.g., via a vehicle communication bus as further described below) more than one computing device, such as controllers included in the vehicle 110 for monitoring and / or controlling various vehicle components (e.g., a powertrain controller 112, a brake controller 113, a steering controller 114, etc.), etc. The computing devices 115 are generally provided for communication over a vehicle communication network such as a bus (such as a controller area network (CAN), etc.) in the vehicle 110; the vehicle 110 network can include wired or wireless communication mechanisms such as are known, e.g., Ethernet or other communication protocols.

[0039] The computing devices 115 can send messages to and / or receive messages from various devices in the vehicle via the vehicle network, including sensors 116 (e.g., controllers, actuators, sensors, etc.). Alternatively or in addition where the computing devices 115 actually include multiple devices, the vehicle communication network can be used for communication between devices represented in the present disclosure as the computing devices 115. Further, as described below, various controllers or sensing elements can provide data to the computing devices 115 via the vehicle communication network.

[0040] Additionally, the computing devices 115 can be configured to communicate with a remote server computer 120 (e.g., a cloud server) via a vehicle-to-infrastructure (V-to-l) interface 111 over a network 130 that can utilize various wired and / or wireless network technologies such as cellular, and / or wireless packet network. The computing device 115 can be configured to communicate with other vehicles 110 through the V-to-I interface 111 using a vehicle-to-vehicle (V-to-V) network that is formed temporarily between nearby vehicles 110 or through an infrastructure-based network. The computing device 115 also includes non-volatile memory such as is known. The computing device 115 can record information for later retrieval by storing the information in the non-volatile memory and transmitting to the server computer 120 or user mobile device 160 via the vehicle communication network and the vehicle-to-infrastructure (V-to-I) interface 111.

[0041] As already mentioned, the instructions that are typically included in the storage and executed by the processor of the computing device 115 are programming for operating one or more vehicle 110 components (e.g., brakes, steering, propulsion, etc.) without human operator intervention. The computing device 115 can use data received in the computing device 115 (e.g., sensor data from the sensors 116, server computer 120, etc.) to make various determinations and / or control various vehicle 110 components and / or operations without the driver operating the vehicle 110. For example, the computing device 115 can include programming that regulates the operational behavior of the vehicle 110 such as speed, acceleration, deceleration, steering, etc., as well as strategic behavior such as distance between vehicles and / or amount of time between vehicles, lane changes, minimum separation between vehicles, minimum path for left turns, time to arrive at a particular location and intersection (without a signal), shortest time to cross an intersection, etc.

[0042] As the term is used herein, a controller includes a computing device that is typically programmed to control a particular vehicle subsystem. Examples include the powertrain controller 112, the brake controller 113, and the steering controller 114. The controller can be an electronic control unit (ECU) such as is known, possibly including additional programming as described herein. The controller can be communicatively connected to the computing device 115 and receive instructions from the computing device 115 to activate the subsystem in accordance with the instructions. For example, the brake controller 113 can receive instructions from the computing device 115 to operate the brakes of the vehicle 110.

[0043] The one or more controllers 112, 113, 114 for the vehicle 110 can include known electronic control units (ECUs) or the like, including but not limited to one or more powertrain controllers 112, one or more brake controllers 113, and one or more steering controllers 114. Each of the controllers 112, 113, 114 can include a respective processor and memory and one or more actuators. The controllers 112, 113, 114 can be programmed and connected to a vehicle 110 communication bus, such as a controller area network (CAN) bus or a local interconnect network (LIN) bus, to receive instructions from the computer 115 and control the actuators based on the instructions.

[0044] The sensors 116 can include various devices known to provide data via a vehicle communication bus. For example, a radar fixed to a front bumper (not shown) of the vehicle 110 can provide a distance from the vehicle 110 to a next vehicle in front of the vehicle 110, or a global positioning system (GPS) sensor disposed in the vehicle 110 can provide geographic coordinates of the vehicle 110. The distance provided by the radar and / or other sensors 116 and / or the geographic coordinates provided by the GPS sensor can be used by the computing device 115 to operate the vehicle 110 autonomously or semi-autonomously.

[0045] The vehicle 110 is generally a ground-based autonomous vehicle 110 having three or more wheels, such as a passenger car, a light truck, or the like. The vehicle 110 includes one or more sensors 116, a V-to-l interface 111, a computing device 115, and one or more controllers 112, 113, 114.

[0046] The sensors 116 can be programmed to collect data related to the vehicle 110 and the environment in which the vehicle 110 is operating. By way of example and not limitation, the sensors 116 can include, for example, altimeters, video cameras, LIDAR (light detection and ranging), radar, ultrasonic sensors, infrared sensors, pressure sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, Hall sensors, optical sensors, voltage sensors, current sensors, mechanical sensors such as switches, and the like. The sensors 116 can be used to sense the environment in which the vehicle 110 is operating, such as weather conditions, road grade, road location, or the location of neighboring vehicles 110. The sensors 116 can also be used to collect data including dynamic vehicle 110 data related to the operation of the vehicle 110, such as speed, yaw rate, steering angle, engine speed, brake pressure, oil pressure, power levels applied to the controllers 112, 113, 114 in the vehicle 110, connections between components, and electrical and logic health of the vehicle 110.

[0047] Figure 2is a diagram of a traffic scene 200 including an overhead view of a vehicle 110 having a sensor pod 202 (labeled "S") attached to a roof portion of the vehicle 110. The sensor pod 202 is a type of container, e.g., including a housing, etc., in which sensors 116 can be disposed, including sensors 116 that can acquire data from and / or around an environment in which the vehicle 110 is operating. The field of view 204, 206, 208 (dashed lines) of three example sensors 116 included in the sensor pod 202 is shown in the traffic scene 200. The three example sensors 116 can include, for example, video, infrared video, and LIDAR sensors 116. The sensors 116 can be configured in the sensor pod 202, attached or otherwise mounted on a roof portion of the vehicle 110, so as to provide the sensors 116 with the greatest possible field of view 204, 206, 208 of the environment in which the vehicle 110 is operating. The traffic scene 200 shows the sensor pod 202 having a field of view 204, 206, 208 that is pointed forward in a direction of travel of the vehicle 110, however, the sensor pod 202 can have sensors 116 with a field of view 204, 206, 208 that is pointed to a rear or side of the vehicle 110.

[0048] In other cases, one or more sensors 116 can be included behind a sealed glass portion of a headlamp 210 or windshield 212 of the vehicle 110, where glass is defined as a silicon-based glass, glass-like plastic, or glass composite, which can include glass and other materials that are transparent to visible light (e.g., safety glass). A portion of the sensor pod 202, a cover portion of the headlamp 210, and the windshield 212 can be transparent with respect to wavelengths of light used by the sensors 116 including visible wavelengths. For example, the glass portion of the sensor pod 202, headlamp 210, or windshield 212 can be sealed to prevent exposure of the sensors 116 to the environment.

[0049] Configuring the sensors 116 behind the sealed glass portion of the vehicle 110 and the sensor pod 202 protects the sensors 116 from harsh environments, but problems can arise, for example, due to reduced visibility through the glass due to environmental factors such as dirt and water droplets accumulated on the glass. Visibility is defined as the percentage of transmission of light over a selected band of wavelengths. The vehicle 110 windshield 212 can present the same problem of reduced visibility. Since the occupant can drive the vehicle 110 according to the visibility through the windshield 212, the windshield 212 and other windows or glass surfaces can be equipped with a washer nozzle and windshield wiper to maintain visibility. Since the sensors 116 configured behind the sealed glass portion of the vehicle 110 and the sensor pod 202 can also accurately and reliably acquire information according to the visibility through the glass, the sealed glass portion can similarly be equipped with a washer nozzle and wiper to maintain visibility.

[0050] Fitting the sealed glass portion of the vehicle 110 and the sensor pod 202 with a washer nozzle and wiper can clear accumulated dirt from the sealed glass portion of the vehicle 110 and the sensor pod 202, but represents a significant additional cost, difficulties in the route of the washer fluid from a large remote reservoir, and can be considered aesthetically displeasing by the occupant. Cleaning the sealed glass portion of the vehicle 110 can result in water droplets on the portion of the vehicle 110 and the sensor pod 202, which can also be considered displeasing. The washer nozzle and wiper can have difficulty cleaning oil-based dirt found on roadways, and despite the washer nozzle and wiper brush, during heavy rain, water can bead up on the surface and reduce visibility due to the glass can be hydrophobic.

[0051] Figure 3 is a front view of the roof portion of the vehicle 110 equipped with the sensor pod 202 operably mounted on the roof portion of the vehicle 110 by the mount 304. In other cases, the sensor pod 202 can be mounted directly on the roof portion of the vehicle 110 without the mount 304. The sensor pod 202 is equipped with a sealed glass portion 306 behind which the sensors 116 are configured. The sealed glass portion 306 of the sensor pod 202 can use a self-cleaning glass construction. “Self-cleaning” glass in the context of the present disclosure refers to, for example, glass or glass-like plastic that can be improved with a surface coating that can be activated to shed dirt or debris without the aid of devices such as nozzles and wipers. Self-cleaning glass can be manufactured to include a surface coating of titanium dioxide (TIO 2 ). TIO 2is a photocatalyst that promotes chemical reactions at the surface of glass in response to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation or light at wavelengths less than 387 nanometers (nm) in the UV wavelength range and at least 1 milliwatt per centimeter (mW / cm) of energy. UV light can cause the TIO 2 to release electrons that interact with water molecules to produce hydroxyl radicals (OH ). OH radicals attack carbon-based molecules in dirt particles adhering to the self-cleaning glass surface in a chemical reaction called "cracking," in which carbon-carbon chemical bonds in long-chain hydrocarbon molecules are broken, separating them until the organic portion of the dirt becomes simple hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, and water. The cracked long-chain hydrocarbon molecules dissolve the surface of adhering dirt particles to clean the self-cleaning glass, thereby allowing the self-cleaning glass to easily shed dirt particles. OH radicals also make the self-cleaning glass hydrophilic and thereby prevent water from forming beads on the self-cleaning glass during heavy rain. Although the self-cleaning glass can require occasional washing, grease, pollutants, and other organic matter do not adhere to the self-cleaning glass because they have been attacked by hydroxyl radicals and are easily washed away.

[0052] Based on the energy of the absorbed UV radiation, the self-cleaning glass is activated by exposure to UV radiation at wavelengths less than 387 nm and at least 1 mW / cm 2 of energy for a period of time. By activated, we mean that the TIO 2 in the self-cleaning glass has absorbed enough energy to promote chemical reactions. The time required for activation is directly proportional to the amount of UV radiation supplied (mW / cm 2 ). Direct sunlight can provide the maximum UV radiation of mW / cm 2 , while overcast, diffuse sunlight provides much less UV radiation of mW / cm 2 , and night skies provide essentially no UV radiation of mW / cm 2 . For example, in mid-latitude areas at noon on a sunny summer day, the sun can provide up to 3.5 mW / cm 2 of UV light energy. The reduction in UV light energy on overcast days is directly proportional to the reduction in overall sunlight. If the amount of UV radiation reaching the self-cleaning glass exceeds 1 mW / cm 2 , the self-cleaning glass can therefore require a longer time to activate on overcast days than on sunny days. If the amount of UV radiation reaching the self-cleaning glass does not exceed 1 mW / cm 2 in the shortest time, the self-cleaning glass will not activate, nor will the self-cleaning glass activate at night. Once activated, the self-cleaning glass can remain activated for 2 to 5 hours without further provision of UV light energy.

[0053] The self-cleaning glass can be supplied with UV radiation from artificial radiation sources to activate the self-cleaning glass in the absence of naturally occurring sunlight.Figure 3 UV light emitter 308 is shown configured to emit UV LED radiation 310 (dashed arrow) directed at the sealed glass portion 306 of the sensor container 202. The sensor container 202 can be configured with a sensor 116 behind the sealed glass portion 306 that is configured with self-cleaning glass. The sealed glass portion 306 can be configured to operate at night and on cloudy days without reducing visibility by activating the self-cleaning glass using the UV light emitter 308 having an emission wavelength of 365 nm. The energy output from the UV light emitter 308 can be configured to activate the self-cleaning glass for a predetermined period of time. For example, a UV light emitter 308 having an output of 1 mW / cm 2 of UV energy can activate the self-cleaning glass in about 30 minutes of radiation. Activating the self-cleaning glass using artificial light sources, such as the UV light emitter 308, can take more time to activate than direct sunlight on a sunny day, but can activate the self-cleaning glass at about the same rate as a partly cloudy day. In this way, the self-cleaning glass can be activated to remain clean at night and on cloudy days, except on sunny days.

[0054] The UV light emitter 308 can include a UV LED that emits radiation or light in a small (<+ / -10 nm) distribution of wavelengths centered at 365 nm. As shown in the traffic scene 300 or within the sensor container 202, the UV light emitter 308 can be located outside of the sensor container 202, so long as the UV LED and the combined optics including lenses and filters are configured, for example, so as to direct the UV radiation 310 onto the sealed glass portion 306 of the sensor container 202 and thereby activate the self-cleaning glass. UV LEDs including output radiation wavelengths of about 365 nm are generally harmless to humans because UV LED radiation 310 of about 365 nm is relatively harmless to human use, and they are readily available because they are commonly available for applications such as security bonding, sterilization, and curing adhesives, etc. UV LED radiation 310 of 365 nm is generally harmless to humans because it is above the 310 nm upper limit of skin damage and below the 390 nm lower limit of eye damage.

[0055] The amount of UV LED radiation 310 in mW / cm 2 incident on the self-cleaning glass in the sealed glass portion of the sensor container 202 from the UV light emitter 308 can be predetermined to be sufficient to activate the self-cleaning glass in about 1The self-cleaning glass is activated within 2 hours. Since the self-cleaning glass remains activated for 2 to 5 hours once activated, the UV light emitter 308 can be guided by the computing device 115, for example, to radiate UV light at a regular schedule, to ensure that the self-cleaning glass portion of the sealed glass portion 306 of the sensor container 202 remains activated and therefore clean. Because the frequency of UV light is higher than that of visible or IR light, most sensors 116 are unaffected by the radiated UV light from the UV light emitter 308. In cases where the sensor 116 may be adversely affected by UV LED radiation 310 emitted by the UV light emitter 308, as shown in traffic scenario 300, the UV light emitter can be positioned outside the sensor container 202, and the inner surface of the sealed glass portion 306 can be coated with an optical UV coating that blocks UV LED radiation 310. For example, hindered amines such as 2-ethylhexyl p-methoxycinnamate or similar coatings can be used to block UV LED radiation 310 from entering the interior of the sensor container 202 from the UV light emitter 308.

[0056] The computing device 115 can determine when the vehicle 110 and sensor container 202 are exposed to ambient UV radiation from sunlight, for example, when the self-cleaning glass portion 306 of the sensor container 202 can be activated or partially activated without any UV LED radiation 310 emitted by the UV light emitter 308. In these cases, the sensor container 202 can be equipped with a UV light sensor operatively connected to the computing device 115 to obtain information about each time period incident on the sealing glass portion 306 exceeding 1 mW / cm². 2 mW / cm 2 Data on the amount of UV radiation were used to predict the activation level of the self-cleaning glass as a fraction of full activation. Summary: UV radiation exceeding 1 mW / cm². 2 The number of minutes and the sum of those minutes are compared to 30, indicating the 1mW / cm required to activate the self-cleaning glass. 2 The number of minutes can be used to determine the score for full activation. If the total score is greater than 30, the self-cleaning glass is 100% or fully activated. As described above, the self-cleaning glass can be scheduled to be activated by the UV LED to keep it in an active state. When the computing device 115 determines that the time for the self-cleaning glass to be activated by the UV LED is approaching, the computing device 115 can determine the predicted level of activation of the self-cleaning glass based on UV light sensor data and determine the UV LED “on” time based on the predicted score for full activation. For example, if the computing device 115 predicts 100% full activation, the computing device 115 will not direct the UV light emitter 308 to emit UV LED radiation 310.

[0057] The computing device 115 can also determine the history and location of the vehicle 110 when the predetermined time for activation is approaching. For example, if the vehicle 110 has been driven into a garage for a period of time within an enclosed space, then while there is no environmental UV available to activate the self-cleaning glass, there is also no environmental dirt available to soiled the self-cleaning glass, and thus less activation can be necessary. The computing device 115 can also determine the history and location of the vehicle 110 based on external data acquired via the V-to-l interface 111 from cloud or internet sources or sensors 116 including GPS and radar. For example, these data sources can indicate expected environmental UV radiation available via weather reports or observations of recorded locations of the vehicle 110.

[0058] In other cases, the computing device 115 can determine the optical state of the self-cleaning glass by configuring the IR emitter and IR receiver to form an emitter / receiver pair that emits IR radiation that will reflect off the outer surface of the sealed glass portion 306 of the sensor container 202 and be received by the IR receiver. The optical state is defined as a measure of the amount of dirt adhered to the surface of the self-cleaning glass determined by IR reflection (e.g., infrared emitter / receiver pair). For example, the IR emitter / receiver pair can be configured to measure the IR reflectivity at the critical angle of reflection at the surface, where a majority of the emitted IR radiation can be reflected back to the IR receiver. Dirt particles adhered to the surface can change the index of refraction and thereby change the critical angle, in turn changing the percentage of IR radiation reflected by the surface. By periodically comparing the amount of IR light reflected off the outer portion of the sealed glass portion 306 of the sensor container 202 to previously determined and stored values, the computing device 115 can determine whether the outer surface of the sealed glass portion 306 of the sensor container 202 has dirt particles adhered and requires activation to clean. When the computing device 115 determines that an activation of the self-cleaning glass is approaching, the computing device can determine whether the self-cleaning glass is soiled based on periodically collected data from the IR emitter and receiver pair, and then determine whether to activate the self-cleaning glass.

[0059] Returning to Figure 2 For example, the self-cleaning glass can be included in the sealed glass portion of the headlamp 210, the windshield 212, or any other portion of the exterior of the vehicle 110 that includes a sealed glass portion (e.g., a light or a mirror). Each sealed glass portion can also include a UV light emitter 308 proximate or included to activate the self-cleaning glass portion of the headlamp 210, the windshield 212, or any other sealed glass portion of the vehicle 110. Each self-cleaning glass portion of the headlamp 210, the windshield 212, or any other sealed glass portion of the vehicle 110 can be configured with a UV light sensor and an IR emitter and receiver pair that can be activated to acquire data about IR reflection from the surface of the self-cleaning glass to estimate the dust accumulation on the self-cleaning glass. As above and with respect toFigure 3 As described, each self-cleaning glass section of vehicle 110 can be activated by UV LED radiation according to a schedule, wherein the schedule is modified by a determined environment (ambient UV energy), history (vehicle 110 location), and empirical factors (IR reflectivity).

[0060] Figure 4 It is about Figures 1 to 3 A flowchart of a process 400 for activating self-cleaning glass is described. For example, process 400 may be implemented by a processor of computing device 115, acquiring input information from sensor 116 and executing instructions and sending control signals via controllers 112, 113, and 114. Process 400 includes multiple steps taken in the disclosed order. Process 400 also includes embodiments with fewer steps or may include steps taken in a different order.

[0061] Process 400 begins at step 402, where the computing device 115 in vehicle 110 determines a schedule for activating the self-cleaning glass using UVLEDs, as described above. Figure 2 and 3 As described. At step 404, the computing device 115 can determine the amount (mW / cm²) of external or ambient UV radiation that the self-cleaning glass has been exposed to for each time period. 2 And thus determine the activation score, as mentioned above regarding Figure 3 As described. At step 406, the computing device 115 can determine the amount of time required for the UV light emitter 308 to emit UV LED radiation 310 onto the self-cleaning glass and thereby activate the self-cleaning glass, wherein the amount of time is proportional to the remaining activation fraction. If the activation fraction is 100% and no activation is required, an "N" branch is adopted and process 400 ends. If the activation fraction is less than 100%, a "Y" branch is adopted to proceed to step 408, wherein the self-cleaning glass is activated based on the activation fraction by emitting UV LED radiation 310 from the UV light emitter 308 for a specified period of time. After this step, process 400 ends.

[0062] Figure 5 It is about Figures 1 to 3 The flowchart describes a process 500 for activating a self-cleaning glass based on a determined state. For example, process 500 may be implemented by a processor of computing device 115, acquiring input information from sensor 116 and executing instructions and sending control signals via controllers 112, 113, and 114. Process 500 includes multiple steps taken in the disclosed order. Process 500 also includes implementations with fewer steps or may include steps taken in a different order.

[0063] The process 500 begins at step 502, where the computing device 115 in the vehicle 110 can determine the optical state of the self-cleaning glass portion of the sealed glass portion 306 of the sensor container 202, where the optical state is defined as the percentage of the IR wavelength reflectivity measurement used to determine the dirt particles adhered to the self-cleaning glass. As discussed above with respect to Figure 3 The IR reflectivity can be measured using an IR emitter / receiver pair. Since dirt particles adhered to the surface of the self-cleaning glass can reduce the IR reflectivity, comparing the IR reflectivity value to a value previously measured and stored by the computing device 115 when the self-cleaning glass is known to be clean can indicate the presence or absence of dirt particles on the self-cleaning glass. A relative IR reflectivity value that indicates the presence or absence of dirt particles that interfere with the sensor 116 can thus be determined empirically. For example, a measured IR reflectivity that falls to 90% of a previously measured and stored value can indicate the presence of dirt particles adhered to the surface of the self-cleaning glass.

[0064] At step 504, the computing device 115 compares the determined optical state of the self-cleaning glass to a previously measured and stored value to determine whether the optical state of the self-cleaning glass is "dirty." For example, if the IR reflectivity is greater than 90%, the answer is no, the "N" branch is taken and the process 500 returns to step 502 and repeats step 502. If the IR reflectivity is less than 90%, the answer is yes, and the "Y" branch is taken and at step 506, the computing device 115 can direct the UV light emitter 308 to emit UV LED radiation 310 to activate the self-cleaning glass portion of the sealed glass portion 306 of the sensor container 202, as discussed above with respect to Figure 2 and 3 In this case, the UV LED radiation 310 can be emitted based on the IR reflectivity, the determined ambient UV radiation, and a schedule. After this step, the process 500 ends.

[0065] Computing devices such as those discussed herein generally each include instructions executable by one or more computing devices to cause the computing device to perform the steps described above, e.g., as identified by the steps of the processes discussed above. For example, the process steps discussed above can be embodied in computer-executable instructions.

[0066] The computer-executable instructions can be compiled or interpreted from programming languages, scripts, and / or other type of instructions known to those skilled in the art. The computer-executable instructions can be executed by one or more computing devices specifically designed to perform the steps described above, or by one or more computing devices configured with the computer-executable instructions. TMC, C++, Visual Basic, Java, JavaScript, Perl, HTML, and the like. Generally, a processor (e.g., a microprocessor) receives instructions, e.g., from a memory, a computer-readable medium, etc., and executes these instructions, thereby implementing one or more programs, such as one or more programs described herein. Such instructions or other data can be received into the file(s) from a computer-readable medium, which can be any medium from which a computer can read data. A file(s) in a computing device is generally a collection of data stored on a computer readable medium, such as a storage medium, random access memory, etc.

[0067] A computer readable medium includes any medium that participates in providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer. Such a medium can take many forms, including but not limited to non-volatile media, volatile media, etc. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical or magnetic disks or other persistent memory. Volatile media includes dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes the main memory. Common forms of computer readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM (compact disk read only memory), DVD (digital versatile disk), any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM (random access memory), a PROM (programmable read only memory), an EPROM (erasable PROM), a FLASH-EPROM (Flash electrically programmable read only memory), any other memory chip or cartridge, or any other computer readable medium.

[0068] All terms used in the claims are to be given their broadest interpretation consistent with the specification as a whole, unless the context of the claims clearly dictates otherwise. In particular, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are to be construed as meaning "one or more" of the indicated element, unless the context of the claims clearly dictates otherwise.

[0069] The term "exemplary" is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the term "exemplary" is not used herein to mean "preferred" or "advantageous over other examples."

[0070] The adverb "approximately" modifying a value or result means that the shape, structure, measurement, value, determination, calculation, etc. can deviate from the exact described geometric, numerical, measured, calculated, determined, etc. by a margin of error, said margin of error varying based on many factors such as the environment, materials involved, processing time, communications time, etc.

[0071] In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Further, some or all of the elements can be modified. With respect to the media, processes, systems, methods, etc. described herein, it should be understood that, although the steps of such processes, etc. have been described as occurring according to some sequential sequence, such processes could be practiced with steps performed in an order other than the order described herein. It further should be understood that certain steps have been described as being performed concurrently with other steps, that certain steps have been described as being performed sequentially, and that certain steps have been described as being performed at approximately the same time. In other words, the descriptions of processes herein are provided for the purpose of illustrating certain embodiments, and should in no way be construed so as to limit the claimed application.

Claims

1. A method for activating a self-cleaning glass surface, comprising: Determine the vehicle's location history; The self-cleaning glass surface is activated by irradiating it with UV LED radiation based on the determined ambient UV radiation energy, time schedule, and location history.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the UV LED radiation is further based on a determined optical state of the self-cleaning glass.

3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising: The optical state of the self-cleaning glass is determined by determining its IR reflectivity.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the UV LED radiation comprises a wavelength of 365 nanometers.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the UV LED radiation has a strength greater than 1 W / cm². 2 Energy.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining the schedule based on expected ambient UV radiation.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: Based on the estimated UV radiation energy on the self-cleaning glass for each time period, in W*sec / cm. 2 To determine external UV radiation.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the self-cleaning glass is coated with an optical UV coating.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the schedule comprises less than ½ hour of UV LED radiation.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the UV LED radiation activating the self-cleaning glass surface for less than 1 / 2 hour continues for at least 2 to 5 hours.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein the UV energy on the self-cleaning glass surface for each time period is estimated in W*sec / cm. 2 This includes acquiring data on environmental UV radiation energy.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the UV LED "on" time is based on acquired data about the ambient UV radiation energy and the timetable.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the UV LED "on" time is based on acquired data on ambient UV radiation energy, the timetable, and the location history.

14. A system for activating a self-cleaning glass surface, comprising a computer programmed to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A computer device, programmed as follows: Determine the vehicle's location history; Based on the determined energy, schedule, and location history of ambient UV radiation, the self-cleaning glass surface is activated by irradiating it with UV LED radiation.

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