Vehicle sensor systems

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle sensor system. The system includes a base, the base defining an opening. The system includes a pair of spacers supported by the base, the opening being disposed between the spacers. The system includes a pair of pads supported by the base, the spacer being disposed between the pads. The system includes a transparent shield supported by the base and movable between a first position and a second position, the shield abutting one of the pads in the first position and abutting the other of the pads in the second position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to vehicle sensors, and in particular to a vehicle sensor system having an optical sensor that may be fully or partially inoperable when contaminants obscure the field of view. Background Art

[0002] The vehicle may receive information from the optical sensor. The information from the optical sensor may be used to navigate the vehicle, for example, to avoid vehicle collisions, maintain a lane of travel, etc. However, the optical sensor may be rendered completely or partially inoperable, for example, when contaminants such as dirt obscure the sensor's field of view. Summary of the invention

[0003] A system includes a base, the base defining an opening. The system includes a pair of gaskets supported by the base, the opening being disposed between the gaskets. The system includes a pair of pads supported by the base, the gasket being disposed between the pads. The system includes a transparent shield supported by the base and movable between a first position and a second position, the shield abutting one of the pads in the first position and abutting another of the pads in the second position.

[0004] The base may include a first beveled surface and a second beveled surface opposite to the first beveled surface, with the opening disposed therebetween.

[0005] The system may include an optical sensor defining a field of view within which the opening and the transparent shield in the first position and the second position may be located.

[0006] The cushion is movable relative to the base and the shield.

[0007] The system may include a shaft rotatably supported by the base, wherein each of the pads defines a loop disposed about the shaft.

[0008] The system may include a nozzle positioned to provide a fluid to at least one of the pads.

[0009] The spacer may extend in a direction perpendicular to movement of the shield from the first position to the second position.

[0010] The system may include a user interface and a computer programmed to actuate the shield between the first position and the second position in response to user input to the user interface.

[0011] The system may include a computer programmed to actuate the shield between the first position and the second position upon determining that the shield is contaminated.

[0012] A system includes a base defining an opening. The system includes a cushion supported by the base. The system includes a transparent shield supported by the base and movable between a first position and a second position, the shield covering the opening in the first position and abutting the cushion in the second position. The cushion is movable relative to the base and the shield.

[0013] The system may include a shaft rotatably supported by the base, wherein the pad may define a ring disposed about the shaft.

[0014] The system may include a second shaft spaced apart from the shaft, the collar may be disposed about the second shaft, and the opening may be located between the shaft and the second shaft.

[0015] The system may include a second liner spaced apart from the liner and movable relative to the base and the shield, and the opening may be disposed between the liner and the second liner.

[0016] The system may include a gasket disposed between the liner and the opening.

[0017] The system may include a nozzle positioned to provide fluid to the pad.

[0018] Movement of the pad may define a direction perpendicular to movement of the shield between the first position and the second position.

[0019] The system may include an optical sensor defining a field of view within which the opening and the transparent shield in the first position and the second position are located.

[0020] The system may include a computer programmed to simultaneously actuate movement of the shield from the first position to the second position and the cushion.

[0021] The system may include a computer programmed to actuate the shield from the first position to the second position and to actuate movement of the cushion after actuating the shield.

[0022] The system may include a computer programmed to actuate the shield between the first position and the second position at time intervals. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example vehicle with an example sensor system.

[0024] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cutaway perspective view of an example sensor system.

[0025] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Top view of an example sensor system with the transparent shield in a first position.

[0026] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Top view of an example sensor system with the transparent shield in a second position.

[0027] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a nozzle of an example vehicle washer system and an example sensor system.

[0028] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Block diagram of an example vehicle.

[0029] Figure 7 Is Figure 1 Illustration of an example image captured by an example sensor system.

[0030] Figure 8 Is used for operation Figure 1 An example sensor system process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Referring to the drawings, a sensor system 20 for a vehicle 22 includes a base 24 defining an opening 26. The sensor system 20 includes a pair of spacers 28 supported by the base 24. The opening 26 is disposed between the spacers 28. The sensor system 20 includes a pair of pads 30 supported by the base 24. The spacer 28 is disposed between the pads 30. The sensor system 20 includes a transparent shield 32 supported by the base 24 and movable between a first position and a second position. The transparent shield 32 abuts one of the pads 30 in the first position and another of the pads 30 in the second position. The sensor system 20 protects an optical sensor 36 of the sensor system 20 and helps maintain an uncontaminated field of view FV.

[0032] Figures 2 to 4The illustrated base 24 may be formed of metal, plastic, or any other suitable material. For example, the base 24 may include walls, a top panel, a bottom panel, etc. to enclose the components therein and protect the components therein from conditions such as rain, snow, dirt, etc. The base 24 may include a track 34. The track 34 may be defined by one or more channels, grooves, lips, etc. The base 24 may be a component of the vehicle 22.

[0033] The base 24 defines an opening 26. The opening 26 permits light to travel therethrough, for example, to be received by the optical sensor 36, i.e., the opening 26 is within the field of view FV of the optical sensor 36. The base 24 may include a first inclined surface 38 and a second inclined surface 38 opposite the first inclined surface 38, with the opening 26 disposed therebetween, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown. The first inclined surface 38 and the second inclined surface 38 can be angled so that the opening 26 narrows as the opening 26 approaches the optical sensor 36. For example, the base 24 can include an inner surface 40 and an outer surface 42. The first inclined surface 38 and the second inclined surface 38 can connect the inner surface 40 to the outer surface 42. The opening 26 can be larger, for example, wider, at the outer surface 42 than at the inner surface 40.

[0034] Figures 2 to 4 as well as Figure 6 The optical sensor 36 shown detects light. The optical sensor 36 can be a scanning laser rangefinder, a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device, an image processing sensor such as a camera, or any other sensor that detects light. The optical sensor 36 can be supported by the base 24. The optical sensor 36 can be fixed to the base 24 to prevent relative movement therebetween, such as by fasteners, adhesives, etc.

[0035] The optical sensor 36 defines a field of view FV. The field of view FV is an area relative to the optical sensor 36 from which the optical sensor 36 detects light. Light caused and / or reflected by an object within the field of view FV and directed toward the optical sensor 36 can be detected by the optical sensor 36, provided that such light is not blocked before reaching the optical sensor 36. The field of view FV can be circular. For example, the field of view FV can be defined by an angular range (e.g., 90 degrees) rotated around an axis relative to the orientation of the optical sensor 36. The field of view FV can be rectangular. For example, the field of view FV can be defined by a horizontal angular range (e.g., 90 degrees) and a vertical angular range (e.g., 60 degrees). Similarly, the field of view FV can be square.

[0036] Figures 2 to 4The pair of gaskets 28 shown is supported by the base 24. The opening 26 is disposed between the pair of gaskets 28. In other words, one of the gaskets 28 is spaced apart from the other gasket in the gaskets 28, with the opening 26 located between them. The gasket 28 may abut the transparent shield 32. The gasket 28 may extend in a direction perpendicular to the movement of the transparent shield 32 from the first position to the second position. In other words, the transparent shield 32 may move along the transverse direction D1 between the first position and the second position, and the gasket 28 may extend along the longitudinal direction D2. When the transparent shield 32 moves between the first position and the second position, the gasket 28 wipes the transparent shield 32, for example, to remove contaminants from the transparent shield 32. The gasket 28 may be formed of rubber, silicone, or other suitable materials. Although shown as two separate pieces of material in the drawings, it should be understood that the gasket 28 may be made of a single piece of material, for example, a single strip of rubber partially or completely surrounding the periphery of the opening 26. The gasket 28 may be secured to the base 24 , such as with an adhesive or the like.

[0037] Figures 2 to 4 A pair of pads 30 are shown supported by the base 24. The spacer 28 is disposed between the pads 30. In other words, one of the pads 30 is spaced apart from another of the pads 30 with the spacer 28 therebetween. Similarly, the opening 26 is disposed between the pads 30.

[0038] The pad 30 cleans the transparent shield 32, for example, by relative movement therebetween. The relative movement between the pad 30 and the transparent shield 32 may be provided by movement of the pad 30 and / or the transparent shield 32. The pad 30 may be formed of a fabric such as microfiber or other suitable material.

[0039] The pads 30 can move relative to the base 24. The pads 30 can move relative to the transparent shield 32. For example, each of the pads 30 can define a loop 44 disposed about an axis 46. The loop 44 abuts the axis 46 so that rotation of the axis 46 can cause movement of the pads 30. The loop 44 of each pad 30 can be disposed about a second axis 46.

[0040] The movement of the cushion 30 may define a direction perpendicular to the movement of the transparent cover 32 between the first position and the second position. For example, the cushion 30 may move in the longitudinal direction D2.

[0041] The direction of movement of the liner 30 can be defined by the direction of movement of the portion 48 of the liner 30 in contact with the transparent shield 32. For example, in the case where the liner 30 defines a loop 44, the portion 48 of the liner in contact with the transparent shield 32 can move in a first direction, while the remaining portion of the liner 30 (e.g., not in contact with the transparent shield 32) can move in a second direction that is different from the first direction. In this case, the direction of movement defined by the liner 30 is the first direction.

[0042] The transparent shield 32 protects the optical sensor 36, for example, from dirt, water, and other objects that may damage the optical sensor 36. The transparent shield 32 can be rectangular in shape. The transparent shield 32 can extend from a first end 50 to a second end 52, which is opposite the first end 50. The transparent shield 32 is positioned within the field of view FV of the optical sensor 36. The transparent shield 32 allows light to pass through, for example, to reach the optical sensor 36. The transparent shield 32 can be formed of glass, plastic, or other suitable transparent materials. The transparent shield 32 can be supported by the base 24.

[0043] The transparent shield 32 can move between a first position and a second position. The transparent shield 32 can translate between the first position and the second position, for example, along the transverse direction D1. For example, the transparent shield 32 can be slidably supported by the base 34.

[0044] exist Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the first position shown, the transparent shield 32 abuts one of the pads 30. For example, the first end 50 of the transparent shield 32 in the first position may abut one of the pads 30. In the first position, the transparent shield 32 covers the opening 26. For example, the second end 52 of the transparent shield 32 in the first position may be located between the opening 26 and the optical sensor 36 and within the field of view FV of the optical sensor 36. Light entering the opening 26 may pass through the second end 52 of the transparent shield 32 and be detected by the optical sensor 36.

[0045] exist Figure 4 In the second position shown, the transparent shield 32 abuts another one of the liners 30. For example, the second end 52 of the transparent shield 32 in the second position can abut another one of the liners 30. In the second position, the transparent shield 32 covers the opening 26. For example, the first end 50 of the transparent shield 32 in the second position can be located between the opening 26 and the optical sensor 36 and within the field of view FV of the optical sensor 36. Light entering the opening 26 can pass through the first end 50 of the transparent shield 32 and be detected by the optical sensor 36.

[0046] The sensor system 20 may include a linear actuator 54. The linear actuator 54 may include a first end 56 opposite a second end 58. Actuation of the linear actuator 54 changes the distance between the first end 56 and the second end 58, for example, by lengthening or shortening the linear actuator 54. The linear actuator 54 may be a helical type including a threaded shaft and a hole, a hydraulic type including a piston and a cylinder, a rack and pinion type, etc. The first end 56 of the linear actuator 54 may be secured to the base 24, and the second end 58 may be secured to the transparent shield 32. Movement of the linear actuator 54 may move the transparent shield 32 between the first position and the second position, for example, in response to instructions from the computer 60. Other devices may be used to move the transparent shield 32, such as springs, electromagnets, pulleys, etc.

[0047] The shaft 46 may be rotatably supported by the base 24. The shaft 46 may extend along the lateral direction D1. In other words, the shaft 46 may extend parallel to the direction of movement of the transparent shield 32 between the first position and the second position. The shaft 46 may be located above the opening 26. The shaft 46 abuts the pad 30 and transmits the rotational movement of the shaft 46 to the pad 30.

[0048] The second shaft 46 may be rotatably supported by the base 24. The second shaft 46 is spaced apart from the shaft 46. The second shaft 46 may extend along the lateral direction D1. The second shaft 46 may be located below the opening 26. The opening 26 may be located between the shaft 46 and the second shaft 46. The second shaft 46 may abut the pad 30.

[0049] The shaft 46 and / or the second shaft 46 may be coupled to Figures 2 to 4 and Figure 6 The motor 64 is shown. The motor 64 can be supported by the base 24. The motor 64 can be configured to rotate the shaft 46 and / or the second shaft 46, for example, in response to instructions from the computer 60. For example, the motor 64 can be coupled to the shaft 46 and / or the second shaft 46 using a gear box that transmits the rotational movement of the motor 64 to the shaft 46 and / or the second shaft 46, thereby providing movement to the pad 30. Other devices can be used to move the pad 30, including springs, electromagnets, linear actuators, etc.

[0050] The sensor system 20 may include Figures 2 to 5 The nozzle 66 is shown positioned to provide fluid to at least one of the cushions 30. For example, the nozzle 66 can be supported by the base 24 and positioned to direct the fluid to one of the cushions 30. The fluid can be a liquid. For example, the nozzle 66 can be in contact with the vehicle 22. Figure 5 and Figure 6The cleaning system 68 is shown in communication and provides fluid from the cleaning system 68, for example, in response to instructions from the computer 60. Similarly, the sensor system 20 may include one or more additional nozzles 66, for example, positioned to provide fluid to at least another of the pads 30.

[0051] Figure 1 and Figure 6 The illustrated vehicle 22 may be any passenger or commercial vehicle, such as a car, truck, sport utility vehicle, crossover, van, minivan, taxi, bus, etc. The vehicle 22 may include the sensor system 20 , the washer system 68 , the user interface 70 , the onboard communication network 72 , and the computer 60 .

[0052] The vehicle 22 can be operated in an autonomous mode, a semi-autonomous mode, or a non-autonomous mode. For the purposes of this disclosure, the autonomous mode is defined as a mode in which each of vehicle propulsion, braking, and steering is controlled by the computer 60; in the semi-autonomous mode, the computer 60 controls one or two of vehicle propulsion, braking, and steering; and in the non-autonomous mode, a human operator controls vehicle propulsion, braking, and steering.

[0053] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The washing system 68 shown includes known components for delivering fluid to various surfaces of the vehicle 22 (e.g., to the surface of the windshield). The washing system 68 can include a fluid reservoir 69 and a fluid pump 71. The fluid reservoir 69 and the pump 71 are in fluid communication with the nozzle 66, so that the washing system 68, for example, in response to receiving instructions from the computer 60, actuates the pump 71 to move fluid from the fluid reservoir 69 to the nozzle 66.

[0054] Figure 6 The illustrated user interface 70 presents information to and receives information from an occupant of the vehicle 22. The user interface 70 may be located, for example, on a dashboard in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 22, or anywhere else that the occupant can easily see it. The user interface 70 may include a dial, a digital readout, a screen such as a touch-sensitive display, a speaker, and the like, such as a human-machine interface (HMI) element, for providing information to the occupant. The user interface 70 may include buttons, knobs, keypads, microphones, and the like, for receiving information from the occupant.

[0055] Figure 6The illustrated on-board communication network 72 includes hardware, such as a communication bus, that facilitates communication between the sensor system 20 and components of the vehicle 22. The on-board communication network 72 may facilitate wired or wireless communication between the vehicle 22 and components of the sensor system 20 according to a variety of communication protocols, such as a controller area network (CAN), Ethernet, WiFi, a local interconnect network (LIN), and / or other wired or wireless mechanisms.

[0056] Figure 6 The computer 60 shown may be a microprocessor-based computer 60 implemented via circuits, chips, or other electronic components. For example, the computer 60 may include a processor, a memory, etc. The memory of the computer 60 may include a memory for storing programming instructions executable by the processor and for electronically storing data and / or databases. The computer 60 is typically configured to communicate with the sensor system 20 and vehicle 22 components via a controller area network (CAN) bus (e.g., an onboard communication network 72), and to communicate with devices external to the vehicle 22 using other wired or wireless protocols, such as, IEEE 802.11 (commonly referred to as WiFi), satellite telecommunication protocols, and cellular protocols such as 3G, LTE, etc. Via the vehicle communication network 72, the computer 60 can transmit messages, information, data, etc. to and / or receive messages, information, data, etc. from various devices. Although the computer 60 is shown as a component of the vehicle 22, it should be understood that the computer 60 can be a component of the sensor system 20, for example, in communication with components of the sensor system 20 and supported by the base 24. Although for ease of illustration, Figure 6 One computer 60 is shown in the figure, but it should be understood that the computer 60 may include one or more computing devices, and the various operations described herein may be performed by one or more computing devices.

[0057] The computer 60 may be programmed to actuate the transparent shield 32 between the first position and the second position. For example, the computer 60 may transmit instructions to the linear actuator 54 or other device for moving the transparent shield 32 via the vehicle communication network 72. The instructions may instruct the linear actuator 54 to change length, for example, to extend or shorten.

[0058] The computer 60 may actuate the transparent shield 32 in response to user input to the user interface 70. For example, the computer 60 may receive the user input from the user interface 70 via the onboard communication network 72. Upon receiving the user input, the computer 60 may transmit instructions to the linear actuator 54.

[0059] Computer 60 may actuate transparent shield 32 upon determining that transparent shield 32 is contaminated. Computer 60 may determine that transparent shield 32 is contaminated based on information received from optical sensor 36, for example, via onboard communication network 72, for example, using image recognition processes and methods.

[0060] For example, the computer 60 may receive the optical sensor 36 Figure 7 The images 74 shown in the figure are compared with each other, and consistent artifacts 76 are identified among the images 74, for example, dirt on the transparent shield 32 will appear at a consistent location on the image 74, and the rest of the image 74 will be changed. After identifying a threshold amount (e.g., number, total area, etc.) of artifacts 76, the computer 60 can determine that the transparent shield 32 is contaminated. For example, the area of ​​the artifacts 76 can be compared with a threshold area, such as 5% of the field of view FV. The number of artifacts 76 can be compared with a threshold amount, such as 10 artifacts 76. When the area and / or number of artifacts 76 is greater than the threshold area and / or threshold amount, the computer 60 can determine that the transparent shield 32 is contaminated.

[0061] For example, the computer 60 may identify the image 74 as being of low quality, such as low resolution due to contamination on the transparent shield 32 interfering with the focusing of light on the optical sensor 36. The computer 60 may identify the quality of the image 74, such as image resolution. The computer 60 may compare the quality of the image 74 to a quality threshold (e.g., a threshold image resolution value). When the quality of the image 74 is less than the quality threshold, the computer 60 may determine that the transparent shield 32 is contaminated. Other techniques and processes, such as image recognition techniques and processes, may be used to determine that the transparent shield 32 is contaminated.

[0062] The computer 60 may actuate the transparent shield 32 at time intervals. For example, the computer 60 may transmit instructions to the linear actuator 54 to move the transparent shield 32 to a first position, wait a determined amount of time (e.g., 10 minutes), then transmit instructions to the linear actuator 54 to move the transparent shield 32 to a second position, and so on.

[0063] Computer 60 may be programmed to actuate movement of cushion 30. For example, computer 60 may transmit instructions via vehicle communication network 72 to motor 64 or other device for moving cushion 30. The instructions may direct motor 64 to an "on" state, e.g., to rotate.

[0064] The computer 60 can be programmed to simultaneously actuate the movement of the transparent shield 32 from the first position to the second position (or vice versa) and the liner 30. For example, the computer 60 can instruct the motor 64 to the "on" state. When the motor 64 is in the "on" state, the computer 60 can instruct the linear actuator 54 to extend or shorten.

[0065] The computer 60 can actuate the movement of the pad 30 after the actuation of the transparent shield 32. For example, the computer 60 can first instruct the linear actuator 54 to extend or shorten. After the linear actuator 54 has completed the actuation, the computer 60 can instruct the motor 64 to the "on" state.

[0066] The computer 60 may be programmed to actuate the nozzles 66 to provide fluid to one or more of the cushions 30. For example, the computer 60 may transmit instructions to the washer system 68, such as via the onboard communication network 72. The instructions to the washer system 68 may instruct the washer system 68 to provide fluid to the nozzles 66. For example, the instructions may instruct the pump 71 to an "on" state, e.g., to move fluid.

[0067] Figure 8 800 for operating the sensor system 20. The process 800 may be performed by the computer 60. The process 800 begins in block 805, where the computer 60 receives information, such as an image 74 from the optical sensor 36, user input from the user interface 70, etc., for example, via the vehicle communication network 72. The computer 60 may continue to receive data throughout the process 800. Throughout the process 800 means substantially continuously or at time intervals, such as every 200 milliseconds.

[0068] At block 810, the computer 60 determines whether the transparent shield 32 is contaminated, as described herein. Upon determining that the transparent shield 32 is contaminated, the process moves to block 815. Upon determining that the transparent shield 32 is not contaminated, the process returns to block 805.

[0069] At block 815, the computer 60 actuates the transparent shield 32 to move from the first position to the second position, or vice versa, as described herein. In addition, or as an alternative, to actuate the transparent shield 32 after the determination in block 810, the computer 60 may actuate the transparent shield 32 in response to a user input to the user interface 70, at a time interval, etc., as described herein.

[0070] At block 820 , computer 60 actuates movement of pad 30 , as described herein. Actuating movement of pad 30 may be performed before, during, and / or after actuating movement of transparent shield 32 .

[0071] At block 825, the computer 60 actuates the nozzle 66 to provide fluid to the cushion 30, as described herein. Actuating the nozzle 66 may be performed before, during, and / or after actuating movement of the transparent shield 32 and / or the cushion 30. After block 825, the process 800 may end. Alternatively, the process may return to block 805.

[0072] The adjectives "first" and "second" are used throughout this document as identifiers and are not intended to denote importance or order.

[0073] As used herein, a computing device (e.g., a computer) includes a processor and a memory. The processor is implemented via a circuit, chip, or other electronic component, and may include one or more microcontrollers, one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more application specific circuits (ASICs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more customer integrated circuits, etc. The processor may receive data and execute the processes described herein.

[0074] The memory (or data storage device) is implemented via circuits, chips or other electronic components, and may include one or more of the following: read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, electrically programmable memory (EPROM), electrically programmable and erasable memory (EEPROM), embedded multimedia card (eMMC), hard disk drive, or any volatile or non-volatile media, etc. The memory may store data collected from the sensor. The memory may store program instructions that can be executed by the processor to complete the processes described herein.

[0075] Computing devices typically include computer-executable instructions, which can be executed by one or more computing devices such as those listed above. Computer-executable instructions can be compiled or interpreted from a computer program created using a variety of programming languages ​​and / or techniques, including, but not limited to, Java, alone or in combination. TM , C, C++, Visual Basic, Java Script, Perl, etc. Some of these applications can be compiled and executed on a virtual machine, such as a Java virtual machine, a Dalvik virtual machine, etc. Typically, a processor (e.g., a microprocessor) receives instructions, such as from a memory, a computer-readable medium, etc., and executes these instructions, thereby performing one or more processes, including one or more of the processes described herein. Various computer-readable media can be used to store and transmit such instructions and other data.

[0076] Computer-readable media (also referred to as processor-readable media) include any non-temporary (e.g., tangible) media that participate in providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer (e.g., a processor of a computer). Such media can take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile media and volatile media. Non-volatile media can include, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other persistent memories. Volatile media can include, for example, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which usually constitutes main memory. Such instructions can be transmitted by one or more transmission media, including coaxial cables, copper wires, and optical fibers, including lines that include a system bus connected to a processor of a computer. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, floppy disks, floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, any other magnetic media, CD-ROMs, DVDs, any other optical media, punch cards, paper tapes, any other physical media with a pattern of holes, RAMs, PROMs, EPROMs, FLASH-EEPROMs, any other memory chips or cassettes, or any other media from which a computer can read.

[0077] In some examples, system elements may be implemented as computer-readable instructions (e.g., software) on one or more computing devices (e.g., servers, personal computers, etc.) stored on a computer-readable medium associated therewith (e.g., disk, memory, etc.). A computer program product may include such instructions stored on a computer-readable medium for performing the functions described herein.

[0078] The phrase "based on" encompasses partially or fully based on.

[0079] 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 in a particular order, such processes may be practiced with the steps performed in an order other than that described herein. It should also be understood that certain steps may be performed simultaneously, other steps may be added, or certain steps described herein may be omitted. In other words, the descriptions of systems and / or processes herein are provided for the purpose of illustrating certain embodiments and should in no way be construed as limiting the disclosed subject matter.

[0080] The present disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it should be understood that the terminology that has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than limitation. In light of the above teachings, many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible, and the present disclosure may be practiced in other ways than specifically described.

[0081] According to the present invention, a system is provided, the system comprising: a base defining an opening; a pair of spacers supported by the base, the opening being disposed between the spacers; a pair of pads supported by the base, the spacer being disposed between the pads; and a transparent shield supported by the base and movable between a first position and a second position, the shield being adjacent to one of the pads in the first position and adjacent to the other of the pads in the second position.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the base includes a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface opposite to the first inclined surface, and the opening is provided therebetween.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by an optical sensor that defines a field of view within which the opening and the transparent shield in the first position and the second position are located.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the cushion is movable relative to the base and the shield.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by a shaft that is rotatably supported by the base, wherein each of the pads defines a ring disposed around the shaft.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by a nozzle positioned to provide fluid to at least one of the pads.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the spacer extends in a direction perpendicular to the movement of the shield from the first position to the second position.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the above invention also features a user interface and a computer programmed to actuate the shield between the first position and the second position in response to user input to the user interface.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by a computer programmed to actuate the shield between the first position and the second position upon determining that the shield is contaminated.

[0090] According to the present invention, a system is provided, the system comprising: a base defining an opening; a pad supported by the base; a transparent shield supported by the base and movable between a first position and a second position, the shield covering the opening in the first position and adjacent to the pad in the second position; and the pad movable relative to the base and the shield.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by a shaft that is rotatably supported by the base, wherein the spacer defines a ring disposed around the shaft.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by a second shaft, the second shaft being spaced apart from the shaft, the collar being disposed around the second shaft, and the opening being located between the shaft and the second shaft.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by a second liner that is spaced apart from the liner and is movable relative to the base and the shield, and the opening is disposed between the liner and the second liner.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by a gasket disposed between the liner and the opening.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by a nozzle positioned to provide fluid to the pad.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the movement of the pad defines a direction perpendicular to the movement of the shield between the first position and the second position.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by an optical sensor that defines a field of view within which the opening and the transparent shield in the first position and the second position are located.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by a computer programmed to simultaneously actuate the movement of the shield from the first position to the second position and the cushion.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by a computer programmed to actuate the shield from the first position to the second position and to actuate movement of the cushion following actuation of the shield.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized by a computer programmed to actuate the shield between the first position and the second position at time intervals.

Claims

1. A vehicle sensor system, the system comprising: a base defining an opening; a pair of spacers, the spacers being supported by the base, the opening being disposed between the spacers; a pair of pads, the pair of pads being supported by the base, the spacer being disposed between the pads; as well as a transparent shield supported by the base and movable between a first position and a second position, the shield abutting one of the pads in the first position and abutting the other of the pads in the second position; The pad is movable relative to the base and the shield. 2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the base includes a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface opposite the first inclined surface, the opening being disposed therebetween.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising an optical sensor defining a field of view within which the opening and the transparent shield in the first position and the second position are located.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the spacer extends in a direction perpendicular to movement of the shield from the first position to the second position.

5. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a shaft rotatably supported by the base, wherein each of the pads defines a ring disposed about the shaft.

6. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a nozzle positioned to provide fluid to at least one of the pads.

7. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a computer programmed to actuate the shield between the first position and the second position upon determining that the shield is contaminated.

8. A vehicle sensor system, the system comprising: a base defining an opening; a cushion supported by the base; a transparent shield supported by the base and movable between a first position and a second position, the shield covering the opening in the first position and abutting the liner in the second position; as well as The cushion is movable relative to the base and the shield.

9. The system of claim 8, further comprising a shaft rotatably supported by the base, wherein the pad defines a ring disposed about the shaft.

10. The system of claim 9, further comprising a second shaft spaced apart from the shaft, the collar being disposed about the second shaft, and the opening being located between the shaft and the second shaft.

11. The system of claim 8, further comprising a second liner spaced apart from the liner and movable relative to the base and the shield, the opening being disposed between the liner and the second liner.

12. The system of claim 8, further comprising a gasket disposed between the liner and the opening.

13. The system of claim 8, further comprising a nozzle positioned to provide fluid to the pad.

14. The system of any one of claims 8 to 13, further comprising an optical sensor defining a field of view within which the opening and the transparent shield in the first position and the second position are located.

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