Lens protection device of sensor system

Abstract

A lens guard for a sensor system includes a membrane, a cleaning tool, and a roller. The sensor is configured to capture an image through the membrane within a field of view of a lens of the sensor. The cleaning tool is configured to clean one or more surfaces of the film. Further, the roller is configured to move the film relative to the lens and guide the film to clean the one or more surfaces of the film by the cleaning tool.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 600,999, filed on November 20, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a sensor system, and more particularly, to a lens protection device for a sensor system. Background Art

[0004] Sensor systems can be used in various agricultural operations to capture images for analyzing different parameters to determine the overall performance of various agricultural operations. Such sensor systems can be connected to agricultural machinery to capture images during machinery operation and analyze the captured images, thereby improving the performance of the agricultural machinery. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect of the present invention, a lens protection device for a sensor system is disclosed. The lens protection device includes a film, and the sensor is configured to capture an image within the field of view of the lens of the sensor through the film. A cleaning tool is configured to clean one or more surfaces of the film. Additionally, a roller is configured to move the film relative to the lens and guide the film to clean the one or more surfaces of the film through the cleaning tool.

[0006] In certain configurations, the film may include an inner surface and an opposite outer surface, the inner surface being configured to face the lens of the sensor, and the opposite outer surface being exposed to environmental elements. The cleaning tool may be configured to clean the opposite outer surface of the film.

[0007] In certain configurations, the film may be at least partially wound around the roller, and the roller may be configured to wind and unwind the film to move the film relative to the lens. Additionally, the roller may be connected to a drive system configured to rotate the roller to wind and unwind the film.

[0008] In certain configurations, the film may be configured to pass through a frame of the sensor such that the film is positioned between the frame and the lens.

[0009] In certain configurations, the field of view of the lens may be configured to extend through the film.

[0010] In certain configurations, during movement of the film, the distance between the film and the lens may be maintained substantially constant.

[0011] In some configurations, the membrane may include a first portion and a second portion. The sensor is configured to capture an image through the first portion, and the second portion is connected to the first portion and located outside the field of view of the lens. The roller may be configured to move the membrane such that the first portion is guided through a cleaning tool, and the second portion is moved such that the sensor is configured to capture an image through the second portion.

[0012] In some configurations, the roller may be configured to translate the membrane along a plane positioned adjacent to and spaced apart from the lens.

[0013] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a sensor system that includes a sensor and a lens protection device. The sensor includes a housing and a lens disposed within the housing. The lens protection device includes a membrane positioned adjacent to the lens such that the membrane surrounds the field of view of the lens, a roller that is operable to move the membrane laterally relative to the sensor along a plane that is substantially parallel to the housing of the sensor, and a cleaning tool. When the roller moves the membrane, the membrane is controlled to pass through the cleaning tool such that one or more surfaces of the membrane are cleaned by the cleaning tool.

[0014] In some configurations, the cleaning tool may be positioned between the lens of the sensor and the roller. Additionally, the cleaning tool may be a cleaning roller, and the membrane may be configured to be guided along the roller to remove debris, remove moisture, or remove both debris and moisture from the one or more surfaces of the membrane.

[0015] In some configurations, the sensor may further include a frame connected to the housing such that the lens can be positioned within the perimeter of the frame. The membrane may extend through the frame and may be positioned between the frame and the lens. Additionally, the membrane may be configured to move through an opening in the frame to be cleaned by the cleaning tool.

[0016] In some configurations, the cleaning tool may be configured to rotate about a rotational axis of the cleaning tool, and the roller may be configured to rotate about a rotational axis of the roller. The rotational axis of the cleaning tool may be substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the roller. Additionally, the direction of movement of the membrane may be substantially perpendicular to at least one of the rotational axis of the cleaning tool or the rotational axis of the roller.

[0017] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a sensor system that includes a sensor and a lens protection device. The sensor includes a lens and is configured to capture an image within the field of view of the lens. The lens protection device includes a membrane positioned adjacent to the lens, the lens being configured to capture the image through the membrane; a set of rollers, the set of rollers being operable to move the membrane laterally relative to the lens, wherein the membrane is at least partially wound around the set of rollers, and a set of cleaning tools, wherein the set of rollers is configured to move the membrane such that one or more surfaces of the membrane are cleaned by the cleaning tools.

[0018] In some configurations, the set of rollers can include a first roller and a second roller. The first roller and the second roller can be positioned on opposite sides of the sensor. Additionally, the set of cleaning tools can include a first cleaning tool and a second cleaning tool. The first cleaning tool and the second cleaning tool can be positioned between the first roller and the second roller, on opposite sides of the sensor.

[0019] In some configurations, the set of rollers can be connected to a drive system configured to rotate the set of rollers to move the membrane relative to the lens.

[0020] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of cleaning a membrane of a sensor guard of a sensor system. The method includes capturing an image within the field of view of a lens of a sensor via the sensor of the sensor system. The sensor is configured to capture the image within the field of view through a first portion of the membrane. The method further includes determining via the sensor system whether the first portion of the membrane needs cleaning. Additionally, in response to determining that the first portion of the membrane needs cleaning, the method includes moving the membrane such that the first portion of the membrane is cleaned by a cleaning tool of the sensor guard, and moving a second portion of the membrane such that the sensor is configured to capture the image within the field of view through the second portion of the membrane.

[0021] In some configurations, prior to moving the membrane, the method includes determining via the sensor system the last cleaning time of the membrane. Additionally, the method includes determining via the sensor system whether the last cleaning time exceeds a threshold. If the sensor system determines that the last cleaning time does not exceed the threshold, the sensor system determines that the first portion of the membrane needs cleaning. Additionally, in response to the sensor system determining that the last cleaning time exceeds the threshold, the method includes providing an alert to a user of the sensor system via a user interface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The present disclosure can be best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be emphasized that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawings are not drawn to scale. Instead, for clarity, the dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily enlarged or reduced.

[0023] Figure 1 is a side view of an exemplary machine including a sensor system.

[0024] Figure 2A is a perspective view of a sensor system including a lens guard.

[0025] Figure 2B is Figure 2A a cross-sectional view of the sensor system of

[0026] Figure 2C is Figure 2A a cross-sectional view of the sensor system of

[0027] Figure 3 is a flow chart of an example of a process for operating a lens guard for a sensor system. Specific implementation method

[0028] The present disclosure relates to a sensor system for use with various machines. The sensor system can be configured for use with agricultural machinery, construction equipment, motor vehicles, or a combination thereof. For example, the sensor system can be configured for use with agricultural machinery, such as a planter configured to plant various seeds or a sprayer configured to apply product to various plants.

[0029] A sensor system may be configured to detect or analyze an area surrounding a machine that is in operation (e.g., agricultural machinery). The sensor system may detect objects, motion, environmental conditions, other parameters, or combinations thereof, which may be analyzed to determine the performance of the associated machine. The sensor system may not be limited to any particular type of sensing system. For example, a sensing system may include one or more sensors that may be configured to capture images and / or video within a field of view of a lens of the sensor (e.g., in an area surrounding the machine), may be configured to detect environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, wind, etc.), may be configured to detect operating conditions of the machine (e.g., motion of the machine, machine degradation, etc.), or combinations thereof.

[0030] Conventional sensor systems may be connected to an operating machine in a manner that exposes the sensor system to environmental elements. For example, the sensor system may be connected to the exterior of the frame of the machine. As a result, the one or more sensors of the sensor system may degrade over time due to environmental elements, such as debris (e.g., dust, objects that may impact the sensors, etc.), moisture (e.g., fog, humidity, rain, snow, etc.), or both. Similarly, environmental elements may damage or obstruct the field of view of a lens of one or more sensors, thereby affecting the operation of the sensor system. For example, debris or moisture on the lens of the one or more sensors may obstruct the one or more sensors from accurately capturing images and / or video within the field of view of the lens. Additionally, due to the mounting location of the sensor system, it may be difficult to clean the one or more sensors or otherwise maintain a clear field of view for the lens of the one or more sensors.

[0031] The present teachings provide a sensor system that addresses the above challenges. The sensor system as described herein can be advantageously configured to prevent degradation or occlusion of one or more sensors within the sensor system. The sensor system can include a lens guard configured to protect the one or more sensors from environmental elements. Additionally, the lens guard can include a cleaning tool configured to clean all or a portion of the lens guard to remove debris and / or moisture from the lens guard, thereby further ensuring that the field of view of the lens of the one or more sensors remains unobstructed and preventing degradation of the one or more sensors.

[0032] Turning now to the drawings, Figure 1 A side view of a machine 100 in accordance with the present teachings is shown. The machine 100 can include a body 102 and a frame 104. The frame 104 can form a part of the body 102 or can support the body 102 of the machine 100. Additionally, the machine 100 can include a sensor system 106. As described above, the machine 100 is not particularly limited to any specific type of machinery. For example, the machine 100 can be a vehicle, a device, other object, or a combination thereof. The machine 100 can be configured to operate in any type of industry, including agriculture, food and beverage, transportation, construction, entertainment, or a combination thereof. By way of example, as Figure 1 shown, the machine 100 can be a tractor or agricultural machinery.

[0033] The sensor system 106 can be connected to the machine 100 such that the one or more sensors of the sensor system 106 (e.g., sensor 108) can be positioned to monitor or otherwise interact with the area around the machine 100. The sensor system 106 can be connected to the body 102 or the frame 104 of the machine 100. By way of example, the sensor system 106 can be connected to the frame 104 of the machine 100, such as along an outer region or outer surface of the frame 104. The sensor system 106 can be connected to the frame 104 such that the field of view 110 of the sensor 108 (e.g., the field of view of the lens of the sensor 108) can extend outwardly relative to the machine 100 along the ground beneath the machine 100. It should be noted that by adjusting the mounting of the sensor system 106 along the machine 100, the field of view 110 of the sensor 108 can be positioned in any desired manner. That is, the field of view 110 can be configured to capture any desired area around the machine 100, which can include parts or components of the machine 100 (e.g., tires, chassis, frame, etc.).

[0034] For example, machine 100 can be a seeding machine, which can be configured to plant various seeds across a field. Alternatively, machine 100 can be a sprayer, which can be configured to apply an external spray to existing plants within the field, such as a pesticide or weed control treatment. In such a case, sensor system 106 can be connected to machine 100 along, for example, frame 104 such that the field of view 110 of sensor 108 can extend beneath machine 100 to monitor the ground where machine 100 is seeding or applying the external spray. As a result, sensor 108 can be positioned to monitor the operation of machine 100 (e.g., capture sensor data associated with the operation), and thus the quality of the performance of machine 100 can be determined, such as by monitoring the consistency of seed planting or the even application of the external spray. Sensor 108 can capture sensor data associated with the operation, and then this data can be evaluated by sensor system 106 (e.g., a computing device within sensor system 106) or a device in communication with sensor system 106 (e.g., a computing device or system of machine 100 in communication with sensor system 206) to determine the quality of the performance of machine 100.

[0035] Figure 2A A perspective view of sensor system 106 is shown. Sensor system 106 can be a sensor system of an agricultural machine (e.g., machine 100). Additionally, Figure 2B is Figure 2A a cross-section of sensor system 106 as shown in Figure 2B . Additionally, Figure 2C is Figure 2A a partial cross-section of sensor system 106 as shown in Figure 2C .

[0036] As described above, sensor system 106 can include sensor 108. Sensor 108 can include a lens 212, and lens 212 can be disposed within a housing 214 of sensor 108. Lens 212 can at least partially protrude from housing 214. For example, lens 212 can extend outwardly from a surface of housing 214 such that the above-described field of view 110 is not blocked by housing 214. Lens 212 can be configured such that sensor system 106 (e.g., an image capture device therein) captures an image within the field of view 110 of lens 212. Such an image can be a still image or a video such that sensor system 106 can analyze the image or video independently or in combination with a computing system to determine the overall performance of machine 100.

[0037] The sensor 108 can be configured for various types of sensing operations and is not limited to capturing images in the field of view 110. For example, the sensor 108 can be or can include a proximity sensor, an accelerometer, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a photodetector, an image sensor, a Hall effect sensor, a humidity sensor, an infrared sensor, other types of sensors, or a combination thereof. Thus, the sensor 108 can be configured to detect various parameters in any desired manner (e.g., image capture, infrared sensing, magnetic measurement, etc.).

[0038] The sensor 108 can also include a bezel 216 connected to the housing 214. The lens 212 can be positioned within the perimeter of the bezel 216. The bezel 216 can be connected to and project from a surface (e.g., an outer surface) of the housing 214 beyond the lens 212 to at least partially protect the lens 212. For example, the bezel 216 can have an integral frame configured to house the lens 212 such that, for example, if a projectile is directed at the lens 212, the bezel 216 can deflect the projectile and prevent damage to the lens 212. The size and / or shape of the bezel 216 can vary based on the geometry of the sensor 108 and / or the geometry of the housing 214. The bezel 216 can be configured to be mounted to the housing 214 in such a way that the field of view 110 of the sensor 108 remains unobstructed by the bezel 216. For example, the bezel 216 can be an open frame.

[0039] The sensor system 106 can also include a lens guard 220, which can be configured to further protect the sensor 108, particularly the lens 212 of the sensor 108. The lens guard 220 can be configured to prevent moisture and / or debris from contacting the lens 212, thereby preventing the field of view 110 of the sensor 108 from being obstructed. Obstruction of the field of view 110 can affect the overall accuracy of the sensor 108. The lens guard 220 can include one or more components that can be connected to the sensor 108 or can be connected to the machine 100. That is, the lens guard 220 can work in conjunction with the sensor 108 and can not be directly mounted to the sensor 108. Thus, the lens guard 220 can be removed and / or replaced without affecting the sensor 108. For example, the lens guard 220 can be disconnected from the machine 100 for replacement or repair without having to disconnect the sensor 108 from the machine 100.

[0040] The lens protection device 220 may include a membrane 222, and the sensor system 106 may be configured to capture an image within the field of view 110 of the lens 212 of the sensor 108 through the membrane 222. For example, the sensor 108 may be or may include an image capture device that may capture an image within the field of view of the lens 212 of the sensor 108. The membrane 222 may be transparent and positioned adjacent to the lens 212 such that the field of view 110 of the lens 212 extends through the membrane 222. As a result, the image capture device of the sensor 108 may capture an image through the lens 212 and through the membrane 222.

[0041] As Figure 2B shown, the membrane 222 may include an inner surface 246 and an opposite outer surface 248, the inner surface 246 being configured to face the lens 212 of the sensor 108, and the outer surface 248 may be exposed to environmental elements. That is, the outer surface 248 may extend outwardly from the sensor 108 and may be positioned further away from the lens 212 when compared to the inner surface 246. As a result, the outer surface 248 may be directly exposed to the environmental elements surrounding the machine 100. Such environmental elements may include the debris and / or moisture described above. As a result, environmental elements (e.g., debris and / or moisture) may contact the outer surface 248 of the membrane 222, which in turn prevents these environmental elements from reaching the lens 212 of the sensor 108.

[0042] The membrane 222 may be flexible. The membrane 222 may be hydrophobic or superhydrophobic. The membrane 222 may be transparent or colored. Additionally, the membrane 222 is not particularly limited to any type of material. For example, the membrane 222 may be a polyethylene membrane (e.g., low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), etc.), a polypropylene membrane, a polyester membrane, a nylon membrane, an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) membrane, a biodegradable membrane, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the membrane 222 may be reinforced with one or more additives to improve the overall structural integrity of the membrane 222.

[0043] The membrane 222 may be configured to pass through the frame 216 of the sensor 108 such that the membrane may be positioned between the frame 216 and the lens 212. Thus, the membrane 222 may be positioned such that the field of view 110 of the sensor 108 may be configured to extend through the membrane 222 such that the membrane 222 surrounds the field of view 110. Although the position of the membrane 222 is not particularly limited, the membrane 222 may be spaced apart from the housing 214 of the sensor 108 by a distance 244, as Figure 2BAs shown. The distance 244 can be measured between the film 222 and the outer surface of the housing 214 that is substantially orthogonal to the housing 214. Thus, the distance 244 between the film 222 and the lens 212 can be adjusted such that the film 222 is positioned adjacent to the lens 212, so that the film 222 surrounds the field of view 110 of the lens 212. The film 222 can be in contact with the lens 212, or the film 222 can be spaced apart from the lens 212 by a desired distance (e.g., based on the distance 244 between the film 222 and the lens 212) to accommodate possible movement of the lens 212 (e.g., tilting and / or zooming of the lens 212). That is, the film 222 can be positioned adjacent to the lens 212 such that the sensor system 106 can be configured to capture images through the lens 212 and the film 222.

[0044] The lens guard 220 can also include one or more rollers, such as a set of rollers, which can be operable to move the film 222 laterally relative to the lens 212. For example, the set of rollers of the lens guard 220 can include a first roller 224A and a second roller 224B. As Figure 2A shown, the first roller 224A and the second roller 224B can be positioned on opposite sides of the sensor 108. The first roller 224A and / or the second roller 224B can be configured to move the film 222 laterally relative to the sensor 108 along a plane that is substantially parallel to the housing 214 of the sensor 108 (e.g., Figure 2B the plane 225 shown). The first roller 224A and / or the second roller 224B can be configured to translate the film 222 along a plane that is adjacent to and spaced apart from the lens 212 (e.g., the plane 225). However, the film 222 can be moved relative to the sensor 108 by the first roller 224A and / or the second roller 224B in any desired orientation.

[0045] The film 222 can be at least partially wound around the first roller 224A and / or the second roller 224B such that the first roller 224A and / or the second roller 224B can be configured to wind and unwind the film 222 to move the film 222 relative to the lens 212. In addition, the first roller 224A and / or the second roller 224B can be connected to a drive system 234, which can be configured to rotate the first roller 224A and / or the second roller 224B. That is, the first roller 224A and / or the second roller 224B (e.g., the set of rollers) can be connected to a drive system 234, which can be configured to rotate the first roller 224A and the second roller 224B to move the film 222 relative to the lens 212.

[0046] The drive system 234 can be any drive mechanism that can rotate the first roller 224A and the second roller 224B. For example, the drive system 234 can be configured to rotate the first roller 224A in the direction 232A and the second roller 224B in the direction 232B. The first roller 224A can rotate about the rotation axis 252A, while the second roller 224B can rotate about the rotation axis 252B. As Figure 2A shown, the rotation axis 252A of the first roller 224A can be substantially parallel to the rotation axis 252B of the second roller 224B. The drive system 234 can include a motor 236 that includes or is in communication with one or more gears 238. The gears 238 can be driven by the motor 236 to drive a cable 240 connected to the first roller 224A and / or the second roller 224B. As a result, the cable 240 can in turn drive (e.g., rotate) the first roller 224A and / or the second roller 224B. The drive system 234 can include any type of motor, such as an AC or DC motor, a direct drive motor, a brushed or brushless motor, or a combination thereof. Thus, the drive system 234 can be connected to the first roller 224A and / or the second roller 224B in any manner that facilitates the rotation of the first roller 224A and / or the second roller 224B. For example, instead of the cable 240, the motor 236 can include or be connected to a main shaft that is connected to the first roller 224A. The motor 236 can drive the main shaft to rotate the first roller 224A in the direction 232A.

[0047] The lens protection device 220 can also include one or more cleaning tools, such as a set of cleaning tools, that are configured to clean one or more surfaces of the film 222 (e.g., the inner surface 246 and / or the outer surface 248). By way of example, the set of cleaning tools can include a first cleaning tool 226A and a second cleaning tool 226B. The first cleaning tool 226A and the second cleaning tool 226B can be positioned between the first roller 224A and the second roller 224B, on opposite sides of the sensor 108. However, the first cleaning tool 226A and the second cleaning tool 226B can be positioned at any location relative to the sensor 108 and can be oriented relative to the film 222 in any desired manner. For example, the first cleaning tool 226A and the second cleaning tool 226B can be positioned or can extend substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement 228 of the film 222.

[0048] The set of rollers (e.g., first roller 224A and / or second roller 224B) can be configured to move the membrane 222 in direction 228 such that one or more surfaces of the membrane 222 (e.g., inner surface 246 and / or outer surface 248) can be cleaned by the first cleaning tool 226A and / or the second cleaning tool 226B. That is, when the first roller 224A and / or the second roller 224B move the membrane 222, the membrane 222 can be configured to pass through or along the first cleaning tool 226A and / or the second cleaning tool 226B such that one or more surfaces of the membrane 222 can be cleaned by the first cleaning tool 226A and / or the second cleaning tool 226B.

[0049] As Figure 2C shown, the first cleaning tool 226A and / or the second cleaning tool 226B can be configured to clean the outer surface 248 of the membrane 222 to remove debris, moisture, or both from the outer surface 248. As discussed in further detail below, the sensor system 106 can be configured to detect when debris and / or moisture on the outer surface 248 may obscure the field of view of the sensor 108. As a result, the sensor system 106 can trigger activation of the lens guard 220 to clean the membrane 222. That is, the first roller 224A and / or the second roller 224B can be configured to move the membrane 222 relative to the lens 212 of the sensor 108 and guide the membrane 222 along the first cleaning tool 226A and / or the second cleaning tool 226B to clean one or more surfaces of the membrane 222 (e.g., outer surface 248).

[0050] To facilitate the cleaning operation, the first cleaning tool 226A can be positioned between the lens 212 of the sensor 108 and the first roller 224A. Similarly, the second cleaning tool 226B can be positioned between the lens 212 and the second roller 224B. The membrane 222 can be configured to move through an opening 242 (e.g., slit, gap, space, etc.) in the frame 216 to be cleaned by the first cleaning tool 226A and / or the second cleaning tool 226B. The first roller 224A and / or the second roller 224B can be configured to laterally move the membrane 222 in direction 228 along the sensor 108 between and beyond opposite sides of the sensor 108. This movement in direction 228 can be reversible such that the membrane 222 can be about Figure 2A and 2CMove from left to right or from right to left. For example, the film 222 can be moved in the direction 228 to wind the film 222 around the first roller 224A until the lens guard 220 or the sensor system 106 determines that the film 222 can no longer be wound around the first roller 224A (e.g., the film 22 has been completely unwound from the second roller 224B), at which point the moving direction 228 of the film 222 can be reversed to wind the film 222 around the second roller 224B. It should be noted that during the movement of the film 222, the distance 244 between the film 222 and the housing 214 (and thus the distance between the film 222 and the lens 212) remains substantially constant.

[0051] The first cleaning tool 226A and / or the second cleaning tool 226B can be positioned relative to the film 222 at any position to clean the film 222. The first cleaning tool 226A and / or the second cleaning tool 226B can be any type of cleaning device that can assist in cleaning the outer surface 248 and / or the inner surface 246 of the film 222. For example, the first cleaning tool 226A and / or the second cleaning tool 226B can each be a cleaning roller, and the film 222 can be configured to be guided along the roller to remove debris, remove moisture, or remove both debris and moisture from the one or more surfaces of the film 222.

[0052] The first cleaning tool 226A and / or the second cleaning tool 226B can include one or more bristles, one or more brushes, one or more sponges, one or more scrapers, or a combination thereof to remove debris and / or moisture from the film 222. Thus, the first cleaning tool 226A and / or the second cleaning tool 226B can be any configuration that effectively cleans the film 222. In addition, it should be noted that although Figure 2A it is shown that the first cleaning tool 226A and the second cleaning tool 226B only clean the outer surface 248 of the film 222, other configurations are possible. For example, as Figure 2C shown, the film 222 can pass through the second cleaning tool 226B and a secondary cleaning tool 254 spaced apart from the second cleaning tool 226B. As a result, the outer surface 248 can be cleaned by the second cleaning tool 226B, while the inner surface 246 can be cleaned by the secondary cleaning tool 254. This configuration is also possible for the first cleaning tool 226A.

[0053] The first cleaning tool 226A can be configured to rotate about a rotation axis 250A in a direction 230A. The second cleaning tool 226B can be configured to rotate about a rotation axis 250B in a direction 230B. The rotation axis 250A of the first cleaning tool 226A can be substantially parallel to the rotation axis 252A of the first roller 224A and / or the rotation axis 252B of the second roller 224B. The rotation axis 250B of the second cleaning tool 226B can be substantially parallel to the rotation axis 252A of the first roller 224A and / or the rotation axis 252B of the second roller 224B. Additionally, as Figure 2A and 2C shown, the moving direction 228 of the film 222 can be substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis 250A of the first cleaning tool 226A, the rotation axis 250B of the second cleaning tool 226B, the rotation axis 252A of the first roller 224A, and the rotation axis 252B of the second roller 224B. However, the moving direction 228 of the film 222 can also be parallel to or form any angle with the above rotation axes.

[0054] Based on the above, the lens protection device 220 can be configured to provide a protective shield for the sensor 108 via the film 222 to ensure that the field of view 110 of the sensor 108 is not blocked by debris and / or moisture. For example, the film 222 can include a first portion and a second portion, and the sensor system 106 (e.g., the image capture device of the sensor system 106) is configured to capture an image through the first portion, and the second portion is connected to the first portion and is located outside the field of view of the lens 212 of the sensor 108. For example, the second portion of the film 222 can be a portion of the film 222 that at least partially wraps around the first roller 224A or the second roller 224B. The first roller 224A and / or the second roller 224B can be configured to move the film 222 (e.g., via the drive system 234) such that the first portion is guided through the first cleaning tool 226A and / or the second cleaning tool 226B. Additionally, the second portion of the film 222 can be moved such that the lens 212 can be configured to capture an image through the second portion.

[0055] That is, the first part of the film 222 that can initially be positioned to cover the lens 212 can be moved out of the field of view 110 in the direction 228 for cleaning by the first cleaning tool 226A and / or the second cleaning tool 226B. Then, the first part can continue towards the first roller 224A or the second roller 224B and be wound around the first roller 224A or the second roller 224B such that a second part of the film 222 is now positioned to cover the lens 212, so that the field of view 110 of the sensor 108 can extend through the second part of the film 222. That is, the first part of the film 222 that may be deteriorated (e.g., dirty) can be moved out of the field of view 110, and the second part of the film 222 that remains clean and free of moisture and / or debris can be moved to cover the field of view 110. Such a process can be continuously repeated and / or reversed to clean the film 222 and ensure that the field of view 110 of the sensor 108 remains unobstructed.

[0056] Figure 3 A flowchart of an example of a process 300 for operating the lens protection device 220 of the sensor system 106 is shown. The process can be applicable to Figures 2A to 2C the lens protection device 220 shown in. In addition, the process can also be applicable to lens protection devices similar to the above lens protection device 220. In other words, the process 300 can be completed by the above lens protection device 220. For example, the process 300 can be executed by performing a machine-readable program or other computer-executable instructions (such as routines, instructions, programs, or other code). The steps or operations of the process 300 can be implemented directly in hardware, firmware, software executed by hardware, circuits, or a combination thereof. The process 300 can be executed by a processor (not shown) associated with or included in the sensor system 106. The process 300 can also be executed by a processor (not shown) of a system (such as the system of the machine 100) that communicates with the sensor system 106.

[0057] The initial operation of the lens protection device 220 and the sensor system 106 can start at operation 302. Additionally, the operation of the machine 100 can start at operation 302. During the initial operation, the sensor 108 can start operating (e.g., image capture) within the field of view 110. When the sensor 108 is operating (e.g., capturing an image), the operating accuracy of the machine 100 can be determined at operation 304. That is, during the operation of the machine 100, such as during seeding or topical spray application, the performance of the machine 100 can be determined at operation 304. The performance of the machine 100 can be determined at operation 304 based on a review of the images captured by the sensor system 106 (e.g., reviewed by the sensor system 106, the controller of the sensor system 106, or a controller connected to the sensor system 106, or the system of the machine 100, etc.), a review of the operation of the machine 100 using an additional system of the machine 100, or both of the above.

[0058] For example, the sensor system 106 or an additional system of the machine 100 can evaluate the performance of the machine 100 (e.g., seeding depth, spraying accuracy, etc.) to determine if there is any degradation. The above determination at operation 304 can be based on one or more parameters, one or more predefined thresholds, one or more calculations, or a combination thereof.

[0059] The sensor system 106 or an additional system of the machine 100 can also evaluate the clarity of the images captured by the sensor system 106. That is, the sensor system 106 or an additional system of the machine 100 can be configured to analyze the images captured by the sensor system 106 to determine if the images are clear enough and / or in focus for use in the operation of the machine 100. This determination of the clarity and / or focus of the captured images can be based on one or more predetermined parameters, one or more predefined thresholds, one or more calculations, or a combination thereof.

[0060] The accuracy of the performance of the machine 100 can be related to the clarity of the images captured by the sensor system 106. That is, if the membrane 222 remains unobstructed by moisture and / or debris, the machine 100 can continue to operate precisely (e.g., maintain the seeding depth, precisely spray the selected area, etc.). If the membrane 222 becomes obstructed by moisture and / or debris, the accuracy of the machine 100 may decrease. For example, the machine 100 can use the images captured by the sensor system 106 to determine and / or maintain the seeding depth. When the lens 212 is obstructed by moisture and / or debris on the membrane 222, the clarity of the images captured by the sensor system 106 may decrease, and thus the seeding depth may no longer be accurately determined, resulting in inconsistent seeding depths.

[0061] If the target or threshold accuracy is not achieved, the sensor system 106 can check the last cleaning time of the lens guard 220 at operation 306. The last cleaning time of the membrane 222 can be determined at operation 306 using the first cleaning tool 226A and / or the second cleaning tool 226B. The last cleaning time of the lens guard 220 can be the last time the cleaning operation was completed using the first cleaning tool 226A and / or the second cleaning tool 226B. The last cleaning time determined at operation 306 can also be the duration taken to clean the lens guard 200. Such a duration can be the interval of time for cleaning the membrane 222 (e.g., the number of seconds or minutes for cleaning the membrane 222), or the number of times the cleaning of the membrane 222 is completed within a set time interval. For example, the last cleaning time at operation 306 can be determined as the number of revolutions of the first cleaning tool 226A and / or the second cleaning tool 226B within a set duration.

[0062] Once the last cleaning time of the membrane 222 is determined at operation 306, the sensor system 106 can determine at operation 308 whether the last cleaning time exceeds a predefined or otherwise established threshold. For example, the threshold can be predefined as the number of times the cleaning operation of the membrane 222 (e.g., the rotation of the first cleaning tool 226A and / or the rotation of the second cleaning tool 226B) is completed within an established time interval.

[0063] If the threshold is exceeded at operation 308 (e.g., the number of times the cleaning operation of the membrane 222 is completed within a predetermined time interval exceeds the threshold number of cleaning operations), an alert can be issued to the user of the machine 100 and the sensor system 106 at operation 310. Such an alert at operation 310 can be provided to the user through the user interface of the machine 100 (e.g., a display screen), tactile feedback (e.g., vibration within the machine 100), auditory feedback (e.g., a beep or other noise), or a combination thereof, to alert the user of a performance issue with the sensor system 106. Once the user alert is provided at operation 310, the operation of the sensor system 106 and / or the operation of the machine 100 can continue at operation 324 until the user interacts to evaluate, repair, and / or replace the sensor 108 (e.g., replace the lens 212). Alternatively, once the user alert is provided at operation 310, the operation of the sensor system 106 and / or the operation of the machine 100 can stop until the user interacts to evaluate, repair, and / or replace the sensor (e.g., replace the lens 212).

[0064] If the last cleaning time threshold is not exceeded at operation 308, the cleaning of the membrane 222 can be completed at operation 312. For example, the first roller 224A and / or the second roller 224B can be directed (e.g., actuated) to complete a predetermined rotation about its axis of rotation (e.g., the axis of rotation 252A of the first roller 224A and the axis of rotation 252B of the second roller 224B) to direct the membrane 222 through the first cleaning tool 226A and / or the second cleaning tool 226B, thereby cleaning any debris and / or moisture on the membrane 222. Such cleaning at operation 312 can be based on any desired amount of rotation of the first roller 224A and / or the second roller 224B to appropriately clean the membrane 222 and ensure that the field of view 110 of the sensor 108 remains unobstructed. Once the cleaning of the membrane 222 is completed at operation 312, the operation of the sensor system 106 and / or the operation of the machine 100 can continue at operation 324, at which point the process 300 can be repeated. That is, operation 324 can be handled similarly to the initial startup operation at operation 302.

[0065] Return to operation 304. If the desired or threshold accuracy of the performance of the sensor system 106 is achieved (e.g., based on one or more parameters, the performance is determined to be higher than a predefined threshold), the sensor system 106 or the system of the machine 100 that communicates with the sensor system 106 can determine the current cleaning operation mode of the sensor system 106 at operation 314. That is, the user can select the desired cleaning operation mode for the lens protection device 220, for example, by input through the user interface of the machine 100, by input through a remote device (e.g., a connected mobile device such as a cell phone or a tablet), by other means of input, or a combination thereof.

[0066] The user may be able to select from various cleaning operation modes of the lens protection device 220. For example, the user can select the timeout operation mode of the lens protection device 220, which can establish the desired cleaning interval of the membrane 222. That is, the user can select the timeout operation mode so that the membrane 222 can be cleaned within a predefined time interval (i.e., a schedule). Alternatively, the user may be able to specify the desired time interval when selecting the timeout operation mode (e.g., through the interface of the machine 100).

[0067] In addition, the user may be able to select a turn-based operation mode to clean the film 222 of the lens guard 220. This mode may be configured to clean the film 222 of the lens guard 220 based on a predefined trigger. For example, the turn-based operation mode may be configured to clean the film 222 after each pass of the machine 100 during seeding or spraying existing plants. That is, the machine 100 may be configured to move in multiple rows across the field, where each traveled span across the field may be considered a pass. When the pass is completed, the machine 100 may shut down or otherwise move one or more components (e.g., tools) of the machine 100 until the next pass. As a result, the sensor system 106 may be configured to detect such a completed pass and automatically trigger the cleaning of the film 222. It should also be noted that any trigger or threshold may be established for the turn-based operation mode, which may initiate the cleaning of the film 222 based on the operating state of the machine 100. In another example, the film 222 may be cleaned on demand. That is, at any time during the operation of the sensor system 106, the user may perform a cleaning operation by selecting a command in a user interface associated with the sensor system 106 or the lens guard 220 or by other means available to control the lens guard 200. This command causes an actuation command to be transmitted to the first roller 224A and / or the second roller 224B. The actuation command may be received by the sensor system 106, which in turn causes operation 312 to be performed.

[0068] After checking the cleaning operation mode at operation 314, the sensor system 106 may first determine at operation 316 whether an overtime operation mode has been selected. If the sensor system 106 determines at operation 316 that the overtime operation mode has been selected, the sensor system 106 may start monitoring a predefined or established time interval for cleaning the film 222 at operation 318. That is, the sensor system 106 may monitor the time interval to determine when the sensor system 106 reaches an overtime point, at which point the cleaning of the film 222 may be initiated at operation 312 as described above. After cleaning the film 222 at operation 312, the operation of the sensor system 106 may continue at operation 324. If the overtime point has not been reached at operation 318, the process 300 continues to operation 324 or continues to actively monitor the time interval at operation 316 until the overtime point has been reached.

[0069] If it is determined at operation 316 that the timeout operation mode is not selected, the sensor system 106 can then determine at operation 320 that the user has selected a turn-based operation mode. If the turn-based operation mode has been selected, the sensor system 106 begins monitoring at operation 322 whether a implement (e.g., tool) of the machine 100 has been raised to indicate that a turn of the machine 100 is complete (e.g., passed), at which point the membrane 222 can be cleaned at operation 312. Once the cleaning is completed at operation 312, the sensor system 106 can continue its operation at operation 324. It should be noted that the raised implement determined at operation 322 is just one example of a trigger for the sensor system 106 in the turn-based operation mode, and any number of other triggers can be monitored at operation 320 to achieve a similar result. Additionally, if it is not determined at operation 322 that the implement has been raised, the sensor system 106 can continue to monitor the machine 100 and its operation until a trigger is established. Similarly, if the trigger has not been activated at operation 322, the sensor system 106 can continue its operation at operation 324.

[0070] Process 300 is just one example of a process for actively monitoring and using the lens guard 220 to clean the membrane 222. The lens guard 220 and the sensor system 106 can also be configured for a variety of other processes, which can include one or more of the operations described above, or can include additional operations. For example, as previously described, the lens guard 220 can be configured to manually activate the cleaning of the membrane 222 via a user input command through a user interface. Additionally, the cleaning of the membrane 222 can be activated based on the detection of environmental conditions or elements, such as high winds or rain. Thus, the cleaning of the lens guard 220 and the membrane 222 is not particularly limited to any specific operation mode or process, and can be applicable to a variety of machines and industries.

[0071] Although the present disclosure has been described in connection with certain embodiments, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. On the contrary, the present disclosure is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims, which scope should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as are permitted under the law.

[0072] Those skilled in the art will understand that the various embodiments of the present disclosure shown in the drawings constitute non-limiting examples, and additional components and features can be added to any of the embodiments discussed above without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, those skilled in the art will understand that, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the elements and features shown or described in connection with one embodiment can be combined with the elements and features of another embodiment to achieve any desired result, and other features and advantages of the subject matter of the present disclosure will be understood based on the provided description. Variations, combinations, and / or modifications of any of the embodiments and / or features of the embodiments described herein that are within the capabilities of those of ordinary skill in the art are also within the scope of the present disclosure, as are alternative embodiments resulting from the combination, integration, and / or omission of features in any of the disclosed embodiments.

[0073] The use of the word "optional" for any element of a claim means that the element can be included or omitted, and both alternatives are within the scope of the claim. In addition, the use of broader terms such as "comprising," "including," and "having" should be understood to support more narrow terms such as "consisting of," "consisting essentially of," and "substantially consisting of." Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the above description, but is defined by the appended claims and includes all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims.

[0074] In the foregoing description, reference may be made to the spatial relationships between various structures shown in the drawings and the spatial orientation of the structures. However, those skilled in the art will recognize, after a complete reading of the present disclosure, that the structures described herein can be positioned and oriented in any manner suitable for their intended purpose. Accordingly, the use of terms such as "above," "below," "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "left," "right," "upward," "downward," "inward," "outward," "horizontal," "vertical," etc. should be understood to describe the relative relationships between structures and / or the spatial orientation of the structures. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the use of these terms can be provided in the context of the illustrations provided in the (multiple) corresponding drawings.

[0075] In addition, terms such as "approximate," "generally," "substantially," etc. should be understood to allow variations of any numerical range or concept associated with them and include variations of about 25% (e.g., allowing manufacturing tolerances and / or design deviations). For example, the term "substantially parallel" should be understood to refer to a configuration in which the relevant components are oriented so as to define an angle equal to 180° ± 25% therebetween (e.g., an angle in the range of (about) 135° to (about) 225°). Accordingly, the term "substantially parallel" should be understood to mean including a configuration in which the relevant components are arranged in a parallel relationship.

[0076] Although terms such as "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used herein to describe various operations, elements, components, regions, and / or parts, these operations, elements, components, regions, and / or parts should not be limited by the use of these terms, as these terms are used to distinguish one operation, element, component, region, and / or part from another. Thus, unless otherwise explicitly stated, a first operation, element, component, region, and / or part may be referred to as a second operation, element, component, region, and / or part without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0077] Each claim is incorporated by reference as further disclosure in the specification and represents an embodiment of the present disclosure. Additionally, the phrases "at least one of A, B, and C" and "A and / or B and / or C" shall be construed to include only A, only B, only C, or any combination of A, B, and C, respectively.

Claims

1. A lens protection device (220) of a sensor system (106), comprising: a membrane (222), through which the sensor (108) is configured to capture an image within a field of view (110) of a lens (212) of the sensor (108); a cleaning tool (226A, 226B) configured to clean one or more surfaces of the membrane (222); as well as Rollers (224A, 224B) configured to move the film (222) relative to the lens (212) and guide the film (222) to clean the one or more surfaces of the film (222) using the cleaning tool (226A, 226B).

2. The lens protection device (220) according to claim 1, wherein: The film (222) includes an inner surface (246) and an opposite outer surface (248), the inner surface being configured to face the lens (212), the opposite outer surface being exposed to environmental elements; and wherein the cleaning tool (226A, 226B) is configured to clean the opposing outer surfaces (248) of the membrane (222).

3. The lens protection device (220) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The film (222) is at least partially wrapped around the rollers (224A, 224B), and the rollers (224A, 224B) are configured to wind and unwind the film (222) to move the film (222) relative to the lens (212).

4. The lens protection device (220) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: The rollers (224A, 224B) are connected to a drive system (234) configured to rotate the rollers (224B, 224A) to wind and unwind the film (222).

5. The lens protection device (220) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: The film (222) is configured to pass through a bezel (216) of the sensor (108) such that the film (222) is positioned between the bezel (216) and the lens (212).

6. The lens protection device (220) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The field of view (110) of the lens (212) is configured to extend through the membrane (222).

7. The lens protection device (220) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: During movement of the membrane (222), the distance between the membrane (222) and the lens (212) remains substantially constant.

8. The lens protection device (220) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The film (222) includes a first portion, the sensor (108) being configured to capture the image through the first portion, and a second portion connected to the first portion and located outside the field of view (110) of the lens (212); and wherein the rollers (224A, 224B) are configured to move the film (222) such that the first portion is directed past the cleaning tool (226A, 226B), and the second portion is moved such that the sensor (108) is configured to capture the image through the second portion.

9. The lens protection device (220) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The rollers (224A, 224B) are configured to translate the film (222) along a plane (225) located adjacent to and spaced apart from the lens (212).

10. The lens protection device (220) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: The cleaning tool (226A, 226B) is positioned between the lens (212) of the sensor (108) and the rollers (224A, 224B).

11. The lens protection device (220) according to claim 10, wherein: The cleaning tool (226A, 226B) is a cleaning roller, and the film (222) is configured to be guided along the roller to remove debris, or to remove moisture, or to remove both debris and moisture from the one or more surfaces of the film (222).

12. The lens protection device (220) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The cleaning tool (226A, 226B) is configured to rotate around a rotation axis (250A, 250B) of the cleaning tool (226A, 226B), and the roller (224A, 224B) is configured to rotate around a rotation axis (252A, 252B) of the roller (224A, 224B); and Wherein, the rotation axis (250A, 250B) of the cleaning tool (226A, 226B) is substantially parallel to the rotation axis (252A, 252B) of the roller (224A, 224B).

13. The lens protection device (220) according to claim 12, wherein: The direction (228) of movement of the film (222) is substantially perpendicular to at least one of the rotational axes (250A, 250B) of the cleaning tools (226A, 226B) and the rotational axes (252A, 262B) of the rollers (224A, 224B).

14. The lens protection device (220) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: The rollers (224A, 224B) are connected to a drive system (234) configured to rotate the rollers (224A, 224B) to move the film (222) relative to the lens (212).

15. A method for cleaning a membrane (222) of a lens guard (220) of a sensor system (106) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising: capturing the image within the field of view (110) of the lens (212) via the sensor (108) of the sensor system (106), wherein the sensor (108) is configured to capture the image within the field of view (110) through a first portion of the membrane (222); determining via the sensor system (106) whether the first portion of the membrane (222) requires cleaning; and In response to determining that the first portion of the membrane (222) requires cleaning, the membrane (222) is moved so that the first portion of the membrane (222) is cleaned by the cleaning tool (226A, 226B), and a second portion of the membrane (222) is moved so that the sensor (108) is configured to capture the image within the field of view (110) through the second portion of the membrane (222).

Images