Apparatus, system and method for cleaning a vehicle imaging device

Abstract

For example, an imaging device cleaning system may include a blower configured to provide an airflow to be applied onto a surface of an imaging device. For example, the imaging device cleaning system may include a sprayer configured to spray a liquid onto the surface of the imaging device. For example, the imaging device cleaning system may include a controller configured to control activation and deactivation of the blower and the sprinkler. For example, the controller may be configured to control activation of at least one of the blower or the sprinkler based, for example, on identification of a predefined occlusion scene in which at least a portion of a field of view of the imaging device is to be occluded by a substance on the surface.

Description

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 642,837, filed May 5, 2024, entitled “Apparatus, System, and Method for Cleaning Image Sensor Lenses for Vehicles,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Some vehicles may include a camera lens cleaning system that can be configured to clean dust, dirt, etc., from camera lenses.

[0004] A camera lens cleaning system may include a water sprayer that can be configured to spray water onto the camera lens. Attached Figure Description

[0005] For the sake of simplicity and clarity, the elements shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements may be exaggerated relative to others for clarity. Furthermore, reference numerals may be repeated in the figures to indicate corresponding or similar elements. The figures are listed below.

[0006] Figure 1 It is a schematic block diagram illustrating a vehicle that implements multiple imaging devices based on some illustrative aspects.

[0007] Figure 2 It is a schematic block diagram of an imaging equipment cleaning system based on some illustrative aspects.

[0008] Figure 3 It is a schematic state diagram illustrating a method for selectively activating one or more imaging device cleaners based on some illustrative aspects.

[0009] Figure 4 It is a diagram illustrating three states of lens occlusion based on some illustrative aspects.

[0010] Figure 5 This is an illustration of an imaging device cleaner installed on a vehicle, based on some illustrative aspects.

[0011] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of an imaging equipment cleaning system based on some illustrative aspects.

[0012] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of an imaging device cleaner based on some illustrative aspects.

[0013] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of an imaging equipment cleaner system based on some illustrative aspects.

[0014] Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram of a blower based on some illustrative aspects.

[0015] Figure 10A , Figure 10B , Figure 10C and Figure 10D It is a schematic diagram of the blower components based on some illustrative aspects.

[0016] Figure 10E This is an illustrative example based on some explanatory aspects. Figures 10A to 10D The cross-section of the blower assembly, and Figure 10F This is an illustrative example based on some explanatory aspects. Figures 10A to 10D External view of the housing of the blower assembly.

[0017] Figure 11A , Figure 11B , Figure 11C , Figure 11D and Figure 11E This is a schematic diagram illustrating specific implementations of blower output adapters with various installation configurations, based on some illustrative aspects.

[0018] Figure 12A , Figure 12B , Figure 12C and Figure 12D It is a schematic diagram of an air nozzle based on some illustrative aspects.

[0019] Figure 13A , Figure 13B and Figure 13C It is a schematic diagram of a nozzle assembly, including air nozzles and sprayer nozzles, based on some illustrative aspects.

[0020] Figure 14A , Figure 14B and Figure 14C It is a schematic diagram of an ultrasonic vibration component based on some illustrative aspects.

[0021] Figure 15 It is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for cleaning imaging equipment for vehicles based on some illustrative aspects.

[0022] Figure 16 It is a schematic diagram of the product manufactured based on some illustrative aspects. Detailed Implementation

[0023] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of some aspects. However, those skilled in the art will understand that some aspects can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, processes, components, units, and / or circuits have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring the discussion.

[0024] As used herein, the terms “multiple” and “various” include, for example, “multiple” or “two or more”. For example, “multiple items” includes two or more items.

[0025] This document uses the terms "exemplary" and "illustrative" to mean "serving as an example, instance, demonstration, or illustration." Any aspect or design described as "exemplary" or "illustrative" in this document should not be construed as superior to or advantageous to other aspects or designs.

[0026] The use of terms such as “an aspect,” “aspect,” “illustrative aspect,” and “various aspects” indicates that the aspects described may include specific features, structures, or characteristics, but not every aspect must include specific features, structures, or characteristics. Furthermore, repeated use of the phrase “in an aspect” does not necessarily refer to the same aspect, although they may be the same aspect.

[0027] As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the ordinal adjectives “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., used to describe common objects merely indicate different instances of the same object and are not intended to imply that the objects described in this way must be in a given sequence in time, space, hierarchy, or any other way.

[0028] The phrases “at least one” and “one or more” can be understood to include numerical values ​​greater than or equal to one, such as one, two, three, four, [...], etc. The phrase “at least one of…” relating to a group of elements can be used herein to mean at least one element in a group consisting of these elements. For example, the phrase “at least one of…” relating to a group of elements can be used herein to mean one element among the listed elements, multiple elements among the listed elements, multiple separately listed elements, or multiple elements among multiple separately listed elements.

[0029] As used herein, the term "data" can be understood to include information in any suitable analog or digital form, such as as a file, a portion of a file, a collection of files, a signal or stream, a portion of a signal or stream, a collection of signals or streams, etc. Furthermore, the term "data" can also be used to indicate a reference to information, such as in the form of a pointer. However, the term "data" is not limited to the examples above and can take various forms and / or represent any information understood in the art.

[0030] The terms "processor" or "controller" can be understood to include any kind of technical entity that allows processing of any suitable type of data and / or information. Data and / or information can be processed according to one or more specific functions performed by the processor or controller. Furthermore, a processor or controller can be understood as any kind of circuit, such as any kind of analog or digital circuit. Therefore, a processor or controller can be or may include analog circuits, digital circuits, mixed-signal circuits, logic circuits, processors, microprocessors, central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), integrated circuits, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc., or any combination thereof. Any other specific implementation of the corresponding functions, which will be described in further detail below, can also be understood as a processor, controller, or logic circuit. It should be understood that any two (or more) processors, controllers, or logic circuits detailed herein can be implemented as a single entity with equivalent functionality, and conversely, any single processor, controller, or logic circuit detailed herein can be implemented as two (or more) separate entities with equivalent functionality.

[0031] The term "memory" is understood to refer to a computer-readable medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium) that can store data or information for retrieval. Therefore, reference to "memory" can be understood to mean volatile or non-volatile memory, including random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state storage devices, magnetic tape, hard disk drives, optical drives, etc., or any combination thereof. Registers, shift registers, processor registers, data buffers, etc., are also included in the term memory. The term "software" can be used to refer to any type of executable instructions and / or logic, including firmware.

[0032] "Vehicle" can be understood to include any type of driven object. For example, a vehicle can be a driven object having an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, a reaction engine, an electrically driven object, a hybrid driven object, or a combination thereof. Vehicles can be or may include automobiles, buses, minibuses, vans, trucks, motorhomes, vehicle trailers, motorcycles, bicycles, tricycles, locomotives, freight cars, mobile robots, personal transport vehicles, boats, ships, submarines, submersibles, unmanned aerial vehicles, airplanes, rockets, etc.

[0033] "Ground transport" can be understood to include any type of transport that is configured to travel on the ground (e.g., on streets, roads, tracks, one or more railway tracks, off-road, etc.).

[0034] "Autonomous vehicle" can describe a vehicle capable of making at least one navigation change without driver input. Navigation change can describe or include changes to one or more of the vehicle's steering, braking, acceleration / deceleration, or any other movement-related actions. Even when the vehicle is not fully autonomous, for example, with or without a driver, it can be described as autonomous. An autonomous vehicle can include those that can operate under driver control during certain time periods and without driver control during other time periods. Additionally or alternatively, an autonomous vehicle can include a vehicle that controls only some aspects of its navigation (such as steering, e.g., to maintain the vehicle's route between lane constraints) or some steering actions in certain situations (e.g., not all situations), but leaves other aspects to the driver (e.g., braking or braking in certain situations). Additionally or alternatively, an autonomous vehicle can include a vehicle that shares control of one or more aspects of its navigation in certain situations, such as manually operating in response to driver input; and / or a vehicle that controls one or more aspects of its navigation in certain situations. For example, autonomous vehicles may operate independently of driver input without interference. Additionally or alternatively, autonomous vehicles may include vehicles that control one or more aspects of vehicle navigation under certain conditions (such as certain environmental conditions, such as spatial areas, road conditions, etc.). In some aspects, autonomous vehicles may handle some or all aspects of the vehicle's braking, speed control, rate control, steering, and / or any other additional operations. Autonomous vehicles may include those vehicles that can operate without a driver. The level of autonomy of a vehicle may be described or determined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) vehicle levels, for example, defined by SAE in, for example, SAE J3016 2018: Classification and Definition of Terms Related to Driving Automation Systems for Road Motor Vehicles, or by other relevant professional organizations. SAE levels may have values ​​ranging from the lowest level (e.g., Level 0 (illustratively, substantially no driving automation)) to the highest level (e.g., Level 5 (illustratively, fully driving automation)).

[0035] "Assisted vehicle" can describe a vehicle that is able to notify the driver or passengers of the sensed data or information derived therefrom.

[0036] The phrase "vehicle operation data" can be understood as describing any type of characteristic related to vehicle operation. For example, "vehicle operation data" may describe the condition of a vehicle, such as the type of vehicle tires, the type of vehicle, and / or the year of manufacture of the vehicle. More generally, "vehicle operation data" may describe or include static characteristics or static vehicle operation data (illustratively, characteristics or data that do not change over time). As another example, additionally or alternatively, "vehicle operation data" may describe or include characteristics that change during vehicle operation, such as environmental conditions, such as weather or road conditions during vehicle operation, fuel level, fluid level, operating parameters of the vehicle's drive source, etc. More generally, "vehicle operation data" may describe or include changing characteristics or changing vehicle operation data (illustratively, time-varying characteristics or data).

[0037] Some aspects can be used in conjunction with a variety of devices and systems, such as imaging devices, digital camera devices, video devices, camera modules, vehicle imaging devices, medical imaging devices, electronic devices, computing devices, integrated computing devices, integrated chips, electronic circuit systems, processing devices, electronic devices, mobile computers, laptop computers, notebook computers, tablet computers, handheld computers, handheld devices, mobile or portable devices, consumer devices, smartphones, etc.

[0038] In some aspects, it can be used in conjunction with image processing systems, vehicle image processing systems, image capture systems, vehicle image capture systems, image-based sensors, vehicle image-based sensors, autonomous systems, robotic systems, detection systems, etc.

[0039] As used herein, the term "circuit system" can refer to, or include, a component of, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an integrated circuit, an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or grouped) and / or memory (shared, dedicated, or grouped), combinational logic circuitry, and / or other suitable hardware components that provide said functionality, executing one or more software or firmware programs. In some aspects, some functions associated with the circuit system may be implemented by one or more software or firmware modules. In some aspects, the circuit system may include logic that can operate at least partially in hardware.

[0040] The term "logic" can refer to, for example, computational logic embedded in the circuitry of a computing device and / or stored in the memory of the computing device. For example, this logic can be accessed by a processor of the computing device to perform computational functions and / or operations. In one example, the logic can be embedded in various types of memory and / or firmware (e.g., silicon blocks of various chips and / or processors). Logic can be included in and / or implemented as part of various circuitry systems, such as radio circuitry systems, receiver circuitry systems, control circuitry systems, transmitter circuitry systems, transceiver circuitry systems, processor circuitry systems, etc. In one example, the logic can be embedded in volatile and / or non-volatile memory, including random access memory, read-only memory, programmable memory, magnetic memory, flash memory, permanent memory, etc. The logic can be executed by one or more processors using memory (e.g., registers, buffers, stacks, etc.) coupled to those processors, for example, as necessary for executing the logic.

[0041] Now for reference Figure 1 , Figure 1 A block diagram of a vehicle 100 is schematically illustrated, which includes a plurality of imaging devices 101, according to some illustrative aspects of an implementation of an image-based control system 103.

[0042] In some illustrative aspects, the image-based control system 103 may include a plurality of imaging devices 101, such as Figure 1 As shown. In other aspects, the image-based control system 103 may include a single imaging device 101.

[0043] In some illustrative aspects, the vehicle 100 may include automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, buses, trains, air vehicles, water vehicles, handcarts, golf carts, electric handcarts, road agents, or any other means of transport.

[0044] In some illustrative aspects, the image-based control system 103 may be implemented as part of a vehicle system (e.g., a system to be implemented and / or installed in vehicle 100).

[0045] In one example, the image-based control system 103 may be implemented as part of an autonomous vehicle system, an automatic driving system, an assisted vehicle system, a driver assistance and / or support system, etc.

[0046] For example, an image-based control system 103 may be installed in a vehicle 100 to detect nearby objects, for example, for autonomous driving.

[0047] In some illustrative aspects, the image-based control system 103 may be configured to, for example, use images (e.g., as described below) to detect targets near (e.g., at a distance and / or close range) the vehicle 100.

[0048] In some illustrative aspects, the image-based control system 103 may include a plurality of imaging devices 101, which may be configured to cover a 360-degree field of view around the vehicle 100.

[0049] In other respects, the image-based control system 103 may include any other suitable number, arrangement and / or configuration of imaging devices and / or units, which may be adapted to cover any other field of view, such as a field of view less than 360 degrees.

[0050] In some illustrative aspects, the image-based control system 103 may be implemented as a component of a set of sensors for driver assistance and / or autonomous vehicles.

[0051] In some illustrative aspects, the image-based control system 103 may be configured to support the use of autonomous vehicles, as described below.

[0052] In one example, the image-based control system 103 can determine category, location, distance, range, direction, speed, intent, perception and understanding of the environment, and / or any other information corresponding to objects in the environment.

[0053] In another example, the image-based control system 103 may be configured to determine one or more parameters and / or information for one or more operations and / or tasks (e.g., path planning and / or any other task).

[0054] In some illustrative aspects, the image-based control system 103 may be configured to map a scene by measuring the reflectivity of a target and, for example, primarily in terms of distance, velocity, azimuth, and / or elevation, as described below.

[0055] In some illustrative aspects, the image-based control system 103 may be configured to detect and / or sense one or more objects located in the vicinity of the vehicle 100 (e.g., near distance and / or near proximity), and provide one or more parameters, attributes, and / or information about the objects.

[0056] In some illustrative aspects, objects may include road users, such as other vehicles, pedestrians; road objects and markings, such as traffic signs, traffic lights, lane markings, road markings, road elements (e.g., pavement-road junctions, road edges, road contours, road roughness (or smoothness)); general objects, such as hazardous materials, such as tires, boxes, pavement cracks; and / or similar objects.

[0057] In some descriptive aspects, one or more parameters, properties and / or information about an object may include the distance of the object from the vehicle 100, the angle of the object relative to the vehicle 100, the position of the object relative to the vehicle 100, the relative speed of the object relative to the vehicle 100, etc.

[0058] In some illustrative aspects, the imaging device 101 may include a camera, an image-based detection device, an image-based sensing device, etc., which may be configured to capture one or more images, as described below.

[0059] In one example, the imaging device 101 may be mounted, placed (e.g., directly placed) onto or attached to the vehicle 100.

[0060] In some illustrative aspects, the image-based control system 103 may include at least one processor 104, which may be configured to generate image-based sensor information, for example, based on information corresponding to images captured from one or more imaging devices in the imaging device 101.

[0061] In some illustrative aspects, the processor 104 may be configured to process image-based sensor information of one or more imaging devices 101 and / or control one or more operations of the imaging device 101.

[0062] In some illustrative aspects, processor 104 may include circuitry and / or logic (e.g., one or more processors including circuitry and / or logic, memory circuitry and / or logic), or may be implemented in part or in whole by circuitry and / or logic. Additionally or alternatively, one or more functionalities of processor 104 may be implemented by logic that may be executed by a machine and / or one or more processors, as described below.

[0063] In one example, processor 104 may include at least one memory, for example, coupled to one or more processors, which may be configured to, for example, temporarily store at least some information processed by one or more processors and / or circuitry, and / or the at least one memory may be configured to store logic to be utilized by the processors and / or circuitry.

[0064] In other respects, the processor 104 may be implemented by one or more additional or alternative elements of the vehicle 100.

[0065] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 1 As shown, the imaging device 101 may be controlled, for example, by the processor 104, to capture one or more images of the object 106.

[0066] In some illustrative aspects, processor 104 may process one or more images to generate sensor information, for example, by calculating information about the position, radial velocity, and / or orientation of object 106 (e.g., relative to vehicle 100).

[0067] In some illustrative aspects, processor 104 may be configured to provide sensor information to vehicle controller 108 of vehicle 100, for example for autonomous driving of vehicle 100.

[0068] In some illustrative aspects, at least a portion of the functionality of processor 104 may be implemented as part of vehicle controller 108. In other aspects, the functionality of processor 104 may be implemented as part of image-based control system 103 and / or any other element of vehicle 100.

[0069] In some illustrative aspects, the vehicle controller 108 may be configured to control one or more functions, operating modes, components, devices, systems and / or elements of the vehicle 100.

[0070] In some illustrative aspects, the vehicle controller 108 may be configured to control one or more vehicle systems of the vehicle 100, as described below.

[0071] In some illustrative aspects, the vehicle system may include, for example, a user interface, a steering system, a braking system, a drive system, and / or any other system of the vehicle 100.

[0072] In some illustrative aspects, the vehicle controller 108 may be configured to control the image-based control system 103 and / or process one or more parameters, attributes, and / or information from the image-based control system 103.

[0073] In some illustrative aspects, the vehicle controller 108 may be configured to control the vehicle system of the vehicle 100, for example, based on image information from the image-based control system 103 and / or one or more other sensors of the vehicle 100 (e.g., radar sensors, light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensors, etc.).

[0074] In one example, the vehicle controller 108 may control the user interface, steering system, braking system, and / or any other vehicle system of the vehicle 100, for example, based on information from the image-based control system 103 (e.g., based on one or more objects detected by the image-based control system 103).

[0075] In other respects, the vehicle controller 108 may be configured to control any other additional or alternative functionality of the vehicle 100.

[0076] In some illustrative aspects, such as in some specific implementations, scenarios and / or uses, the lens and / or the surface covering the lens of the imaging device 101 (e.g., the lens protective surface or the lens radome) may be exposed to the environmental conditions of the vehicle 100's environment.

[0077] For example, the lenses and / or surfaces covering the lenses of imaging device 101 may be contaminated with foreign matter (e.g., dust, dirt, rain, snow, ice, insects, etc.). It should be understood that similar contamination may occur when any other additional or alternative surfaces along the optical path of imaging device 101 are contaminated. In one example, contamination may occur relative to the windshield of a vehicle, such as when the camera is mounted inside and behind the windshield. In this context, the term "lens" is sometimes used herein as an example of any surface along the optical path of imaging device 101 that may have been contaminated in a way that affects the ability of imaging device 101 to provide an accurate (e.g., according to some criteria) representation of the scene within at least a portion of the field of view of imaging device 101.

[0078] For example, the field of view of imaging device 101 may be obstructed by liquid droplets (e.g., rain) and / or solid particles (e.g., mud or dust) on the lens of imaging device 101 and / or the surface covering the lens.

[0079] In some illustrative aspects, the vehicle 100 and / or the image-based control system 103 may include an imaging device cleaning system that can be configured to clean the lens of the imaging device 101 and / or cover the surface of the lens, as described below.

[0080] This document describes some illustrative aspects of an imaging device cleaning system that can be configured to clean the lenses of an imaging device, as described below. In other aspects, the imaging device cleaning system can be configured to clean any other additional or alternative surfaces of the imaging device and / or surfaces positioned in the optical path of the imaging device, such as surfaces that partially or completely cover the lenses of the imaging device, such as protective surfaces, radomes, etc., as described below. Therefore, some aspects described regarding cleaning the lenses of an imaging device can be interpreted as relating to cleaning the lens surfaces of the imaging device and / or cleaning the surfaces of the imaging device (e.g., protective surfaces of the imaging device, such as radomes, etc.).

[0081] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 An imaging device cleaning system 200 is illustrated schematically based on some illustrative aspects.

[0082] In some illustrative aspects, means of transport 100 ( Figure 1 ) and / or image-based control system 103 Figure 1 It can be configured to implement one or more (e.g., some or all) components of the imaging device cleaning system 200, and / or perform one or more (e.g., some or all) functionalities of the imaging device cleaning system 200.

[0083] In some illustrative aspects, the imaging device cleaning system 200 may be configured to provide a technical solution for removing foreign matter that may obstruct the field of view of one or more imaging devices 201, for example, to support the normal functioning and / or performance of the imaging device 201, as described below. For example, the imaging device 201 may include imaging device 101 ( Figure 1 One or more imaging devices in ).

[0084] In some illustrative aspects, the imaging device cleaning system 200 may include a controller 202 configured to control one or more imaging device cleaners 210 to clean one or more surfaces 220, such as one or more lenses and / or one or more other surfaces in the field of view of the imaging device 201, such as lens protection surfaces, lens radomes, etc.

[0085] In some illustrative aspects, controller 202 may include circuitry and / or logic (e.g., one or more processors including circuitry and / or logic, memory circuitry and / or logic), or may be implemented in part or in whole by circuitry and / or logic. Additionally or alternatively, one or more functionalities of controller 202 may be implemented by logic, which may be executed by a machine and / or one or more processors, as described below.

[0086] In one example, controller 202 may include at least one memory, for example, coupled to one or more processors, which may be configured to, for example, at least temporarily store at least some information processed by one or more processors and / or circuitry, and / or the at least one memory may be configured to store logic that will be utilized by the processors and / or circuitry.

[0087] In some illustrative aspects, the controller 202 may be implemented as an electronic control unit (ECU) and / or an electronic control module (ECM) or may be implemented as part of an electronic control unit (ECU) and / or an electronic control module (ECM).

[0088] In some illustrative aspects, one or more functionalities of the controller 202 may be provided by the processor 104. Figure 1 To achieve this.

[0089] In some illustrative aspects, one or more functionalities of controller 202 may be provided by vehicle controller 108. Figure 1 To achieve this.

[0090] In other respects, the controller 202 may be controlled by the vehicle 100 ( Figure 1 It can be implemented by one or more additional or alternative components.

[0091] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 2 As shown, the imaging device cleaning system 200 may include a plurality of imaging device cleaners 210 to clean a plurality of surfaces 220 of a plurality of imaging devices 201. For example, the imaging device cleaner 210 may be implemented to clean a single corresponding surface 220 of, for example, a single imaging device 201.

[0092] In other respects, the imaging device cleaner 210 may be implemented to clean, for example, two or more surfaces 220 of two or more imaging devices 201.

[0093] In some illustrative aspects, controller 202 may be configured to control multiple imaging device cleaners 210, for example... Figure 2 As shown. In other aspects, controller 202 may be configured to control a single imaging device cleaner 210, and / or two or more different imaging device cleaners 210 may be controlled by two or more controllers 202. For example, in the case of implementing multiple controllers, a single controller may be operablely associated (and connected using the necessary interfaces) to one or more other controllers, such that the operation of one controller can affect the operation of another controller.

[0094] In some illustrative aspects, controller 202 may be configured to identify, for example, an occlusion scenario (use case) corresponding to surface 220 based on image information captured by image sensor 221 via surface 220, as described below. The term "occlusion," as used herein, does not necessarily mean complete occlusion of the relevant electromagnetic radiation reaching the corresponding sensor. For example, in some specific implementations, use cases, and / or scenarios, "occlusion" may refer to any substance that interferes with electromagnetic radiation in a predefined manner (e.g., in a manner that may affect (e.g., significantly affect) the detection and / or identification of objects in an environment reflecting electromagnetic radiation). For example, a water droplet on a lens (top cover) may not completely block electromagnetic radiation from reaching the camera sensor, but some radiation may be blocked and / or refracted, making robust detection of one or more objects in a vehicle environment more difficult or impossible, and in this context, such a water droplet may be considered an "occluder." For example, an operating domain specification may be used to define what can be considered an "acceptable" occlusion effect and / or which effects exceed the acceptable range and need to be identified and addressed by controller 202. For example, the operational domain specification can specify that vehicles in the host vehicle's lane need to be detected at least a certain distance in front of the vehicle (or a corresponding metric, such as the shortest collision time assuming a worst-case scenario), and given various operational parameters of the imaging device 201, ADAS or AV system, and the host vehicle (and possibly assumptions about the target vehicle), “acceptable” and “unacceptable” occlusion specifications can be derived.

[0095] In some illustrative aspects, the occlusion scenario corresponding to surface 220 may represent one or more characteristics of the occlusion state of surface 220, as described below.

[0096] In some illustrative aspects, the occlusion condition corresponding to surface 220 may indicate the occlusion level of surface 220, as described below.

[0097] In one example, the first occlusion level scenario may include an unoccluded (also referred to as "clean") scenario, in which the surface is substantially unoccluded, for example, surface 220 may be unoccluded beyond a predefined unoccluded level, which may represent a level at which surface 220 can be considered unoccluded and / or clean.

[0098] In another example, the second occlusion level scenario may include a partial occlusion scenario in which surface 220 may have occlusion up to a certain predefined level.

[0099] In another example, the third occlusion level scenario may include a complete occlusion scenario, in which the occlusion of surface 220 may be higher than a predefined level, such as at which surface 220 may be considered completely occluded.

[0100] In another example, the estimated occlusion location on the corresponding surface can be estimated.

[0101] In other aspects, any other additional or alternative occlusion levels can be defined.

[0102] In some illustrative aspects, the occlusion scenario corresponding to surface 220 may represent a class of foreign substances that cause occlusion of surface 220, as described below.

[0103] In one example, the first occlusion scenario may include a liquid occlusion scenario, in which occlusion may be caused by a liquid substance (e.g., water).

[0104] In one example, the first occlusion scene may include a solid occlusion scene, in which occlusion may be caused by solid matter (e.g., dust, dirt, ice, bird droppings, insects, etc.).

[0105] In other aspects, any other additional or alternative occlusion scenarios can be defined.

[0106] In other respects, any additional or alternative types of occlusion scenarios can be defined, for example, based on any other additional or alternative characteristics of the occlusion.

[0107] In some illustrative aspects, the controller 202 may be configured to control the activation of the imaging device cleaner 210, for example, based on one or more identified occlusion scenarios corresponding to one or more surfaces 220, as described below.

[0108] In some illustrative aspects, controller 202 may be configured to control the activation of imaging device cleaner 210, for example, based on one or more identified characteristics and / or parameters related to the identified occlusion characteristics, as described below.

[0109] In some illustrative aspects, controller 202 may be configured to control selective activation of imaging device cleaner 210, for example, based on each surface or each imaging device, as described below.

[0110] For example, controller 202 may be configured to control the activation of first imaging device cleaner 210 to clean the first surface 220 of first imaging device 201, for example, based on determining a first occlusion scenario of the first surface 220 (e.g., based on determining that the first occlusion scenario may require cleaning of the first surface 220).

[0111] For example, controller 202 may be configured to, for example, select not to activate second imaging device cleaner 210 to clean the second surface 220 of second imaging device 201 based on determining a second occlusion scenario of second surface 220 (e.g., determining that the second occlusion scenario may not require cleaning of second surface 220).

[0112] In some illustrative aspects, controller 202 may be configured to control the selective activation of imaging device cleaner 210, for example, based on each group (e.g., by selectively activating one or more groups of imaging device cleaners 210), as described below.

[0113] For example, controller 202 may be configured to selectively activate a set of imaging device cleaners 210 to clean the set of surfaces 220, for example, based on determining an occlusion scenario of at least one of the sets of surfaces 220 (e.g., based on determining that the occlusion scenario may require cleaning of the set of surfaces 220).

[0114] In some illustrative aspects, controller 202 may be configured to control the collective activation of multiple imaging device cleaners 210, as described below.

[0115] In other respects, controller 202 can be configured to control the activation of multiple imaging device cleaners 210 according to any other activation scheme.

[0116] In some illustrative aspects, controller 202 may be configured to control the selective activation of imaging device cleaner 210, as described below.

[0117] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 A method for selectively activating one or more imaging device cleaners is illustrated schematically based on some illustrative aspects. For example, controller 202 ( Figure 2 ) can be configured to execute Figure 3 One or more operations of the method to control the imaging device cleaner 210 ( Figure 2 Selective activation of ).

[0118] In some illustrative aspects, as indicated by box 302, the method may include identifying occlusion scenarios. For example, controller 202 ( Figure 2 It can be configured to recognize occluded scenes, as described below.

[0119] In some illustrative aspects, as indicated by box 304, the method may include determining that the identified occluded scene does not require cleaning the surfaces of the imaging device. For example, controller 202 ( Figure 2 ) can be configured to determine, for example, that surface 220 does not need to be cleaned based on the identified occlusion scenario. Figure 2 ), for example, as described below.

[0120] In some illustrative aspects, as indicated by box 306, the method may include, for example, selecting not to activate the imaging device cleaner based on determining that the identified occlusion scene does not require cleaning the surface of the imaging device. For example, controller 202 ( Figure 2 ) can be configured, for example, based on determining that the identified occluded scene does not require cleaning of surface 220 ( Figure 2 Instead, select not to activate the imaging device cleaner 210. Figure 2 ), for example, as described below.

[0121] In some illustrative aspects, as indicated by box 308, the method may include determining that the identified occluded scene requires cleaning of the surfaces of the imaging device. For example, controller 202 ( Figure 2 ) can be configured to, for example, determine the surface 220 that needs cleaning based on the identified occlusion scene. Figure 2 ), for example, as described below.

[0122] In some illustrative aspects, as indicated by box 310, the method may include identifying one or more attributes of the identified occluded scene. For example, controller 202 ( Figure 2 It can be configured to determine one or more attributes of the identified occluded scene, such as occlusion type, location, etc., as described below.

[0123] In some illustrative aspects, as indicated by box 312, the method may include, for example, activating at least one imaging device cleaner based on one or more attributes of the identified occlusion scene. For example, controller 202 ( Figure 2 It can be configured, for example, based on one or more attributes of the identified occluded scene (the identified occluded scene requires cleaning surface 220). Figure 2 To activate at least one imaging device cleaner 210 Figure 2 ), for example, as described below.

[0124] Return to reference Figure 2 In some illustrative aspects, controller 202 may be configured to control the activation of imaging device cleaner 210, for example, according to a control scheme that may be defined according to a number of usage scenarios, such as those described below.

[0125] In some illustrative aspects, configuring control schemes for multiple use cases can provide technical solutions to tailor surface cleaning, for example, based on each use case (e.g., based on specific requirements regarding surface occlusion, which may be based on the specific characteristics of the use case), as described below.

[0126] In some illustrative aspects, configuring control schemes according to multiple usage scenarios can provide technical solutions for surface cleaning in an efficient manner (e.g., while making efficient use of system resources, such as electricity), as described below.

[0127] For example, after studying and investigating a large number of usage scenarios, the inventors found that different usage scenarios may lead to different occlusion probabilities, different occlusion definitions, different cleaning requirements and / or any other characteristics, which may affect the cleaning mechanism.

[0128] In some illustrative aspects, usage can be defined based on the type of road on which the vehicle travels.

[0129] In one example, the first use case can be defined relative to a highway, for example, on a highway, the likelihood of surface obstruction due to mud or dust may be relatively low.

[0130] In another example, the second use case can be defined relative to a dirt road, where the likelihood of surface obstruction due to mud or dust may be relatively high.

[0131] In some illustrative aspects, usage can be defined based on the speed of the vehicle.

[0132] In one example, the first use case can be defined relative to high speed, such as above a predefined high speed threshold.

[0133] In another example, the second use case can be defined relative to low speed, such as below a predefined low speed threshold.

[0134] In some illustrative aspects, usage can be defined based on weather conditions.

[0135] In one example, the first use case can be defined relative to dry weather, such as in dry weather where the likelihood of surface obstruction due to rain and / or mud may be very low.

[0136] In another example, the second use case can be defined relative to rainy weather, for example, in rainy weather, the likelihood of surface obstruction due to rain and / or mud may be very high.

[0137] In some illustrative aspects, usage can be defined based on ambient temperature.

[0138] In one example, the first use case can be defined relative to low temperatures, for example, at low temperatures, the likelihood of surface obstruction due to ice may be high.

[0139] In another example, the second use case can be defined relative to high temperatures, for example, at high temperatures, the likelihood of surface obstruction due to ice may be low.

[0140] For example, a primary use case could include driving on paved roads at speeds of 0 to 100 km / h (kph) in hot, dry weather.

[0141] For example, a second use case could include driving on paved roads at speeds of 0 to 100 km / h in cold, rainy weather.

[0142] For example, a third use case could include driving on a dirt road at speeds between 0 and 50 kph on a cold, dry day.

[0143] For example, a fourth use case could include driving on a dirt road at a speed between 0 and 50 kph in hot, rainy weather.

[0144] In some illustrative aspects, usage can be defined based on the type of foreign substance present on the contaminated surface 220.

[0145] For example, foreign matter may include solid dirt, water droplets, spray from roads and / or other vehicles, such as water, mud, oil, salt and / or any other substance.

[0146] In other respects, any other additional or alternative use cases may be defined.

[0147] In some illustrative aspects, the imaging equipment cleaning system 200 may be configured to provide a technical solution that may be adaptable and / or reconfigurable, for example, based on one or more use cases and / or changes and / or redefinitions of requirements corresponding to those use cases.

[0148] In some illustrative aspects, controller 202 may be configured to control the activation of imaging device cleaner 210, for example, according to the definition of one or more types of occlusion, as described below.

[0149] For example, based on research and investigation of a large number of uses, the inventors have found that, for example in some specific implementations, it may be necessary to remove solid material (e.g., water droplets or dust) from one or more locations on surface 220 (e.g., from virtually any location), which may have a diameter as low as about 200 micrometers (µm), for example regardless of the location on surface 220.

[0150] For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, even a relatively small number of water droplets can cause image quality degradation, for example, in the case of glare from sources such as car headlights, streetlights, tunnel lights, etc.

[0151] In some illustrative aspects, controller 202 may be configured to control the activation of imaging device cleaner 210, for example, based on the definition of surface obstruction (including any foreign matter, such as water droplets or solid contaminants with a diameter equal to or greater than a predefined threshold).

[0152] In some illustrative aspects, any foreign matter with a diameter equal to or greater than 200 μm (e.g., water droplets or solid dirt) can be defined as a foreign matter that should be removed.

[0153] In other respects, any other occlusion threshold can be achieved.

[0154] In some illustrative aspects, controller 202 may be configured to control the activation of imaging device cleaner 210, for example, based on a definition of the type of water droplet causing the obstruction.

[0155] In one example, the first type of water droplets could include raindrops.

[0156] In another example, the second type of water droplets could include water sprayed from a road.

[0157] In another example, the third type of water droplets may include splashing water droplets.

[0158] In other respects, any other type of water droplet can be defined.

[0159] In some illustrative aspects, controller 202 may be configured to control the activation of imaging device cleaner 210, for example, based on the definition of solid contaminants causing obstruction.

[0160] In one example, the first type of solid contaminant may include dust.

[0161] In another example, the second type of solid waste may include soil.

[0162] In another example, the third type of solid waste may include insects.

[0163] In another example, the fourth type of solid waste may include bird droppings.

[0164] In another example, the fifth type of solid waste may include salt.

[0165] In another example, the sixth type of solid waste may include oil.

[0166] In other respects, any other type of solid waste may be defined.

[0167] In some illustrative aspects, the imaging device cleaning system 200 may be configured to implement one or more components and / or functionalities that may be configured to provide, for example, a technical solution for removing obstructions from the surface 220 by changing the state of the surface 220 from dirty / obstructed to clean, to support continued operation of the imaging device with appropriate performance, as described below.

[0168] In some illustrative aspects, the imaging device cleaning system 200 may be configured to implement one or more components and / or functionalities that may be configured to provide a technical solution that can be implemented using automotive-grade technologies, such as those described below.

[0169] In some illustrative aspects, the imaging device cleaning system 200 may be configured to implement one or more components and / or functions that may be configured to provide a technical solution for relatively quiet operation, for example at or below a predefined noise level, such as at a noise level of about 50 dB or lower.

[0170] In some illustrative aspects, the imaging device cleaning system 200 may be configured to implement one or more components and / or functionalities that may be configured to provide a technical solution with relatively low power consumption, as described below.

[0171] In some illustrative aspects, the imaging device cleaning system 200 may be configured to implement one or more components and / or functionalities that may be configured to provide a technical solution with relatively low weight and / or size, as described below, for example.

[0172] In some illustrative aspects, the imaging device cleaning system 200 may be configured to implement one or more components and / or functionalities that may be configured to provide technical solutions to support individual, controlled and / or selective cleaning of surfaces 220 (e.g., each surface 220), as described below.

[0173] In some illustrative aspects, the imaging device cleaning system 200 may be configured to implement one or more components and / or functionalities that are configured to provide a technical solution to support substantially simultaneous cleaning of a set of two or more surfaces 220, as described below. In some examples, this simultaneous cleaning may be controlled in a manner that maintains the overall noise level below a predetermined threshold. In one example, the noise level may be determined from the typical position of the driver or user (e.g., in the case of an autonomous vehicle (AV)) or from the driver's ear inside the vehicle (e.g., a particular vehicle or some representative models of vehicles). In another example, the noise level may be determined from the typical position of any occupant of the vehicle, or, in the case of an AV, from the user's ear. In other aspects, a microphone or microphone array, for example, within the host vehicle, may be used to measure the noise level.

[0174] In some illustrative aspects, the imaging device cleaning system 200 may be configured to implement one or more components and / or functionalities that may be configured to provide a technical solution to support cleaning of substantially all surfaces 220 simultaneously, as described below.

[0175] In some illustrative aspects, the imaging equipment cleaning system 200 may be configured to implement one or more components and / or functions that may be configured to provide, for example, a technical solution that makes full use of passive and / or long-lasting components.

[0176] In some illustrative aspects, the imaging equipment cleaning system 200 may be configured to implement one or more components and / or functionalities that may be configured to provide a technical solution with simple and / or inexpensive assembly / disassembly, as described below.

[0177] In some illustrative aspects, the imaging equipment cleaning system 200 may be configured to implement one or more components and / or functions that may be configured to provide a technical solution with simple and / or low-cost maintenance, as described below.

[0178] In some illustrative aspects, the imaging equipment cleaning system 200 may be configured to implement one or more components and / or functionalities that may be configured to provide a technical solution with a relatively long operating life (e.g., at least one year, at least two years, and / or any other time period), as described below.

[0179] For example, it can support a working life of about 1200 to 1500 hours, assuming, for example, working 6 to 8 hours per day during the three winter months, about 3 to 4 hours per day during the six spring / autumn months, and 0.5 hours per day during the three summer months.

[0180] In some illustrative aspects, the imaging device cleaning system 200 may be configured to implement one or more components and / or functionalities that may be configured to provide a technical solution supporting single-mode and / or continuous-mode operation, as described below.

[0181] In some illustrative aspects, the imaging device cleaning system 200 may be configured to implement one or more components and / or functionalities that may be configured to provide technical solutions for addressing technical problems and / or technical defects of one or more other types of systems, as described below.

[0182] For example, a cleaning system based on water sprayers and compressed air from an air compressor may not be suitable for implementation in many vehicles. For example, the air compressor may be very noisy and may have very high power consumption. For example, an air compressor-based cleaning system may require complex installation and maintenance procedures. For example, an air compressor-based cleaning system may be relatively large, for example, due to the size of the compressor. For example, an air compressor-based cleaning system may not provide sufficient control over the pressure of the exhaust air. For example, an air compressor-based cleaning system may not support automotive-grade cleaning requirements.

[0183] For example, shielding systems that use physical shielding elements to protect lenses from foreign matter may not be suitable for implementation in many vehicles or for certain types of cameras, such as automotive cameras used in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and / or AV applications. For instance, physical shielding elements may obstruct a portion of the imaging device's field of view, and therefore may not be necessary in situations requiring a relatively large field of view.

[0184] In some illustrative aspects, the imaging device cleaning system 200 may be configured, for example, to implement the imaging device cleaner 210 based on each imaging device 201, as described below.

[0185] For example, the imaging device cleaning system 200 may be configured to include a plurality of imaging device cleaners 210 to clean a plurality of corresponding surfaces 220, which may correspond to a plurality of corresponding imaging devices 201. For example, the imaging device cleaners 210 (e.g., each imaging device cleaner 210) may be individually controlled and / or operated, or may be controlled and / or operated as part of a group of cleaners comprising two or more cleaners, for example, which may be used to clean two or more corresponding imaging devices.

[0186] For example, the imaging device cleaner 210 may be configured as a dedicated (“private” or “single”) imaging device cleaner that may be dedicated to cleaning a specific surface 220 of a particular imaging device 201.

[0187] In some illustrative aspects, the imaging device cleaner 210 may be configured to be installed relatively close to the imaging device 201, as described below.

[0188] For example, the imaging device cleaner 210 can be configured to have a size and shape suitable for installation in one or more locations on a vehicle.

[0189] In one example, such as Figure 5 As shown, the imaging device cleaner 210 can be configured to have a size and shape suitable for installation (502) behind the front dashboard of a vehicle, for example for cleaning the surface of the imaging device 201 located at the front dashboard of the vehicle.

[0190] In another example, the imaging device cleaner 210 may be configured to have a size and shape suitable for installation behind the rear dashboard of a vehicle, for example for cleaning the surface of the imaging device 201 located at the rear dashboard of the vehicle.

[0191] In another example, such as Figure 5 As shown, the imaging device cleaner 210 can be configured to have a size and shape suitable for installation (510) behind the fender of a vehicle, for example for cleaning the surface of the imaging device 201 located on the side mirror of the vehicle.

[0192] In another example, the imaging device cleaner 210 may be configured to have a size and shape suitable for installation in a vehicle door, for example for cleaning the surface of the imaging device 201 located on the side mirror of a vehicle.

[0193] In another example, the imaging device cleaner 210 may be configured to have a size and shape suitable for installation in the side mirror of a vehicle, for example for cleaning the surface of the imaging device 201 located on the side mirror of the vehicle.

[0194] In another example, the imaging device cleaner 210 may be configured to have a size and shape suitable for installation in the roof of a vehicle, for example for cleaning the surface of the imaging device 201 located in or on the roof of a vehicle.

[0195] In some illustrative aspects, controller 202 may be electrically connected to two or more (e.g., some or all) of the plurality of imaging device cleaners 210, such that controller 202 may be able to jointly and / or centrally control the operation of two or more imaging device cleaners 210, for example by individually controlling each of the two or more imaging device cleaners 210 and / or by controlling the plurality of imaging device cleaners as a group or groups.

[0196] In some illustrative aspects, the imaging device cleaning system 200 may include one or more cleaning mechanisms that may be configured to clean the surface 220 of the imaging device 201, as described below.

[0197] In some illustrative aspects, the imaging device cleaning system 200 may include one or more (e.g., some or all) of a plurality of cleaning mechanisms that may be configured to clean the surface 220 of the imaging device 201, as described below.

[0198] In some illustrative aspects, the imaging device cleaning system 200 may include one or more (e.g., some or all) of four cleaning mechanisms that may be configured to clean the surface 220 of the imaging device 201, as described below.

[0199] In some illustrative aspects, the imaging device cleaning system 200 may include a combination of multiple cleaning mechanisms (e.g., two, three, or four cleaning mechanisms, or any other number of cleaning mechanisms), which may be implemented, for example, for each imaging device 201, as described below.

[0200] In other respects, the imaging equipment cleaning system 200 may include only some (e.g., only one or more) of the four cleaning mechanisms, and / or any other suitable additional or alternative cleaning mechanisms.

[0201] In some illustrative aspects, the imaging device cleaning system 200 may include a sprayer 213 (e.g., a water sprayer 213) that may be configured to spray liquid (e.g., water and / or soap solution) onto the surface 220 of the imaging device 201, as described below.

[0202] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 2 As shown, the imaging device cleaner 210 may include a sprayer 213, as described below.

[0203] In some illustrative aspects, sprayer 213 may be configured to spray liquid (e.g., high-pressure water) onto surface 220.

[0204] In some illustrative aspects, the imaging device cleaning system 200 may include a blower mechanism 215, which may be configured to blow air onto the surface 220 of the imaging device 201, as described below.

[0205] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 2 As shown, the imaging device cleaner 210 may include a blower mechanism 215, as described below.

[0206] In some illustrative aspects, the blower mechanism 215 may be configured to remove liquid (e.g., water droplets) from the surface 220, for example, by blowing high-pressure air onto the surface 220, as described below.

[0207] For example, blower mechanism 215 may include a blower that provides high-pressure air. Figure 2 (Not shown in the image) A duct that guides high-pressure air from the blower toward surface 220. Figure 2 (not shown), and an air outlet (e.g., an air nozzle) that directs high-pressure air to the surface 220. Figure 2 (not shown in the text), for example, as described below.

[0208] For example, the duct of the blower mechanism 215 may be configured to have a relatively low coefficient of friction, for example, to provide a technical solution for delivering high-pressure air with reduced pressure loss, as described below.

[0209] For example, the air outlet of the blower mechanism 215 may be configured to distribute high-pressure air onto the surface 220 in a substantially uniform mode or any other suitable mode, as described below.

[0210] In some illustrative aspects, the imaging device cleaning system 200 may include an ultrasonic vibration generator 226, which may be configured to remove foreign matter from the surface 220 by vibration and / or evaporate foreign matter, as described below.

[0211] In some illustrative aspects, the ultrasonic vibration generator 226 may be configured to cause the surface 220 to vibrate, for example, along an optical axis of the surface 220 at a relatively high vibration frequency.

[0212] In some illustrative aspects, the ultrasonic vibration generator 226 may be configured to cause the surface 220 to vibrate, for example, at a relatively high vibration frequency, which may be configured to, for example, remove foreign matter from the outer surface 220, as described below.

[0213] For example, the ultrasonic vibration generator 226 can be configured to generate vibrations, such that the kinetic energy of the vibrations can be converted into heat sufficient to evaporate water droplets on the surface 220.

[0214] In some illustrative aspects, the ultrasonic vibration generator 226 can be used to remove droplets (e.g., water droplets) from the outer surface 220, remove ice from the outer surface 220, and / or remove vapor from the inner surface 220.

[0215] For example, controller 202 may be configured to operate ultrasonic vibration generator 226 at a first predefined vibration frequency, which may be configured to remove droplets (e.g., water droplets) from outer surface 220.

[0216] For example, controller 202 may be configured to operate ultrasonic vibration generator 226 at a second predefined vibration frequency, which is different from the first vibration frequency, and the second predefined vibration frequency may be configured to remove ice from outer surface 220.

[0217] For example, controller 202 may be configured to operate ultrasonic vibration generator 226 at a third predefined vibration frequency, which is different from the first vibration frequency and / or the second vibration frequency, and the third predefined vibration frequency may be configured to remove steam from inner surface 220.

[0218] In some illustrative aspects, the ultrasonic vibration generator 226 may be configured to vibrate a dedicated window (which may be placed on surface 220) for example to remove foreign matter from the outer surface of the dedicated window, as described below.

[0219] In some illustrative aspects, the imaging device cleaning system 200 may include a hydrophobic coating 224 that may be configured to repel liquid substances (e.g., water) from the surface 220, as described below.

[0220] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 2 As shown, the hydrophobic coating 224 can be implemented as, for example, a coating applied to surface 220, as described below.

[0221] In some illustrative aspects, the hydrophobic coating 224 may be implemented to provide a technical solution for removing droplets (e.g., water droplets) from the surface 220. For example, the hydrophobic coating 224 may be configured to reduce the surface tension of the droplets (e.g., water droplets), for example to support the removal of the droplets from the surface 220, for example, by means of a blower mechanism 215 and / or an ultrasonic vibration generator 226.

[0222] In some illustrative aspects, the imaging device cleaning system 200 may be configured to utilize a combination of mechanisms, such as two or more of a sprayer 213, a hydrophobic coating 224, a blower mechanism 215, and / or an ultrasonic vibration generator 226, as described below.

[0223] In one example, the imaging equipment cleaning system 200 may be configured to utilize a combination of a sprayer 213 and a blower mechanism 215.

[0224] In another example, the imaging device cleaning system 200 may be configured to utilize a combination of a sprayer 213, a hydrophobic coating 224, and a blower mechanism 215.

[0225] In another example, the imaging equipment cleaning system 200 may be configured to utilize a combination of a sprayer 213, a blower mechanism 215, and an ultrasonic vibration generator 226.

[0226] In another example, the imaging device cleaning system 200 may be configured to utilize a combination of a sprayer 213, a hydrophobic coating 224, a blower mechanism 215, and an ultrasonic vibration generator 226.

[0227] In some illustrative aspects, controller 202 may be configured to activate sprayer 213, for example, to remove solid matter, such as soil, dust, bird droppings, insects, etc., from surface 220.

[0228] In some illustrative aspects, the controller 202 may be configured to selectively activate the sprayer 213 corresponding to the surface 220, for example, based on identified usage conditions, wherein the surface 220 is determined to be contaminated with solid matter.

[0229] In some illustrative aspects, controller 202 may be configured to activate blower mechanism 215 and / or ultrasonic vibration generator 226, for example, to remove liquid substances (e.g., drips) from surface 220.

[0230] In some illustrative aspects, the controller 202 may be configured to selectively activate, for example, the blower mechanism 215 and / or the ultrasonic vibration generator 226 corresponding to the surface 220 based on the identified usage, wherein the surface 220 is determined to be contaminated by a liquid substance (e.g., water droplets).

[0231] In some illustrative aspects, although the blower mechanism 215 and the ultrasonic vibration generator 226 can provide similar technical results for removing liquid substances (e.g., water droplets) from the surface 220, specific implementations of the imaging device cleaning system 200 that include both the blower mechanism 215 and the ultrasonic vibration generator 226 can provide one or more technical advantages, such as the efficient removal of liquid substances (e.g., water droplets) in one or more use cases and / or scenarios, as described below.

[0232] For example, based on research and investigation of numerous usage scenarios, the inventors have found that specific implementations of the imaging equipment cleaning system 200, including both the blower mechanism 215 and the ultrasonic vibration generator 226, can provide an effective technical solution for a wide range of usage scenarios, such as one or more usage scenarios in which the blower mechanism 215 can provide better results and / or be more efficient, and in one or more usage scenarios in which the ultrasonic vibration generator 226 can provide better results and / or be more efficient, and / or generate noise levels below the desired threshold, while achieving good results and / or meeting power economy requirements, as described below.

[0233] For example, based on research and investigation of a large number of usage scenarios, the inventors have found that specific implementations of the imaging device cleaning system 200, including both the blower mechanism 215 and the ultrasonic vibration generator 226, can provide technical solutions that support one or more usage scenarios, wherein the blower mechanism 215 may be activated, for example, while the ultrasonic vibration generator 226 may not be activated, as described below.

[0234] For example, based on research and investigation of a large number of usage scenarios, the inventors have found that specific implementations of the imaging device cleaning system 200, including both the blower mechanism 215 and the ultrasonic vibration generator 226, can provide a technical solution that supports one or more usage scenarios, wherein the ultrasonic vibration generator 226 may be activated, for example, while the blower mechanism 215 may not be activated, as described below.

[0235] For example, based on research and investigation of a large number of usage scenarios, the inventors have found that specific implementations of the imaging device cleaning system 200, which includes both the blower mechanism 215 and the ultrasonic vibration generator 226, can provide technical solutions that can support one or more usage scenarios (e.g., extreme usage scenarios), wherein the blower mechanism 215 and the ultrasonic vibration generator 226 can be activated simultaneously, for example.

[0236] For example, compared to the blower mechanism 215, the ultrasonic vibration generator 226 may be characterized by a lower noise level and / or lower power consumption, while providing comparable or even better cleaning results.

[0237] For example, compared to the ultrasonic vibration generator 226, the blower mechanism 215 may be characterized by improved cleaning performance, such as removing a larger amount of water droplets more quickly.

[0238] For example, the blower mechanism 215 can be configured to provide good removal capability for certain cleaning requirements, and the ultrasonic vibration generator 226 can be configured to provide good removal capability for certain other cleaning requirements.

[0239] For example, blower mechanism 215 and ultrasonic vibration generator 226 can be configured to work in combination to provide good removal capability for certain cleaning requirements, each of which is not very capable of handling the task alone. In one example, imaging equipment cleaning system 200 may use blower mechanism 215 and vibration generator 226 together, or may use them together, for example, when imaging equipment cleaning system 200 identifies particularly difficult obstacles or obstacles of a specific type, size, or shape, and / or when imaging equipment cleaning system 200 attempts to remove the obstacle using each of the mechanisms individually and fails, in conjunction with other mechanisms (e.g., sprayers) to remove the obstacle.

[0240] In some illustrative aspects, controller 202 may be configured to selectively activate blower mechanism 215 and / or ultrasonic vibration generator 226, for example, according to a standard that may be based on a trade-off between cleaning performance and noise level / power consumption.

[0241] In some illustrative aspects, controller 202 may be configured to selectively activate, for example, the blower mechanism 215 and / or the ultrasonic vibration generator 226 according to an activation scheme that may be customized for the use case, as described below.

[0242] In some illustrative aspects, controller 202 may be configured to selectively activate, for example, blower mechanism 215 and / or ultrasonic vibration generator 226 according to an activation scheme that may be configured to provide a technical solution tailored to the usage scenario, such as providing the required cleaning performance for the usage scenario while reducing power consumption and / or noise levels (e.g., minimizing power consumption and / or noise levels), as described below.

[0243] In one example, controller 202 may be configured to selectively activate ultrasonic vibration generator 226, for example, based on the identification of usage conditions, while keeping blower mechanism 215 out of service. This may require the removal of relatively small amounts of water droplets, which could be efficiently handled by ultrasonic vibration generator 226, for example. This activation scheme may provide a technical solution that can, for example, be tailored to usage conditions in terms of cleaning performance, while utilizing reduced power consumption and generating a reduced noise level.

[0244] In another example, controller 202 may be configured to selectively activate blower mechanism 215, for example, based on the identification of usage conditions, while keeping ultrasonic vibration generator 226 out of service. This may require removing a relatively large number of water droplets, which, for example, may not be efficiently handled by ultrasonic vibration generator 226. This activation scheme may, for example, provide a technical solution that can be tailored to the usage conditions in terms of cleaning performance, while taking advantage of the higher power consumption required by those usage conditions.

[0245] In another example, controller 202 may be configured to, for example, selectively activate both blower mechanism 215 and ultrasonic generator 226 simultaneously, based on the identification of usage conditions and / or based on the identification that a cleaning attempt using either ultrasonic generator 226 or blower mechanism 215 has failed or has only resulted in partial cleaning of surface 220. This may require removing a relatively large number of water droplets within a relatively short period of time, as either ultrasonic generator 226 or blower mechanism 215 may not be able to efficiently handle these droplets when activated separately. This activation scheme may, for example, provide a technical solution that can be tailored to the usage condition in terms of cleaning performance while utilizing the higher power consumption required by that usage condition.

[0246] In some illustrative aspects, controller 202 may be configured to selectively control, for example, the power level at which blower mechanism 215 will be activated based on usage.

[0247] In some illustrative aspects, controller 202 may be configured to select, for example, the power level of blower mechanism 215 from a plurality of predefined blower power settings, as described below.

[0248] In some illustrative aspects, controller 202 may be configured to select, for example, the power level of blower mechanism 215 according to an activation scheme that may be customized for the application, as described below.

[0249] In some illustrative aspects, controller 202 may be configured to select, for example, the power level of blower mechanism 215 according to an activation scheme that may be configured to provide a technical solution tailored to the usage, such as providing the required cleaning performance for the usage while reducing power consumption and / or noise levels (e.g., minimizing power consumption and / or noise levels), as described below.

[0250] In some illustrative aspects, the noise level can be selected such that the noise level inside the passenger compartment of a particular vehicle model is less than a predetermined threshold. Optionally, the noise level inside the passenger compartment can be defined under predefined conditions and / or dynamically adjusted according to various conditions, including, for example, external conditions such as vehicle speed and tire type; and / or internal conditions such as road hum or ambient noise, music volume, etc. Furthermore, alternatively, users can explicitly (e.g., by setting values) or implicitly (e.g., by selecting predefined settings) set or modify the noise level allowed by the cleaning system.

[0251] In one example, controller 202 may be configured to selectively activate blower mechanism 215 at a first power level, for example, based on the identification of usage conditions, which may require the removal of a relatively small number of water droplets, which could be efficiently handled by blower mechanism 215 at the first power level. This activation scheme may provide a technical solution that can, for example, be tailored to usage conditions in terms of cleaning performance, while utilizing reduced power consumption and generating a reduced noise level.

[0252] In another example, controller 202 may be configured to selectively activate blower mechanism 215 at a second power level, for example, higher than a first power level, when the characteristics of occlusion cause controller 215 to be configured to operate at a higher power level. This may require removing a relatively large number of water droplets, which blower mechanism 215 may not be able to handle efficiently at the first power level. For example, this activation scheme may provide a technical solution that can, for example, be tailored to the usage situation in terms of cleaning performance, while utilizing reduced power consumption and generating a reduced noise level.

[0253] In another example, controller 202 may be configured to selectively activate blower mechanism 215 at a third power level, for example, higher than the second power level, based on the identification of usage conditions. This may require removing a relatively large number of water droplets, which blower mechanism 215 may not be able to handle efficiently at the second power level. For example, this activation scheme may provide a technical solution that can, for example, be tailored to the usage conditions in terms of cleaning performance while utilizing the power consumption required by those usage conditions.

[0254] In some illustrative aspects, one or more use cases (e.g., each use case) may be associated with a power level or multiple power levels, depending on additional operating parameters configured in controller 202. For example, controller 202 may be configured to start at a first (e.g., lower) power level and, if necessary (e.g., when the initial operation fails (e.g., substantially completely) to remove the occlusion), increase the power level once or multiple times, e.g., up to a certain threshold.

[0255] refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 An imaging device cleaning system 600 is illustrated schematically based on some illustrative aspects.

[0256] For example, imaging equipment cleaning system 200 ( Figure 2 It may include one or more components and / or elements of the imaging equipment cleaning system 600, and / or the imaging equipment cleaning system 200 ( Figure 2 It can be configured to perform one or more operations and / or functions of the imaging device cleaning system 600.

[0257] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 6 As shown, the imaging device cleaning system 600 may include a controller 602 configured to control the activation and deactivation of one or more components and / or elements of the imaging device cleaning system 600, as described below.

[0258] For example, controller 202 ( Figure 2 ) may include one or more components and / or elements of controller 602, and / or controller 202 ( Figure 2 It can be configured to perform one or more operations and / or functions of the controller 602.

[0259] In some illustrative aspects, controller 602 may include circuitry and / or logic (e.g., one or more processors including circuitry and / or logic, memory circuitry and / or logic), or may be implemented in part or in whole by circuitry and / or logic. Additionally or alternatively, one or more functionalities of controller 602 may be implemented by logic, which may be executed by a machine and / or one or more processors, as described below.

[0260] In one example, controller 602 may include at least one memory, for example, coupled to one or more processors, which may be configured to, for example, at least temporarily store at least some information processed by one or more processors and / or circuitry, and / or the at least one memory may be configured to store logic to be utilized by the processors and / or circuitry.

[0261] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 6 As shown, the imaging device cleaning system 600 may include one or more imaging device cleaners 610, which may be configured to clean one or more imaging devices 620, as described below.

[0262] For example, imaging equipment cleaner 210 ( Figure 2 ) may include one or more components and / or elements of the imaging device cleaner 610, and / or the imaging device cleaner 210 ( Figure 2 It can be configured to perform one or more operations and / or functions of the imaging device cleaner 610.

[0263] For example, imaging device 201 ( Figure 2 ) may include one or more components and / or elements of imaging device 620, and / or imaging device 220 ( Figure 2 It can be configured to perform one or more operations and / or functions of the imaging device 620.

[0264] In some illustrative aspects, controller 602 may be configured to control the activation of multiple imaging device cleaners 610, for example, to clean corresponding multiple surfaces of multiple imaging devices, as described below.

[0265] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 6 As shown, the imaging device cleaner 610 may include a blower 615, such as those described below.

[0266] For example, blower mechanism 215 ( Figure 2 It may include one or more components and / or elements of the blower 615, and / or the blower mechanism 215. Figure 2 It can be configured to perform one or more operations and / or functions of the blower 615.

[0267] In some illustrative aspects, the blower 615 may be configured to provide an airflow to be applied to the surface 604 of the imaging device 620, as described below.

[0268] In some illustrative aspects, blower 615 may include air nozzle 634, which may be configured to distribute or direct airflow from blower 615 onto surface 604 of imaging device 620 in a desired manner, as described below.

[0269] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 6 As shown, the imaging device cleaner 610 may include a sprayer 613, as described below.

[0270] For example, sprayer 213 ( Figure 2It may include one or more parts and / or elements of sprayer 613, and / or sprayer 213 ( Figure 2 It can be configured to perform one or more operations and / or functions of the sprayer 613.

[0271] In some illustrative aspects, the sprayer 613 may be configured to spray liquid onto the surface 604 of the imaging device 620, as described below.

[0272] In some illustrative aspects, the liquid sprayed from the sprayer 613 onto the surface 604 may include water, as described below.

[0273] In some illustrative aspects, the liquid may include an aqueous solution, as described below.

[0274] In other respects, the liquid sprayed from the sprayer 613 onto the surface 604 may include any other liquid suitable for cleaning the surface 604 of the imaging device 620.

[0275] In some illustrative aspects, the sprayer 613 may include a sprayer nozzle 632 that may be configured to distribute liquid from the sprayer 613 onto the surface 604 of the imaging device 620, as described below.

[0276] In some illustrative aspects, the surface 604 of the imaging device 620 may include the lens surface of the lens of the imaging device 620, as described below.

[0277] In some illustrative aspects, the surface 604 of the imaging device 620 may include a protective surface, such as an antenna radome and / or any other element, which may be configured, for example, to protect a lens of the imaging device 620, as described below.

[0278] In some illustrative aspects, the surface 604 of the imaging device 620 may include a hydrophobic coating (e.g., hydrophobic coating 224). Figure 2 For example, to repel liquid substances, as described below.

[0279] In other respects, the surface 604 of the imaging device 620 may include any other additional or alternative coatings to facilitate cleaning of the surface 604 of the imaging device 620.

[0280] In some illustrative aspects, controller 602 may be configured to control the activation and deactivation of blower 615 and sprayer 613, as described below.

[0281] In some illustrative aspects, controller 602 may be configured to control the activation of at least one of blower 615 or sprayer 613, for example, based on the recognition of a predefined occlusion scenario in which at least a portion of the field of view of imaging device 620 (e.g., the field of view of a lens of imaging device 620) will be occluded by material on surface 604, as described below.

[0282] In some illustrative aspects, controller 602 may be configured to control the activation and deactivation of blower 615, as described below.

[0283] In some illustrative aspects, controller 602 may be configured to control the activation of blower 615, for example, based on the recognition of a predefined occlusion scenario in which at least a portion of the field of view of imaging device 620 (e.g., the field of view of the lens of imaging device 620) will be occluded by material on surface 604, as described below.

[0284] In some illustrative aspects, controller 602 may be configured to control the activation and deactivation of sprayer 613, as described below.

[0285] In some illustrative aspects, controller 602 may be configured to control the activation of sprayer 613, for example, based on the recognition of a predefined occlusion scenario in which at least a portion of the field of view of imaging device 620 (e.g., the field of view of the lens of imaging device 620) will be occluded by material on surface 604, as described below.

[0286] In some illustrative aspects, blower 615 can be controlled to operate in multiple blower operating modes having multiple associated blower noise levels, as described below.

[0287] In some illustrative aspects, the maximum blower noise level of blower 615 may not exceed 50dB.

[0288] In some illustrative aspects, the maximum blower noise level of blower 615 may not exceed 45dB.

[0289] In other respects, the maximum blower noise level of blower 615 may include any other noise level.

[0290] In some illustrative aspects, controller 602 may be configured to control the activation of blower 615 in a selected blower operating mode, for example, based on predefined activation criteria, as described below.

[0291] In some illustrative aspects, predefined activation criteria may be based on the blower noise level associated with the selected blower operating mode, as described below.

[0292] In some illustrative aspects, predefined activation criteria may be based on one or more occlusion properties of a predefined occlusion scene, as described below.

[0293] In other respects, predefined activation criteria can be based on any other additional or alternative attributes.

[0294] In some illustrative aspects, controller 602 may be configured to determine activation settings for controlling the activation of blower 615 and / or sprayer 613, as described below.

[0295] In some illustrative aspects, controller 602 may be configured to determine activation settings, for example, based on a predefined occlusion scenario, as described below.

[0296] In other respects, controller 602 can be configured to determine activation settings based on any other additional or alternative criteria.

[0297] In some illustrative aspects, controller 602 may be configured to control the activation of at least one of blower 615 and / or sprayer 613, for example, according to activation settings, as described below.

[0298] In some illustrative aspects, controller 602 may be configured to control the activation of blower 615, for example, according to activation settings, as described below.

[0299] In some illustrative aspects, controller 602 may be configured to control the activation of sprayer 613, for example, according to activation settings, as described below.

[0300] In some illustrative aspects, the activation settings can be configured to define cleaning procedures, such as removing material from the surface 604 of the imaging device 620, as described below.

[0301] In some illustrative aspects, the activation settings can be configured to define whether the blower 615 will be activated, as described below.

[0302] In some illustrative aspects, the activation settings can be configured to define whether the sprayer 613 will be activated, as described below.

[0303] In some illustrative aspects, the activation settings can be configured to define an operating mode in which at least one of the blower 615 and / or sprayer 613 will be activated, as described below.

[0304] In some illustrative aspects, the activation settings can be configured to define the operating mode in which the blower 615 will be activated, as described below.

[0305] In some illustrative aspects, the activation settings can be configured to define the operating mode in which the sprayer 613 will be activated, as described below.

[0306] In some illustrative aspects, the activation settings can be configured to define an operating mode in which both the blower 615 and the sprayer 613 will be activated, as described below.

[0307] In some illustrative aspects, the activation settings can be configured to define the activation duration for which at least one of the blower 615 and / or sprayer 613 will be activated, as described below.

[0308] In some illustrative aspects, the activation settings can be configured to define the activation duration for which the blower 615 will be activated, as described below.

[0309] In some illustrative aspects, the activation settings can be configured to define the activation duration for which the sprayer 613 will be activated, as described below.

[0310] In some illustrative aspects, the activation settings can be configured to define the activation duration for which both the blower 615 and the sprayer 613 will be activated, as described below.

[0311] In some illustrative aspects, the activation settings may be based on the type of material on the surface 604 of the imaging device 620, as described below.

[0312] In some illustrative aspects, the activation setting may be based on the amount of material on the surface 604 of the imaging device 620, as described below.

[0313] In some illustrative aspects, the activation setting may be based on the location of the material on the surface 604 of the imaging device 620, as described below.

[0314] In some illustrative aspects, the activation setting may be based on the percentage of the field of view obscured by material on the surface 604 of the imaging device 620, as described below.

[0315] In other respects, the activation settings may be based on any other additional or alternative properties of the material on the surface 604 of the imaging device 620.

[0316] In some illustrative aspects, the activation settings may be based on a vehicle including imaging device 620 (e.g., vehicle 100). Figure 1 Real-time driving scenarios, such as those described below.

[0317] In some illustrative aspects, activation settings can be configured to define an activation cycle, as described below.

[0318] In some illustrative aspects, the activation cycle may include the activation of the sprayer 613, followed by the activation of the blower 615, as described below.

[0319] In other respects, any other activation loop may be utilized.

[0320] In some illustrative aspects, the controller 602 may be configured to repeatedly activate the sprayer 613 and / or the blower 615 for multiple activation cycles, for example until a cleaning standard is identified as being met, as described below.

[0321] In some illustrative aspects, controller 602 may be configured to determine, for example, to activate only blower 615 based on the identification of a predefined occlusion scenario including a water droplet scenario in which the material on surface 604 includes water droplets and / or based on the identification of any other suitable predefined occlusion scenario, as described below.

[0322] In some illustrative aspects, controller 602 may be configured, for example, to determine activation settings based on determining a predefined occlusion scenario including a solid material scenario in which the material on surface 604 includes solid material and / or based on the identification of any other suitable predefined occlusion scenario, to activate sprayer 613 in a first time period and blower 615 in a second time period after the end of the first time period, as described below.

[0323] In some illustrative aspects, controller 602 may be configured to determine activation settings simultaneously for example based on determining a predefined occlusion scenario including a mixed substance scenario in which the substance on surface 604 includes a mixture of water and solid substances and / or based on the identification of any other suitable predefined occlusion scenario, as described below.

[0324] In some illustrative aspects, the controller 602 may be configured to activate the blower 615 to provide airflow at a sufficient speed, for example, such that the airflow is provided to the surface 604 of the imaging device 620 at a speed of at least 30 meters per second (m / s), as described below.

[0325] In other respects, the controller 602 may be configured to activate the blower 615 to deliver airflow to the surface 604 of the imaging device 620 at any other suitable speed.

[0326] In some illustrative aspects, controller 602 may be configured to activate blower 615 at a blower power level, which may be based on, for example, a predefined occlusion scenario, as described below.

[0327] In some illustrative aspects, controller 602 may be configured to activate blower 615 at a first blower power level, for example, based on the identification of a first predefined occlusion scenario, as described below.

[0328] In some illustrative aspects, controller 602 may be configured to activate blower 615 at a second blower power level different from the first power level, for example, based on the identification of a second predefined occlusion scenario different from the first predefined occlusion scenario, as described below.

[0329] In some illustrative aspects, controller 602 may be configured to control the activation and deactivation of ultrasonic vibration generator 626, as described below.

[0330] For example, ultrasonic vibration generator 226 ( Figure 2 It may include one or more components and / or elements of the ultrasonic vibration generator 626, and / or the ultrasonic vibration generator 226 ( Figure 2 It can be configured to perform one or more operations and / or functionalities of the ultrasonic vibration generator 626.

[0331] In some illustrative aspects, controller 602 may be configured to activate ultrasonic vibration generator 626, for example, to generate vibrations to at least partially remove material from surface 604 of imaging device 620, as described below.

[0332] In some illustrative aspects, controller 602 may be configured to activate ultrasonic vibration generator 626, for example, to generate vibrations to at least partially remove liquid droplets from surface 604 of imaging device 620, as described below.

[0333] In some illustrative aspects, controller 602 may be configured to set ultrasonic vibration generator 626 to generate vibrations at a vibration frequency that may be based on, for example, a predefined occlusion scenario, as described below.

[0334] refer to Figure 7 , Figure 7 An imaging device cleaner 710 is illustrated schematically according to some illustrative aspects.

[0335] For example, the imaging equipment cleaner 610 ( Figure 6 ) may include one or more components and / or elements of the imaging device cleaner 710, and / or the imaging device cleaner 610 ( Figure 6 It can be configured to perform one or more operations and / or functions of the imaging device cleaner 710.

[0336] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 7As shown, the imaging device cleaner 710 may include a blower 715, which may be configured to provide a surface to be applied to the imaging device (e.g., imaging device 620). Figure 6 ) surface 604 ( Figure 6 The airflow above.

[0337] For example, blower 615 ( Figure 6 It may include one or more components and / or elements of blower 715, and / or blower 615 ( Figure 6 It can be configured to perform one or more operations and / or functions of the blower 715.

[0338] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 7 As shown, blower 715 may include air blower 702, such as those described below.

[0339] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 7 As shown, the air blower 702 may include a blower input terminal 701 and a blower output terminal 703, as described below.

[0340] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 7 As shown, the blower 715 may include a housing 704 configured as a closed air blower 702, as described below.

[0341] In some illustrative aspects, housing 704 may include, for example, noise-absorbing material for absorbing noise caused by air blower 702, as described below.

[0342] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 7 As shown, housing 704 may include air inlet 705, as described below, for example.

[0343] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 7 As shown, housing 704 may include air outlet 707, as described below, for example.

[0344] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 7 As shown, housing 704 may include inlet path 709, which is used, for example, to supply air from air inlet 705 to blower inlet 701, as described below.

[0345] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 7 As shown, housing 704 may include an outlet path 711, which is used, for example, to provide airflow from blower output 703 to air outlet 707, as described below.

[0346] In some illustrative aspects, at least a portion of the inlet path 709 may include a noise absorption path configured to absorb noise generated by the air blower 702, as described below.

[0347] In some illustrative aspects, the noise absorption path may include a maze-like path that includes one or more turns, as described below.

[0348] In some illustrative aspects, the noise absorption path may be at least partially covered by noise-absorbing material, as described below.

[0349] In some illustrative aspects, noise-absorbing materials may include polyurethane, as described below, for example.

[0350] In other respects, the noise-absorbing material of the noise absorption path may include any other additional or alternative types of material configured to absorb noise.

[0351] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 7 As shown, the blower 715 may include one or more blower dampers 706 connected, for example, between the air blower 702 and the housing 704, as described below.

[0352] In some illustrative aspects, one or more blower dampers 706 may be configured to dampen vibrations from the air blower 702, as described below.

[0353] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 7 As shown, the blower 715 may include one or more housing dampers 708, for example, for connecting the housing 704 to the housing support 712, as described below.

[0354] In some illustrative aspects, one or more housing dampers 708 may be configured to dampen vibrations from the housing 704, as described below.

[0355] In some illustrative aspects, the imaging device cleaner 710 may include a duct 718 that may be configured to direct airflow from a blower 715 toward an air nozzle 734, as described below.

[0356] In some illustrative aspects, the duct 718 may be formed of a material with a relatively low coefficient of friction, which may be suitable for guiding the airflow from the blower 715 with reduced (e.g., minimal) losses, as described below.

[0357] In some illustrative aspects, the inner surface of pipe 718 may have a coefficient of friction of less than 0.6.

[0358] In some illustrative aspects, the inner surface of the pipe 718 may have a coefficient of friction in the range of 0.2 to 0.5.

[0359] In other respects, the inner surface of pipe 718 may have any other suitable coefficient of friction.

[0360] In some illustrative aspects, the imaging device cleaner 710 may include a connector 714 configured for fluid connection between an air outlet 707 and a conduit 718, for example, to guide the air to be applied to the imaging device 620. Figure 6 ) surface 604 ( Figure 6 The airflow on the surface, such as as described below.

[0361] In some illustrative aspects, connector 714 may be configured to mitigate noise from air outlet 707, as described below.

[0362] In some illustrative aspects, connector 714 may include multiple internally mating grippers ( Figure 7 (not shown in the image), the plurality of internal mating grips can be configured to maintain a tight fit between connector 714 and air outlet 707, as described below.

[0363] In some illustrative aspects, the internal mating grip may be configured to reduce noise from the air outlet 707, as described below.

[0364] In some illustrative aspects, the imaging device cleaner 710 may include an adapter 716 for fluidly connecting an air outlet 707 to an air delivery unit that directs airflow toward the imaging device 620. Figure 6 ) surface 604 ( Figure 6 (Transportation, as described below.)

[0365] In one example, such as when the imaging device cleaner 710 implements connector 714, the air delivery device may include connector 714, as described below.

[0366] In another example, such as when the imaging device cleaner 710 implements a conduit 718 (e.g., the connector 714 is not implemented), the air delivery device may include the conduit 718.

[0367] In another example, such as when the air nozzle 734 is directly connected to the adapter 716 (e.g., without implementing the connector 714 and the duct 718), the air delivery device may include the air nozzle 734.

[0368] In other respects, the air conveyor may include any other suitable elements to convey airflow from the blower 715.

[0369] In some illustrative aspects, adapter 716 may be configured to deliver airflow via a normally monotonous transition between air outlet 707 and air conveyor, as described below.

[0370] In some illustrative aspects, the imaging device cleaner 710 may include a nozzle assembly 713, as described below.

[0371] In some illustrative aspects, the nozzle assembly 713 may include a sprayer nozzle 732 (e.g., a sprayer nozzle 632). Figure 6 The spray nozzle can be configured to deliver liquid from the sprayer 613 ( Figure 6 ) Dispersed into imaging device 620 ( Figure 6 ) surface 604 ( Figure 6 (as described below)

[0372] In some illustrative aspects, the spray nozzle 732 may be configured to distribute liquid toward the imaging device 620 in a predefined spray direction. Figure 6 ) surface 604 ( Figure 6 (as described below)

[0373] For example, sprayer 613 ( Figure 6 It may include one or more parts and / or elements of the sprayer nozzle 732.

[0374] In some illustrative aspects, the nozzle assembly 713 may include an air nozzle 734 (e.g., an air nozzle 634). Figure 6 The air nozzle can be configured to distribute airflow from the blower 715 to the imaging device 620. Figure 6 ) surface 604 ( Figure 6 (as described below)

[0375] In some illustrative aspects, the air nozzle 734 may be configured to distribute airflow from the blower 715 to the imaging device 620 in a predefined airflow direction. Figure 6 ) surface 604 ( Figure 6 (as described below)

[0376] In some illustrative aspects, the predefined airflow direction may be substantially the same as the predefined spray direction, as described below.

[0377] In some illustrative aspects, the predefined airflow direction may be within a range of no more than 10 degrees from the predefined spray direction, as described below.

[0378] In other respects, any other suitable predefined airflow direction and / or predefined spray direction can be achieved.

[0379] In some illustrative aspects, the nozzle assembly 713 may include a nozzle retainer 736, which may be configured to retain the sprayer nozzle 732 and the air nozzle 734, as described below, for example.

[0380] In some illustrative aspects, the nozzle retainer 736 may be configured to maintain a predefined relative position between the air nozzle 734 and the sprayer nozzle 732, as described below.

[0381] In some illustrative aspects, the nozzle holder 736 may be configured to hold the air nozzle 734 in, for example, the imaging device 620 ( Figure 6 ) surface 604 ( Figure 6 Above, for example, as described below.

[0382] In some illustrative aspects, the nozzle retainer 736 may be configured to hold the sprayer nozzle 732 above, for example, the air nozzle 734, as described below.

[0383] In some illustrative aspects, the nozzle holder 736 may be configured to hold the air nozzle 734 and the sprayer nozzle 732 in the imaging device 620. Figure 6 At least 70% of the field of view of the subject, for example, as described below.

[0384] In some illustrative aspects, the nozzle holder 736 may be configured to hold the air nozzle 734 and the sprayer nozzle 732 in the imaging device 620. Figure 6 At least 80% of the field of view of the subject, for example, as described below.

[0385] In some illustrative aspects, the nozzle holder 736 may be configured to hold the air nozzle 734 and the sprayer nozzle 732 in the imaging device 620. Figure 6 At least 90% of the field of view of the subject, as described below.

[0386] In some illustrative aspects, the predefined relative positioning between air nozzle 734 and sprayer nozzle 732 can be configured, for example, such that when blower 715 and sprayer 613 ( Figure 6 When activated simultaneously, the airflow provided by the blower 715 will increase the liquid flow from the sprayer nozzle 732 toward the surface 604. Figure 6 (speed)

[0387] In some illustrative aspects, the nozzle holder 736 may be configured to position the nozzle output end of the air nozzle 734 in, for example, the imaging device 620. Figure 6 ) surface 604 ( Figure 6 The vicinity of and located in, for example, the imaging device 620 ( Figure 6 ) surface 604 ( Figure 6Above, so that the nozzle output end of the air nozzle 734 distributes the airflow to the imaging device 620. Figure 6 The entire surface of 604 ( Figure 6 (as described below)

[0388] In some illustrative aspects, the nozzle outlet of the air nozzle 734 can be configured to distribute the airflow substantially uniformly across the imaging device 620. Figure 6 The entire surface of 604 ( Figure 6 (as described below)

[0389] In some illustrative aspects, the width of the nozzle output end of the air nozzle 734 may be wider than that of the imaging device 620. Figure 6 ) surface 604 ( Figure 6 The width of ), as described below.

[0390] In some illustrative aspects, the width of the nozzle output end of the air nozzle 734 is similar to that of the imaging device 620. Figure 6 ) surface 604 ( Figure 6 The difference between the widths of the two can be in the range of 0.5 mm to 1 mm, as described below.

[0391] In other aspects, the width of the nozzle output end of the air nozzle 734 can be made the same as that of the imaging device 620. Figure 6 ) surface 604 ( Figure 6 Any other suitable difference between the widths of the two sides.

[0392] In some illustrative aspects, the shape of the nozzle output end of the air nozzle 734 can be configured to match that of the imaging device 620. Figure 6 ) surface 604 ( Figure 6 The shape of the periphery of ) is conformal, as described below.

[0393] In other respects, the nozzle output end of the air nozzle 734 may have any other suitable configuration.

[0394] In some illustrative aspects, the air nozzle 734 may include an air path that can be configured to gradually and monotonously transition between the cross-section of the nozzle inlet end of the air nozzle 734 and the cross-section of the nozzle outlet end of the air nozzle 734, as described below.

[0395] refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8 An imaging device cleaning system 800 is illustrated schematically based on some illustrative aspects.

[0396] For example, the imaging equipment cleaning system 600 ( Figure 6It may include one or more components and / or elements of the imaging equipment cleaning system 800, and / or the imaging equipment cleaning system 600 ( Figure 6 It can be configured to perform one or more operations and / or functions of the imaging device cleaning system 800.

[0397] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 8 As shown, the imaging device cleaning system 800 may include an imaging device cleaner 810, which may be configured to clean the lens 820 of the camera 801, as described below. For example, the imaging device 620 ( Figure 6 It may include a camera 801 and a surface 604. Figure 6 It may include lens 820.

[0398] For example, the imaging equipment cleaner 610 ( Figure 6 ) may include one or more components and / or elements of the imaging device cleaner 810, and / or the imaging device cleaner 610 ( Figure 2 It can be configured to perform one or more operations and / or functions of the imaging device cleaner 810.

[0399] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 8 As shown, the imaging device cleaner 810 may include a blower mechanism 815 and a water sprayer 813, as described below.

[0400] For example, blower 615 ( Figure 6 It may include one or more components and / or elements of the blower mechanism 815, and / or the blower 615 ( Figure 6 It can be configured to perform one or more operations and / or functions of the blower mechanism 815.

[0401] For example, sprayer 613 ( Figure 6 It may include one or more parts and / or elements of the sprayer 813, and / or the sprayer 613 ( Figure 6 It can be configured to perform one or more operations and / or functions of the water sprayer 813.

[0402] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 8 As shown, the imaging device cleaning system 800 may include a hydrophobic coating 824, which may be configured to repel liquid substances (e.g., water) from the lens 820 of the camera 801, as described below.

[0403] For example, hydrophobic coating 224 ( Figure 2 ) may include one or more components and / or elements of hydrophobic coating 824, and / or hydrophobic coating 224 ( Figure 2It can be configured to perform one or more operations and / or functionalities of the hydrophobic coating 824.

[0404] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 8 As shown, the imaging device cleaning system 800 may include an ultrasonic vibration generator 826, which may be configured to remove foreign matter from the lens 820 of the camera 801 by vibration, as described below.

[0405] For example, ultrasonic vibration generator 626 ( Figure 6 It may include one or more components and / or elements of the ultrasonic vibration generator 826, and / or the ultrasonic vibration generator 626 ( Figure 6 It can be configured to perform one or more operations and / or functions of the ultrasonic vibration generator 826.

[0406] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 8 As shown, the blower mechanism 815 may include a blower 861, which may be configured to generate a relatively "strong" high-pressure airflow, for example, having a relatively high air velocity, such as... Figure 9 As shown.

[0407] In some illustrative aspects, the blower 861 may be designed while considering, for example, multiple technical characteristics that may be related to the technical implementation of the blower 861 for cleaning the lens 820 of the camera 801 in a vehicle, as described below.

[0408] In some illustrative aspects, the blower 861 may be designed, for example, taking into account airflow characteristics (e.g., pressure, velocity, and / or flow rate), as a technical solution for supporting the lens 820 of the cleaning camera 801, as described below.

[0409] In some illustrative aspects, the airflow characteristics of blower 861 may be related to or influenced by environmental conditions. For example, blower 861 may be designed to provide a technical solution for supporting airflow characteristic settings (e.g., pressure, velocity, and / or flow rate) that is applicable to a predefined range of environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, etc.

[0410] In some illustrative aspects, the blower 861 can be designed while taking into account, for example, power consumption characteristics. For example, a technical implementation of the blower 861 for cleaning the lens 820 of a camera 801 in a vehicle may be subject to power consumption limitations, for example, due to the limited availability of electricity.

[0411] In some illustrative aspects, the blower 861 may be designed while taking into account, for example, noise characteristics. For example, a specific implementation of the technology of the blower 861 for cleaning the lens 820 of a camera 801 in a vehicle may impose noise level limits, for example, according to levels defined by the vehicle manufacturer and / or standards.

[0412] In some illustrative aspects, the blower 861 may be designed while taking into account, for example, size characteristics. For example, a specific implementation of the technology for a blower 861 used to clean the lens 820 of a camera 801 in a vehicle may be subject to size limitations, for example, due to limited space available for mounting the blower 861 at one or more specific locations on the vehicle.

[0413] In some illustrative aspects, blower 861 may be designed while taking into account, for example, expected life characteristics. For example, a technical implementation of blower 861 for cleaning lens 820 of camera 801 in a vehicle may have expected life limitations imposed, for example, based on maintenance intervals defined by the vehicle manufacturer and / or standards.

[0414] In some illustrative aspects, blower 861 may be configured to generate a high-pressure airflow with a certain pressure and velocity sufficient to clean lens 820 of camera 801.

[0415] In some illustrative aspects, the blower 861 may be configured to have a relatively small size, such as about 50 x 60 x 30 mm or any other suitable size.

[0416] In some illustrative aspects, the blower 861 may be configured to operate in one or more power modes, such as within a predefined power range (e.g., between 5 and 12 watts (W)) or any other suitable power range.

[0417] In some illustrative aspects, the blower 861 may be configured to operate at a relatively low noise level (e.g., a noise level below 65 dB, such as a noise level below 60 dB, such as a noise level in the range of 53 to 58 dB, or any other suitable noise level).

[0418] In some illustrative aspects, the blower 861 can be configured based on a trade-off between airflow characteristics and power consumption and / or noise characteristics.

[0419] For example, blower 861 may be configured to provide an airflow that is strong enough, for example, in terms of pressure, speed and / or flow rate, to clean lens 820 of camera 801 under one or more predefined usage conditions.

[0420] In some illustrative aspects, the blower 861 may, for example, be controlled by the controller 602 ( Figure 6 The power mode is controlled to operate in a power mode that is strong enough to provide airflow, for example, in terms of pressure, speed and / or flow rate, to clean the lens 820 of the camera 801, for example, in a particular use case, while maintaining a relatively low power level, for example.

[0421] In one example, blower 861 may operate in a first power mode (e.g., a 5W power mode) to provide airflow that is strong enough, for example, in terms of pressure, speed, and / or flow rate, to clean lens 820 of camera 801 in a first predefined use case (e.g., where a relatively weak airflow may be required).

[0422] In another example, blower 861 may operate in a second power mode (e.g., a 7W power mode) to provide airflow that is strong enough, for example, in terms of pressure, speed, and / or flow rate, to clean lens 820 of camera 801 in a second predefined use case (e.g., where a slightly stronger airflow may be required).

[0423] In another example, blower 861 may operate in a third power mode (e.g., a 10W power mode) to provide airflow that is strong enough, for example, in terms of pressure, speed, and / or flow rate, to clean lens 820 of camera 801 in a third predefined use case (e.g., where a stronger airflow may be required).

[0424] In another example, blower 861 may operate in a fourth power mode (e.g., a 12W power mode) to provide airflow that is strong enough, for example, in terms of pressure, speed, and / or flow rate, to clean lens 820 of camera 801 in a fourth predefined use case (e.g., where a very strong airflow may be required).

[0425] In some illustrative aspects, the blower mechanism 815 may be configured to implement one or more noise reduction mechanisms to reduce the noise level during operation of the blower 861, as described below.

[0426] In some illustrative aspects, the blower mechanism 815 may be configured to reduce the noise level to below 55 dB, for example below 50 dB, such as to a noise level of about 45 dB or lower, or any other suitable noise level.

[0427] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 8 As shown, the blower mechanism 815 may include a housing 859, which may be configured to house the blower 861.

[0428] For example, housing 704 ( Figure 7) may include one or more components and / or elements of housing 859, and / or housing 704 ( Figure 7 It can be configured to perform one or more operations and / or functionalities of housing 859.

[0429] In some illustrative aspects, housing 859 may be configured to dampen noise caused by blower 861, as described below.

[0430] In some illustrative aspects, housing 859 may be configured according to certain characteristics of the intended use profile and the environment in which blower 861 is intended to be used, such as cameras and associated optical elements for imaging devices used on cleaning vehicles, for use in vehicle safety systems used on such vehicles.

[0431] In some illustrative aspects, housing 859 may be configured to dampen noise from blower 861, for example, by reducing (e.g., minimizing or optimizing) its effect on airflow characteristics at, for example, the air outlet of blower 861.

[0432] In some illustrative aspects, the blower mechanism 815 may include a single housing 859 that encloses the blower 861. In other aspects, the blower mechanism 815 may include multiple housings 859 that enclose the blower 861, for example, in a headscarf-like packaging manner.

[0433] In some illustrative aspects, housing 859 may be configured to dampen noise from blower 861, for example, by absorbing vibrations and / or sound waves emanating from the air inlet of blower 861, the air outlet of blower 861 and / or the body of blower 861, as described below.

[0434] In some illustrative aspects, housing 859 may be configured to dampen noise from blower 861, for example, by blocking vibrations and / or sound waves emanating from the air inlet of blower 861, the air outlet of blower 861 and / or the body of blower 861, as described below.

[0435] refer to Figure 10A , Figure 10B , Figure 10C , Figure 10D , Figure 10A , Figure 10B , Figure 10C , Figure 10D The components of the blower assembly 1000 are illustrated schematically according to some illustrative aspects.

[0436] For example, blower mechanism 815 ( Figure 8 It may include one or more components and / or elements of the blower assembly 1000, and / or the blower mechanism 815. Figure 8It can be configured to perform one or more operations and / or functions of the blower assembly 1000.

[0437] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 10A As shown, the blower assembly 1000 may include a first set of dampers (e.g., rubber dampers 1010) that may be attached to the blower 1016, for example, to dampen vibrations of the blower 1016.

[0438] In one example, such as Figure 10A As shown, the blower assembly 1000 may include three rubber dampers 1010 attached to the blower 1016. In other respects, any other type and / or number of dampers 1010 may be used.

[0439] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 10C and Figure 10D As shown, the blower assembly 1000 may include noise-absorbing material 1020, which may be placed around the body of the blower 1016, for example, to absorb noise caused by the blower 1016.

[0440] In one example, the noise-absorbing material 1020 may include a noise-absorbing sponge, a noise-absorbing foam, and / or any other suitable noise-absorbing material.

[0441] In one example, the noise-absorbing material 1020 may have a thickness of approximately 3.65 mm. In other respects, any other thickness may be achieved.

[0442] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 10B , Figure 10C and Figure 10D As shown, the blower assembly 1000 may include a housing 1030 (e.g., a sealed housing) which may be configured to enclose the blower 1016 and noise-absorbing material 1020.

[0443] In one example, the housing 1030 may be formed of, for example, printed nylon with a thickness of about 3 mm. In other respects, the housing 1030 may be formed of any other suitable material.

[0444] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 10B As shown, the blower assembly 1000 may include a second set of dampers (e.g., rubber dampers 1040) that may be attached to the housing 1030, for example, to dampen vibrations of the housing 1030.

[0445] In some illustrative aspects, the blower assembly 1000 may include at least one additional noise-absorbing housing structure, each comprising a housing and noise-absorbing material, the noise-absorbing material being able to enclose the housing in, for example, a headscarf-like package.

[0446] In some illustrative aspects, the noise-absorbing material 1020 may be configured to provide a technical solution for damping noise by “blocking” noise sound waves, as described below.

[0447] Also refer to Figure 10E and Figure 10F , Figure 10E A cross-section of the blower assembly 1000 is schematically illustrated according to some illustrative aspects, and Figure 10F An external view of the housing 1030 of the blower assembly 1000 is schematically illustrated according to some illustrative aspects.

[0448] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 10E As shown, the noise-absorbing material 1020 can be designed to form a duct 1060 between the air inlet 1062 of the blower assembly 1000 and the air inlet 1064 of the blower 1016.

[0449] In some illustrative aspects, the dimensions and / or shape of the cross-section of the duct 1060 may be based on the dimensions and / or shape of the air inlet 1064 of the blower 1016.

[0450] For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the duct 1060, for example, along the path of the duct 1060, may be configured to be substantially equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the air inlet 1064 of the blower 1016.

[0451] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 10E As shown, the conduit 1060 can be configured to have a labyrinth shape (e.g., including multiple sharp turns, such as 90-degree turns and / or any other turns).

[0452] For example, the labyrinthine conduit 1060 can be implemented to provide a technical solution for supporting improved noise mitigation, such as by using sharp turns to cause noise waves to lose energy or change frequency when they impact (“bump”) the sidewalls of the conduit 1060.

[0453] In some illustrative aspects, the labyrinth shape of duct 1060 can be designed while taking into account the effect of the labyrinth shape on the airflow through duct 1060. For example, too many sharp turns and / or too steep turns may lead to turbulence, which may result in a decrease in flow velocity and / or pressure.

[0454] In some illustrative aspects, the design of the duct 1060 can be optimized for use with the functionality of the camera and blower 1016 mounted on a vehicle.

[0455] For example, the air intake section from the inlet 1062 of the housing 1030 to the inlet 1064 of the blower 1016 can be designed to have a bend and can be strategically positioned within the vehicle structure to minimize noise.

[0456] For example, the air outlet section from the outlet of blower 1016 to the outlet of housing 1030 may be designed to be relatively straight, for example, to maintain as much throughput as possible and to support the air nozzle (e.g., air nozzle 734). Figure 7 The position of the lens may not be as flexible as it should be, for example, near the lens, and in some cases may be very close to the head of the driver or passenger.

[0457] In some use cases, the design may sacrifice some efficiency in certain areas (e.g., by having a turn with sound interruption) and may optimize throughput in other areas, such as considering the desired noise level.

[0458] Return to reference Figure 8 In some illustrative aspects, the imaging device cleaner 810 may include a duct assembly that can be configured to direct high-pressure air from the outlet of the blower 861 toward the lens 820 of the camera 801, as described below.

[0459] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 8 As shown, the pipe assembly may include pipe 865, such as those described below.

[0460] For example, pipe 718 ( Figure 7 ) may include one or more components and / or elements of pipe 865, and / or pipe 718 ( Figure 7 It can be configured to perform one or more functions of pipeline 865.

[0461] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 8 As shown, the piping assembly may include a connector 863 that can be configured to fluidly connect the air outlet of the blower 861 to a first end of the pipe 865, as described below.

[0462] For example, connector 714 ( Figure 7 It may include one or more parts and / or elements of connector 863, and / or connector 714 ( Figure 7 It can be configured to perform one or more functions of connector 863.

[0463] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 8 As shown, the duct assembly may include an air nozzle 867, which may be connected to a second end of the duct 865, as described below.

[0464] For example, air nozzle 734 ( Figure 7 It may include one or more components and / or elements of air nozzle 867, and / or air nozzle 734 ( Figure 7 It can be configured to perform one or more functions of the air nozzle 867.

[0465] In some illustrative aspects, the imaging device cleaner 810 may include a blower output adapter 849, which may be configured to adapt airflow between the air outlet of the blower 861 and one or more elements to be connected to the air outlet of the blower 861, as described below.

[0466] For example, adapter 716 ( Figure 7 It may include one or more components and / or elements of the blower output adapter 849, and / or adapter 716 ( Figure 7 It can be configured to perform one or more functions of the blower output adapter 849.

[0467] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 8 As shown, the blower output adapter 849 can be configured to adapt the airflow between the air outlet of the blower 861 and the connector 863.

[0468] In other respects, the blower output adapter 849 may be configured, for example, based on the installation configuration of the imaging equipment cleaner 810, to adapt the airflow between the air outlet of the blower 861 and any other suitable air delivery element to be connected to the air outlet of the blower 861, as described below.

[0469] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 8 As shown, the imaging equipment cleaner 810 can be installed according to a first mounting configuration including a conduit assembly, which includes, for example, a connector 863, a conduit 865, and an air nozzle 867.

[0470] For example, this mounting configuration can be implemented to provide a technical solution when the blower mechanism 815 is installed at a certain distance from the camera 801, such as when the camera 801 is installed in the side mirror of a vehicle.

[0471] In some illustrative aspects, the imaging device cleaner 810 may be installed according to a second mounting configuration that does not include the conduit 865. For example, the second mounting configuration may include an air nozzle 867, which may be connected, for example, to a blower output adapter 849 via a connector 863.

[0472] For example, this mounting configuration can be implemented to provide a technical solution when the blower mechanism 815 is installed relatively close to the camera 801, such as when the camera is mounted behind the fender of a vehicle.

[0473] In some illustrative aspects, the imaging device cleaner 810 can be installed according to a third mounting configuration that does not include the conduit 865 and connector 863. For example, the third mounting configuration may include an air nozzle 867, which may be directly connected, for example, to a blower output adapter 849.

[0474] For example, this mounting configuration can be implemented to provide a technical solution when the blower mechanism 815 is mounted close to the camera 801, such as when the camera is mounted behind the front dashboard of a vehicle.

[0475] refer to Figure 11A , Figure 11B , Figure 11C , Figure 11D and Figure 11E , Figure 11A , Figure 11B , Figure 11C , Figure 11D and Figure 11E Examples of specific implementations of blower output adapter 1149 according to several different installation configurations are illustrated based on some illustrative aspects.

[0476] For example, blower output adapter 849 ( Figure 8 It may include blower output adapter 1149.

[0477] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 11A As shown, the first end of the blower output adapter 1149 can be configured, for example, to be forcibly attached to the air outlet of the blower 1116, for example, to prevent air leakage.

[0478] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 11A As shown, the second end of the blower output adapter 1149 can be configured to be attached to a component that will be connected to the air outlet of the blower 1116.

[0479] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 11A As shown, the blower output adapter 1149 can be configured to provide a technical solution to maintain a relatively smooth, continuous and / or fluid transition between the air outlet of the blower 1116 and the component to be connected to the air outlet of the blower.

[0480] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 11AAs shown, the blower output adapter 1149 can be configured to provide a technical solution to maintain a generally gradual and / or monotonous transition, such as a conical transition, between the cross-section of the air outlet of the blower 1116 and the cross-section of the component to be connected to the air outlet of the blower 1116.

[0481] In some illustrative aspects, this configuration of the blower output adapter 1149 can be configured to provide, for example, a technical solution to connect the component to the air outlet of the blower 1116 with reduced (e.g., minimal) airflow turbulence.

[0482] In some illustrative aspects, this configuration of the blower output adapter 1149 can be configured to provide, for example, a technical solution for connecting components to the air outlet of the blower 1116 with reduced (e.g., minimal) airflow losses.

[0483] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 11B and Figure 11C As shown, the blower output adapter 1149 can be configured to provide an air outlet for the blower 1116 and connector 1163 (e.g., connector 863). Figure 8 Technical solutions for the transition between ))

[0484] For example, such as Figure 11C As shown, connector 1163 can be used to connect pipe 1165 (e.g., pipe 865). Figure 8 Connect to blower 1116.

[0485] In some illustrative aspects, connector 1163 may include a quick connector (accessory) that can be configured to support a quick and / or secure connection between blower output adapter 1149 and conduit 1165.

[0486] In one example, connector 1163 may include a PU12 quick accessory or any other suitable type of connector or accessory.

[0487] In some illustrative aspects, connector 1163 can be implemented as a technical solution to reduce noise from the output of the blower.

[0488] In some illustrative aspects, connector 1163 may include a plurality of internal mating grips 1190 that may be configured to maintain a tight fit between connector 1163 and adapter 1149, as described below.

[0489] For example, such as Figure 11B As shown, connector 1163 may include a press-fit fitting that can be configured to support quick and easy assembly, such as without tools.

[0490] For example, such as Figure 11B As shown, connector 1163 may include a head portion 1191, which is formed, for example, of a metallic material (e.g., brass, stainless steel, plastic, or any other suitable material). For example, head portion 1191 may be configured to mount onto an end of an engagement element (e.g., end 1147 of output adapter 1149) to which connector 1163 will be connected. For example, connector 1163 may include a gripper 1190, which may be configured to grip the engagement element (e.g., end 1147 of output adapter 1149) once it is inserted into connector 1163. For example, as... Figure 11B As shown, the gripper 1190 can be implemented in the form of a resilient toothed ring, for example, as part of a chuck mechanism. For example, the gripper 1190 can be formed of a suitable spring metal or the like. For example, the gripper 1190 can be configured to hold and lock an engaging element (e.g., end 1147 of the output adapter 1149) to the cylinder 1193 of the connector 1163.

[0491] For example, such as Figure 11B As shown, connector 1163 may include a seal (e.g., O-ring 1195) to seal the gap between the engagement element (e.g., end 1147 of output adapter 1149) and the cylinder 1193 of connector 1163.

[0492] In some illustrative aspects, the internally fitted gripper 1190 can be used to reduce noise from the air outlet of the blower 1116.

[0493] For example, through research and investigation, the inventors have discovered that the elastic structure of the internally cooperating gripper 1190 combines flexibility and strength, which can be used to provide innovative technical solutions to absorb acoustic energy and convert it into heat energy or another form of energy, which can support the reduction of noise intensity.

[0494] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 11D and Figure 11E As shown, the blower output adapter 1149 can be configured to provide an air outlet for the blower 1116 with duct 1165 (e.g., duct 865). Figure 8 Technical solutions for the transition between ))

[0495] For example, the blower output adapter 1149 can be directly connected to the duct 1165, for example, in installations where there is insufficient space for connector 1163, for example. Figure 11E As shown.

[0496] Return to reference Figure 8In some illustrative aspects, pipe 865 may be configured to have an inner diameter that matches the diameter of the output of blower output adapter 849.

[0497] In some illustrative aspects, the conduit 865 may be formed of a material with a relatively low coefficient of friction, which is suitable for delivering air from the blower 861 with reduced (e.g., minimal) losses.

[0498] In some illustrative aspects, experiments have shown that the duct 865 can be implemented to a length of, for example, up to about 1.5 meters or even longer, while maintaining acceptable performance in delivering airflow from the blower 861 to the nozzle 867.

[0499] For example, pipe 865 can be implemented to provide a technical solution in cases where blower mechanism 815 will be located relatively far from camera 801.

[0500] In one example, pipe 865 may be implemented as a technical solution supporting installation configuration, wherein camera 801 may be located in a side mirror of the vehicle, and blower mechanism 815 may be located in a door of the vehicle.

[0501] In some illustrative aspects, the air nozzle 867 may be configured to direct a high-pressure airflow, received, for example, via duct 865 or directly from the blower output adapter 849, toward the lens 820 of the camera 801, as described below.

[0502] In some illustrative aspects, the air nozzle 867 may be configured to distribute a high-pressure airflow onto the lens 820 of the camera 801, for example, at a relatively high pressure and / or velocity, as described below.

[0503] In some illustrative aspects, the air nozzle 867 may be configured to distribute a high-pressure airflow onto the lens 820 of the camera 801, for example, according to a relatively uniform distribution profile, as described below.

[0504] In some illustrative aspects, the air nozzle 867 may be configured, for example, to be forcibly attached to a duct 865, connector 863, or blower output adapter 849, depending on the installation configuration, to prevent air leakage.

[0505] In some illustrative aspects, the air nozzle 867 may be configured to maintain a relatively smooth, continuous and / or fluid transition between the inlet of the air nozzle 867 (e.g., from the duct 865, connector 863, or blower output adapter 849) and the outlet of the air nozzle 867.

[0506] In some illustrative aspects, the air nozzle 867 may be configured to maintain a generally gradual and / or monotonous transition, such as a conical transition, between the cross-section of the air nozzle 867 inlet (e.g., from the duct 865, connector 863, or blower output adapter 849) and the cross-section of the air nozzle 867 outlet.

[0507] In some illustrative aspects, this configuration of the air nozzle 867 can be configured to provide a technical solution for directing airflow to the lens 820 of the camera 801 with, for example, reduced (e.g., minimized) airflow turbulence.

[0508] In some illustrative aspects, this configuration of the air nozzle 867 can be configured to provide, for example, a technical solution to direct airflow to the lens 820 of the camera 801 with reduced (e.g., minimal) airflow loss.

[0509] In some illustrative aspects, the outlet of the air nozzle 867 may be designed according to physical principles, such as to provide a technical solution to support efficient dispersion of airflow on the lens 820 of the camera 801, such as having sufficient pressure and velocity to support proper cleaning of the lens 820, as described below.

[0510] refer to Figures 12A to 12D , Figures 12A to 12D An air nozzle 1200 is illustrated schematically according to some illustrative aspects.

[0511] For example, air nozzle 867 ( Figure 8 It may include one or more components and / or elements of the air nozzle 1200, and / or the air nozzle 867 ( Figure 8 It can be configured to perform one or more functions of the air nozzle 1200.

[0512] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figures 12A to 12D As shown, the outlet 1207 of the air nozzle 1200 can be configured, for example, to be placed very close to the lens 1209 of the camera, while substantially not obstructing the camera's field of view or obstructing a predefined portion beyond the camera's field of view.

[0513] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 12C As shown, the height 1205 of the outlet 1207 of the air nozzle 1200 can be configured to extend above the height of the lens 1209 of the camera.

[0514] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 12C As shown, the height 1205 of the outlet of the air nozzle 1200 can be configured to be placed near, for example, the periphery of the lens 1209, so that the outlet 1207 of the air nozzle 1200 can provide airflow in the area that substantially covers the lens 1209.

[0515] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 12D As shown, the width 1210 of the outlet of the air nozzle 1200 can be configured to be wider than the lens 1209 (e.g., about 0.5 mm wider).

[0516] For example, the airflow in region 1220 near the inner surface of the outlet 1207 of the air nozzle 1200 may have a near-zero velocity. Therefore, the width 1210 of the outlet 1207 of the air nozzle 1200 may be configured to be wider than the width of the lens 1209, which provides a technical solution for distributing the support airflow 1230 on substantially the entire surface of the lens 1209.

[0517] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figure 12D As shown, the shape of the outlet 1207 of the air nozzle 1200 can be configured, for example, based on the shape of the lens 1209.

[0518] For example, such as Figure 12D As shown, the outlet 1207 of the air nozzle 1200 can be configured to have a substantially arcuate shape, which can conform to the shape of the lens 1209.

[0519] For example, configuring the shape of the outlet 1207 of the air nozzle 1200 to conform to the shape of the lens 1209 can provide a technical solution to support a substantially uniform distribution of the airflow 1230 on the surface of the lens 1209, for example, in terms of speed and / or pressure.

[0520] For example, configuring the shape of the outlet 1207 of the air nozzle 1200 to conform to the shape of the lens 1209 can provide a technical solution to maintain a substantially uniform distance from the outlet of the air nozzle 1200 to the surface of the lens 1209, which can make the airflow 1230 substantially uniformly distributed, for example at substantially the same maximum airflow velocity.

[0521] refer to Figure 13A , Figure 13B and Figure 13C , Figure 13A , Figure 13B and Figure 13C The configuration of the nozzle assembly 1300, including the air nozzle 1334 and the sprayer nozzle 1332, is illustrated schematically according to some illustrative aspects.

[0522] For example, nozzle assembly 730 ( Figure 7 It may include one or more components and / or elements of the water nozzle assembly 1300, and / or the water nozzle assembly 730 ( Figure 7 It can be configured to perform one or more functions of the nozzle assembly 1300.

[0523] In some illustrative aspects, the spray nozzle 1332 may be configured to distribute, for example, water supplied from the spray pipe 1367 onto the lens 1320 of the camera 1309, as described above.

[0524] In some illustrative aspects, the air nozzle 1334 may be configured to distribute airflow onto the lens 1320 of the camera 1309, as described above.

[0525] In some illustrative aspects, the nozzle assembly 1300 may include a nozzle retainer 1336 for retaining the sprayer nozzle 1332 and the air nozzle 1334.

[0526] In some illustrative aspects, the nozzle retainer 1336 may be configured to maintain a predefined relative position between the air nozzle 1334 and the sprayer nozzle 1332.

[0527] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figures 13A to 13C As shown, the nozzle holder 1336 can be configured to hold the sprayer nozzle 1332, for example, so that the sprayer nozzle 1332 can spray water onto the lens 1320 of the camera 1309.

[0528] In one example, the sprinkler pipe 1367 may include The tube. In other respects, any other tube can be implemented.

[0529] In some illustrative aspects, the second end of pipe 1367 may be connected, for example, via a valve (not shown) to a water pump (not shown) that can provide pressurized water flow from a water reservoir (not shown).

[0530] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figures 13A to 13C As shown, the nozzle retainer 1336 can be configured to retain the sprayer nozzle 1332, for example, such that the sprayer nozzle 1332 sprays water near the outlet of the air nozzle 1334 (e.g., the outlet of the air nozzle 1200 (FIG. 12)). For example, this configuration can provide a technical solution to support the water sprayer 813 ( Figure 8 ) and blower 861 ( Figure 8 Combined operations (e.g., substantially simultaneous operations), such as to increase the speed at which water flows onto the lens 1320 of the camera 1309.

[0531] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figures 13A to 13C As shown, the nozzle holder 1336 can be configured to hold the sprayer nozzle 1332, for example, such that the sprayer nozzle 1332 will be positioned at a location and / or orientation that does not substantially obstruct the field of view 1311 of the camera 1309.

[0532] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figures 13A to 13CAs shown, the nozzle holder 1336 can be configured to hold the sprayer nozzle 1332, for example, such that the sprayer nozzle 1332 will be positioned in a location and / or orientation that can support a technical solution for spraying water covering substantially the entire area of ​​the lens 1320 of the camera 1309 (e.g., with a single spray).

[0533] In other aspects, the water spray pipe 1300 can be positioned to be compatible with... Figures 13A to 13C Different positions and / or orientations are shown.

[0534] Return to reference Figure 8 In some illustrative aspects, the ultrasonic vibration generator 826 may be integrated as part of the lens 820.

[0535] For example, the ultrasonic vibration generator 826 can be implemented to vibrate the outermost element or layer of the lens 820, which may be exposed to the environment.

[0536] In some illustrative aspects, the ultrasonic vibration generator 826 may be implemented as part of an ultrasonic vibration assembly that may include a window that can be placed on the lens 820. For example, the ultrasonic vibration generator 826 may be operated to vibrate the window, for example, to remove foreign matter from the outer surface of the window, as described below.

[0537] In some illustrative aspects, the ultrasonic vibration component can be implemented to provide a technical solution utilizing the ultrasonic vibration mechanism, for example, to simultaneously avoid vibration of the lens 820 that could lead to deterioration of the focus of the lens 820.

[0538] refer to Figure 14A , Figure 14B and Figure 14C , Figure 14A , Figure 14B and Figure 14C An ultrasonic vibration assembly 1400 is schematically illustrated according to some illustrative aspects.

[0539] For example, ultrasonic vibration generator 626 ( Figure 6 ) can be implemented as part of the ultrasonic vibration assembly 1400 or may include one or more components and / or elements of the ultrasonic vibration assembly, and / or the ultrasonic vibration generator 626 ( Figure 6 It can be configured to perform one or more operations and / or functions of the ultrasonic vibration assembly 1400.

[0540] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figures 14A to 14C As shown, the ultrasonic vibration assembly 1400 may include a housing 1460, which may be configured to enclose the camera 1420.

[0541] In some illustrative aspects, such as Figures 14A to 14C As shown, the housing 1460 of the ultrasonic vibration assembly 1400 may include a window 1430. For example, the housing 1460 may be configured to hold the camera 1420, such that the window 1430 may be positioned substantially in front of the lens of the camera 1420.

[0542] In some illustrative aspects, window 1430 may be configured to provide a field of view that does not obstruct and / or distort the field of view of the lens of camera 1420.

[0543] In some illustrative aspects, the housing 1460 of the ultrasonic vibration assembly 1400 may be implemented to provide a technical solution that can be installed and / or maintained relatively easily.

[0544] In some illustrative aspects, the housing 1460 of the ultrasonic vibration assembly 1400 can be implemented as a technical solution that provides good cleaning capabilities.

[0545] In some illustrative aspects, for example, for implementing the ultrasonic vibration generator 826 ( Figure 8 The design of the ultrasonic vibration mechanism can take into account the lens to be protected (e.g., lens 820). Figure 8 One or more technical aspects of ))

[0546] In one example, in some use cases, the camera (e.g., camera 801) Figure 8 A relatively wide field of view, such as 100 degrees or wider, may be required, which may not be supported by the window of the ultrasonic vibration assembly 1400. According to this example, the ultrasonic vibration mechanism can be implemented in the form of an integrated ultrasonic vibration generator, which can be integrated as part of the lens, as described above.

[0547] In another example, in some use cases, the camera (e.g., camera 801) Figure 8 This can have relatively high resolution, which may not be supported by an integrated ultrasonic vibration generator. According to this example, the ultrasonic vibration mechanism can be implemented in the form of an ultrasonic vibration assembly 1400.

[0548] refer to Figure 15 , Figure 15 A method for cleaning vehicle imaging equipment is illustrated schematically based on some illustrative aspects. For example, controller 202 ( Figure 2 ) and / or controller 602 ( Figure 2 ) can be configured to according to Figure 15 The method is to implement one or more operations and / or functionalities.

[0549] In some illustrative aspects, as indicated in block 1502, the method may include activating and deactivating the blower and sprayer of the imaging equipment cleaner. For example, controller 602 ( Figure 6 ) can be configured to control the imaging equipment cleaner 610 ( Figure 1 ) blower 615 ( Figure 6 ) and sprayer 613 ( Figure 6 Activation and deactivation of , as described above.

[0550] In some illustrative aspects, as shown in box 1504, controlling the activation and deactivation of the blower and sprayer may include identifying a predefined occlusion scenario in which at least a portion of the imaging device's field of view is obscured by material on the surface of the imaging device. For example, controller 602 ( Figure 6 It can be configured to recognize predefined occlusion scenarios, such as those described above.

[0551] In some illustrative aspects, as indicated in box 1506, controlling the activation and deactivation of the blower and sprayer may include controlling the activation of the blower based on the identification of a predefined occlusion scenario. For example, controller 602 ( Figure 6 It can be configured to control the blower 615 based on the recognition of predefined occlusion scenarios. Figure 6 Activation of ), as described above.

[0552] In some illustrative aspects, as indicated in box 1508, controlling the activation and deactivation of the blower and sprayers may include controlling the activation of the sprayers based on the identification of predefined occlusion scenarios. For example, controller 602 ( Figure 6 It can be configured to control the sprayer 613 based on the recognition of predefined occlusion scenarios. Figure 6 Activation of , for example, as described above.

[0553] refer to Figure 16 , Figure 16 An illustrated product 1600 is shown schematically according to some illustrative aspects. Product 1600 may include one or more tangible computer-readable (“machine-readable”) non-transitory storage media 1602, which may include, for example, computer-executable instructions implemented by logic 1604, which, when executed by at least one computer processor, are operable to enable the at least one computer processor to execute, trigger, and / or implement references. Figures 1 to 15 The description refers to one or more operations and / or functions and / or one or more operations described herein. The phrases "non-transitory machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable non-transitory storage medium" can include all machine and / or computer-readable media, with the sole exception of transient propagation signals.

[0554] In some illustrative aspects, product 1600 and / or machine-readable storage medium 1602 may include one or more types of computer-readable storage media capable of storing data, including volatile memory, non-volatile memory, removable or non-removable memory, erasable or non-erasable memory, writable or rewritable memory, etc. For example, machine-readable storage medium 1602 may include RAM, DRAM, double data rate DRAM (DDR-DRAM), SDRAM, static RAM (SRAM), ROM, programmable ROM (PROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory (e.g., NOR or NAND flash memory), content-addressable memory (CAM), polymer memory, phase-change memory, ferroelectric memory, silicon-oxide-nitride-oxide-silicon (SONOS) memory, disk, hard disk, etc. Computer-readable storage media may include any suitable medium involving downloading or transferring a computer program from a remote computer to a requesting computer via a communication link (e.g., modem, radio, or network connection), the computer program being carried by a data signal contained in a carrier wave or other propagation medium.

[0555] In some illustrative aspects, logic 1604 may include instructions, data, and / or code that, if executed by a machine, cause the machine to perform the methods, processes, and / or operations described herein. The machine may include, for example, any suitable processing platform, computing platform, computing device, processing apparatus, computing system, processing system, computer, processor, etc., and may be implemented using any suitable combination of hardware, software, firmware, etc.

[0556] In some descriptive aspects, logic 1604 may include or be implemented as software, software modules, applications, programs, subroutines, instructions, instruction sets, computational code, words, values, symbols, etc. Instructions may include any suitable type of code, such as source code, compiled code, interpreted code, executable code, static code, dynamic code, etc. Instructions may be implemented according to predefined computer languages, methods, or syntaxes to instruct the processor to perform specific functions. Instructions may be implemented using any suitable high-level, low-level, object-oriented, visual, compiled, and / or interpreted programming languages, machine code, etc.

[0557] Example

[0558] The following examples relate to further aspects.

[0559] Example 1 includes an imaging device cleaning system comprising: a blower configured to provide an airflow to be applied to a surface of an imaging device; a sprayer configured to spray liquid onto the surface of the imaging device; and a controller configured to control the activation and deactivation of the blower and the sprayer, the controller being configured to control the activation of at least one of the blower or the sprayer based on the identification of a predefined occlusion scenario in which at least a portion of the field of view of the imaging device will be occluded by material on the surface.

[0560] Example 2 includes the subject matter of Example 1, and optionally, the blower includes: an air blower having a blower input and a blower output; and a housing configured to enclose the air blower, the housing including: an air inlet; an air outlet; an inlet path for supplying air from the air inlet to the blower input; and an outlet path for supplying the airflow from the blower output to the air outlet.

[0561] Example 3 includes the subject matter of Example 2, and optionally, at least a portion of the inlet path includes a noise absorption path configured to absorb noise generated by the air blower.

[0562] Example 4 includes the subject matter of Example 3, and optionally, the noise absorption path includes a maze-like path that includes one or more turns.

[0563] Example 5 includes the subject matter of Example 3 or 4, and optionally, the noise absorption path is at least partially covered by noise-absorbing material.

[0564] Example 6 includes the subject matter of Example 5, and optionally, the noise-absorbing material includes polyurethane.

[0565] Example 7 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 2 to 6, and optionally, the housing contains noise-absorbing material.

[0566] Example 8 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 2 to 7, and optionally, the blower includes: one or more blower dampers connected between the air blower and the housing, the one or more blower dampers being configured to dampen vibrations from the air blower; and one or more housing dampers for connecting the housing to a housing support, the one or more housing dampers being configured to dampen vibrations from the housing.

[0567] Example 9 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 2 to 8, and optionally includes a connector configured to fluidly connect the air outlet and the duct to guide the airflow, wherein the connector is configured to reduce noise from the air outlet.

[0568] Example 10 includes the subject matter of Example 9, and optionally, the connector includes a plurality of internal mating grips configured to maintain a tight fit between the connector and the air outlet, the internal mating grips being used to reduce the noise from the air outlet.

[0569] Example 11 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 2 to 10, and optionally includes an adapter that fluidly connects the air outlet to an air conveyor that delivers the airflow toward the surface of the imaging device, wherein the adapter is configured to deliver the airflow via a normally monotonous transition between the air outlet and the air conveyor.

[0570] Example 12 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 11 and optionally includes a nozzle assembly comprising: a spray nozzle configured to distribute the liquid onto the surface of the imaging device; an air nozzle configured to distribute an airflow onto the surface of the imaging device; and a nozzle holder for holding the spray nozzle and the air nozzle, the nozzle holder being configured to maintain a predefined relative positioning between the air nozzle and the spray nozzle.

[0571] Example 13 includes the subject matter of Example 12, and optionally, the nozzle holder is configured to hold the air nozzle above the surface of the imaging device and hold the sprayer nozzle above the air nozzle.

[0572] Example 14 includes the subject matter of Example 12 or 13, and optionally, the nozzle holder is configured to keep the air nozzle and the sprayer nozzle outside at least 90% of the field of view of the imaging device.

[0573] Example 15 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 12 to 14, and optionally, the predefined relative positioning between the air nozzle and the sprayer nozzle is configured such that when the blower and the sprayer are activated simultaneously, the airflow will increase the speed of the liquid toward the surface.

[0574] Example 16 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 15, and optionally includes: a spray nozzle for distributing the liquid onto the surface of the imaging device in a predefined spray direction; and an air nozzle for distributing an airflow onto the surface of the imaging device in a predefined airflow direction, wherein the predefined airflow direction is the same as or within 10 degrees of the predefined spray direction.

[0575] Example 17 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 16 and optionally includes an air nozzle configured to distribute the airflow onto the surface of the imaging device.

[0576] Example 18 includes the subject matter of Example 17 and optionally includes a retainer for positioning the nozzle output end of the air nozzle near the periphery of the surface of the imaging device and above the surface of the imaging device, such that the nozzle output end disperses the airflow onto substantially the entire surface of the imaging device.

[0577] Example 19 includes the subject matter of Example 17 or 18, and optionally, the nozzle output end of the air nozzle is configured to distribute the airflow substantially uniformly across substantially the entire surface of the imaging device.

[0578] Example 20 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 17 to 19, and optionally, the width of the nozzle output end of the air nozzle is wider than the width of the surface of the imaging device.

[0579] Example 21 includes the subject matter of Example 20, and optionally, the difference between the width of the nozzle output end of the air nozzle and the width of the surface of the imaging device is in the range of 0.5 mm to 1 mm.

[0580] Example 22 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 17 to 21, and optionally, the shape of the nozzle output end of the air nozzle is configured to conform to the shape of the periphery of the surface of the imaging device.

[0581] Example 23 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 17 to 22, and optionally, the air nozzle includes an air path configured to gradually and monotonically transition between the cross-section of the air nozzle at its nozzle inlet and the cross-section of the air nozzle at its nozzle outlet.

[0582] Example 24 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 17 to 23, and optionally includes a conduit for directing the airflow from the blower to the air nozzle.

[0583] Example 25 includes the subject matter of Example 24, and optionally, the inner surface of the pipe has a coefficient of friction of less than 0.6.

[0584] Example 26 includes the subject matter of Example 25, and optionally, the inner surface of the pipe has a coefficient of friction in the range of 0.2 to 0.5.

[0585] Example 27 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 26, and optionally, the blower is controllably operated in multiple blower operating modes having multiple associated blower noise levels, wherein the controller is configured to control the activation of the blower in the selected blower operating mode based on a predefined activation criterion based on the blower noise level associated with the selected blower operating mode.

[0586] Example 28 includes the subject of Example 27, and optionally, the predefined activation criterion is based on one or more occlusion attributes of the predefined occlusion scene.

[0587] Example 29 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 28, and optionally, the controller is configured to determine activation settings based on the predefined occlusion scenario and control the activation of at least one of the blower or the sprayer according to the activation settings.

[0588] Example 30 includes the subject matter of Example 29, and optionally, the activation setting is used to define a cleaning process for removing the substance from the surface of the imaging device.

[0589] Example 31 includes the subject matter of Example 29 or 30, and optionally, the activation setting is used to define whether the blower will be activated and whether the sprayer will be activated.

[0590] Example 32 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 29 to 31, and optionally, the activation setting is used to define an operating mode in which at least one of the blower or the sprayer will be activated.

[0591] Example 33 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 29 to 32, and optionally, the activation setting is used to define the activation duration for which at least one of the blower or the sprayer will be activated.

[0592] Example 34 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 29 to 33, and optionally, the activation setting is based on at least one of the type of the substance, the amount of the substance, the position of the substance on the surface of the imaging device, or the percentage of the field of view that is obscured by the substance.

[0593] Example 35 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 29 to 34, and optionally, the activation setting is based on a real-time driving scenario of a vehicle including the imaging device.

[0594] Example 36 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 29 to 35, and optionally, the activation setting is used to define an activation cycle that includes activation of the sprayer followed by activation of the blower.

[0595] Example 37 includes the subject matter of Example 36, and optionally, the controller is configured to repeatedly activate the sprayer and the blower for multiple activation cycles until a cleaning standard is identified.

[0596] Example 38 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 29 to 37, and optionally, the controller is configured to determine that the activation setting activates only the blower based on determining that the predefined occlusion scene includes a water droplet scene in which the substance includes water droplets.

[0597] Example 39 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 29 to 38, and optionally, the controller is configured to determine the activation setting to activate the sprayer in a first time period and the blower in a second time period after the end of the first time period based on determining that the predefined occlusion scenario includes a solid material scenario in which the material includes solid material.

[0598] Example 40 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 29 to 39, and optionally, the controller is configured to simultaneously activate the sprayer and the blower based on determining that the predefined occlusion scenario includes a mixed substance scenario in which the substance comprises a mixture of water and solid substances.

[0599] Example 41 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 40, and optionally, the controller is configured to activate the blower to provide the airflow at a sufficient speed such that the airflow is provided to the surface of the imaging device at a speed of at least 30 meters per second (m / s).

[0600] Example 42 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 41, and optionally, the controller is configured to activate the blower at a blower power level based on the predefined occlusion scenario.

[0601] Example 43 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 42, and optionally, the controller is configured to activate the blower at a first blower power level based on the identification of a first predefined occlusion scenario and to activate the blower at a second blower power level different from the first power level based on the identification of a second predefined occlusion scenario different from the first predefined occlusion scenario.

[0602] Example 44 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 43, and optionally, the surface of the imaging device includes a hydrophobic coating that repels liquid substances.

[0603] Example 45 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 44, and optionally, the controller is configured to activate an ultrasonic vibration generator to generate vibrations, thereby removing at least one of the droplets of the substance or the liquid from the surface of the imaging device at least partially.

[0604] Example 46 includes the subject matter of Example 45, and optionally, the controller is configured to set the ultrasonic vibration generator to generate the vibration based on the vibration frequency of the predefined occlusion scene.

[0605] Example 47 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 46, and optionally, the controller is configured to control the activation of a plurality of imaging device cleaners to clean the respective plurality of imaging device surfaces, wherein the imaging device cleaners among the plurality of imaging device cleaners include the blower and the sprayer.

[0606] Example 48 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 47, and optionally, the maximum blower noise level of the blower does not exceed 50 dB.

[0607] Example 49 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 48, and optionally, the maximum blower noise level of the blower does not exceed 45 dB.

[0608] Example 50 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 49, and optionally, the liquid is water or an aqueous solution.

[0609] Example 51 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 50, and optionally, the surface of the imaging device includes the lens surface of the lens of the imaging device.

[0610] Example 52 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 51, and optionally, the surface of the imaging device includes a protective surface for protecting the lens of the imaging device.

[0611] Example 53 includes a vehicle comprising: one or more imaging devices; an imaging device cleaning system according to any one of Examples 1 to 52, the imaging device cleaning system being configured to clean the surface of at least one of the one or more imaging devices; at least one processor for generating sensor information based on one or more images sensed by the one or more imaging devices; and a vehicle system controller for controlling one or more vehicle systems of the vehicle based on the sensor information.

[0612] Example 54 includes the subject matter of Example 53 and optionally includes a plurality of imaging device cleaners for cleaning the respective surfaces of a plurality of imaging devices at a plurality of locations in the vehicle, wherein the imaging device cleaners among the plurality of imaging device cleaners include the blower and the sprayer.

[0613] Example 55 includes a controller for an imaging device cleaning system, the controller being configured to perform any of the operations described in any of Examples 1 to 52.

[0614] Example 56 includes a means of transportation that incorporates the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 52.

[0615] Example 57 includes an apparatus comprising a device for performing any of the operations described in any of Examples 1 to 52.

[0616] Example 58 includes a system comprising devices for performing any of the operations described in any of Examples 1 to 52.

[0617] Example 59 includes a machine-readable medium for storing instructions that are executed by a processor to perform any of the operations described in any of Examples 1 to 52.

[0618] Example 60 includes a product comprising one or more tangible computer-readable non-transitory storage media, the one or more tangible computer-readable non-transitory storage media including instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, are operable to enable the at least one processor to cause a device and / or system to perform any of the operations described in any of Examples 1 to 52.

[0619] Example 61 includes an apparatus comprising: a memory; and a processing circuit system configured to perform any of the operations described in any of Examples 1 to 52.

[0620] Example 62 includes a method comprising any one of the operations described in any one of Examples 1 to 52.

[0621] The functions, operations, components and / or features described herein with reference to one or more other aspects may be combined with, used in combination with, or vice versa, one or more other functions, operations, components and / or features described herein with reference to one or more other aspects.

[0622] While certain features have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, alterations, and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and alterations that fall within the true spirit of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An imaging device cleaning system, the imaging device cleaning system comprising: A blower configured to provide an airflow to be applied to the surface of an imaging device; A sprayer configured to spray liquid onto the surface of the imaging device; and A controller configured to control the activation and deactivation of the blower and the sprayer, the controller being configured to control the activation of at least one of the blower or the sprayer based on the identification of a predefined occlusion scenario in which at least a portion of the field of view of the imaging device is occluded by material on the surface.

2. The imaging equipment cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein the blower comprises: An air blower, the air blower having a blower input end and a blower output end; and Housing, configured to enclose the air blower, the housing comprising: Air inlet; Air outlet; An inlet path, the inlet path being used to supply air from the air inlet to the blower input; and An outlet path, wherein the outlet path is used to provide the airflow from the blower output to the air outlet.

3. The imaging device cleaning system of claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the inlet path includes a noise absorption path configured to absorb noise generated by the air blower.

4. The imaging device cleaning system of claim 3, wherein the noise absorption path comprises a maze path, the maze path including one or more turns.

5. The imaging equipment cleaning system according to claim 2, wherein the blower comprises: One or more blower dampers are connected between the air blower and the housing, and the one or more blower dampers are configured to dampen vibrations from the air blower; and One or more housing dampers for connecting the housing to a housing support, the one or more housing dampers being configured to dampen vibrations from the housing.

6. The imaging device cleaning system of claim 2, wherein the imaging device cleaning system includes a connector configured to fluidly connect the air outlet and the duct to guide the airflow, wherein the connector is configured to mitigate noise from the air outlet.

7. The imaging device cleaning system of claim 6, wherein the connector includes a plurality of internal mating grips configured to maintain a tight fit between the connector and the air outlet, the internal mating grips being used to mitigate the noise from the air outlet.

8. The imaging equipment cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein the imaging equipment cleaning system includes a nozzle assembly, the nozzle assembly comprising: A spray nozzle configured to distribute the liquid onto the surface of the imaging device; An air nozzle configured to distribute the airflow onto the surface of the imaging device; and A nozzle retainer for holding the sprayer nozzle and the air nozzle, the nozzle retainer being configured to maintain a predefined relative position between the air nozzle and the sprayer nozzle.

9. The imaging device cleaning system of claim 8, wherein the nozzle holder is configured to hold the air nozzle above the surface of the imaging device and hold the sprayer nozzle above the air nozzle.

10. The imaging device cleaning system of claim 8, wherein the predefined relative positioning between the air nozzle and the sprayer nozzle is configured such that when the blower and the sprayer are activated simultaneously, the airflow will increase the velocity of the liquid toward the surface.

11. The imaging equipment cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein the imaging equipment cleaning system comprises: A spray nozzle for distributing the liquid onto the surface of the imaging device in a predefined spray direction; and An air nozzle is used to distribute the airflow onto the surface of the imaging device in a predefined airflow direction, wherein the predefined airflow direction is the same as or within a range of no more than 10 degrees from the predefined spray direction.

12. The imaging device cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the imaging device cleaning system includes an air nozzle configured to distribute the airflow onto the surface of the imaging device.

13. The imaging device cleaning system of claim 12, the imaging device cleaning system comprising a retainer for positioning the nozzle output end of the air nozzle near the periphery of the surface of the imaging device and above the surface of the imaging device, such that the nozzle output end disperses the airflow onto substantially the entire surface of the imaging device.

14. The imaging device cleaning system of claim 13, wherein the air nozzle includes an air path configured to gradually and monotonically transition between a cross-section at the nozzle input end of the air nozzle and a cross-section at the nozzle output end of the air nozzle.

15. The imaging device cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the blower is controllably operated in multiple blower operating modes having multiple associated blower noise levels, wherein the controller is configured to control the activation of the blower in a selected blower operating mode based on a predefined activation criterion based on a blower noise level associated with the selected blower operating mode.

16. The imaging device cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the controller is configured to determine an activation setting based on the predefined occlusion scenario, and to control the activation of at least one of the blower or the sprayer according to the activation setting.

17. The imaging device cleaning system of claim 16, wherein the activation setting is based on at least one of the type of the substance, the amount of the substance, the position of the substance on the surface of the imaging device, or the percentage of the field of view obscured by the substance.

18. The imaging device cleaning system of claim 16, wherein the activation setting is based on a real-time driving scenario of a vehicle including the imaging device.

19. The imaging device cleaning system of claim 16, wherein the activation setting is used to define an activation cycle, the activation cycle including activation of the sprayer followed by activation of the blower.

20. The imaging device cleaning system of claim 16, wherein the controller is configured to determine the activation setting to activate only the blower based on determining that the predefined occlusion scene includes a water droplet scene in which the substance includes water droplets.

21. The imaging device cleaning system of claim 16, wherein the controller is configured to determine the activation setting to activate the sprayer in a first time period and the blower in a second time period after the end of the first time period based on determining that the predefined occlusion scenario includes a solid material scenario in which the material includes solid material.

22. The imaging device cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the controller is configured to activate the blower at a blower power level based on the predefined occlusion scenario.

23. The imaging device cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the controller is configured to activate an ultrasonic vibration generator to generate vibrations, thereby removing at least one of the substance or the droplets of the liquid from the surface of the imaging device at least partially.

24. The imaging device cleaning system of claim 23, wherein the controller is configured to set the ultrasonic vibration generator to generate the vibration based on the vibration frequency of the predefined occlusion scene.

25. The imaging device cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the controller is configured to control the activation of a plurality of imaging device cleaners to clean respective plurality of imaging device surfaces, wherein the imaging device cleaners among the plurality of imaging device cleaners include the blower and the sprayer.

26. The imaging device cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the surface of the imaging device includes the lens surface of a lens of the imaging device, or wherein the surface of the imaging device includes a protective surface for protecting the lens of the imaging device.

27. A means of transport, the means of transport comprising: One or more imaging devices; The imaging device cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the imaging device cleaning system is configured to clean the surface of at least one of the one or more imaging devices; At least one processor, the at least one processor being configured to generate sensor information based on one or more images sensed by the one or more imaging devices; and A vehicle system controller that controls one or more vehicle systems of the vehicle based on the sensor information.

Images