Adaptive Neutral Density Filter for Self-Driving Camera Exposure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-driving vehicles face challenges in capturing usable images due to over or under exposure, especially during sunrise and sunset when direct sunlight can cause images to be over exposed, leading to loss of optical details and potential damage to imaging sensors.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive neutral density filter system that adjusts the amount of light entering cameras by using graduated or multiple neutral density filters, controlled by actuators and ambient light sensors to ensure optimal exposure, minimizing overly bright regions and maintaining cleanliness of filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If no filter is used to allow maximum light entry, then image brightness is sufficient in low light conditions, but images become overexposed in bright sunlight conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a variable neutral density filter that can dynamically adjust its optical density based on ambient light conditions. The filter transitions from a fixed state to a dynamic state where it can be adjusted between different optical density values to adapt to varying lighting environments, resolving the contradiction between maintaining brightness in low light and preventing overexposure in bright light
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical density parameter of the filter dynamically. By adjusting the optical density value based on detected ambient light levels, the system can maintain appropriate exposure across different lighting conditions. The controller modifies the filter's optical density parameter in real-time to prevent overexposure while ensuring sufficient brightness
2Reliability
If a fixed neutral density filter is used to prevent overexposure, then images are protected in bright conditions, but images become underexposed in low light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms a static fixed filter into a dynamic variable filter that can adjust its optical density. This allows the filter to provide protection in bright conditions by increasing optical density while allowing maximum light transmission in low light conditions by decreasing optical density, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and brightness
3Reliability
If multiple filters with different optical densities are used, then exposure can be optimized for different lighting conditions, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the filter into multiple zones with different optical densities within a single filter element. This graduated neutral density filter divides the filter area into segments that allow different amounts of light transmission, providing exposure optimization for different lighting conditions while maintaining a single integrated filter structure rather than requiring multiple separate filters
Solution Approach 2:
The variable neutral density filter serves multiple functions: it can operate at different optical density levels to handle various lighting conditions, and it can be positioned in different orientations to address different overexposure scenarios. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate filter components
4Reliability
If the filter is positioned to block direct sunlight, then overexposure is prevented, but the system requires additional actuators and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can adjust the optical density of the filter, rotate the filter to different orientations, and position the filter at various angles. This multi-functionality allows the system to prevent overexposure through multiple mechanisms while using a single integrated actuator assembly rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each function
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures that images captured by self-driving vehicles are properly exposed under various lighting conditions, reducing the risk of image degradation and enhancing the accuracy of road information processing, thereby improving decision-making and vehicle operation.
Implementation Method 1
The adaptive filter system can includes one or more filters to attenuate incoming light
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptive filter system and a method for controlling the adaptive filter system are described herein. The system can includes one or more filters to attenuate incoming light. The one or more filters can be moved by one or more actuators. The method can capture image data from an imaging device through the one or more filters. Information can be determined from the captured image data. The one or more filters can be moved to a position for capturing image data based on the information.