Camera Exposure Control for Wiper Interference in Sensor Enclosures
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of wiper systems with camera systems in sensor enclosures for autonomous vehicles often results in wiper interference with camera operations, particularly during rain or snow, leading to obstructed camera views and potential damage from overstressing the wiper system.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that dynamically adjusts camera exposure and wiper speed to ensure wipers move in and out of the camera's field of view while capturing images, using increased exposure time and wiper speed adjustments to minimize interference, and employs image processing or machine learning techniques to reduce motion blur.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wiper speed is increased to clear moisture faster, then moisture removal efficiency is improved, but wiper interference with camera operations worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper system dynamically adjusts its operating speed based on real-time camera exposure timing. During camera exposure periods, the wiper speed is reduced or paused to avoid interference with image capture. Between exposures, the wiper operates at higher speeds to efficiently remove moisture. This dynamic speed adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the wiper system adaptive to camera operational cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper system operates in periodic cycles synchronized with camera exposure timing. The wiper activates during non-exposure periods when cameras are not capturing images, and remains inactive or operates at minimal speed during exposure periods. This periodic operation pattern allows the wiper to clear moisture effectively without continuously interfering with camera operations.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If wiper rotation is synchronized with sensor operations, then camera interference is reduced, but wiper system stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuously synchronizing wiper rotation with every sensor operation cycle, the system applies partial action by only synchronizing during critical exposure periods. The wiper operates normally during non-critical periods, reducing the overall synchronization burden and stress on the wiper system while still preventing camera interference during essential image capture moments.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system integrates multiple functions: it manages both camera exposure timing and wiper operation scheduling within a single control framework. This multi-functional approach allows the system to coordinate wiper activity with various sensor operations (cameras, LiDAR, radar) using a unified timing strategy, reducing the complexity and stress of managing separate synchronization mechanisms for each sensor.
3Ease of operation
If sensors are mounted exteriorly, then sensor accessibility is improved, but sensor protection from environmental conditions worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor enclosure provides a nested protective structure that houses multiple sensors (cameras, LiDAR, radar) within a single enclosed housing. The enclosure itself can be equipped with wiper systems that operate on the external surface, allowing sensors to remain protected while still enabling moisture removal functionality. This nesting approach maintains sensor protection while providing external access points for environmental management.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method for controlling camera exposure to augment a wiper system of a sensor enclosure. The computer implemented method can detect a presence of a wiper in one or more images captured by one or more cameras. An exposure time of the one or more cameras can be adjusted. Wiper speed can be adjusted such that wipers move in and out of one or more field of views of the one or more cameras while the one or more cameras are capturing images.