Illuminator Obstruction Detection for Optical Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical windows or lenses on vehicle illuminators can become obstructed by snow, dirt, or insect matter, leading to reduced light intensity and false detections by vehicle cameras, and unnecessary cleaning consumes significant energy and resources.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an optical window, an illuminator, and light sensors on both sides, with a computer processor that adjusts thresholds based on data from both sensors to detect obstructions and activate cleaning only when necessary, using a combination of photodiodes or LEDs and cameras to assess light intensity and obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If cleaning is performed frequently to maintain optical window clarity, then light transmission is improved, but energy consumption and resource waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses light sensors to continuously monitor the optical window's transmission characteristics and provides feedback to the control unit. The control unit compares actual light transmission data against threshold values to determine when cleaning is necessary, enabling condition-based cleaning rather than frequent scheduled cleaning, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate light transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The illuminator system performs self-diagnosis by using its own light source and integrated light sensors to detect obstructions on its optical window. The system automatically triggers cleaning only when obstruction levels exceed predefined thresholds, eliminating the need for external monitoring systems and enabling on-demand self-maintenance that optimizes energy usage
2Measurement precision
If cleaning is performed frequently to maintain optical window clarity, then detection accuracy is improved, but resource waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
Light sensors provide continuous feedback on the optical window's transmission characteristics, allowing the system to monitor detection accuracy conditions in real-time. The control unit uses this feedback to trigger cleaning only when transmission degradation exceeds thresholds that would impact detection accuracy, preventing unnecessary resource consumption while maintaining adequate detection performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system autonomously monitors its own optical window condition using integrated sensors and triggers cleaning only when obstruction levels threaten detection accuracy. This self-diagnosis capability ensures detection accuracy is maintained while eliminating wasteful routine cleaning operations
3Reliability
If light intensity is increased to compensate for obstruction, then detection capability is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Light sensors continuously monitor the optical window's transmission characteristics and provide feedback to the control unit. When obstructions are detected, the system calculates the actual light transmission level and only increases illuminator output when transmission falls below thresholds that would compromise detection capability, thereby maintaining reliability while minimizing energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the illuminator's light output parameter based on real-time transmission measurements. Rather than maintaining constant high output, the illuminator operates at minimum necessary intensity and only increases output when obstruction levels exceed thresholds that would impact detection capability, optimizing the balance between detection reliability and energy consumption
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
Effectively detects obstructions on optical windows, reducing false detections and energy consumption by only cleaning when necessary, ensuring consistent light levels for vehicle cameras and improving response to driving conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first light sensor deployed on a same side of the optical window... receive first data from the first light sensor that specifies an intensity of light from the illuminator
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes an optical window, and an illuminator and a first light sensor deployed on a same side of the optical window. The system further includes a second light sensor on another side of the optical window. The system further includes a computer including a processor and memory. The memory includes instructions such that the processor is programmed to identify an obstruction on the optical window upon the first light sensor reporting first data from the illuminator that is above an expected threshold. The expected threshold is based on second data from the second light sensor.