Motorized Optical Mounting for Controlled Sensor View Obstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous vehicle perception systems lack effective methods to generate image datasets that simulate real-world conditions for testing obstacle detection and navigation, necessitating improved tools for evaluating image analysis software and perception systems.
Innovation Solution
A motorized mounting device that positions an optical element within the field-of-view of an optical sensor, allowing for controlled image distortions to create datasets that emulate real-world obstructions, using a motorized actuator to move a holder with optical elements like filters or lenses to selectively obstruct the sensor's view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a motorized mounting device is used to position optical elements within the field-of-view of an optical sensor, then datasets with controlled distortions can be generated for testing image analysis software, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is divided into separate functional components: a holder for the optical element, a motorized actuator for positioning, and a housing that fits over the sensor aperture. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system adaptability for generating controlled image distortions.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting device is designed with universal applicability to work with different optical sensors and various types of optical elements (filters, lenses, obstructions). The standardized housing that fits over sensor apertures and the interchangeable holder design enable the same device structure to serve multiple testing functions across different sensor configurations.
2Reliability
If optical elements are positioned within the field-of-view to create obstruction cases, then the ability to test perception systems improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized actuator replaces manual positioning mechanisms, providing controlled and repeatable positioning of optical elements within the field-of-view. This mechanical substitution enables precise control over obstruction placement without requiring high manufacturing precision in the positioning structures themselves, as the actuator can adjust positions dynamically.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for dynamic changes in positioning parameters through the motorized actuator, enabling the same optical element to create different obstruction patterns by adjusting its position. This parameter variability ensures reliable test dataset generation without requiring multiple precisely manufactured optical elements at fixed positions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mounting device for selectively positioning an optical element within a field-of-view of an optical sensor of a vehicle includes: a housing defining an opening sized to fit over an aperture of the optical sensor; a holder for the optical element connected to the housing and positioned such that, when the holder is in a first position, the optical element is at least partially within the field-of-view of the optical sensor; and a motorized actuator. The motorized actuator can be configured to move the holder to adjust the position of the optical element relative to the field-of-view of the optical sensor.