Multi-Focal Camera Assembly for Autonomous Shield Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle systems lack an efficient method to autonomously or semi-autonomously operate vehicle components such as propulsion, braking, and steering based on multi-focal length image data from camera assemblies, and to effectively clean transparent shields using image data analysis.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a camera assembly capable of capturing image data at multiple focal lengths, a computer with instructions to analyze this data, and a cleaning system that can be actuated based on the analysis, using a neural network to determine the presence and nature of objects on or off the vehicle and actuate the propulsion, braking, steering, or cleaning systems accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are added to detect internal states, position, and external environment, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (cameras, LIDAR, radar, GPS, accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) into an integrated sensor system that collectively performs environmental detection, vehicle state monitoring, and positioning functions, resolving the contradiction by merging separate detection functions into a unified multi-sensor platform
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed with multi-functionality, where the same sensor assembly serves multiple purposes: cameras capture visual data for object detection, LIDAR provides depth information, GPS enables positioning, and inertial sensors monitor vehicle dynamics, allowing a single integrated system to perform diverse detection tasks without requiring separate dedicated sensors for each function
2Measurement precision
If image data from multiple focal lengths is processed to determine object presence and type, then measurement precision improves, but computing time and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary processing of multi-focal length image data by capturing images at different focal lengths simultaneously or in rapid succession before final object analysis, preparing the data in advance to reduce processing time during critical detection phases while maintaining high measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent processes image data at multiple focal lengths selectively based on detection needs, using more focal lengths when high precision is required and fewer when sufficient for the task, balancing processing time against measurement precision by applying partial processing where full multi-focal analysis is not necessary
3Reliability
If a cleaning system is added to maintain transparent shield visibility, then reliability of sensor operation improves, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is designed to operate autonomously based on sensor input, where the image processing system automatically detects when the transparent shield requires cleaning and activates the cleaning mechanism without manual intervention, allowing the system to self-maintain and reduce operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system incorporates feedback from the image processing system that monitors transparent shield condition, using this feedback to determine when cleaning is necessary and to verify cleaning effectiveness, ensuring reliable sensor operation while optimizing cleaning activation to avoid unnecessary energy consumption and mechanical operation
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a camera assembly designed to capture image data at a plurality of focal lengths and a computer in communication with the camera assembly. The computer has a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to receive first image data captured by the camera assembly at a first focal length and receive second image data captured by the camera assembly at a second focal length, the second focal length greater than the first focal length. The instructions include instructions to actuate a cleaning system based on the first image data captured at the first focal length and the second image data captured at the second focal length.