Multispectral Optical Detection for Automotive Surface Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surface cleaning devices with RGB sensors lack sufficient spectral resolution, unable to distinguish between different shades of the same color, limiting their effectiveness in identifying specific surface types for targeted cleaning or maintenance strategies.

Innovation Solution

The device employs a multispectral or hyperspectral optical detection system with multiple filter elements, allowing analysis of light reflected from surfaces in more than three spectral ranges, enabling differentiation between subtle color variations, such as different shades of green, by using a rotating filter wheel or optically dispersive elements like prisms, and matching the light source's wavelength to the surface's reflection properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a standard RGB sensor is used for optical detection, then the device complexity is low and ease of manufacture is high, but the spectral resolution is insufficient and cannot distinguish between different shades of the same color

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral resolutionVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system is segmented into multiple independent detection channels, each equipped with a specific optical filter (e.g., red, green, blue, yellow, cyan, magenta filters). Each channel detects light in a specific spectral range independently, allowing the system to resolve different shades and colors that a single RGB sensor cannot distinguish. This segmentation of the detection function enables high spectral resolution while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If multiple filter elements are used to increase spectral resolution, then different shades of green can be distinguished, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor differentiation capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The detection device is designed as a multi-functional system that can detect multiple spectral ranges (red, green, blue, yellow, cyan, magenta) using a unified architectural framework. The same basic components (light source, filter holder, sensor) are replicated and configured for different spectral bands, allowing the system to perform multiple detection functions. This universal design approach enables high color differentiation capability while simplifying manufacturing through standardized, reusable components across different spectral channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If only three color channels (RGB) are available for detection, then the device structure is simple, but integral color information from large spectral sub-ranges cannot be subdivided into different shades

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral discrimination abilityVSAvoidnumber of detection channels
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system transitions from three-dimensional RGB color space to a higher-dimensional spectral detection space by adding multiple detection channels with specific optical filters. This dimensional expansion allows the system to capture light intensity information across multiple spectral dimensions simultaneously. Each additional filter channel adds a new dimension to the detection space, enabling the system to distinguish between different shades and spectral compositions that would be indistinguishable in the limited three-channel RGB space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This enhanced spectral analysis capability allows for more precise identification of surface types, enabling optimized cleaning or maintenance strategies, such as varying cleaning agents or mowing frequencies based on surface conditions, improving the device's accuracy and effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

a light source for irradiating the surface with light and an optical detection device for detecting the light reflected from the surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The detection device has at least one filter element and at least one sensor element, both arranged and configured to detect the light reflected from the surface with respect to at least four different spectral ranges

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 3

The detection device has at least one filter element and at least one sensor element, both arranged and configured to detect the light reflected from the surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2944942B1Automotive cleaner
Publication Date: 2023.03.22 VORWERK & CO INTERHOLDING GMBH
  • EP2944942B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2944942B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2944942B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for cleaning or treating a surface (2), wherein the device comprises a light source (3) for irradiating the surface (2) with light and an optical detection device (4) for detecting the light reflected from the surface (2). The invention further relates to a method for operating a device according to the invention. In order to provide a device for cleaning or treating a surface and a method of the type in question, which distinguishes between different surfaces with a resolution better than that of the prior art, it is proposed that the optical detection device (4) comprises at least one filter element (5) and at least one sensor element (6), which are arranged and configured to detect the light reflected from the surface (2) with respect to at least four different spectral ranges.