Optical Detector Defect Detection Through Stray Light Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical detector systems, such as cameras, suffer from defects like cracks, smudges, or debris on lenses or mirrors, leading to aberrations and errors in captured images due to stray light, which can affect image accuracy and safety in autonomous vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A method and system to detect defects in camera optics by analyzing the amount and position of stray light in captured images, allowing for timely cleaning, repair, or replacement of the camera to ensure accurate image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical detector systems are used to capture images, then image capture capability is provided, but defects in optics (cracks, smudges, debris) cause stray light and image aberrations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of optical defects by analyzing captured images for stray light patterns before the defects significantly degrade image quality. The processor continuously monitors images for indicators of cracks, smudges, or debris, enabling early intervention through cleaning or repair before reliability is compromised
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where captured images are analyzed by the processor to detect stray light caused by optical defects. When defects are detected, the system provides feedback to trigger alerts or adjustments, creating a closed-loop system that continuously maintains image capture accuracy by monitoring and responding to optical condition changes
2Measurement precision
If continuous monitoring of stray light is performed to detect optical defects, then image accuracy is maintained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor performs multiple functions: it processes images for the primary detection target, analyzes captured images for stray light patterns, and generates defect indicators. By making the processor multi-functional, the system achieves precise stray light detection without adding separate dedicated hardware, thus maintaining measurement precision while minimizing the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own captured images for self-diagnosis of optical defects. The processor analyzes images that the optical detector system itself captures, looking for stray light patterns that indicate defects. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate external testing equipment, reducing system complexity while maintaining detection precision
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
Enables accurate image capture by identifying and addressing optical defects, reducing the risk of errors and enhancing safety in autonomous vehicle operations.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor having an array of image sensor pixels and one or more lenses that focus light onto the array
Implementation Method 2
one or more lenses that focus light onto the array
Data Source
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AI summary
Example embodiments relate to identifying defects in optical detector systems based on extent of stray light. An example embodiment includes a method. The method includes capturing, using an optical detector system, an image of a scene that includes a bright object. The method also includes determining a location of the bright object within the image. Further, the method includes determining, based on the location of the bright object within the image, an extent of stray light from the bright object that is represented in the image. In addition, the method includes determining, by comparing the extent of stray light from the bright object that is represented in the image to a predetermined threshold extent of stray light, whether one or more defects are present within the optical detector system. The predetermined threshold extent of stray light corresponds to an expected extent of stray light.