Optical Dirtiness Detection for Auto Clean Machine Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional auto clean machines lack a proper solution to determine the dirtiness level of the cover protecting the image sensor, which can affect the tracking function over time.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device comprising a first light source, a second light source, a first optical sensor, a light guiding device, and a second optical sensor, which can automatically determine the dirtiness level by analyzing the brightness and pattern of light reflected from the light guiding device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the auto clean machine operates for a period of time, then the light guiding device accumulates dirt and becomes dirty, but the tracking function is affected and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the light guiding device's cleanliness status using optical sensors before the dirtiness significantly impacts tracking performance. By detecting changes in light transmission or reflection patterns, the system can identify when cleaning is needed in advance, maintaining reliable operation throughout the operating duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the light guiding device's condition by analyzing optical data from sensors and provides feedback about the dirtiness level. This feedback mechanism allows the system to track the degradation of the light guiding device over time and determine when cleaning intervention is required to maintain reliability.
2Reliability
If the user frequently checks and cleans the cover, then the tracking function reliability is maintained, but user time and operation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-diagnosis of the light guiding device's cleanliness status using integrated optical sensors. The device automatically detects changes in optical properties caused by dirt accumulation and determines when cleaning is needed, eliminating the need for frequent manual user intervention and reducing time loss while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual visual inspection and cleaning process is replaced by an automated optical detection system. The system uses light sources and optical sensors to automatically assess the light guiding device's condition, substituting mechanical/user-based monitoring with an automated sensing mechanism that reduces user time investment.
3Loss of time
If the user waits until the machine does not operate smoothly to clean the cover, then user time is reduced, but tracking function reliability and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects dirtiness on the light guiding device before it causes operational problems by monitoring optical transmission or reflection characteristics. This preliminary detection allows cleaning to be performed proactively, preventing disruptions to tracking function and maintaining high productivity without requiring frequent reactive cleaning interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously provides feedback about the light guiding device's cleanliness status through optical sensing. This real-time monitoring enables the system to identify the optimal cleaning moment before performance degradation occurs, balancing user time investment with maintained productivity by avoiding both excessive cleaning and problematic delays.
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 the auto clean machine to automatically assess the cleanliness of the light guiding device or optical sensor cover, reducing the need for frequent user intervention and ensuring consistent tracking performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical sensor, configured to sense first optical data generated based on reflected light of the first light
Implementation Method 2
a light guiding device, configured to receive the second light; and a second optical sensor, configured to sense second optical data generated based on the second light emitted by the light guiding device
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device, comprising: a first light source, configured to emit first light; a second light source, configured to emit second light; a first optical sensor, configured to sense first optical data generated based on reflected light of the first light; a light guiding device, configured to receive the second light; and a second optical sensor, configured to sense second optical data generated based on the second light emitted by the light guiding device. The first optical sensor and the second optical sensor can be integrated to a single optical sensor.