Roof-Mounted Light Sensor Layout for Omnidirectional Glare Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sensor systems are limited in their ability to detect the intensity and direction of incident light omnidirectionally, which can interfere with autonomous driving capabilities and other sensor systems, particularly when exposed to excessive sunlight.
Innovation Solution
A roof-mounted sensor system with an omnidirectional incident-light detector that provides a wide field of detection around the vehicle, allowing for the detection of light intensity and source position, and can be integrated with other sensor systems to adapt optical settings or digitally process images to reduce glare, enabling effective control of dimmable windshields and HVAC systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If sensors are arranged at the windshield or side windows to detect light intensity and direction, then the sensor system can accurately determine sun position relative to the vehicle, but the field of detection is limited and cannot provide omnidirectional coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the sensor system from a two-dimensional plane (windshield/side windows) to a three-dimensional position (vehicle roof), enabling omnidirectional light detection coverage. This dimensional change allows the sensor to detect light from all directions around the vehicle, not just from specific angular positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The roof-mounted sensor system serves multiple functions: it detects light intensity and direction for autonomous driving, monitors sun position for windshield dimming control, and provides environmental light data for HVAC systems. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple specialized sensors positioned at different locations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are added to enhance autonomous driving capabilities, then the sensor system can detect external conditions in any direction, but the system becomes more sensitive to excessive exterior light interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dedicated incident light sensor as an intermediary device that specifically measures exterior light conditions. This sensor acts as a mediator between the environment and the autonomous driving sensor system, providing light intensity data that can be used to compensate for or filter out light interference in other sensor outputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The incident light sensor provides feedback about exterior light conditions to the control system, which then adjusts the operation of other sensors accordingly. When excessive light is detected, the system can compensate for glare effects or adjust sensor sensitivity, creating a closed-loop control mechanism that mitigates light interference.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are positioned at the windshield for accurate sun position detection, then glare prevention is effective, but the sensor cannot detect light from all directions around the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
By relocating the sensor from the two-dimensional windshield surface to the three-dimensional vehicle roof, the system achieves both precise sun position detection and omnidirectional coverage. The elevated position provides unobstructed views in all horizontal directions while maintaining the precision needed for accurate light source localization.
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
The omnidirectional sensor system effectively manages excessive light interference, enhancing the reliability and accuracy of autonomous driving sensors and other systems by providing comprehensive light detection and adaptive control mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor unit comprises an omnidirectional incident-light detector for detecting an incident-light intensity and an associated light-source position relative to the vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 2D~3D
AI summary
A roof mountable sensor system (30) for mounting on a roof of a vehicle comprises a sensor unit. The sensor unit comprises an omnidirectional incident-light detector for detecting an incident-light intensity and a light-source position relative to the vehicle.