Vehicle Sensor Cleaning Control Based on Driver Visual Check Probability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional on-board sensor cleaning apparatuses often execute automatic cleaning at regular intervals, which can result in blurred images or degraded detection accuracy when the vehicle is in positions where the driver needs to monitor surroundings, leading to inaccurate surroundings monitoring assist information.
Innovation Solution
An on-board sensor cleaning apparatus that uses a control unit to determine the likelihood of the driver visually checking the display device based on stored area position information and visual check probability correlating values, adjusting the automatic cleaning start condition to minimize cleaning when the driver is likely to be watching the surroundings, thereby reducing the frequency of automatic cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automatic cleaning is executed at regular intervals, then the detecting surface part is cleaned effectively, but the image quality deteriorates and detection accuracy decreases when the driver needs to monitor surroundings
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning apparatus transitions from static regular-interval cleaning to dynamic condition-based cleaning. The control unit dynamically adjusts cleaning execution based on real-time evaluation of driver visual check probability and surrounding environment conditions, optimizing the balance between cleaning effectiveness and image quality preservation
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring driver behavior patterns and surrounding conditions. The control unit uses accumulated visual check probability data and real-time condition assessment to make informed decisions about cleaning execution, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing circumstances
2Reliability
If automatic cleaning is executed frequently, then the detecting surface remains clean, but the frequency of blurred images and inaccurate assist information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of cleaning frequency from fixed regular intervals to variable intervals based on accumulated visual check probability and environmental conditions. By adjusting this parameter dynamically, the system reduces unnecessary cleaning operations that would blur images while maintaining adequate cleaning frequency for sensor reliability
3Measurement precision
If cleaning is delayed to avoid driver visual checks, then image quality is maintained, but the detecting surface may become contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of driver behavior patterns and surrounding conditions before executing cleaning. By evaluating visual check probability and environmental factors in advance, the system identifies optimal cleaning windows that maintain image quality while preventing sensor contamination through timely cleaning when conditions are favorable
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 solution effectively decreases the likelihood of automatic cleaning when the driver needs to monitor the surroundings, ensuring clearer images and more accurate assist information by synchronizing cleaning with lower driver visual check probabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning unit (U1) configured to perform a cleaning process to clean the detecting surface part of the on-board sensor using cleaning fluid
Data Source
AI summary
The on-board sensor cleaning apparatus is applied to a vehicle having a front camera, a rear camera, a center display, and an electronic inner mirror. A surrounding image obtained through the front camera and the rear camera is displayed on the center display and the electronic inner mirror. The on-board sensor cleaning apparatus includes an ECU, a position information obtaining device, and a cleaning unit. The ECU obtains a visual check probability for an area which includes a position of the vehicle indicated by vehicle position information, from a database. The ECU sets an automatic cleaning start condition based on the obtained visual check probability.