Autonomous Vehicle Sensor Condensation Estimation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Autonomous vehicles face challenges in determining the functionality of sensors affected by environmental conditions such as relative humidity and temperature, which can lead to condensation issues, potentially causing inaccurate readings and safety concerns during autonomous driving.

Innovation Solution

The system uses processors to receive and analyze environmental data, including relative humidity and temperature measurements, to estimate the condition of sensors within the vehicle and control the vehicle's autonomous mode accordingly, preventing unsafe operations until the sensors are serviced or routing around areas that may affect sensor operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the vehicle operates in autonomous mode without sensor condition monitoring, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential condensation affecting sensor functionality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous operation continuityVSAvoidsensor functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary assessment of sensor condition by monitoring relative humidity and temperature inside the sensor housing before allowing autonomous operation. This prevents operation with compromised sensors, maintaining reliability while enabling continuous productivity through proactive rather than reactive monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors environmental conditions (relative humidity and temperature) within the sensor housing and uses this feedback to dynamically control autonomous mode operation. When conditions indicate potential condensation risk, the system adjusts operation accordingly, balancing productivity with sensor reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If environmental monitoring and estimation systems are added to monitor sensor conditions, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor condition assessmentVSAvoidmonitoring system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring system uses standard environmental sensors (humidity and temperature sensors) that serve dual purposes: monitoring general cabin environment and specifically assessing sensor housing conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized complex monitoring equipment while maintaining reliable sensor condition assessment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the sensor housing's own environmental data (relative humidity and temperature readings from within the housing) to self-assess its condensation risk. This self-monitoring approach eliminates the need for external complex monitoring infrastructure, achieving reliable assessment with minimal added complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the vehicle prevents autonomous mode entry or routes around areas to protect sensor functionality, then reliability is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafe operation assuranceVSAvoidtransportation service efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of completely preventing autonomous mode operation, the system applies partial restrictions only when environmental conditions indicate actual condensation risk. By monitoring specific humidity and temperature thresholds, the system avoids unnecessary route changes or mode restrictions, maintaining productivity while ensuring reliability through targeted protective actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 approach enhances the safety and reliability of autonomous vehicle operations by ensuring sensor functionality and preventing potential hazards due to condensation, thereby ensuring safe passage for passengers and other road users.

Implementation Method 1

determining a current dew point within the sensor housing, wherein estimating the estimated condition includes using the current dew point to estimate an expected change in condensation within the sensor housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Data Source

PatentUS11714409B2Using environmental information to estimate sensor functionality for autonomous vehicles

Publication Date: 2023.08.01 WAYMO LLC

AI summary

Aspects of the disclosure relate to controlling a vehicle having an autonomous driving mode. This may include receiving, by one or more processors of the vehicle, first information identifying a current relative humidity measurement within a sensor housing of a vehicle having an autonomous driving mode. The relative humidity measurement and pre-stored environmental map information may be used by the one or more processors to estimate a condition of a sensor within the sensor housing at a future time. This estimated condition may be used by the one or more processors to control the vehicle.