Vehicle Sensor Contamination Detection From Output Obstruction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Sensor contamination, such as debris or inclement weather, reduces the fidelity of optical sensor outputs, affecting the quality of vehicle perception systems.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle perception system that includes a controller with a memory and processor to determine an object obstruction rate and contamination rate using a look-up table, correlating these rates with remedial actions, such as cleaning implements or driver notifications, to rectify sensor contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the sensor receiver is exposed to the environment for continuous operation, then the perception system can continuously monitor the environment, but the sensor receiver becomes contaminated reducing output fidelity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary contamination detection by analyzing sensor output quality metrics (noise levels, edge detection accuracy, contrast ratios) before contamination severely degrades performance. This early detection enables proactive remedial actions such as activating clearing implements or notifying drivers, preventing fidelity loss while maintaining continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors sensor output quality and feeds this information back to the controller, which compares metrics against thresholds to detect contamination. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables real-time adjustments, such as triggering clearing implements when contamination is detected, thus maintaining reliability without interrupting continuous monitoring
2Measurement precision
If a contamination detection system is added to monitor sensor output, then contamination can be identified, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions: it processes sensor data for environmental perception, monitors output quality metrics for contamination detection, determines contamination rates, and triggers remedial actions. By consolidating these functions in a single controller rather than adding separate dedicated systems, the patent achieves precise contamination detection while minimizing additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system monitors its own output quality to detect contamination, and the controller uses the same processing infrastructure to analyze degradation metrics. This self-diagnostic capability allows precise contamination detection without requiring external monitoring equipment, thereby avoiding significant complexity increases
3Reliability
If remedial actions such as clearing implements are engaged automatically, then sensor contamination is rectified, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides advance notice to the driver through notifications before automatically engaging clearing implements. This preliminary warning gives drivers the opportunity to take manual action if desired, maintaining ease of operation while preserving reliability through automated remediation if the driver does not respond
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its operation mode based on driver response. When contamination is detected, it first notifies the driver and waits for a predetermined time period. If the driver takes no action, the system automatically engages clearing implements. This dynamic approach balances automated reliability with driver control, allowing the system to adjust its level of intervention based on real-time conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a sensor including a receiver, the sensor being configured to generate an output. A controller is communicatively coupled with the sensor. The controller includes a memory and a processor. The memory stores instructions for determining an object obstruction rate of the output and detecting a contamination rate of the receiver based at least in part on obstruction rate of the output.