Vehicle Sensor Dirtiness Detection via Photodiode Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle sensors, such as LIDAR sensors, are impaired by environmental conditions like dirt and dust, which obstruct their operation and affect object detection accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising photodiode sensors and transmitters mounted to a reflective surface with a transparent layer, generating optical signals to detect and identify dirty areas on the sensor's outer surface by determining intensity thresholds and dimensions, and identifying materials based on wavelength and intensity of reflected signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If photodiode transmitters and sensors are mounted close to each other on the same sensor surface, then the system can effectively detect dirty areas by comparing transmitted and reflected optical signals, but the device complexity increases due to the additional components and mounting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple photodiode transmitters and sensors onto a single sensor assembly, integrating them in close proximity. This merging approach allows the system to perform both object detection and self-diagnosis functions using a unified structure, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining detection precision through the integrated arrangement of transmitters and sensors
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple photodiode transmitters and sensors are integrated in close proximity, then the system can perform self-diagnosis to identify dirty areas and obstructive materials, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase due to precise mounting and spacing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by assigning different functional roles to specific photodiode elements within the assembly. Transmitters are positioned to emit optical signals toward specific areas, while sensors are strategically placed to detect reflected signals from particular zones. This localized functional differentiation enables the system to identify both the presence and type of obstructive materials through pattern recognition of signal variations across different local regions
3Reliability
If the system uses optical signals to detect dirty areas on the sensor surface, then object detection accuracy can be maintained by identifying and compensating for obstructive materials, but the use of energy increases due to continuous optical signal transmission and analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the photodiode sensors continuously monitor the optical signals reflected from the sensor surface and surrounding environment. By comparing the intensity and characteristics of transmitted versus reflected signals, the system automatically identifies dirty areas and obstructive materials, then compensates for their effects on object detection. This closed-loop feedback approach maintains detection reliability while optimizing energy usage through intelligent signal analysis rather than brute-force continuous transmission
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
Effectively detects and identifies dirty areas on vehicle sensors, ensuring optimal operation and maintaining object detection accuracy by distinguishing between different obstructive materials and their coverage areas.
Implementation Method 1
A system comprising photodiode sensors and transmitters mounted to a reflective surface with a transparent layer, generating optical signals to detect and identify dirty areas on the sensor's outer surface by determining intensity thresholds and dimensions
Implementation Method 2
photodiode sensors spaced from one another and mounted to a reflective surface... determine an intensity of a received reflection of the optical signal based on data received from at least one of the plurality of photodiode sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a plurality of photodiode sensors spaced from one another and mounted to a reflective surface, a transparent layer spaced from and substantially parallel to the reflective surface, and a plurality of photodiode transmitters at least one of mounted to the reflective surface and disposed between the reflective surface and the transparent layer.