Vehicle Sensor Filtering for Cruise Control in Direct Sunlight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) face challenges in maintaining safe vehicle control when direct sunlight or other external light sources interfere with sensor data, leading to inaccurate object detection and potential collisions.
Innovation Solution
A computing system that switches between adaptive and conventional cruise control modes based on sensor data quality, requiring driver confirmation when switching to conventional mode, and utilizes external data sources like adjacent vehicles or infrastructure to maintain safe distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If adaptive cruise control uses sensor data for automatic speed adjustment, then driving automation and safety are improved, but measurement precision deteriorates when external light sources interfere with sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary evaluation mechanism that assesses sensor data quality before processing. When external light sources cause measurement degradation, the system detects this through quality metrics and switches to conventional cruise control mode, preventing inaccurate sensor data from compromising automatic speed control decisions
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on real-time sensor data quality assessment. It transitions between adaptive cruise control (when sensor data is reliable) and conventional cruise control (when sensor data is degraded by external light), maintaining optimal automation level matched to current measurement conditions
2Reliability
If the system switches to conventional cruise control mode due to poor sensor data quality, then measurement reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates as driver confirmation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system takes preliminary action by proactively seeking driver confirmation before switching to conventional mode, preventing potential safety issues from undetected sensor failures. This anticipatory approach ensures driver awareness and explicit authorization before manual intervention is required
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by notifying the driver when sensor data quality deteriorates and requiring explicit confirmation for mode switching. This feedback loop maintains driver awareness of system limitations and ensures informed decision-making regarding control mode transitions
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatus related to sensor data processing for a vehicle to improve operation when sunlight or other bright light enters a sensor of the vehicle. In one approach, adjustable filtering is configured for a sensor of a vehicle. In one example, an optical filter is positioned on the path of light that reaches an image sensor of a camera. For example, the filtering improves ability to stay in adaptive cruise control when driving into direct sunlight at sunset. The optical filters can have controllable properties such as polarization. In one example, a controller of the vehicle is configured to automatically adjust the properties of the optical filter to improve image quality to improve object recognition. In another example, a camera is configured with composite vision that uses sensors in different radiation spectrums (e.g., visible light, and infrared light). The composite vision can provide enhanced vision capability for an autonomous vehicle that is driving in the direction of the sun.