Autonomous Vehicle Sensor Obstruction Detection and Mitigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Autonomous vehicles face operational challenges due to sensor obstructions such as dirt, bird droppings, bugs, lens scratches, or moisture, which can lead to inaccurate data and hinder object detection and navigation.

Innovation Solution

A system that detects obstructions on sensors using various methods like signal comparison, image tracking, and machine learning, and initiates responses such as actuator activation to mitigate or remove the obstructions, ensuring accurate data collection and vehicle operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If the sensor operates autonomously without operator assistance, then the automation level increases, but the ability to detect and remove obstructions decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous operationVSAvoidsensor data accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables the sensor to self-diagnose obstructions by analyzing its own output signals for patterns indicating blockage, and self-correct by activating associated actuators to remove the obstructions, eliminating the need for operator intervention while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors sensor output signals and uses feedback analysis to detect obstructions, comparing signal patterns against known obstruction signatures to trigger appropriate corrective actions, ensuring sustained operational reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If obstructions are present on the sensor, then the sensor can still capture data, but the measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata collection capabilityVSAvoidobject detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of obstructions by analyzing sensor output signals for obstruction indicators before the obstructions significantly degrade measurement precision, and activates actuators to remove them proactively, preventing accuracy deterioration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting obstruction patterns in sensor signals and triggering corrective actions before the obstructions can substantially impair measurement precision, countering the degrading effect in advance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS11479213B1Sensor obstruction detection and mitigation

Publication Date: 2022.10.25 ZOOX INC

AI summary

A system may be configured to detect an obstruction on sensor at least partially obstructing or distorting a portion of the field of view of the sensor. The system may also be configured to mitigate the effects of the obstruction or at least partially remove the obstruction from the sensor. The system may be configured to receive one or more signals from a sensor configured to generate signals indicative of an environment, which may include one or more objects, in which the sensor is present. The system may be configured to determine, for example, classify, based at least in part on the one or more signals, an obstruction or distortion on a surface of the sensor, and initiate a response, based at least in part on the determination, to mitigate effects of the obstruction and/or at least partially remove the obstruction.