Autonomous Vehicle Sensor Visibility Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face operational limitations due to sensor visibility issues in adverse weather conditions, with current methods relying on weather reports rather than real-time measurements and lacking standardized methods for assessing sensor performance.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for real-time measurement of sensor visibility and blockage detection in autonomous vehicles, using onboard sensors to compare sensor data with environmental data to determine blockage parameters and adjust vehicle operations accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional weather reports from weather stations are used to assess sensor conditions, then coverage area is large, but measurement precision is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces calibration targets as intermediary objects between the sensors and the environment. These targets provide known reference points that enable precise measurement of sensor visibility and performance without requiring direct observation of distant environmental features, thus achieving high measurement precision while maintaining practical coverage area
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual model of the environment by comparing sensor data with map data and calibration target information. This copying approach allows the system to assess sensor performance against known reference data, enabling precise measurement of visibility conditions without being limited by the physical coverage of weather stations
2Measurement precision
If real-time sensor visibility measurement is implemented, then measurement precision is high, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the autonomous vehicle's existing sensors to perform self-diagnosis and visibility measurement. By leveraging the vehicle's own sensor suite to assess its own performance against calibration targets and environmental data, the system achieves precise measurement without requiring complex external measurement equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously compares sensor data with expected values from map data and calibration target information, generating feedback about sensor visibility and performance. This feedback mechanism enables real-time measurement precision while using relatively simple computational logic to process the comparisons
3Productivity
If sensors operate in adverse weather conditions, then productivity is maintained, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of sensor visibility and performance before critical failures occur. By continuously monitoring sensor data against calibration targets and environmental conditions, the system can detect degradation trends and take preventive actions to maintain reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous feedback loop comparing sensor measurements with expected values allows the system to monitor reliability in real-time. When visibility or performance falls below thresholds, the system can trigger alerts or corrective actions, maintaining operational reliability even in adverse weather conditions
4Device complexity
If sensor visibility is not monitored, then device complexity is low, but false positives increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from comparing sensor data with calibration target information and map data to distinguish between actual environmental features and artifacts caused by poor visibility or sensor issues. This feedback mechanism reduces false positives by providing a reference for what sensor readings should look like under normal conditions
Solution Approach 2:
Calibration targets serve as intermediary reference objects that help distinguish between real environmental features and false positives. By providing known, controlled reference points, the system can identify when sensor readings deviate from expected patterns, reducing false detections
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are methods for methods and systems for measuring sensor visibility, which can include obtaining sensor data associated with an autonomous vehicle and determining a blockage parameter indicative of a blockage of a sensor based on a comparison of the sensor data with secondary data. Some methods described also include controlling an operation of an autonomous vehicle based on the blockage parameter. Systems and computer program products are also provided.