Vehicle Image Sensor Errant Signal Mitigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Image sensors in vehicles are susceptible to errant signals, including unintended effects from sunlight or purposefully generated spoofing signals, which can interfere with autonomous operations and potentially damage the sensors.

Innovation Solution

A method and system utilizing a spectrometer to collect and separate light into different wavelengths, with a spectral peak detector identifying errant signals based on intensity thresholds, and a controller mitigating these signals by filtering them out through a dynamic spectral filter controlled by a microelectromechanical system, either by alerting the system or performing predefined maneuvers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the image sensor collects all wavelengths of light for autonomous operation, then the sensor can detect various environmental conditions, but the sensor becomes susceptible to errant signals and spoofing signals that can interfere with operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidsignal accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the light spectrum by using a spectrometer to separate incoming light into different wavelength components. This allows the system to analyze specific wavelength ranges independently, enabling it to identify and filter out errant signals at particular wavelengths while maintaining sensitivity to valid signals at other wavelengths, thus resolving the contradiction between broad detection capability and signal accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a spectral filter as an intermediary component between the image sensor and the incoming light. This filter acts as a mediator that selectively blocks errant signals and spoofing signals at specific wavelengths while allowing valid signals to pass through, thereby protecting the sensor's reliability without compromising its overall detection versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the vehicle system uses spectral filtering to block errant signals, then signal accuracy improves, but the system complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal accuracyVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the spectral filter controllable and reconfigurable, allowing it to perform multiple functions: blocking errant signals, blocking spoofing signals, and adapting to different operational conditions. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing a single component that handles various signal filtering requirements dynamically

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamically controllable spectral filter that can adjust its filtering characteristics in real-time based on detected signal conditions. This dynamic capability allows the system to optimize signal accuracy adaptively, making the additional complexity worthwhile by providing flexible, condition-based protection against errant and spoofing signals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the system implements real-time spectral analysis and filtering, then protection against spoofing signals improves, but the processing time and computational load increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespoofing resistanceVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs spectral analysis continuously or at predetermined intervals before spoofing signals may be received, allowing the system to pre-identify errant signal patterns and pre-adjust the spectral filter settings. This preliminary action reduces the response time when actual spoofing signals are detected, as the filtering mechanism is already prepared and adjusted

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 mitigates errant signals, preventing interference and potential damage to image sensors, ensuring reliable operation of vehicle systems and enhancing safety by filtering out harmful wavelengths from the input light.

Implementation Method 1

separating the light to obtain signals at different wavelengths

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDispersion: Dispersion (of waves)

Implementation Method 2

filtering out the errant signal wavelength from the input light to the image sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS10814799B1Mitigation of errant signal effects on an image sensor of a vehicle

Publication Date: 2020.10.27 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

Systems and methods to mitigate an effect of an errant signal on an image sensor of a vehicle involve collecting light and separating the light to obtain signals at different wavelengths. A method includes determining an intensity of the light at each of the different wavelengths, and identifying the errant signal based on the intensity of the light exceeding a threshold value at an errant signal wavelength among the different wavelengths. The errant signal is mitigated using the controller.