Sensor obstruction detection and mitigation using vibration and/or heat
US11176426B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 18, 2018 |
| Grant date | Nov 16, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 4, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06V30/19173
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system for detecting and/or mitigating the effects of an obstruction on a surface of a sensor may include a surface configured to receive the sensor, and comprising a sensor window configured to provide a path through which the sensor senses the environment. The system may also include a vibratory actuator configured to facilitate vibration of the sensor window and a heating element configured to heat the sensor window. The system may further include an obstruction detection system configured to detect an obstruction, such as moisture, and an obstruction mitigation controller configured to initiate activation of the vibratory actuator and/or the heating element to mitigate the obstruction. The obstruction detection system may be configured to receive a signal from one or more sensors and detect the obstruction based at least in part on the signal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.