Cameras, various sensors and lidars are the βeyesβ of robotic cars. The efficiency of the autopilot, and therefore traffic safety, directly depends on their cleanliness. Ford has proposed technology that will protect these sensors from insects, dust and dirt.
In the last few years, Ford has begun to more seriously study the problem of cleaning dirty sensors in autonomous vehicles and look for an effective solution to the problem. It is noted that the company began by simulating the ingress of dirt and dust onto autonomous vehicle systems. This made it possible to propose a number of interesting means of protection.
In particular, a system has been developed to protect the so-called βtiaraβ from dirt and insects - a special block on the roof of the car containing a number of cameras, lidars and radars. To protect this module, an array of air ducts located next to the camera lenses is proposed. While the car is moving, air currents form an air curtain around the βtiaraβ, preventing insects from colliding with the radars.
Another solution to the problem of sensor contamination was the integration of special mini-washes into the design of the vehicle. They use special new generation attachments next to each camera lens. The nozzles spray windshield washer fluid as needed. Using advanced software algorithms that help self-driving cars assess the extent of radar contamination, the cleaning system focuses only on dirty sensors without wasting fluid on clean ones.
βDespite the seemingly frivolous development, the creation of effective purification systems is a critical aspect of the development of unmanned vehicles, as well as ensuring maximum vehicle safety on the roads,β says Ford.
Source: 3dnews.ru