Waymo LLC

Noah Lassar

Yiwei Wang

Yi-Heng Sen

The technology relates to keeping sensors of a perception system optically clear and free from condensation. A transparent film, such as Indium Tin Oxide (ITO), acts as a moisture sensor that covers the optical area of interest. When a measured value of the moisture sensor meets a certain threshold that indicates the presence of condensate, power is applied to the sensor, turning it into a heater. When the measured value no longer meets the threshold, power is removed and heating ceases. The ITO layer may be lithographically applied to a glass sensor cover or other window, with interleaved sections of material that are spaced closely to detect a minimum amount of condensate. This arrangement enables the system to be employed in sensor assemblies at various locations along a self-driving vehicle, and can be used with different types of sensors such as lidar sensors, cameras and other imaging devices.

Defogging system using a transparent condensation sensor and heater

Systems and methods for monitoring and detecting partial or full mechanical failures of a spring contact configured to provide an electrical connection between two elements. In some examples, a spring contact may be arranged between a first element, such as a window or cover of an operational sensor, and a second element, such as a printed circuit board. The window or cover may have an electrical element with a first electrical contact, and the printed circuit board may be attached to the spring contact via a joint (e.g., solder, weld, adhesive). A processing system may be configured to determine a state of the joint based on vibrations sensed by one or more vibration sensors attached to the second element.

Growing community of inventors

Santa Cruz, CA, United States of America

Noah Lassar