The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 13, 2024
Filed:
Nov. 30, 2020
Waymo Llc, Mountain View, CA (US);
Noah Lassar, Santa Cruz, CA (US);
Yiwei Wang, Sunnyvale, CA (US);
Waymo LLC, Moutain View, CA (US);
Abstract
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.