Abstract: A sensor cleaning system for an autonomous vehicle includes at least one sensor configured to generate a sensor signal, the at least one sensor including a sensor face. At least one reservoir for a fluid and at least one conduit fluidly coupled to the at least one reservoir and to at least one nozzle are configured to direct the fluid towards the sensor face. At least one processor is communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor. A memory is operably coupled with the at least one processor, where the memory stores instructions that cause the at least one processor to perform operations including: receiving the sensor signal from the sensor; comparing a detected quality of the sensor signal relative to a nominal quality of the sensor signal; and, dispensing the fluid from the at least one reservoir through the at least one nozzle towards the sensor face.

Abstract: A sensor cleaning system for an autonomous vehicle includes at least one sensor configured to generate a sensor signal. At least one sensor lens may be positioned forward of the sensor. At least one reservoir for a fluid and at least one conduit fluidly coupled to the at least one reservoir and to at least one nozzle are configured to direct the fluid towards the sensor lens. At least one processor is communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor. A memory is operably coupled with the at least one processor, where the memory stores instructions that cause the at least one processor to perform operations including: receiving the sensor signal from the sensor; comparing a detected quality of the sensor signal relative to a nominal quality of the sensor signal; and, dispensing the fluid from the at least one reservoir through the nozzle towards the sensor lens.

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.

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.