Patent ID: 12214758

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary systems may be configured as an automatic response system with adaptive operations in response to information as disclosed herein. Exemplary systems may be dynamically adaptable and/or configurable to clean vision-based surfaces in response to external parameters, e.g., any information relevant to one or more system, vision-based surface, or operation herein. External parameters may include, for example, external communications, theater of operation, environmental data, environmental condition, weather data, terrain data, vision condition, obstruction/contamination condition, contaminant type, level or location, transparency level, trip duration, or combination thereof. Any information herein may include an associated condition, type, state, level, location, duration, threshold, or a combination thereof.

Systems may include a controller or controller subsystem in communication with one or a plurality of sensors operatively connected to one or more vision-based surfaces. Systems may be configured to detect and measure an obstruction on one or more target vision areas of a vision-based surface, and activate and deploy fluids (e.g., liquid and/or air) to clean the one or more target vision areas.

Exemplary automated fluid dispensing systems and methods may include one or more controller (e.g., controller subsystem), pressure source, reservoirs, cap, sensor, actuator, connector, manifolds ports (e.g., supply, pressure, and/or distribution), distribution block, pressure control, distribution control, fluid source (e.g., liquid and/or air), valves, distribution manifold, distribution block, heat source, and nozzles.

The system may include one or a plurality of fluid sources, pressure sources, or a combination thereof. The fluid source may include a container such as a cylinder and contain a fluid such as a spray medium (e.g., liquid and/or air). The pressure source may include a container that is pressurized to a predefined pressure, in communication with a compressor to maintain the predefined pressure, or a combination thereof. The pressure source may be connected to a sensor (e.g., pressure sensor, temperature sensor, or any other sensor disclosed herein), a pressure source valve (e.g., one-way or multi-way valve) and manifold ports.

The manifold ports may be connected to a plurality of pressure supply lines in communication with any number of fluid sources (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or more). Each fluid source may have one or more respective containers or reservoirs, e.g., one or a plurality of containers or reservoirs (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or more). Each fluid source may be configured to contain and selectively provide respective one or more fluid types (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or more). The fluid sources may be in communication with one or a plurality of spray medium valves (e.g., first, second and third spray medium valves) and a distribution manifold. The distribution manifold may be in communication with one or a plurality of distribution valves (e.g., first, second and third distribution valves), a distribution block, and one or more nozzles. The nozzles may be configured to clean one or more target vision areas of optical, camera aperture, LIDAR, global positioning system (GPS), and/or other sensor system having surfaces, openings and/or lenses that may require cleaning to appropriately function.

The controller or controller subsystem may be configured to selectively activate one or a plurality of valves (e.g., first, second and third valves) to distribute of the respective fluid types (e.g., first, second and third fluid types) to the target vision area in response to the plurality of sensors. The system may include any number of the components herein, e.g., valves, sensors, fluid types, nozzles, and manifolds. This may include one or a plurality of components such as one to eight or more.

The system may be configured to dynamically adapt to one or a plurality of conditions to clear, clean, and optimize vision-based surfaces. Vision-based surfaces may include any transparent, translucent, semi-opaque, or combination surface. An exemplary vision-based surface may include a lens, sight, or a combination thereof. The system may be part of, integral to, or mounted on any robotic, autonomous, or tethered system. The system may be configured for military, commercial, and/or residential system in any land, air, maritime, and/or space application.

The system may include or be adapted to any vision-based surface. Vision-based surfaces may include any vision, optical or sensor surface such as vision, imaging, camera, and LIDAR systems. This may include any robotic ground system such as robotic, autonomous, and/or vehicle systems. Embodiments may be adapted for systems of any gross vehicle mass (GVM), e.g., light, medium, and heavy vehicles. Embodiments may be adapted for next generation systems, e.g., purpose-built, multi-axle, ruggedized, fuel-efficient, and/or multi-wheel drive vehicles. Embodiments may be adapted for systems having with pre-configured, adaptive, and/or dedicated payload area configured according to mission requirements. Embodiments may be adapted for vision-based surfaces of robotic, semi-autonomous, and autonomous transportation operations including drones.

Embodiments may be adapted for vision-based surfaces of robotic combat vehicles (RCV), e.g., light, medium, and heavy. Embodiments may be adapted for optionally manned vehicles, e.g., optionally manned tanks (OMT) and optionally manned fighting vehicles (OMFV). Embodiments may be adapted for leader/follower (L/F) palletized load system vehicles, autonomous convoy operation (ACO) vehicles, autonomous indirect fire platforms, joint light tactical vehicle (JLTV) platforms, robotic assault breacher vehicles (R-ABV), robotic assault bridge launching vehicles (R-ABLV), robotic engineer smoke obscuration tracked vehicles, route clearance interrogation systems (RCIS), drones or a combination thereof.

Embodiments may be adapted for vision-based surfaces of medium systems such as robotic and autonomous vehicles. Embodiments may include man transportable robotic systems (MTRS) (e.g., increment two), common robotic systems (e.g., medium and heavy), small multipurpose equipment transports (SMET) (e.g., increments one and two), and M160 light flail vehicles. Embodiments may include any type of aircraft or drone system. Embodiments may include autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicle safety systems including, for example, rear vision cameras, lane departure warning systems, autonomous driving systems, autonomous breaking systems, or a combination thereof.

Embodiments may be adapted for vision-based surfaces of maritime systems such as robotic maritime systems. Embodiments may include maritime support vessels (e.g., light, heavy, or next generation), maritime autonomous security vessels, and maritime remote firing weapons stations.

Exemplary systems be adapted for vision-based surfaces of robotic payloads, stationary platforms, and one or multi-mission payloads for robotic platforms. Examples may include target acquisition sensors and optics, laser range finders, chemical sensors, radiological sensors, active protection systems, radar application systems, or a combination thereof. Embodiments may be adapted for security and observation tower optics and sensors, and stationary remote firing weapons stations.

Embodiments may be adapted for manned combat vehicle platforms. Examples may include M1 Abrams main battle tank, M2/M3/M7 Bradley systems, armored multi-purpose vehicles (AMPV), Stryker vehicle systems, mobile protected firepower systems, M109 Paladin fire support vehicles, optionally manned fighting vehicles (OMFV), joint light tactical vehicles (JLTV), Infantry Squad Vehicles (ISVs), and palletized load system (PLS) vehicles.

In embodiments, an automated fluid dispensing system, apparatus and method may be configured to automatically clean one or more vision-based surfaces. The system may include a hardware controller, a plurality of sensors, manifold ports, a plurality of pressure supply lines, first, second, and third fluid sources, first, second, and third valves, a nozzle array, or a combination thereof. The controller may be in communication with a plurality of sensors configured to receive an environmental condition and a vision condition of the vision-based surface. The manifold ports may be connected to a pressure source and a plurality of pressure supply lines. The first, second, and third fluid sources may have respective first, second and third fluid types, and be in communication with respective ones of the plurality of pressure supply lines. The first, second, and third valves may be in fluid communication with the respective first, second, and third fluid sources. The nozzle array may be arranged according to the vision-based surface.

Embodiments may include a system, apparatus, and/or method configured to automatically clean one or more vision-based surfaces in response to sensor information, user inputs, and/or external parameters. The controller may communicate with a plurality of sensors to detect and measure external parameters such as an environmental condition, a vision condition, and a target vision area of the vision-based surface. The controller may automatically select, a mixture type (e.g., one or more fluid types and/or pressurized air), and an operation type (e.g., one or more spray pattern and/or sequence) according to the determined external parameters, e.g., environmental condition, vision condition, and target vision area.

An exemplary sequence may utilize pulse-width modulation (PWM) in response to sensor information, user inputs, and/or external parameters. The systems herein may include operations using one or multiple pulse-width modulation (PWM) dispensing sequences in response to sensor information, user inputs, and/or external paramerters (e.g., a contamination condition, state and/or level) of one or more vision-based surfaces.

The controller may automatically clean (e.g., by way of the nozzle array) the vision-based surface by distributing the selected mixture type of any quantity of fluid types (e.g., one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or more) to the target vision area using a selected operation type (e.g., PWM sequence). The controller may selectively activate any quantity of valves (one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or more) to release the various fluid types and/or pressurized air according to the selected mixture type.

The systems and methods herein may be configured for automated dispensing and cleaning operations. Operations may include to automatically determine an initial condition (e.g., vision, obstruction, contamination, and/or transparency) according to user inputs, sensor information, and external parameters, automatically select one or more operation type for cleaning parameters such as fluid media type, fluid volume, air volume, injection time, mixture, applied pressure, temperature, spray sequence, spray duration/time, and/or spray direction/pattern, automatically deploy fluid (e.g., liquid and/or air) according to the selections, automatically determine an updated vision condition according to at least one of user inputs, sensor information, and external parameters, automatically compare the initial and updated vision conditions to a threshold, and automatically adapt the cleaning parameters based on such comparison.

FIG.1illustrates an exemplary system100, for example, configured for automated fluid and/or pressurized air dispensing. System100may take many different forms and include multiple and/or alternate components, structures, and arrangements. While an exemplary system100is shown, the exemplary components are not intended to be limiting, and additional or alternative components and/or implementations may be used.

FIG.1illustrates an exemplary system100of the present disclosure, e.g., an intelligent automated system for cleaning vision-based surfaces. System100may include any or all of controller subsystem101, source102(e.g., one or more sources such as compressed air containers103, compressor105, or a combination thereof), sensors107a,107b(e.g., any sensor such as a pressure sensor, temperature sensor, any other sensor disclosed herein, or a combination thereof), actuators109,121a,121b,121c,127a,127b,127c,131(e.g., any mover such as a solenoid or pump), valve111(e.g., one-way or multi-way valve), pressure manifold113(e.g., aluminum, plastic and/or steel manifold ports), supply lines115a,b,c(e.g., air supply lines), sources117a,b,c(e.g., fluid source of liquid and/or air), heat sources123a,b,c(e.g., heaters or heated lines), distribution manifold125(e.g., including manifold ports), distribution block129, nozzles135a,135b,135c,135d(e.g., nozzles135a,135b, nozzle array135b, and heated nozzle array (HNA)135d), and vision-based surfaces139a,139b,141, and145.

Sources117may include fluid sources of liquid and/or air. Sources117may include one or more pressurized fluid source and/or pressurized air source. Sources117may contain spray mediums of one or more types of fluids (e.g., liquids and/or gasses). Sources117may include pressurized liquid and/or air. Sources117may include respective containers or cylinders for containing fluids (e.g., liquid and/or air).

Sensors107may include one or more pressure, temperature, fluid level, humidity, rain detection sensors, cameras, LIDAR, or a combination thereof. Sensor inputs of sensors107will deliver inputs102to ECU207as well as provide signals through the ECU207to platform electronics211.

Vision-based surfaces139,141, and145may include any surface of a lens, optical, light, vision, camera, mirror, image, LIDAR, or combination system. Vision-based surfaces139a,139bmay include a vision or camera lens. Vision-based surface141may include a detection lens such as for light detection and ranging (LIDAR)). Vision-based surface145may include a vision lens of weapons or vehicle system.

System100may be configured for dispensing fluids (e.g., liquid and/or air) onto one or more vision-based surfaces. System100may include, be part of, or be configured for an autonomous system (e.g., fully or semi-autonomous operations), or a tethered system (e.g., user-initiated operations). System100may include sensors107configured to detect and measure a transparency and/or obstruction level and locations with respect to one or more vision-based surfaces. System100may be configured to reduce and remove obstructions from vision-based surfaces.

System100may be configured to respond to external parameters such as weather conditions, contaminants, and surface impacts on vision-based surfaces (e.g., sensors). System100may be configured to adapt to external parameters such as different theaters of operation, wide ranges of terrain and weather conditions, and provide optimal performance at minimal weight and power consumption. In response, controller101may be configured to generate a mixture type, an operation type, and a target vision area and cause system100to pressurize, mix, and spray one or more fluids and/or pressurized air to clean one or more target vision areas of the vision-based surfaces139,141,145.

System100may be configured for use with combustion engine-powered, electric-powered, and hybrid-powered systems related to, for example, robots, vehicles, drones and weapons. System100may be configured to operate with minimal or without human intervention. System100may receive user inputs from remote control, tele-operated, or externally operated systems in response to an operator determining that vision-based surfaces139,141,145are obscured. System100may determine that vision-based surfaces139,141,145are obscured in response to a degraded signal, e.g., degraded LIDAR feedback. System100may be autonomously activated in response to sensor inputs indicating occlusion of vision-based surfaces139,141,145, e.g., sensor inputs of sensor107.

Human verification may be utilized for potentially harmful or lethal engagements. System100may utilize remote-operated, semi-autonomous, and autonomous platforms while target engagement is verified by a user such as a soldier, e.g., for “soldier-in-the-loop” operations that require human verification before engagement. System100may require positive identification and/or a clear, non-occluded view of the target, and/or user verification prior to engagement. System100is configured to optimize verification, mobility, and robotic functionality.

System100may be configured as a modular and/or configurable lens cleaning system. System100may be configured to provide optimal (e.g., reduced) power consumption and weight. System100may adapt for each military mission based on varying environments, climatic conditions, obstructions, and vehicle platform architectures. System100may be configured to inject pressurized air that is modulated with heated fluid and onto the contaminated vision-based surface, e.g., to emulsify, remove and/or dry contaminants to clean and dry lenses.

One or a plurality of fluids and/or pressurized air may be selected by the controller101according to information such as a contaminant type, an environmental condition, system status, a vision condition, a vision/lens clarity, available fluid types and/or volumes, or a combination thereof, e.g., as detected and measured by sensors107. Controller101may include or be in communication with a hardware processor, hardware display (e.g., control screen), and physical memory with an algorithm of a program that receives and/or displays information from sensors107and/or user inputs to provide the operations herein.

For example, the program may include an algorithm to provide the operations herein associated any component of the systems herein, e.g., vision-based surfaces139,141,145. User inputs, sensor information (e.g, via sensors107), or a combination thereof may provide such information including a status of available fluids (e.g., types and/or volumes), contaminant types, environmental conditions, vision condition, vision/lens clarity, or a combination thereof. Further, the system may determine the status of one or more vision-based surfaces and automatically initiate cleaning of the vision-based surfaces in response to the algorithm. The system may also determine the status in response to user inputs of an operator looking through the vision-based surface (e.g., a camera) or a control screen that is being fed the vision images from the various vision-based surfaces139,141,145.

The systems herein may utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to automatically adapt the operations herein. Systems may include a program having an AI-based algorithm. Systems may continuously monitor, adapt and optimize responses based on sensor information, user inputs and/or external parameters. Systems herein may be trained and learn to optimize responses based on contamination and/or environments. Systems may adapt fluid selections and mixtures prior to, during, and after each use, e.g., a mission. Systems may, using an AI-based algorithm, continuously monitor, and adapt the “performance” of the system, cleaning effectiveness, and use of expendable resources. Systems may be actively training and learning to establish optimal fluid dispensing using partially or fully automated operations. For example, the AI-based algorithm may automatically generate adapted or new operations in response to the system being remote, lack of viable image, and/or obstructions.

System100, by way of controller or controller subsystem101, may select and deploy one or a mixture of fluids and/or compressed air. For purposes of this disclosure, “fluid,” “fluid-air,” or “fluid medium” may be used interchangeably to mean any flowable substance such as a liquid, gas (e.g., air), or a combination thereof (e.g., liquid, gas, and/or particulates). The system may deploy fluid according to a mixture type and an operation type corresponding to the contaminant type, environmental condition, and/or vision condition. Fluid types may include water, air, antifreeze, thinner, solvents, alcohol, glycerin, methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol, cleansing fluids, or a combination thereof. One or a mixture of fluids may be selected and deployed accordingly external parameters and as appropriate for the environment, theater of operation, obstructions, or a combination thereof.

System100may be configured for industrial and commercial applications. This may include mining equipment, specialized trucks, drones, autonomous vehicles or robotic vehicles and their associated payloads. System100may be configured to adapt to external parameters (e.g., as disclosed herein) for optimal performance.

Pressure source102may be configured to generate, supply, and maintain pressurized air in communication with fluid sources117. Pressure source102may include a compressed air103(e.g., pressurized containers or cylinders), compressor105, or a combination thereof. Pressure source102may provide and selectively maintain pressure as needed (e.g., pressurize) using a pre-pressurized container or an integrated pressure source in communication with fluid-air sources117.

Sources117may include cylinders of various volumes and fluid and/or air types based on the vehicle, mission, and/or external parameters (e.g., as disclosed herein). One or more fluid sources117may include containers (e.g., cylinders) having unique identifiers using color codes, specific markings, symbols, shapes, or other identification types. The system100may include software and hardware configured to warn a user or operator of the possibility that installing such fluids may cause harmful chemical reactions if mixed.

Sources117(e.g., fluid-air sources117a,117band117c) may be selectively heated by heat source123based on environmental conditions such as weather data and theater of operation. Fluid-air sources117may include a fluidic, quick-connect device that allows for quick replacement and/or selection of fluids and/or air.

System100may include supply lines115and actuators109,121,127, and131configured to one or a plurality of fluid types. System100may include one or a plurality of heat sources123a,123b,123c. ECU207may be configured to select fluid types and/or air and apply heat in response to external parameters, e.g., according to sensors107.

System100may include nozzles135a,135b,135c,135darranged near target, vision-based Surfaces. Nozzles135may be positioned in discreet or array configuration. Nozzles135may be configured to be heated based on theater of operation and environmental conditions. System100may be configured to detect and respond to malfunctions based of outcomes following cleaning operations on a target, vision-based surface.

Sources117(e.g., fluid-air sources) may include fluidic and/or compressed air containers or cylinders having one or a plurality of fluid types. Fluid-air source117may including varying fluidic chemicals or compositions. Fluid-air sources117may include heat source123. Heat source123may be arranged in or around or integral to any component herein, e.g., providing heated cylinders.

System100may include pressure manifold113, actuators109,121,127,131, and distribution manifold125. These may include quick-connects to accommodate one or multiple fluidic and/or compressed air containers of any size, structure and number of ports based on the associated vehicle platform. System100may include a fluidic reservoir for be configured to replenish the fluid-air sources117, e.g., including higher demand fluids. The fluidic reservoir may include level sensors to provide feedback on the remaining fluid amount.

System100may include actuators109,121,127,131including or in addition to a pump. The components herein may be configured for refilling or re-pressurizing fluid sources117, e.g., in standard, mission non-critical and fluid empty modes. Fluid-air sources117may include an assortment for fluids to clean targeted areas. This may include harsh chemicals capable of cleaning paint as well as other harsh materials that obstruct (e.g., occlude or opaque) the targeted area of interest. Fluid-air sources117may include symbols or colors on each cylinder. Such symbols may be scannable to ensure that certain combinations of fluid are not installed on the same vehicle to minimize the possibility of explosions, chemical fumes, or gasses that could be harmful.

System100may be configured to dispense a combination of fluids of varying chemical compositions to the targeted areas. For example, in a battle environment, an enemy may use a paint spay onto the vison system elements of an autonomous platform thus rendering the platform without vision or “blind” and as such unable to execute the operations herein according to a targeted use. System100may be configured to adapt by flexibly selecting fluids in response to real-time enemy threats that were previously not envisioned. System100may be configured to utilize new fluid configurations to address attempts by others BLIND the vehicle platform.

Nozzles135a,135b,135c,135dmay include various arrays of nozzles in a shape and size configured to the targeted area. Nozzle135dmay be configured as a heated array. Nozzles135a,135bmay be supplied with fluid by distribution manifold125and distribution block129and be heated. Nozzle135dmay be delivered fluid by distribution manifold125.

FIG.2illustrates an exemplary system200, e.g., as part of system100. System200may take many different forms and include multiple and/or alternate components, structures, and arrangements. While an exemplary system200is shown, the exemplary components are not intended to be limiting, and additional or alternative components and/or implementations may be used.

System200may include device201, inputs202, outputs203, battery205, electronic control unit (ECU)207, input/output (I/O) device209, platform electronics211(e.g., autonomous control system, vehicle platform control system, and/or weapon systems that are stationary, remotely operated and/or movable), and commands213. ECU207, sensors107, and platform electronics211may be in communication with each other to generate commands213for the components of system100. Sensors107may exchange inputs202and outputs203with ECU207and platform electronics211through I/O device209. Battery205may be configured to provide electrical power to device201, ECU207, I/O device209, and platform electronics211.

Any component of the systems herein, e.g., device201, ECU207, and platform electronics211, may include a hardware processor, physical memory, a hardware transceiver, and a hardware display to respectively execute, store, transfer and display the operations, inputs202, and outputs203. For example, ECU207may include or be in communication with a hardware processor, hardware display, and physical memory with instructions, an algorithm, and/or a program to provide the operations herein. Any or all the operations, functions, and controls of ECU207may be in communication with or embedded into a vehicle controller, e.g., an electronic control unit that reads cameras, LIDAR, sensors and/or other vision systems, which may replace or be in addition to ECU207.

Controller subsystem101may exchange inputs202(e.g., sensor, vision surface inputs such as camera, LIDAR, etc., and/or user inputs) and outputs203(sensor and/or user feedback) between device201, ECU207, and platform electronics211. Device201may include one or more sensors107, a tethered device with a console command center (CCC), or a combination thereof for exchanging inputs202and outputs203with ECU207and platform electronics211through I/O device209. Controller subsystem101may be configured to utilize battery205including low amperage DC power and pressure source102including as a pressure source using compressed air (e.g., bottled, compressor or pneumatic take off).

ECU207may include fluidic control valves to selectively dispense fluids (e.g., liquid and/or air) such as in response to platform electronics211and/or device201depending on platform requirements and complexity. ECU207may be configured to adjust (e.g., increase and/or decrease) a fluid pressure of pressure source102in communication with fluid-air sources117(e.g., spray medium containers) by utilizing atmospheric pressure by way of a pressure release valve, e.g., part of or near actuators109,121,127,131. Actuators109,121,127,131may be positioned any wherein in the systems herein (e.g., before or after fluid-air sources117) to increase the pressure in the fluid-air sources117and facilitate access to valves111, pressure control507, and distribution control509. ECU207may be configured to re-pressurize pressure source102and/or fluid and/or compressed air source117to a higher pressure. System100may include a pump to transfer fluid into the fluid source117at atmospheric pressure. ECU207may de-activate the replenishment valve and/or close the pressure release valve, e.g., after the fluid and/or compressed air source117is re-pressurized.

Device201and/or sensors107may be part of or receive information (e.g., data) from any component, environment, or user of systems100,200, and/or500, or any device or vehicle in communication with systems100,200, and/or500. For example, device201and/or sensor107may be part of, positioned near, and/or receive information from any component of system100, e.g., vision-based surfaces, actuators, valves, connectors, compressed air, compressors, pressure/fluid sources, fluid mediums (e.g., fluid including liquid and/or air), heaters, lenses, reservoirs, supply lines, supply/pressure/distribution manifolds, pressure/distribution controls, distribution blocks, nozzles, electronics, batteries, users, environments, or a combination thereof. For example, device201and/or sensors107may include one or more pressure, temperature, fluid level, humidity, rain detection, transparency, photoelectric, or combination sensors. Device201and/or sensors107may exchange inputs202and outputs203with each other or any component of system100and platform electronics211through I/O device209.

In embodiments, ECU207may receive sensor information (e.g., sensor outputs) from pressure sensors to determine whether pressure source102is pressurized and ready to inject air. ECU207may receive sensor outputs from temperature sensors to adapt and optimize the temperature of fluid-air sources117a,117b,117cand lenses139,141and145, e.g., in response to environmental and target area temperatures. ECU207may receive sensor outputs from level sensors to determine a fluid level of reservoirs501, e.g., for notifications, replacement with spare fluid-air sources117(e.g., medium containers) or refill fluid by way of a fluid replenishment reservoir. ECU207may receive sensor outputs from humidity and/or rain sensors to optimize the deployment of spray and/or air medium.

ECU207may receive sensor information such as external parameters directly from the sensors107such as vison sensors (e.g., cameras, LIDAR, etc) and/or from other vehicles or controllers (e.g platform electronics211). ECU207may receive external parameters including vision, theater of operation, environmental, and tactical nature information. ECU207may receive information transferred from other connected devices or vehicles operating in the same geographical location and subjected to the same environment and or enemy actions. System100may utilize any sensors107configured to provide data to enhance the efficiency of the system100, e.g., regarding power consumption, speed of response, minimal use of fluid and air, and spray amount and duration.

ECU207may be configured to control and adapt a response of sources117(e.g., fluid-air sources117a,117b,117c) according to information of sensors107, device201, inputs202, outputs203, platform electronics211or a combination thereof. ECU207may adapt the fluid type, spray type or pattern, order, heat, viscosity, concentration, duration, type, mixture, sequence, or combination of fluid-air sources117. ECU207may adapt the response of fluid-air sources117based on a plurality of external parameters (e.g., as disclosed herein). ECU207may adapt the response of fluid-air sources117in response to the remaining amount and types of fluid-air sources117. ECU207may adapt the response of fluid-air sources117in response to heuristic and/or real-time information of one or a plurality of other systems100and/or devices201.

ECU207may receive automated commands from the platform electronics211(e.g., vehicle platform control system) and/or user feedback from device201. System100may, e.g., in response to platform electronics211and/or device201, selectively activate and control valves to dispense predefined or user-defined selections of fluid or air amounts, fluid or air durations, or a combination thereof to the target surfaces based on an obstruction level of the target surface. ECU207may also selectively control heat sources123a,123b,123cin response to sensor107, e.g., a temperature sensor to control a temperature of cylinders, distribution lines, nozzles, or a combination thereof. ECU207may operate in response to and based on an obstruction level of a target vision surface and environmental conditions.

ECU207may be configured to be flexible to select fluid type and volume of sources117(e.g., fluid sources of liquid and/or air). This may be in response to operator specifications and/or platform electronics211(e.g., artificial intelligence from a vehicle platform). ECU207may receive and be informed of enemy obstruction strategies from other autonomous platforms in the theater of operation to optimize its selection of chemicals and spray patterns to deploy fluids, e.g., in response to being exposed to obstructions such as from an enemy obstruction strategy.

ECU207may dynamically adapt to the external parameters (e.g., via real-time updates) to minimize the time, effort, and energy needed to clean an obstructed lens. ECU207may employ a sequence using a closed loop control with feedback from platform electronics211, device201, or a combination thereof. ECU207may respond and adapt to an effectiveness of a sequence of fluid (e.g., liquid and/or air) dispensing, e.g., whether the first sequence reached a cleanliness threshold (e.g., percentage of target area that is clean or transparent) or whether a second sequence is necessary to reach the cleanliness threshold.

Controller subsystem101may be configured to selectively respond (e.g., stand-by and wake-up) based on sensing parameters, temperature sensors, periodic wake up of a camera, rain sensing, sensor/user feedback, radar, signals from other combat vehicles in the theater of operation, and/or messages received via satellite communication from a central command system or smart vehicle to infrastructure (V2I) messages. This allows military vehicles that are in a standby or mission mode to conserve energy while at the same time, upon the vehicle platform starting to control and navigate the vehicle, execute the operations herein for its mission. As such, the system may ensure optimal operation by being ready to fire automatically upon vision-based surfaces being clean and without waiting on a “proceed” or “activate” command.

System100, by way of controller subsystem101, may be configured to dispense only air, only one fluid from the available fluid sources or a combination of any of the available sources of air and fluids. System100may be configured to support a stationary remote military gun system by ensuring its optics are always clean and as such it will ensure that the weapon system is always ready to fire as commanded. Such configurations can be portable, not integrated into the weapon systems, as well as configurable per the environment of the theater of operation of the mission.

FIG.3illustrates an exemplary process300including, for example, operations of system100,200and/or500. Process300may take many different forms and include multiple and/or alternate steps, components, and arrangements. While an exemplary process is shown, the exemplary steps are not intended to be limiting, and additional or alternative steps, components and/or implementations may be used.

At diamond301, ECU207may wait for a clean command, e.g., by way of from device201or platform electronics211. Process300may start at diamond301and proceed to diamond303if a clean command is received, or diamond301may continue to wait for the clean command until it is received.

At diamond303, ECU207may receive a selection of a first lens, e.g., by way of from device201or platform electronics211.

At block305, ECU207may activate the first lens, e.g., by way of from device201or platform electronics211.

At block307, ECU207may deactivate the first lens, e.g., by way of from device201or platform electronics211.

At diamond309, ECU207may receive and activate a first fluid selection of a plurality of fluids, e.g., by way of from device201or platform electronics211.

At block311, ECU207may initiate, e.g., by commands213to pressure source102for activation of the first fluid selection.

At diamond313, ECU207may receive, e.g., by way of from device201or platform electronics211, a second fluid selection of the plurality of fluids.

At block315, ECU207may initiate activation of the second fluid selection.

At diamond317, ECU207may determine an air type selection of a plurality of air types.

At block319, ECU207may initiate activation of the air type selection.

At block321, ECU207may turn on one or a plurality of actuators.

At diamond323, ECU207may determine whether to continue the clean operation. If yes, process300may return to block321. If no, process300may return to diamond301. After diamond323, process300may end or return to any other step.

FIG.4illustrates an exemplary process400including, for example, operations of system100,200and/or500. Process400may take many different forms and include multiple and/or alternate steps, components, and arrangements. Process400may be configured to gather data including internal and external parameters from the systems herein as well as devices and vehicles external to the systems herein. Any step of processes300and400may be performed in combination to optimize the operations herein, e.g., cleaning vision-based surfaces. While an exemplary process is shown, the exemplary steps are not intended to be limiting, and additional or alternative steps, components and/or implementations may be used.

At diamond401, ECU207may determine whether to initiate a first clean operation for a first lens of a plurality of lenses.

At diamond403, ECU207may determine whether to initiate a second clean operation for a second lens of the plurality of lenses.

At diamond405, ECU207may obtain and analyze a first parameter (e.g., weather data). At block407, ECU207may obtain and analyze the first parameter as updated (e.g., updated weather data).

At diamond409, ECU207may obtain and analyze a second parameter (e.g., terrain data). At block411, ECU207may obtain and analyze the second parameter as updated (e.g., updated terrain data).

At diamond413, ECU207may obtain an analyze a third parameter (e.g., theater of operation data). At block415, ECU207may obtain and analyze the third parameter as updated (e.g., updated theater of operation data).

At diamond417, ECU207may obtain and analyze a fourth parameter (e.g., additional information or data). At block419, ECU207may obtain and analyze the fourth parameter as updated (e.g., updated additional information or data such as terrain data).

At block421, ECU207may aggregate and adapt environmental inputs. After block421, process400may end or return to any prior step, e.g., diamond401,405,409,413, or417.

FIG.5illustrates an exemplary system500configured for automated fluid dispensing. System500may take many different forms and include multiple and/or alternate components, structures, and arrangements. While an exemplary system is shown, the exemplary components are not intended to be limiting, and additional or alternative components and/or implementations may be used.

FIGS.5-8illustrate an exemplary system500of the present disclosure, e.g., an intelligent automated system for cleaning vision-based surfaces. System500may include or be used in conjunction with any or all of systems100,200and processes300,400. System500may include one or more of controller subsystem101, source102(e.g., pressure and/or fluid source for containing a carrier fluid), reservoir501(e.g., reservoirs501a,501b,501c), compressor105, sensor107, actuator109(e.g., reservoir mini-motor pumps), valve111, pressure manifold113, supply line115, connector505(e.g., including male connector505aand female connector505b), sources117a,117b,117c(e.g., fluid and/or air pressure source for containing spray mediums such as a condition-specific fluid (e.g., liquid and/or air)), heat source123, distribution manifold125, distribution block129, nozzle135(e.g., nozzles135a,135b,135c,135d,135e), vision-based surface513(e.g., vision-based surfaces139,141,145), or a combination thereof.

Source102may include compressor105, compressed air container103, or a combination thereof. Actuator109may alternatively or additionally include actuator121, actuator127, actuator131, or a combination thereof. Nozzle135may alternatively or additionally include nozzles141,143.

System500may include controller101(e.g., controller subsystem101) operatively connected to source102(e.g., fluid and/or pressure source). Reservoir501(e.g., reservoirs501a,501b,501c) may be configured to replenish and maintain fluid in fluid-air sources117(e.g., of liquid and/or air). Reservoir501may contain extra fluid depending on mission requirements, or to minimize fluid weight on movable vision-based surfaces, e.g., of a rotating gun. Reservoir501may be configured to contain and selectively release fluid by way of actuators109(e.g. actuators109a,109b,109c),

Actuators109may include any fluid mover such as a pump. Actuators109may be configured to selectively release fluid in response to controller101, sensors107, or a combination thereof. Source102may be connected to supply pressure control507by way of supply lines115, connector505, and valve111. Connector505may include male connector505aand female connector505bconfigured to be connectable to each other.

Pressure control507may be configured to selectively distribute pressure between compressor105and fluid-air sources117a,117b,117c(e.g., fluid mediums) according to a mixture type, an operation type, and/or a target vision area, e.g., in response to controller101in communication with sensors107and inputs202. Compressor105may be connected to pressure control507by way of one or more of sensor107, valve111, and connector505. Pressure control507may be connected to fluid-air sources117a,117b,117c(e.g., spray mediums of fluid and/or air) by way of pressure manifold113and connectors505.

Reservoirs501, supply manifold110, source102, pressure control507, and/or pressure manifold113may be connected to distribution manifold125, distribution control509, distribution block129, valves131, and/or nozzles135. Any of these may be connected by way of supply lines115, fluid sources117, or a combination thereof. Any one or more supply lines115and/or fluid sources117may be configured to deliver fluid including liquid, air, or a combination thereof to any component herein.

Distribution control509may be configured to selectively distribute fluid between fluid-air sources117a,117b,117cand nozzles135a,135b,135c,135d,135eaccording to a mixture type, an operation type, and/or a target vision area, e.g., in response to controller101in communication with sensors107. Distribution control509may be connected to nozzles135by way of distribution block129, lines115a,115b,115c,115d,115e, and valves131a,131b,131c,131d,131e. Nozzles135may be configured to selectively direct a mixture of fluid-air sources117a,117b,117cto respective portions of vision-based surface513.

Any portion of the systems, apparatuses, methods, and processes herein may occur in any order or sequence. Certain components or steps may occur simultaneously, others may be added, and/or others may be omitted. This disclosure is provided for the purpose of illustrating certain embodiments, and should in no way be construed so as to limit the claims.

Accordingly, it is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments and applications other than the examples provided would be apparent upon reading the above description. The scope should be determined, not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is anticipated and intended that future developments will occur in the technologies discussed herein, and that the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. The embodiments of this disclosure are capable of modification and variation.

All terms used in the claims are intended to be given their broadest reasonable constructions and their ordinary meanings as understood by those knowledgeable in the technologies described herein unless an explicit indication to the contrary is made herein. Use of the singular articles such as “a,” “the,” “said,” etc. should be read to recite one or more of the indicated elements unless a claim recites an explicit limitation to the contrary.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure, but it should not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Various features of this disclosure may be grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure, but the claimed embodiments shall not be interpreted as requiring more features than are expressly recited in each claim. The inventive subject matter of the claims lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.