PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11833978-B1
Application Number: US-202117475448-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Sensing system with sensor window having a superhydrophobic surface

Abstract:
A sensing system that includes an optical,sensor and a sensing window. The optical sensor is configured to sense with electromagnetic radiation an environment. The sensing window is coupled to a structure, such that the electromagnetic radiation passes therethrough from the environment to the optical sensor to be sensed thereby. The sensing window includes an inner side that faces toward the optical sensor and an outer side that faces away from the optical sensor. The outer side includes a superhydrophobic surface that is in fluidic communication with the environment.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A vehicle comprising:
 a vehicle body; 
 a drive system coupled to the vehicle body for propelling the vehicle along a surface; 
 a sensing system comprising:
 an optical sensor coupled to the vehicle and configured to sense with electromagnetic radiation an environment external to the vehicle body of the vehicle; and 
 a sensing window coupled to the vehicle and through which the electromagnetic radiation passes from the environment to the optical sensor to be sensed thereby, the sensing window having an inner side that faces toward the optical sensor and an outer side that faces away from the optical sensor and that includes a superhydrophobic surface that is in fluidic communication with the environment and that includes a micro-scale or a nano-scale texture; and 
 
 a control system that operates the drive system according to the optical sensor. 
 
     
     
       2. The vehicle according to  claim 1 , wherein the superhydrophobic surface has a contact angle with water of at least 150 degrees;
 wherein the sensing window includes a substrate that is substantially transparent to the electromagnetic radiation in a sensing range in which the optical sensor senses the environment and that includes the outer side; and 
 wherein the sensing system is coupled to the vehicle body outside a passenger compartment of the vehicle body, the sensing window being separate from any window through which passengers may view the environment from the passenger compartment. 
 
     
     
       3. The vehicle according to  claim 1 , wherein the optical sensor has a field of view that extends through the sensing window, and the superhydrophobic surface encompasses the field of view. 
     
     
       4. The vehicle according to  claim 3 , comprising another optical sensor coupled to the vehicle body and configured to sense the environment by receiving electromagnetic radiation through the sensing window. 
     
     
       5. The vehicle according to  claim 4 , wherein the other optical sensor senses the environment with electromagnetic radiation in a different sensing range than the optical sensor. 
     
     
       6. The vehicle according to  claim 5 , wherein the other optical sensor has another field of view that the superhydrophobic surface encompasses. 
     
     
       7. The vehicle according to  claim 6 , wherein the optical sensor has a sensing range in a visible light spectrum, and the field of view of the optical sensor passes through an area of the sensing window having a first optical coating that provides a first optical property that corresponds to the sensing range; and
 wherein the other optical sensor has another sensing range in an infrared spectrum, and the other field of view of the other optical sensor passes through another area of the sensing window having a second optical coating that provides a second optical property that is different from the first optical property and that corresponds to the other sensing range. 
 
     
     
       8. The vehicle according to  claim 3 , wherein the sensing window is curved. 
     
     
       9. The vehicle according to  claim 1 , wherein the sensing window includes a substrate formed of a silica glass, and the superhydrophobic surface is formed in the substrate. 
     
     
       10. The vehicle according to  claim 1 , wherein the sensing window includes a substrate that is substantially transparent to the electromagnetic radiation in a sensing range in which the optical sensor senses the environment and that includes the outer side, and the superhydrophobic surface is formed by a coating on the outer side. 
     
     
       11. The vehicle according to  claim 1 , wherein the sensing window includes a substrate that is substantially transparent to the electromagnetic radiation in a sensing range in which the optical sensor senses the environment and that includes the outer side, and includes a film coupled to the outer side of the substrate, the film including the superhydrophobic surface. 
     
     
       12. The vehicle according to  claim 11 , wherein the film is more flexible than the substrate. 
     
     
       13. The vehicle according to  claim 1 , wherein the sensing window includes a first area and a second area that is non-overlapping with the first area, and the sensing window is movable relative to the optical sensor so that the optical sensor receives the electromagnetic radiation through the first area or the second area. 
     
     
       14. The vehicle according to  claim 13 , wherein the sensing system includes a cover having an aperture through which the optical sensor receives electromagnetic radiation to sense the environment, the first area and the second area include the superhydrophobic surface, and the sensing window is movable relative to the aperture between a first position in which the optical sensor receives the electromagnetic radiation through the first area and a second position in which the optical sensor receives the electromagnetic radiation through the second area but not the first area. 
     
     
       15. A sensing system for sensing an environment exterior to a vehicle, the sensing system comprising:
 a housing coupleable to the vehicle; 
 an optical sensor coupled to the housing for receiving electromagnetic radiation to sense the environment; and 
 a sensing window coupled to the housing and through which the optical sensor receives the electromagnetic radiation, the sensing window having a first surface that faces the optical sensor and a second surface having a superhydrophobic surface that faces the environment, wherein the superhydrophobic surface has a contact angle with water of at least 150 degrees. 
 
     
     
       16. The sensing system according to  claim 15 , wherein the optical sensor has a sensing range in an infrared spectrum. 
     
     
       17. The sensing system according to  claim 16 , wherein the optical sensor includes an optical sensing device that senses electromagnetic radiation from the environment in the sensing range and an optical illuminating device that emits electromagnetic radiation in the sensing range to the environment. 
     
     
       18. The sensing system according to  claim 17 , wherein the sensing window includes an optical coating on the first surface. 
     
     
       19. The sensing system according to  claim 15 , wherein the sensing window is movable relative to the optical sensor. 
     
     
       20. An optical sensing system comprising:
 an optical sensor coupled to a chassis; 
 a sensing window coupled to the chassis and through which electromagnetic radiation passes from an environment to the optical sensor; and 
 a plurality of films that are coupled to each other to form a stack that is coupled to an outer side of the sensing window, each of the films having a superhydrophobic surface that faces away from the optical sensor toward the environment, wherein the superhydrophobic surface of an outermost one of the films is exposed to the environment, and the outermost one of the films is removable from the stack so that an underlying one of the films becomes the outermost one of the films. 
 
     
     
       21. The optical sensing system according to  claim 20 , wherein the superhydrophobic surface has a contact angle with water of at least 150 degrees.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/082,722, filed Sep. 24, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to sensing systems and, in particular, optical sensing systems. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Automated control systems may be operated according to conditions of the environment, such as a public environment and obstacles therein. The conditions of the environment may be sensed with different sensing systems, which may include optical sensors that sense the environment with electromagnetic radiation, such as infrared light or visible light. However, debris, such as water-based debris (e.g., rain drops, snow, ice, mud) may interfere with the sensing system&#39;s ability to sense the environment. 
     SUMMARY 
     Disclosed herein are implementations of vehicles and sensor systems therefor. 
     In one implementation, a vehicle includes a vehicle body, a drive system, a sensing system, and a control system. The drive system is coupled to the vehicle body for propelling the vehicle. The sensing system includes a chassis, an optical sensor, and a sensing window. The chassis is coupled to the vehicle body. The optical sensor is coupled to the chassis and configured to sense with electromagnetic radiation an environment external to the vehicle body. The sensing window is coupled to the chassis, such that the electromagnetic radiation passes therethrough from the environment to the optical sensor to be sensed thereby. The sensing window includes an inner side that faces toward the optical sensor and an outer side that faces away from the optical sensor. The outer side includes a superhydrophobic surface that is in fluidic communication with the environment. The control system operates the drive system according to the optical sensor. 
     The superhydrophobic surface may have a contact angle with water of at least 150 degrees. The sensing window may include a substrate that is substantially transparent to the electromagnetic radiation in a sensing range in which the optical sensor senses the environment and that includes the outer side. The sensing system may be coupled to the vehicle body outside a passenger compartment of the vehicle body with the sensing window being separate from any window through which passengers may view the environment from the passenger compartment. 
     In one implementation, a sensing system is provided for sensing an environment exterior to a vehicle. The sensing system includes a housing coupleable to the vehicle, an optical sensor, and a sensing window. The optical sensor is coupled to the housing for receiving electromagnetic radiation to sense the environment. The sensing window is coupled to the housing and the electromagnetic radiation passes therethrough to be received by the optical sensor. The sensing window includes a first surface that faces the optical sensor and a second surface having a superhydrophobic surface that faces the environment. 
     In one implementation, an optical sensing system includes a chassis, an optical sensor coupled to the chassis, a sensing window coupled to the chassis, and a plurality of films that are coupled to each other to form a stack that is coupled to an outer side of the sensing window. Electromagnetic radiation passes through the sensing window from the environment to the optical sensor. Each of the films includes a superhydrophobic surface that faces away from the optical sensor toward the environment. The superhydrophobic surface of an outermost one of the films is exposed to the environment, and the outermost one of the films is removable from an underlying one of the films such that the superhydrophobic surface of the underlying one of the films becomes exposed to the environment. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic view of a vehicle. 
         FIG.  2    is another schematic view of the vehicle of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    is a schematic view of a hardware configuration for a controller of the vehicle of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4 A  is a front view of an optical sensing system of the vehicle. 
         FIG.  4 B  is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensing system of  FIG.  4 A  taken along line  4 B- 4 B. 
         FIG.  5    is a top view of a variation of the optical sensing system of  FIG.  4 A . 
         FIG.  6    is a top view of another variation of the optical sensing system  FIG.  4 A . 
         FIG.  7 A  is a front view of a variation of the optical sensing system of  FIG.  4 A . 
         FIG.  7 B  is a cross-sectional view of the optical sensing system of  FIG.  7 A  taken along line  7 B- 7 B. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Disclosed herein are a vehicle and optical sensing systems therefor and by which the vehicle is operated. The optical sensing system senses the environment with electromagnetic radiation and includes a sensor window having a superhydrophobic surface, which functions to prevent retention of water and other water-based debris thereon that might otherwise interfere with sensing the environment with the optical sensing system. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , a vehicle  100  generally includes a body  110  and wheels  112  coupled to the vehicle body  110 , along with a drive system  120 , a braking system  130 , and a steering system  140  that are operatively coupled to the wheels  112  to move the vehicle  100 . More particularly, the drive system  120  is operatively coupled to the wheels  112  to propel the vehicle along a surface, for example, including an electric motor that is coupled to the wheels  112  via a gearbox and a drive shaft to cause rotation thereof. The braking system  130  is operatively coupled to the wheels  112  to decelerate the vehicle  100 , for example, including friction brakes (e.g., brake calipers that press brake pads against brake rotors) that are motor and/or hydraulically operated to slow rotation of the wheels  112 . The steering system  140  is operatively coupled to the wheels  112  to steer (e.g., change lateral direction of) the vehicle  100  over the surface, for example, including a rack-and-pinion steering rack that is operated by a motor to pivot front ones of the wheels  112  about generally vertical axes. 
     The vehicle  100  also includes a control system  150  and one or more sensing systems  160 . The control system  150  is configured to operate the drive system  120 , the braking system  130 , and the steering system  140  to navigate the vehicle  100  along the surface, which may be a public roadway. More particularly, the one or more sensing systems  160  are configured to monitor the vehicle  100  (e.g., the drive system, the braking system  130 , and the steering system  140 ) and the environment thereof, while the control system  150  operates the drive system  120 , the braking system  130 , and the steering system  140  according to the sensing system  160  (e.g., according to the information about the environment sensed and output thereby). 
     The control system  150  includes one or more controllers that are in wired or wireless communication with the drive system  120 , the braking system  130 , the steering system  140 , and the sensing systems  160  to receive information therefrom (e.g., via sensor signals) and provide instructions thereto (e.g., via control signals). Controllers associated with each system (e.g., the drive system  120 ) or components thereof (e.g., the motor of the drive system  120 ) may be considered part of the control system  150 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  3   , an example hardware configuration for a controller  352  of the control system  150  is illustrated. The controller  352  generally includes a processor  352   a , a memory  352   b , a storage  352   c , a communications interface  352   d , and a bus  352   e  by which the other components of the controller  352  are in communication with each other. The processor  352   a  may be any suitable processing device, such as a central processing unit, capable of executing stored instructions (e.g., according to software programming). The memory  352   b  is a high-speed, volatile storage device, such as random-access memory (RAM). The storage  352   c  is a non-volatile storage device that stores instructions (e.g., the software programming) to be executed by the processor  352   a  and other information (e.g., data). The communications interface  352   d  allows the controller  352  to receive signals from other components (e.g., sensor signals sensor systems) and provide signals thereto (e.g., control signals to control the various systems of the vehicle  100 ) according to the stored instructions. While one example hardware configuration is described herein for the one or more controllers  352  of the control system  150 , it should be understood that the controllers  352  may have any other suitable configuration capable of performing the functions and methods described herein. 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the sensing systems  160  include an optical sensing system  270 , and may further include one or more vehicle sensing systems  262 , one or more position sensing systems  264 , one or more passenger sensing systems  266 , and any other suitable sensing systems. The vehicle sensing systems  262  are configured to sense various conditions of the vehicle  100 , such as the drive system  120 , the braking system  130 , and the steering system  140 , and may form or be considered part of such other systems (e.g., the drive system  120  may include a sensing system for monitoring conditions thereof, such as speed and temperature). The position sensing system  264  is configured to sense the position of the vehicle  100 , for example, being or including a global positioning system (GPS) by which absolute position and/or velocity of the vehicle  100  may be determined and/or correlated to other information (e.g., mapping information). The passenger sensing system  266  is configured to sense various conditions related to passengers of the vehicle  100 , such as number, weight, and/or position of passengers in the vehicle body  110  (e.g., a passenger compartment) of the vehicle  100 . 
     Each of the optical sensing systems  270  is configured to optically sense the environment of the vehicle  100  for navigating the vehicle  100 . The optical sensing system  270  may, for example, be used to detect roadways along which the vehicle  100  travels, static and/or dynamic instructions from the environment (e.g., signs and/or signals), and/or obstacles. The optical sensing system  270  may part of the position sensing system  264 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B , one or more of the optical sensing systems  270  generally includes a chassis  472 , one or more optical sensors  474  coupled to the chassis  472 , and a sensing window  476 . 
     The chassis  472  may be any structure suitable for supporting the optical sensor  474  relative to the vehicle body  110  of the vehicle  100  for sensing the environment thereof. For example, the chassis  472  may be or include a housing that defines a cavity that contains the optical sensor  474 . The chassis  472  may further seal the optical sensor  474  therein for protection from environmental water and debris. The chassis  472  is in turn coupled to the vehicle body  110  of the vehicle  100 . For example, the chassis  472  may be coupled to the vehicle body  110  and be positioned outside any passenger compartment formed by the vehicle body  110 . As a result, the sensing window  476  is separate from any other window that defines the passenger compartment and through which passengers may view the environment from the passenger compartment. Positioning of the optical sensing system  270  outside the passenger compartment is depicted schematically in  FIG.  1    with the sensing system  160  being coupled to an exterior surface of the vehicle body  110 . It should be noted, however, that various others of the sensing systems  262 ,  264 ,  266  may be arranged inside the passenger compartment. 
     The one or more optical sensors  474  (e.g.,  474 - 1 ,  474 - 2 , etc.) are coupled to the chassis  472 . For example, the optical sensor  474  may be fixedly or movably coupled to the chassis  472  within the cavity thereof. The one or more optical sensors  474  are configured to sense the environment external to the vehicle body  110  of the vehicle  100  (e.g., surrounding the vehicle  100 ) using electromagnetic radiation in one or more of the infrared spectrum, the visible light spectrum, the infrared spectrum, or subportion thereof. The frequency range of the electromagnetic radiation in which the optical sensor  474  senses the environment may be referred to as a sensing range. 
     The optical sensor  474  includes an optical sensing device  474   b  and may further include an optical illuminating device  474   c . The optical sensing device  474   b  is configured to sense electromagnetic radiation from the environment in the sensing range and convert the electromagnetic radiation into electrical signals send to the control system  150  and containing information about the sensed electromagnetic radiation. The optical sensing device  474   b  may be any suitable type of sensing device, such as an image sensor that is sensitive to electromagnetic radiation in the sensing range. The optical sensing device  474   b  may be considered to include any optical components, such as refractive lenses and/or filters, associated therewith. 
     The optical illuminating device  474   c  is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in the sensing range. The optical illuminating device  474   c  emits the electromagnetic radiation into the environment, which reflects off objects in the environment and is then sensed by the optical sensing device  474   b . In one example, the optical sensing device  474   b  and the optical illuminating device  474   c  are cooperatively configured to sense and emit, respectively, electromagnetic radiation in the infrared spectrum (e.g., the sensing range having a bandwidth of 1000, 500, or 200 Hz or less). The optical illuminating device  474   c  may, for example, include one or more light-illuminating diodes (LED) or other component suitable for illuminating the electromagnetic radiation. The optical illuminating device  474   c  may be considered to include any optical components, such as refractive lenses and/or filters, associated therewith which may be the same or different optical components as those of the optical sensing device  474   b . In another example, the optical sensor  474  is a light detection and ranging system (LIDAR) in which case the optical illuminating device  474   c  may be a laser. 
     The one or more optical sensors  474  are in electrical communication with the control system  150 , which may control operation of the optical sensors  474  and/or may receive sensor signals therefrom. The sensor signals include information about the environment, as sensed by the optical sensors  474  (e.g., image information), which is processed by the control system  150 . For example, the control system  150  may process the sensor signals to identify, characterize, and/or predict movement of objects in the environment. The control system  150  may then determine a vehicle path according to the objects, and output control signals to the other vehicle systems for moving the vehicle  100  along the vehicle path. 
     Multiple optical sensors  474  may be coupled to the same chassis  472 , for example, being positioned in a common cavity thereof. In such case, each of the optical sensors  474  may be of the same or different type (e.g., having the same or different sensing range) and/or may be pointed in the same or different directions. For example, in one example, one of the optical sensors  474 - 1  has a sensing range in the infrared spectrum, while a second of the optical sensors  474 - 2  has a different sensing range that is in the visible light spectrum. 
     Each of the optical sensors  474  has a field of view  474   a  (e.g.,  474   a - 1 ,  474   a - 2 , etc.) from which the optical sensor  474  senses the electromagnetic radiation. The field of view  474   a  may, for example, be defined as an angular range in one or more planes (e.g., a horizontal plane as shown). The field of view  474   a  is illustrated in dash-dot lines in  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B . 
     The sensing window  476  is coupled to the chassis  472  and arranged between the optical sensor  474  and the environment, so as to protect the optical sensor  474  from water, debris, and other objects in the environment. The sensing window  476  includes a substrate  476   a  having an inner side  476   b  that faces toward the optical sensor  474  and an outer side  476   c  that faces the environment. The sensing window  476 , including the substrate  476   a  thereof, is substantially transparent to the electromagnetic radiation in the sensing range, allowing for receipt of electromagnetic radiation from the environment by the optical sensing device  474   b  and emission of electromagnetic radiation from the optical illuminating device  474   c , if provided, to the environment. Substantially transparent refers to optical transmission of the electromagnetic radiation in the sensing range of greater than 80% (e.g., 85%, 90%, or more) therethrough. 
     The substrate  476   a  of the sensing window  476  may, for example, be formed of glass, such as a silica glass, or other material transparent to electromagnetic radiation in the sensing range. The substrate  476   a  may be substantially planar as shown or may be curved. In the case of the substrate  476   a  being curved, the field of view  474   a  of the optical sensor  474  may extend through a curved portion of the substrate  476   a.    
     The sensing window  476  may include one or more coatings (not illustrated) on the inner side  476   b  of the substrate  476   a , such as an anti-reflective coating and/or a reflective coating having optical properties that correspond to the sensing range of the one or more sensors  474  (e.g., having high transmission of electromagnetic radiation in the sensing range and/or high reflectance and/or absorption of electromagnetic radiation outside the sensing range). In the case of multiple optical sensors  474  having different sensing ranges, different optical coatings may be provided in different regions of the inner side  476   b  of the substrate  476   a  that correspond to the fields of view thereof (e.g.,  474   a - 1 ,  474   a - 2 ) and which have different optical properties corresponding to the sensing ranges (e.g., anti-reflection, high transmission, high reflectance, and/or high absorption, as referenced above). 
     The sensing window  476  further includes a superhydrophobic surface  476   d  on the outer side  476   c  of the substrate  476   a . The superhydrophobic surface  476   d  is illustrated schematically in heavy dot-dot lines in  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B . The superhydrophobic surface  476   d  is exposed to the environment by being in fluidic communication therewith (e.g., air, water, and debris in the environment and outside the vehicle body  110  may contact the superhydrophobic surface  476   d ). The superhydrophobic surface  476   d  functions to hinder or prevent retention of water or water-based debris (e.g., rain, snow, ice, mud) to the outer side  476   c  of the sensing window  476  (e.g., from surface tension) and/or facilitate easier removal therefrom (e.g., from gravity and/or wind as the vehicle  100  moves). Such water-based debris, including water itself, may function to filter out (e.g., block) and/or distort electromagnetic radiation in various bands of the sensing range in which the optical sensor  474  is configured to sense the environment. For example, water may filter certain frequencies of infrared light, effectively creating blind spots for optical sensors configured to sense the environment with electromagnetic radiation only in that spectrum. Due to inclusion of the superhydrophobic surface  476   d , the optical sensing system  270  and the vehicle  100  may not include an external device for removing debris from the outer side  476   c  of the sensing window  476 , which might otherwise remove such debris mechanically (e.g., wiping) or by blowing a fluid (e.g., air or cleaning solution). 
     As used herein, the term superhydrophobic refers to surfaces that form a contact angle with water of 150 degrees or more. In general, the superhydrophobic surface  476   d  includes micro- and/or nano-scale texture that may be provided by structures formed in a material or by characteristic properties of the material itself, which provide the superhydrophobic properties (e.g., the contact angle). 
     The superhydrophobic surface  476   d  may substantially encompass the field of view  474   a  of the one or more optical sensors  474 , such that all of the electromagnetic radiation received from the environment by the optical sensing device  474   b  passes through the superhydrophobic surface  476   d . In one example, the superhydrophobic surface  476   d  is provided over a substantial entirety of the outer side  476   c  of the substrate  476   a  (e.g., 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, or more of the surface area thereof). 
     In as still further example, the superhydrophobic surface  476   d  may be provided over less than a substantial entirety of the outer side  476   c  of the substrate  476   a . For example, the optical sensing system  270  may include two or more of the optical sensors  474  that have different sensing ranges, the first of which may coincide with frequency bands at which water-based debris may filter electromagnetic radiation (e.g., certain bands of infrared light). In such case, the field of view  474   a  of the first optical sensor  474  having a sensing range filtered by water passes through the superhydrophobic surface  476   d , while the field of view  474   a  of the second optical sensor  474  passes through portions of the sensing window  476  that does not include the superhydrophobic surface  476   d.    
     In the case of the substrate  476   a  being curved, the superhydrophobic surface  476   d  may be provided on the outer side  476   c  of a curved portion of the substrate  476   a.    
     The superhydrophobic surface  476   d  of the sensing window  476  may be provided in different manners. In one example, the superhydrophobic surface  476   d  is formed on the outer side  476   c  the substrate  476   a  (e.g., the substrate  476   a  includes the texture), such as with an etching process. In another example, the superhydrophobic surface  476   d  is formed by a coating that is coupled to the outer side  476   c  of the substrate  476   a.    
     In another example shown in  FIG.  5   , the superhydrophobic surface  476   d  is provided by a film  578  (e.g., another substrate) that includes the superhydrophobic surface  476   d  formed therein or provided as a coating coupled thereto (e.g., as described above with the substrate  476   a ). The film  578  is illustrated schematically in  FIG.  5    as a heavy solid line. The film  578  may, for example, be formed from a polymeric material that is substantially transparent to electromagnetic radiation in the sensing range. The polymeric material of the film  578  may be more flexible than the material forming the substrate  476   a  of the sensing window  476 . 
     In a further example shown in  FIG.  6   , a stack  678  of the films  578  (e.g., numbered as  578 - 1 ,  578 - 2 , etc.) may be layered together and coupled to the sensing window  476  to provide multiple of the superhydrophobic surfaces  476   d . The films  578  of the stack  678  are illustrated in an exploded view, but it should be understood that each film  578  is coupled to and removable from an underlying one of the films  578  or the outer side  476   c  of the substrate  476   a  of the sensing window  476 . In the stack,  678 , the film  578  exposed to the environment is referred to as the outermost film  578  (see  578 - 1 ). Each of the other films  578  are referred to as underlying films (see  578 - 2 ,  578 - 3 ). Upon removal of the outermost film  578  from the stack  678 , the underlying film  578  adjacent thereto becomes the outermost layer in succession. The outermost films  578  may be removed and discarded, for example, upon degradation of the superhydrophobic properties provided by the superhydrophobic surface  476   d  thereof (e.g., from mechanical and/or ultraviolet degradation), while the next underlying film  578  provides the superhydrophobic surface  476   d  for the sensing window  476 . 
     In a still further example shown in  FIGS.  7 A and  7 B , the sensing window  476  is movable relative to the optical sensor  474  between a first position and a second position, as illustrated by the arrows in  FIGS.  7 A and  7 B . The substrate  476   a  is depicted in light dot-dot lines in  FIG.  7 A  and solid lines in  FIG.  7 B . 
     In the first position, a first region  776   d - 1  of the superhydrophobic surface  476   d  coincides with the field of view  474   a  of the optical sensor  474  and is exposed to the environment, while a second region  776   d - 2  of the superhydrophobic surface  476   d  does not coincide with the field of view  474   a  of the optical sensor  474  and is not exposed to the environment. The first region  776   d - 1  and the second region  776   d - 2  may be non-overlapping. The first region  776   d - 1  and the second region  776   d - 2  of the superhydrophobic surface  476   d  are depicted in heavy dot-dot lines in  FIG.  7 A  and are indicated by brackets in  FIG.  7 B . In the second position, the substrate  476   a  is moved relative to the first position, such that the first region  776   d - 1  of the superhydrophobic surface  476   d  does not coincide with the field of view  474   a  of the optical sensor  474  and may or may not exposed to the environment, while the second region  776   d - 2  of the superhydrophobic surface  476   d  coincides with the field of view  474   a  of the optical sensor  474  and is exposed to the environment. 
     The chassis  472  may include a cover  772   a  (e.g., a plate or other structure) having an aperture  772   b  through which the field of view  474   a  extends. In the first position, the first region  776   d - 1  of the superhydrophobic surface  476   d  is aligned with the aperture  772   b  and exposed to the environment, while the second region  776   d - 2  of the superhydrophobic surface  476   d  is protected from the environment by the cover  772   a . In the second position, the second region  776   d - 2  of the superhydrophobic surface  476   d  is aligned with the aperture  772   b  and exposed to the environment. 
     The sensing window  476  may be moveable between the first position and the second position manually (e.g., by a person) or by a movement mechanism (e.g., a motorized device). It should be noted that the sensing window  476  may include still further regions of the superhydrophobic surface  476   d  and be movable to further corresponding positions, as described above with respect to the first region  776   d - 1  and the second regions  776   d - 2  and the first and second positions. 
     The control system  150  may be further configured to detect debris on the sensor window  476 . For example, the control system  150  may be configured to detect debris with image recognition (e.g., water drops) or by identifying debris as an object but which does not move in a manner consistent with movement of the vehicle  100 . For example, the control system  150  may determine that an object is debris when the vehicle  100  changes directions (e.g., turns left or right), while the object remains in a fixed position within the field of view  474   a . In response to determining that debris is present, the control system  150  may provide a notification to an operator or passenger (e.g., visually or audibly) indicating that the sensor window  476  requires cleaning or replacing or, in the case of the stack  678  of the films  578 , that the outermost film  578  should be removed. Alternatively, in the case of the sensing window  476  being movable, the control system  150  may operate the movement mechanism  780  (depicted schematically), such as a motor-operated lead screw or solenoid, to move the sensing window  476  between the first and second positions. 
     As described above, one aspect of the present technology is the gathering and use of data available from various sources for operating a vehicle to carry a passenger to a destination. The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances, this gathered data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data can include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, twitter ID&#39;s, home addresses, data or records relating to a user&#39;s health or level of fitness (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information. 
     The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For example, the personal information data can be used to operate the vehicle to carry a person to predetermined destinations. Further, other uses for personal information data that benefit the user are also contemplated by the present disclosure. For instance, health and fitness data may be used to provide insights into a user&#39;s general wellness, or may be used as positive feedback to individuals using technology to pursue wellness goals. 
     The present disclosure contemplates that the entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use of such personal information data will comply with well-established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities should implement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining personal information data private and secure. Such policies should be easily accessible by users, and should be updated as the collection and/or use of data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonable uses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of those legitimate uses. Further, such collection/sharing should occur after receiving the informed consent of the users. Additionally, such entities should consider taking any needed steps for safeguarding and securing access to such personal information data and ensuring that others with access to the personal information data adhere to their privacy policies and procedures. Further, such entities can subject themselves to evaluation by third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adapted for the particular types of personal information data being collected and/or accessed and adapted to applicable laws and standards, including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For instance, in the US, collection of or access to certain health data may be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); whereas health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Hence different privacy practices should be maintained for different personal data types in each country. 
     Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, carrying a passenger to a destination the present technology can be configured to allow users to select to “opt in” or “opt out” of participation in the collection of personal information data during registration for services or anytime thereafter. In another example, users can select not to provide preferred destinations. In yet another example, users can select to limit the length of time destination information is maintained. In addition to providing “opt in” and “opt out” options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before personal information data is accessed by the app. 
     Moreover, it is the intent of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and handled in a way to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect a user&#39;s privacy. De-identification may be facilitated, when appropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g., collecting location data a city level rather than at an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and/or other methods. 
     Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers use of personal information data to implement one or more various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that the various embodiments can also be implemented without the need for accessing such personal information data. That is, the various embodiments of the present technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, destinations may be provided on a one-time basis by the passenger based on non-personal information data or a bare minimum amount of personal information, such as the content being requested by the device associated with a user, other non-personal information available, or publicly available information.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20210915
Publication Date: 20231205
Grant Date: 20231205
Priority Date: 20200924
Inventors: WILSON, JAMES R.
ZHANG, Arthur Y.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "B60R11/04", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60S1/56", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B27/0006", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R2011/004", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R11/04", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R2011/004", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60S1/56", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B27/0006", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R11/04", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R2011/004", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B27/0006", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01S17/931", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01S7/4811", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01S7/4813", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01S17/87", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 88979886