Tesla is working on solving the dirty camera problem
Many automakers striving for autonomy have settled on roughly the same set of equipment: cameras, radar, and lidar, each compensating for the shortcomings of the others. Tesla has taken a different path. Its driver assistance system relies entirely on cameras alone, without radar or lidar. While a vision-only system has certain advantages, it also has drawbacks, particularly problems caused by dirty camera lenses.
Patent for a new cleaning solution
Tesla is aware of this issue. Recent Cybercab prototypes have been spotted with small nozzles aimed at external cameras, spraying water on them as needed. The patent application suggests the company wants to go beyond just spraying liquid.
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Images from the patent show the entire camera unit, including a tiny fluid reservoir that can spray water onto the camera lens. Tesla has also developed a miniature wiper that can move across the lens, ensuring maximum cleanliness. This wiper will be powered by a small motor also built into the camera housing, notes Not A Tesla App.
Innovative, but not an ideal solution
This is an innovative solution that could help overcome some of the issues faced by Tesla’s vision system. Of course, such a design won’t help Tesla’s cameras deal with, for example, sun glare, which can affect the performance of automated driving systems.
Limitations and implementation prospects
It is also unclear whether all external cameras used in current Tesla models can be equipped with these units, as they are noticeably larger than a regular camera. At the very least, Tesla will be able to place such camera units at the front of its vehicles, as well as on the front fenders and the rear, among the most important cameras used to obtain a 360-degree view.
Of course, these camera units will be more expensive than those currently in use, and with more moving parts, they will be more prone to failure. However, as Tesla aims to achieve full autonomy, they may be necessary.
This move by Tesla demonstrates that the company continues to seek ways to improve its autonomous driving system, despite criticism over abandoning radar and lidar. Implementing wipers and sprayers for cameras is a logical, albeit technically challenging, solution to enhance system reliability in real-world conditions. However, as noted, this does not solve all problems, such as the impact of bright light, and could lead to increased costs and potential points of failure. Whether this will be the compromise that finally allows Tesla to achieve the promised level of autonomy remains to be seen.