Raindrop Detection, Raindrop Removal, Water Vapor Removal, and Lens

Abstract

An embodiment of the present invention discloses a raindrop detection and raindrop / water vapor removal lens, which includes a first lens and a heating sheet capable of heating the first lens. A raindrop detection element is also provided on the first lens. The raindrop detection and raindrop / water vapor removal lens according to the embodiment of the present invention can automatically detect raindrops or water vapor in rainy and foggy weather such as cold, humid, or rainy weather by providing a raindrop detection element on the first lens, so as to provide an accurate detection control signal for subsequent automatic raindrop / water vapor removal control.

Description

Technical Field:

[0001] The present invention relates to a lens for a camera module, and more particularly to a lens for detecting raindrops and removing raindrops and water vapor. Background Art:

[0002] Currently, camera modules for outdoor surveillance or external vehicle-mounted camera modules generally cannot automatically detect raindrops or water vapor in rainy and foggy weather such as cold, humid, or rainy conditions, and achieve the effect of automatically removing raindrops and water vapor. Summary of the Invention:

[0003] To overcome the problem that existing camera modules generally cannot achieve automatic detection of raindrops or water vapor, an embodiment of the present invention provides a lens for detecting raindrops and removing raindrops and water vapor.

[0004] A lens for detecting raindrops and removing raindrops and water vapor includes a first lens and a heating sheet capable of heating the first lens, and a raindrop detection element is further provided on the first lens.

[0005] The lens for detecting raindrops and removing raindrops and water vapor according to the embodiment of the present invention realizes automatic detection of raindrops or water vapor in rainy and foggy weather such as cold, humid, or rainy conditions by providing a raindrop detection element on the first lens, and provides an accurate detection control signal for subsequent automatic control of removing raindrops and water vapor. Brief Description of the Drawings:

[0006] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for description in the embodiments. Obviously, the following drawings are only some embodiments of the present invention, and those of ordinary skill in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0007] Figure 1 Structural schematic of an embodiment of the raindrop detection element of the present invention Figure 1 ;

[0008] Figure 2 Structural schematic of an embodiment of the raindrop detection element of the present invention Figure 2 ;

[0009] Figure 3 Front view of an embodiment of the raindrop detection element of the present invention;

[0010] Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the raindrop detection element of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 5 For Figure 4 Enlarged view of part A;

[0012] Figure 6Cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the raindrop detection element of the present invention

[0013] Figure 7 is Figure 6 an enlarged view of part B;

[0014] Figure 8 Stereogram of the raindrop detection and raindrop / water vapor removing lens embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 ;

[0015] Figure 9 Stereogram of the raindrop detection and raindrop / water vapor removing lens embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 ;

[0016] Figure 10 is Figure 9 a cross-sectional view;

[0017] Figure 11 is Figure 9 an exploded schematic diagram Figure 1 ;

[0018] Figure 12 is Figure 9 an exploded schematic diagram Figure 2 ;

[0019] Figure 13 Stereogram of another embodiment of the raindrop detection and raindrop / water vapor removing lens of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 14 is Figure 13 a cross-sectional view;

[0021] Figure 15 Structural schematic diagram of the camera module embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 16 is Figure 15 an exploded view;

[0023] Figure 17 Structural schematic diagram of another embodiment of the camera module of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 18 is Figure 17 an exploded view;

[0025] Figure 19 Structural schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of the camera module of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 20 Principle framework schematic diagram of the control circuit of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 21 Schematic diagram of the detection circuit of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 22This is the schematic diagram of the driving circuit of the present invention. Specific embodiments:

[0029] In order to make the technical problems, technical solutions and beneficial effects solved by the present invention clearer and more understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention.

[0030] When ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are mentioned in the embodiments of the present invention, unless they actually express an order meaning according to the context, they should be understood as only for distinction.

[0031] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installation", "connection" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific situations.

[0032] As Figures 1-3 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention discloses a raindrop detection element 1, including an element body, on which electrode pairs (11, 12) are printed at intervals. When the element body cooperates with the camera module, sensing signals of whether there are raindrops or water vapor on the camera module are obtained through the electrode pairs (11, 12) arranged at intervals.

[0033] For the raindrop detection element or the camera module of the embodiment of the present invention, when water droplets or water vapor condense on the electrode pairs arranged at intervals, the electrical signals between the electrode pairs arranged at intervals will be changed, thereby forming sensing signals of whether there are raindrops or water vapor, and automatically detecting raindrops or water vapor in rainy and foggy weather such as cold, humid or rainy weather, so as to provide accurate detection and control signals for the subsequent automatic raindrop removal and water vapor removal control of the camera module.

[0034] Further, as a preferred implementation manner rather than a limitation of this solution, when there are raindrops or water vapor, the electrode pairs (11, 12) arranged at intervals on the element body output low-level sensing signals; when there are no raindrops or water vapor, high-level sensing signals are output between the electrode pairs (11, 12) arranged at intervals on the element body. The structure is simple and the detection is accurate.

[0035] Still further, as a preferred implementation manner rather than a limitation of this solution, the electrode pair includes two wires arranged in parallel. These two wires can be two capacitor plates with a potential difference, or ITO conductive strips.

[0036] Further, as a preferred implementation manner of this solution rather than a limitation, the element body is annular. The structure is simple, which can facilitate the cooperation with the camera module.

[0037] Furthermore, as a preferred implementation manner of this solution rather than a limitation, the cross-section of the element body is planar or arc-shaped, and the electrode pairs (11, 12) are spaced on the plane or the arc surface. The structure is simple, and the raindrop detection element can be installed on the object surface side of the first lens of the camera module, or on the annular groove between the object surface side and the image surface side of the first lens, or outside the glass substrate in front of the first lens and within the camera module cover, realizing multiple installation matching methods and better adaptability.

[0038] Still further, as a preferred implementation manner of this solution rather than a limitation, the element body is a flexible transparent substrate layer. In this embodiment, the flexible transparent substrate layer includes but is not limited to a PET film layer. An ITO conductive film is covered on the substrate layer, and the ITO conductive film is etched to form ITO conductive strips; or a touch film is provided on the substrate layer, and nano-wires are provided on the touch film.

[0039] Further, as a preferred implementation manner of this solution rather than a limitation, the electrode pairs (11, 12) are embedded in the element body and flush with the upper surface of the element body. The structure is simple.

[0040] Furthermore, as a preferred implementation manner of this solution rather than a limitation, the overall thickness of the element body is 0.6 - 1 mm. The structure is simple, and the product volume is not affected after installation.

[0041] As Figures 8-10 shown, the embodiment of the present invention also discloses a camera module, which at least includes an optical lens, and the above-mentioned raindrop detection element is installed in the optical lens.

[0042] For the raindrop detection element or the camera module of the embodiment of the present invention, when water droplets or water vapor condense on the spaced electrode pairs, the electrical signal between the spaced electrode pairs will be changed, thereby forming a sensing signal for whether there are raindrops or water vapor, and automatically detecting raindrops or water vapor in rainy and foggy weather such as cold, humid, or rainy days, providing an accurate detection control signal for the subsequent automatic rain and water vapor removal control of the camera module.

[0043] As Figure 8 shown, the embodiment of the present invention also discloses a raindrop detection and rain and water vapor removal lens, which includes a first lens 2 and a heating sheet 3 that can heat the first lens 2, and a raindrop detection element 1 is also provided on the first lens 2.

[0044] The raindrop detection and raindrop / water vapor removal lens according to the embodiment of the present invention realizes the automatic detection of raindrops or water vapor in rainy and foggy weather such as cold, humid, or rainy weather by arranging a raindrop detection element on the first lens, so as to provide an accurate detection control signal for the subsequent automatic raindrop / water vapor removal control.

[0045] Further, as Figure 13 , 14 shown, as a preferred embodiment rather than a limitation of this embodiment, the raindrop detection element 1 is arranged on the object surface side of the first lens 2. The structure is simple, the installation is convenient, and the automatic detection of raindrops or water vapor can be accurately realized.

[0046] Still further, as a preferred embodiment rather than a limitation of this embodiment, as Figure 13 , 14 shown, the first lens 2 is a single-piece lens, or the first lens 2 is a combined lens of split lenses glued together. The structure is simple, and the automatic detection of raindrops or water vapor can be accurately realized.

[0047] Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment rather than a limitation of this embodiment, as Figures 8-12 shown, the first lens 2 is a combined lens of split lenses glued together, and the raindrop detection element 1 is arranged between the glued surfaces of the combined lens. The structure is simple, the installation of the raindrop detection element is more compact, and the automatic detection of raindrops or water vapor can be accurately realized.

[0048] Also further, as a preferred embodiment rather than a limitation of this embodiment, as Figures 8-12 shown, the combined lens includes a front lens 21 and a rear lens 22. As Figure 11 shown, an annular groove 210 is formed on one side of the glued surface of the front lens 21 opposite to the rear lens 22, and the raindrop detection element 1 is arranged on the annular groove 210. The structure is simple, the installation of the raindrop detection element is convenient, the structure is more compact, and the automatic detection of raindrops or water vapor can be accurately realized.

[0049] Still further, as a preferred embodiment rather than a limitation of this embodiment, as Figures 8-14 shown, the heating sheet is arranged on the image surface side of the first lens 2. The structure is simple and it is convenient to heat the first lens.

[0050] As Figure 15 shown, the embodiment of the present invention also discloses a raindrop detection and automatic heating raindrop / water vapor removal camera module, which at least includes a lens barrel 4, a first lens 2 arranged at the front end of the lens barrel 4, a gland 5 that cooperates with the front end of the lens barrel 4 to lock the first lens 2 on the lens barrel 4, and a heating sheet 3 that can heat the first lens 2. A raindrop detection element 1 is also arranged on the first lens 2.

[0051] In the rain droplet detection, automatic heating, rain droplet removal, and water vapor removal camera module according to the embodiments of the present invention, a rain droplet detection element is arranged on the first lens, so as to realize automatic detection of rain droplets or water vapor in cold, humid, rainy or other foggy weather, and provide an accurate detection control signal for subsequent automatic rain droplet removal and water vapor removal control.

[0052] Further, as a preferred implementation manner rather than a limitation of this embodiment, as Figure 15 shown, the front end of the lens barrel 4 is large and the rear end is small. The front end of the lens barrel 4 is recessed with a receiving cavity that cooperates with the first lens 2. A second wire groove 42 penetrating the receiving cavity is opened inside the receiving cavity near the outer side wall of the receiving cavity, and a first wire groove 41 is opened on the upper side of the outer side wall of the receiving cavity. The first wire groove 41 and the second wire groove 42 extend along the optical axis direction of the camera module respectively. Among them, the first wire groove 41 is used for the terminal connected to the rain droplet detection element 1 to pass through the first wire groove 41; and the second wire groove 42 is used for the terminal connected to the heating sheet 3 to pass through the second wire groove 42. The structure is simple, and the wiring is convenient and beautiful.

[0053] Still further, as a preferred implementation manner rather than a limitation of this embodiment, as Figure 15 shown, the first lens 2 is a combined lens of split gluing, and the rain droplet detection element 1 is arranged between the gluing surfaces of the combined lens. The structure is simple, the installation of the rain droplet detection element is more compact, and the automatic detection of rain droplets or water vapor can be accurately realized.

[0054] Even further, as a preferred implementation manner rather than a limitation of this embodiment, as Figure 11 shown, the combined lens 2 includes a front lens 21 and a rear lens 22. An annular groove 210 is opened on one side of the gluing surface of the front lens 21 opposite to the rear lens 22, and the rain droplet detection element 1 is arranged on the annular groove 210. The structure is simple, the installation of the rain droplet detection element is convenient, the structure is more compact, and the automatic detection of rain droplets or water vapor can be accurately realized.

[0055] As Figure 18 shown, the embodiments of the present invention also disclose an external rain droplet detection, automatic heating, rain droplet removal, and water vapor removal camera module, which at least includes a lens barrel 4, a first lens 2 arranged at the front end of the lens barrel 4, a gland 5 that cooperates with the front end of the lens barrel 4 to lock the first lens 2 on the lens barrel 4, and a heating sheet 3 that can heat the first lens 2. A rain droplet detection element 1 is arranged on the outer surface of the object surface side of the first lens 2.

[0056] In the external rain droplet detection, automatic heating, rain droplet removal, and water vapor removal camera module according to the embodiments of the present invention, a rain droplet detection element is arranged on the first lens, so as to realize automatic detection of rain droplets or water vapor in cold, humid, rainy or other foggy weather, and provide an accurate detection control signal for subsequent automatic rain droplet removal and water vapor removal control.

[0057] Further, as a preferred implementation manner rather than a limitation of this embodiment, as Figure 18 , 19 shown, the first lens 2 is an integral lens, and the heating sheet 3 is arranged on the image plane side of the first lens 2.

[0058] As Figure 19 shown, the embodiment of the present invention also discloses a gland type raindrop detection automatic heating raindrop and water vapor removing camera module, which at least includes a lens barrel 4, a first lens 2 arranged at the front end of the lens barrel 4, and a gland 5 that cooperates with the front end of the lens barrel 4 to lock the first lens 2 on the lens barrel 4. A glass substrate 6 is further arranged between the front end face of the gland 5 and the first lens 2. A raindrop detection element 1 is arranged on the outer surface of the glass substrate 6, and a heating sheet 3 that can heat it is arranged on the inner surface of the glass substrate 6.

[0059] For the gland type raindrop detection automatic heating raindrop and water vapor removing camera module of the embodiment of the present invention, by arranging a raindrop detection element on the glass substrate in front of the first lens, automatic detection of raindrops or water vapor can be realized in cold, humid, rainy or foggy weather, providing an accurate detection control signal for the subsequent automatic raindrop and water vapor removal control.

[0060] Further, as a preferred implementation manner rather than a limitation of this embodiment, a spacer is further arranged between the glass substrate 6 and the first lens 2.

[0061] Furthermore, the embodiment of the present invention also discloses a control circuit, which cooperates with the Figure 14 , 18 , 19 camera module, and is used to automatically start the heating of the heating sheet 3 of the camera module when the raindrop detection element 1 detects raindrops or water vapor on the outer surface of the first lens 2 or the outer surface of the glass substrate 6, so as to realize the function of automatic raindrop and water vapor removal.

[0062] Further, as a preferred implementation manner rather than a limitation of this embodiment, as Figures 20-22 shown, the control circuit includes:

[0063] A detection circuit, whose input end is electrically connected to the raindrop detection element 1, and the raindrop detection element 1 is used to obtain a sensing signal of whether there are raindrops or water vapor on or outside the first lens;

[0064] A driving circuit, whose output end is electrically connected to the heating sheet 3, and is used to drive the heating sheet 3 to stop / start;

[0065] A microprocessor, connected to a detection circuit and a drive circuit, is used to control the drive circuit according to a sensing signal. When the raindrop detection element 1 detects raindrops or water vapor on the outer surface of the first lens 2 or the outer surface of the glass substrate 6, the heating sheet 3 of the camera module is automatically started to heat, so as to realize the function of automatically removing raindrops and water vapor.

[0066] Furthermore, as a preferred implementation manner rather than a limitation of this embodiment, as Figure 21 shown, the detection circuit includes an operational amplifier U7. The output pin OUTA of the operational amplifier U7 is connected to the raindrop sensing signal acquisition terminal Raindrop Detect through line resistors R18 and R19. A capacitor C34 is connected in parallel across both ends of the resistor R18; the output pin OUTA of the operational amplifier U7 is connected to the microprocessor U6 to feedback the first signal Dout indicating whether raindrops exist or not, and the non-inverting input pin INA+ of the operational amplifier U7 is connected to the microprocessor U6 to feedback the second signal Aout indicating the amount of rainfall; the output pin of the operational amplifier U7 is connected to the low-potential end of an LED indicator LED1. The inverting input pin INA- of the operational amplifier U7 is grounded through a sliding resistor R20. The connection point of the line resistors R18 and R19 is connected to the sliding arm end of the sliding resistor R20 to achieve feedback regulation..

[0067] Still further, as a preferred implementation manner rather than a limitation of this embodiment, as Figure 22 shown, the drive circuit includes a triode Q3, resistors R13 and R14, a field effect transistor U5, and several filter capacitors. The source electrode of the field effect transistor U5 is connected to a DC power source, and its drain electrode is used as the electrical output end of the drive circuit, and the several filter capacitors are connected in parallel; the resistors R13 and R14 are connected in series between the source electrode of the field effect transistor U5 and the ground terminal, and the connection point of the resistors R13 and R14 is connected to the gate electrode of the field effect transistor U5. The triode Q3 is connected in parallel with the resistor R14, and its base electrode is connected to the microprocessor. A voltage stabilizing diode D4 is connected in parallel across both ends of the resistor R13. The triode Q3 is controlled by the PWM signal of the microprocessor to achieve on / off.

[0068] The working principle of this control circuit is as follows:

[0069] After the circuit is powered on, the output of the raindrop detection element 1 will continuously generate a high-level signal. This high-level signal is captured by the detection circuit, and the LED indicator goes out. The microprocessor determines that there is no raindrop at this time; when there are raindrops on or outside the first lens, due to the capacitive and inductive characteristics of the raindrop detection element 1, the raindrop sensing signal changes from high level to low level, the LED indicator lights up, and the microprocessor immediately responds and starts to heat the first lens with the heating sheet.

[0070] In specific implementation, the microprocessor obtains the first signal Dout from the output terminal of the operational amplifier, which directly reflects whether there are raindrops currently; it obtains the second signal Aout from the non-inverting pin of the operational amplifier. The second signal Aout synchronously reflects the change of the first signal Dout and has a smaller peak value, which can be recognized by the microprocessor. When the rain continues, the microprocessor will adjust the frequency of the PWM signal it outputs to increase the effective heating power and ensure that no raindrops or water vapor accumulate on the first lens 2 of the camera module or on the glass substrate 6.

[0071] As described above, one or more implementation manners are provided in combination with specific contents, and it is not determined that the specific implementation of the present invention is only limited to these descriptions. Any approximation, similarity to the method, structure, etc. of the present invention, or several technical deductions or substitutions made under the premise of the inventive concept of the present invention should be regarded as the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A raindrop detection and raindrop / vapor removal lens, comprising a first lens and a heating sheet capable of heating the first lens. Characterized in that, A raindrop detection element is further provided on the first lens; the raindrop detection element includes an element body, and electrode pairs arranged at intervals are printed on the element body. When the element body is combined with the first lens, sensing signals of whether there are raindrops or water vapor on the camera module are obtained through the electrode pairs arranged at intervals; when there are raindrops or water vapor, the electrode pairs arranged at intervals on the element body output low-level sensing signals; When there are no raindrops or water vapor, the electrode pairs arranged at intervals on the element body output high-level sensing signals; It further includes a control circuit, and the control circuit includes: A detection circuit, whose input end is electrically connected to the raindrop detection element, and the raindrop detection element is used to obtain sensing signals of whether there are raindrops or water vapor on or outside the first lens; A driving circuit, whose output end is electrically connected to the heating sheet, and is used to drive the stop / start of the heating sheet; A microprocessor, connected to the detection circuit and the driving circuit, and is used to control the driving circuit according to the sensing signals; The detection circuit includes an operational amplifier. The output pin of the operational amplifier is connected to the acquisition end of the rainfall sensing signal through a line resistor, and the output pin of the operational amplifier is connected to the microprocessor to feedback a first signal indicating whether raindrops exist, and the non-inverting pin of the operational amplifier is connected to the microprocessor to feedback a second signal indicating the rainfall amount; A line resistor R18 and R19 are connected in series between the output pin of the operational amplifier and the acquisition end of the rainfall sensing signal. A capacitor C34 is connected in parallel across both ends of the resistor R18. The output pin of the operational amplifier is connected to the low-potential end of an LED indicator light. The inverting pin of the operational amplifier is grounded through a sliding resistor R20. The connection point of the line resistors R18 and R19 is connected to the sliding arm end of the sliding resistor R20 to achieve feedback adjustment; The microprocessor obtains a first signal Dout from the output end of the operational amplifier, which directly reflects whether there are raindrops currently; a second signal Aout is obtained from the non-inverting pin of the operational amplifier. The second signal Aout is a signal that synchronously reflects the signal change of the first signal Dout and can be recognized by the microprocessor; when the rain continues, the microprocessor will adjust the frequency of the PWM signal it outputs to increase the effective heating power.

2. The raindrop detection and raindrop / vapor removal lens according to claim 1, Characterized in that, The raindrop detection element is arranged on the object surface side of the first lens.

3. The raindrop detection and raindrop / vapor removal lens according to claim 2, Characterized in that, The first lens is a monolithic lens or a combined lens of split gluing.

4. The raindrop detection and raindrop / vapor removal lens according to claim 1, Characterized in that, The first lens is a combined lens of split gluing, and the raindrop detection element is arranged between the gluing surfaces of the combined lens.

5. The raindrop detection and raindrop / vapor removal lens according to claim 4, Characterized in that, The combined lens includes a front lens and a rear lens. An annular groove is formed on one side of the gluing surface of the front lens opposite to the rear lens, and the raindrop detection element is arranged on the annular groove.

6. The raindrop detection and raindrop / vapor removal lens according to any one of claims 1-5, Characterized in that, The heating sheet is disposed on the image plane side of the first lens.

7. The raindrop detection and raindrop-removing and water vapor-removing lens according to claim 1, characterized in that the element body is annular.

8. The raindrop detection and raindrop-removing and water vapor-removing lens according to claim 7, characterized in that the cross-section of the element body is planar or arcuate, and the electrode pairs are spaced on the plane or the arc surface.

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