Antifog Property Evaluation Apparatus Using Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for evaluating the antifog properties of window glasses and mirrors are subjective and lack stability, as they rely on sensory tests that vary significantly between individuals, and existing quantitative methods do not effectively assess the impact of fogging on visibility in real-world scenarios.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that generates fog on a sample surface, images an object through the sample using a fogging generation device, imaging device, and evaluation device, deriving an antifog property evaluation index based on changes in the object image, such as area ratios, pixel value changes, or compression ratios, to objectively quantify the antifog property in a more realistic situation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sensory tests by visual observation are used to evaluate antifog properties, then the evaluation process is simple, but the evaluation results vary greatly between persons and lack stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the human sensory evaluation system with an automated imaging and analysis system. The imaging device captures images of the sample surface, and the analysis device objectively measures fogging area ratios and light scattering properties, eliminating inter-personal variability while maintaining ease of operation through automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy (image) of the fogged sample surface and analyzes this copy quantitatively. By capturing the visual state through imaging and analyzing the image data objectively, the system preserves the simplicity of visual observation while achieving reliable, repeatable measurements that do not depend on human observers.
2Measurement precision
If condensation area measurement method is used, then the fogging area can be evaluated quantitatively, but the degree of fogging and its impact on clearness of sight cannot be evaluated quantitatively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from measuring only the two-dimensional area of condensation to analyzing the optical properties of light passing through or reflecting from the sample. By introducing light scattering measurements and image clarity analysis, the system captures the third dimension of fogging impact - the degree to which fogging degrades visual clearness - providing a more comprehensive quantitative evaluation.
3Measurement precision
If spot light scattering method is used to calculate antifog property evaluation index, then the antifog property can be evaluated quantitatively, but it is difficult to form a mental image of the actual situation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates realistic visual copies (images) of what is actually seen through or reflected by the fogged sample under various lighting conditions. By capturing and analyzing these images, the system maintains quantitative precision while preserving the ability to form accurate mental images of real-world scenarios such as viewing through a fogged car window or seeing a reflection in a fogged mirror.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quantitative and objective evaluation of antifog properties, providing a more accurate assessment of visibility through the sample, similar to real-world conditions, by analyzing image changes caused by fogging.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging device (40) configured to image an object (70) via the sample (100)
Implementation Method 2
evaluating the antifog property of the sample (100) on the basis of an object image acquired by imaging the object (70)
Implementation Method 3
a fogging generation device configured to generate fogging of a surface of a sample
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided an antifog property evaluating apparatus and an antifog property evaluating method capable of quantitatively and objectively evaluating an antifog property in a more realistic situation. The antifog property evaluating apparatus includes: fogging generation devices configured to generate the fogging of a surface of a sample; an object disposed at a position different from that of the sample; an imaging device configured to image the object via the sample; and an evaluation device configured to evaluate the antifog property of the sample on the basis of object images acquired by imaging the object.