Automated Vehicle Camera Lens Cleaning via Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle camera lenses, both rearward and forward-facing, often become dirty, obstructing the image displayed to the driver, which can hinder the driver's ability to see objects behind or in front of the vehicle, especially in obstructed views.
Innovation Solution
An automated system that includes a camera sending real-time images to a controller, which performs digital analysis to determine if the image is obstructed and actuates a pump to spray washer fluid onto the camera lens to clear obstructions, utilizing the vehicle's windshield washer system and minimizing fluid usage by controlling the number of sprays based on obstruction persistence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the camera lens is sprayed frequently to clear obstructions, then the image clarity is improved, but the washer fluid consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a controller to analyze images captured by the camera and determine whether the lens is obstructed. Based on this feedback, the controller activates the spray pump only when obstruction is detected, creating a closed-loop control system that adjusts fluid consumption to actual cleaning needs rather than operating continuously or on fixed schedules
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the camera lens to clean itself automatically through the spray pump and washer fluid delivery mechanism. The camera monitors its own lens condition and triggers the cleaning process when needed, eliminating the need for manual intervention while optimizing fluid usage based on actual contamination levels
2Loss of substance
If the automated spray system is activated only when obstruction is detected, then washer fluid is conserved, but the response time to clear obstructions may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously captures images and analyzes them for obstructions in real-time, maintaining a ready state that enables immediate detection and response. The controller is constantly monitoring the camera feed, so when obstruction occurs, the spray can be activated without delay despite the conditional activation strategy
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual lens cleaning with an automated electronic control system that uses image processing and automated pump control. This substitution enables faster, more consistent response times compared to manual intervention while optimizing fluid usage through intelligent control algorithms
3Loss of substance
If a manual cleaning system is used for the camera lens, then washer fluid usage is minimized, but the ease of operation deteriorates as the driver must manually intervene
Solution Approach 1:
The camera lens cleaning system operates autonomously by having the camera monitor its own lens condition and triggering the spray pump automatically when obstruction is detected. This self-service capability eliminates manual driver intervention entirely while maintaining optimized washer fluid consumption based on actual cleaning needs
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where the camera captures images, the controller analyzes them for obstructions, and automatically activates the spray pump when needed. This feedback-driven automation removes the need for manual operation while conserving fluid through condition-based activation
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
Effectively clears obstructions from camera lenses, ensuring a clear view for the driver by automatically spraying the lens when an obstruction is detected, while conserving washer fluid by limiting sprays to only when necessary.
Implementation Method 1
The pump then delivers washer fluid from a washer system to a camera lens of the camera in an attempt to remove the obstruction
Data Source
AI summary
A system to remove debris from a vehicle camera lens using washer fluid from the vehicle's washer system is disclosed. The system analyzes a captured image and determines if the image is obstructed by debris. If the image is determined to be obstructed, the system automatically sprays the camera lens with fluid to remove the debris. The system includes a method of determining obstruction by comparing an image with a reference image. The system includes a method of determining obstruction by analyzing relative movement within a reference area of the image. The system also prevents the draining of the washer fluid due to a false obstruction reading or debris that does not come off after a few sprayings.