Camera Lens Heating Zone for Frost Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surveillance cameras in low-temperature environments face issues with condensation and frosting, leading to degraded image sharpness due to moisture accumulation and temperature fluctuations, which existing solutions address inadequately by requiring extensive warming of the entire camera case.
Innovation Solution
The image pickup apparatus divides its internal space into two compartments, using a heater and fan system controlled by a detecting unit and control unit to selectively heat the lens unit area and cool electronic components, allowing for rapid image sharpness recovery in low-temperature conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the entire camera case is warmed to eliminate condensation and frosting, then image sharpness is restored, but the time required to eliminate frosting increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The camera case is divided into multiple temperature zones: a first temperature zone (front portion containing lens and front window) maintained at a higher temperature to prevent condensation and frosting on optical surfaces, and a second temperature zone (rear portion containing electronic components) allowed to operate at lower temperatures. This segmentation enables localized heating of only the critical optical areas rather than warming the entire camera body, thus restoring image sharpness quickly without the time penalty of heating all internal components.
Solution Approach 2:
Different temperature conditions are applied to different functional areas of the camera. The front window and lens areas are maintained at elevated temperatures specifically to prevent condensation and frosting that would degrade image quality, while other parts of the camera do not require the same thermal treatment. This local quality approach targets thermal management resources precisely where they affect image sharpness, reducing the overall time and energy required to eliminate frosting conditions.
2Reliability
If high airtightness is provided to ensure water resistance, then waterproofing performance is improved, but condensation occurs more easily due to moisture trapped inside
Solution Approach 1:
The camera case is divided into multiple sealed compartments with different temperature and humidity characteristics. The front optical chamber is maintained at a higher temperature through dedicated heating, creating a temperature gradient that prevents moisture condensation on the front window and lens surfaces. This segmentation allows the camera to maintain high overall airtightness for waterproofing while creating localized environments that resist condensation formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature parameter is actively controlled in the front optical zone to maintain it above the dew point, preventing condensation. By changing and maintaining the temperature parameter in this specific region, the camera preserves its high airtightness design for waterproofing while avoiding the harmful condensation effect that would otherwise occur in the sealed environment.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a wind passage is provided around the lens barrel to prevent condensation, then condensation prevention is improved, but frost precipitation occurs when moisture-laden air contacts the cold front window
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is divided into thermal zones with the front optical chamber separated and independently heated. By segmenting the thermal management system, warm air is contained in the front portion where it can effectively prevent condensation on the front window and lens, while moisture-laden air does not circulate into this heated zone to cause frost precipitation. The segmentation creates a controlled thermal environment that prevents both condensation and frost formation.
Solution Approach 2:
A heated air layer acts as an intermediary barrier between the external cold environment and the front window/lens surfaces. This warm air layer, maintained in the front optical chamber, prevents moisture from condensing or freezing on these surfaces by providing thermal protection, while the valve member controls the presence of this protective air layer without allowing moisture-laden external air to contact the cold surfaces.
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
This solution enables the acquisition of high-sharpness images quickly in low-temperature environments by efficiently managing temperature and moisture within the camera, preventing condensation and frosting through targeted heating and cooling.
Implementation Method 1
a heater (19) provided in the first closed space (31)
Implementation Method 2
a fan (21) provided in the first closed space (31)
Implementation Method 3
a valve member (20) provided on both sides of the lens unit (11) so as to be opened and closed due to a difference in atmospheric pressure
Data Source
AI summary
An image pickup apparatus which is able to obtain an image with high sharpness within a short period of time using a simple structure when operated in a low-temperature environment. A lens unit and a heater are provided in an internal space of a main case, and the internal space is divided into a first closed space and a second closed space via an opening, which is opened and closed by a valve member. A detecting unit detects a temperature in the internal space. An opening and closing unit opens and closes the valve member. A control unit controls opening and closing actions of the valve member.