Vehicle Camera Obstruction Handling via ECU-Controlled Accessory Cycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Visual detectors on vehicles, such as cameras, experience degraded performance due to moisture and debris accumulation on windows, leading to obstructed views and potential faults.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control unit (ECU) activates and manages vehicle accessories like windshield wipers, washers, and heaters to clear obstructions, with repeated attempts and alerts if the issue persists after a predetermined time or number of activations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vehicle accessories are activated to clear obstructions on the window, then the camera's visual field is cleared, but the system complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors camera error codes and visual obstruction status, using this feedback to automatically activate and deactivate clearing accessories. The control unit receives real-time feedback from the camera about obstruction levels and adjusts accessory operation accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains camera functionality without requiring constant manual intervention or overly complex system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by having the camera system automatically trigger the clearing accessories when obstructions are detected. The camera monitors its own visual field, identifies when clearing is needed through error code analysis, and activates the appropriate accessories without external input, allowing the system to maintain itself autonomously.
2Reliability
If vehicle accessories are repeatedly activated to clear obstructions, then the camera view is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by activating clearing accessories in repeated cycles only when obstructions are detected, rather than continuous operation. The control unit monitors for a predetermined time period, activates accessories for a specific duration, then pauses to check if clearing was successful, repeating this cycle only as needed to maintain camera functionality while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption during clear conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by activating accessories for predetermined time periods rather than continuous operation. The control unit activates accessories for specific durations (e.g., 2-5 seconds per cycle) and pauses between activations to assess whether clearing was sufficient, using just enough energy to restore functionality without excessive consumption from prolonged or unnecessary operation.
3Reliability
If the system monitors and repeatedly activates accessories to clear obstructions, then camera functionality is maintained, but the response time and operational delay increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements preliminary action by continuously monitoring camera error codes and visual obstruction status in real-time, maintaining readiness to activate clearing accessories immediately when obstructions are detected. The predetermined monitoring time period is set to detect obstructions as early as possible, and the system pre-positions the control logic to trigger accessory activation without delay once threshold conditions are met, minimizing response time while maintaining reliable camera functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
Responding to an error from a camera on a vehicle includes identifying the error as being associated with an obstructed visual image received by the camera. If the error is associated with the obstructed visual image: at least one vehicle accessory is either activated or continued to be activated for removing an obstruction on a window of the vehicle; after the activation or the continued activation of the at least one vehicle accessory, a determination is made whether the error persists for a predetermined error time period or a predetermined duration; if the error persists for the predetermined error time period, up to a predetermined number of times i) the activation or continued activation is repeated and ii) the determination is repeated. If the error persists after the predetermined number of times or the duration, the at least one vehicle accessory is deactivated and an operator of the vehicle is alerted that the error persists.