Dual-Panel Vehicle Front Window for Camera Accuracy

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle front windows equipped with cameras for external environment recognition face challenges in maintaining accuracy due to functions like infrared and ultraviolet light reduction and head-up display enhancement, which can compromise the accuracy of captured images.

Innovation Solution

A dual-window panel system where the first window panel reduces specific wavelengths of light for occupant comfort and the second window panel has different light transmission properties to maintain image accuracy, with a holding member and light shielding layers for stability and aesthetics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the front window is equipped with functions to reduce infrared and ultraviolet light entering the cabin, then occupant comfort is improved, but the accuracy of external environment recognition based on captured image is lowered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfrared and ultraviolet light reductionVSAvoidexternal environment recognition accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The front window is divided into two separate window panels: a first window panel with light transmission control properties to reduce infrared and ultraviolet light, and a second window panel with different properties that allows accurate external environment recognition. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by assigning different functional requirements to different parts of the window system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the front window are given different optical properties. The first window panel has specific light transmission characteristics for occupant comfort, while the second window panel has optimized properties for camera imaging. This local differentiation allows each region to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Illumination intensity

If the front window is equipped with functions to enhance the visibility of the projected image of HUD, then the aesthetic appearance and driver visibility are improved, but the accuracy of external environment recognition is lowered

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveHUD projected image visibilityVSAvoidexternal environment recognition accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The front window is segmented into a first window panel that enhances HUD visibility through specific optical properties, and a second window panel with different properties optimized for external environment recognition. This segmentation allows both functions to coexist without mutual interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the window system are optimized for different purposes: the first window panel has properties that enhance HUD image visibility, while the second window panel has properties that maintain high accuracy for external environment recognition by the camera.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If a single window panel is used for the front window, then the device complexity is reduced, but it is impossible to simultaneously ensure both occupant comfort functions and accurate external environment recognition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewindow panel structureVSAvoidexternal environment recognition accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The front window is divided into two separate window panels to simultaneously achieve different functions: the first panel for occupant comfort through infrared and ultraviolet light reduction, and the second panel for accurate external environment recognition. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing each panel to be optimized for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Ensures accurate external environment recognition without compromising occupant comfort or aesthetic appearance, improving vehicle control stability and traffic safety.

Implementation Method 1

the first window panel has a low transmittance of light at specific wavelengths... the first window panel can reduce light at specific wavelengths (for example, infrared and ultraviolet light) intruding into the cabin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

the second window panel has a high transmittance of light at the specific wavelengths... the second window panel can avoid lowering of the accuracy of external environment recognition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

light shielding layers (15, 16) are formed on a part of the first window panel adjacent to the second window panel and a part of the second window panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight shielding: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20240317030A1vehicle

Publication Date: 2024.09.26 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A vehicle includes a front window and a camera disposed on a cabin side of the front window to capture an image of an external environment through the front window. The front window includes: a first window panel fitted into a window frame of a vehicle body; and a second window panel formed as a separate member from the first window panel and disposed in an area including a region inside a field of view of the camera. The second window panel has different properties from the first window panel.