Frontal Vehicle Camera Cleaning Control for Clear Near-Field View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial vehicles equipped with frontal section camera systems face challenges such as limited visibility due to the near-field obstruction and shaking cabin, which affects the effectiveness of Lane Departure Warning Systems and other ADAS functions, and requires inefficient use of cleaning resources for camera maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A fully automated frontal section camera arrangement with a camera cleaning unit that employs both air-based and liquid-based cleaning processes, where the cleaning control unit detects contamination and selectively activates the appropriate process to optimize resource consumption, ensuring the camera's field of view remains clear without obstructive vehicle components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the camera is mounted on the exterior of the vehicle to improve field of view and eliminate near-field obstruction, then the visibility and ADAS function effectiveness are improved, but the camera unit becomes exposed to contamination requiring frequent cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The camera unit is extracted from the protected interior cabin environment and mounted on the exterior frontal section of the vehicle. This extraction enables an unobstructed field of view for near-field detection while accepting the trade-off of increased contamination exposure, which is managed through the automated cleaning system
Solution Approach 2:
The camera cleaning unit enables the camera to clean itself automatically without manual intervention. The cleaning control unit monitors contamination and activates the appropriate cleaning process (air-based or liquid-based) to maintain the camera lens cleanliness, allowing the system to service itself in the harsh exterior environment
2Device complexity
If a single cleaning method is used for the camera unit, then the system complexity is reduced, but the cleaning efficiency and resource optimization are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is segmented into two distinct cleaning processes: air-based cleaning for light contamination and liquid-based cleaning for heavier contamination. The cleaning control unit selectively activates the appropriate cleaning method based on contamination detection, optimizing cleaning efficiency while managing system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system transitions from a static single-method approach to a dynamic multi-method system. The cleaning control unit continuously monitors contamination levels and dynamically selects the appropriate cleaning process, adapting the cleaning strategy to the actual contamination conditions to maximize efficiency
3Reliability
If the camera is mounted inside the cabin behind the windshield, then the camera is protected from contamination, but the near-field area cannot be observed and the field of view is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The camera unit is extracted from the protected interior cabin environment and mounted on the exterior frontal section of the vehicle. This extraction enables an unobstructed field of view for near-field detection while accepting the trade-off of increased contamination exposure, which is managed through the automated cleaning system
Solution Approach 2:
The camera cleaning unit acts as an intermediary between the camera unit and the harsh exterior environment. By providing automated cleaning functionality, it enables the camera to operate reliably in the exterior mounting position, mediating between the need for extended field of view and the need for camera protection
4Measurement precision
If the camera head is positioned to maximize direct field of vision, then the NCAP rating is improved, but the camera itself obstructs part of the field of view and the cabin shaking affects detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The camera unit is extracted from the shaking cabin environment and mounted on the exterior frontal section of the vehicle. This extraction eliminates the harmful effect of cabin shaking on detection accuracy while maintaining optimal field of view positioning for NCAP rating improvement
Solution Approach 2:
The automated cleaning system enables the camera to maintain optimal positioning and cleanliness without being affected by cabin shaking. The cleaning control unit continuously monitors and maintains the camera lens, allowing the system to operate with high detection accuracy in the stable exterior mounting position
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
The solution provides an efficient and automated cleaning system that optimizes the use of cleaning resources, maintains a clear camera view, and enhances the reliability of ADAS functions by mitigating the effects of cabin movement and obstruction, thereby improving the vehicle's safety ratings.
Implementation Method 1
a compressed air provision unit for providing compressed air for use in an air-based cleaning process for the camera unit
Implementation Method 2
a liquid provision unit for providing a liquid for use in a liquid-based cleaning process for the camera unit
Data Source
AI summary
A frontal section camera arrangement includes a camera arrangement and a frontal section appliance for being arranged on a frontal section of the vehicle. The camera arrangement includes a camera unit configured to provide image data and a camera cleaning unit adapted to clean the camera unit, and including a compressed air provision unit for an air-based cleaning process; and a liquid provision unit for a liquid-based cleaning process. A cleaning control unit is configured to detect a contamination on the camera unit and activate the air-based cleaning process, and, upon determining that the contamination has not been removed, to additionally or alternatively activate the liquid-based cleaning process thus enabling an improved use of the cleaning resources.