Gated Camera Weather Detection Without Dedicated Vehicle Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object identification systems for vehicles require dedicated sensors for weather detection, increasing cost and complexity, and are affected by weather conditions like rain, snow, and fog, which degrade visibility and sensor performance.
Innovation Solution
A gated camera that divides the field of view into multiple ranges, using pulse illumination and controlled exposure to generate slice images, allowing for weather detection by analyzing image data and histograms to distinguish between weather and target objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dedicated sensor such as a raindrop sensor or a fog sensor is used to detect weather, then weather detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gated camera performs both object detection and weather detection functions using a single sensor device. By analyzing image data captured in different ranges (near range and wide range), the system can identify weather conditions such as rain, snow, or fog without requiring separate dedicated weather sensors, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines weather detection functionality with the existing object detection camera system. The arithmetic processing device analyzes image data from the gated camera to detect weather conditions, merging two detection functions into one integrated system rather than using separate sensors
2Measurement precision
If multiple dedicated sensors are added for weather detection, then weather information accuracy is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gated camera is designed to perform multiple functions including both object detection and weather detection. By utilizing the existing camera hardware for dual purposes, the system avoids the need for additional dedicated weather sensors, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining accurate weather information acquisition
Solution Approach 2:
The gated camera system uses its own captured image data for both object detection and weather detection purposes. The arithmetic processing device analyzes the image data to identify weather conditions, allowing the system to self-service its weather detection needs without requiring external dedicated sensors
3Measurement precision
If imaging is performed on a wide range, then weather detection capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gated camera dynamically adjusts its imaging range based on detection needs. The system can switch between narrow range imaging (for object detection) and wide range imaging (for weather detection) as needed, optimizing power consumption by not continuously operating at maximum imaging range
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs wide range imaging periodically or selectively for weather detection rather than continuously. The camera controller switches between different imaging modes (narrow range and wide range) based on operational requirements, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining weather detection capability when needed
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
Enables accurate weather information acquisition without additional sensors, improving detection accuracy and reducing power consumption by adaptively switching imaging modes based on weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination device that irradiates the field of view with pulse illumination light
Implementation Method 2
an image sensor; a camera controller that controls a light emission timing of the illumination device and an exposure timing of the image sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A gating camera (20G) comprises an illumination device (22), an image sensor (24), a camera controller (26G), and an arithmetic processing device (28G). The camera controller (26G) controls the timing of light emission by the illumination device (22) and the timing of light exposure by the image sensor (24). The arithmetic processing device (28G) processes image data (IMGf) generated by the image sensor (24). The arithmetic processing device (28G) obtains information about the weather on the basis of the image data (IMGF) obtained for a predetermined range in a weather detection mode.