Imaging Device Water Droplet Detection Using Image Signal Evaluation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing imaging devices with water droplet sensors increase in scale and cost due to the inclusion of such sensors for detecting and removing water droplets from the lens surface.

Innovation Solution

An imaging device configuration that includes an imaging unit, a focusing position controller, an image signal evaluator, a water droplet adhesion determiner, and a remover, which calculates and compares image signal evaluation values at different focusing positions to determine and remove water droplets without a dedicated sensor, using methods like wiper mechanisms or compressed air.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a water droplet sensor is added to detect water droplets on the lens surface, then water droplet detection capability is improved, but device scale and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater droplet detection capabilityVSAvoiddevice scale

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging unit is made to serve dual purposes: capturing images of the target object and detecting water droplets on the lens surface. By utilizing the existing imaging unit for both functions, the patent eliminates the need for a separate water droplet sensor, thereby improving detection capability without increasing device scale or cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging device uses its own imaging unit and image processing capabilities to detect water droplets, rather than relying on external dedicated sensors. The system performs self-detection by analyzing image data generated during normal operation, making the device self-sufficient and avoiding additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If a water droplet sensor is added to detect water droplets on the lens surface, then water droplet detection capability is improved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater droplet detection capabilityVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses software-based detection algorithms and standard image processing techniques rather than expensive dedicated hardware sensors. By leveraging existing imaging capabilities and processing power, the solution provides water droplet detection at minimal additional cost, effectively using low-cost computational methods instead of high-cost hardware additions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If the water droplet remover operates continuously to ensure water droplet removal, then water droplet removal reliability is improved, but energy consumption and potential damage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater droplet removal reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors image data to detect the presence of water droplets on the lens surface and activates the water droplet remover only when droplets are detected. This feedback-based control ensures reliable removal capability while avoiding unnecessary operation, thereby reducing energy consumption and preventing potential damage from excessive wiper activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of continuous operation, the water droplet remover is activated periodically based on detection results. The system checks for water droplets at regular intervals through image analysis and activates the remover only when needed, transforming continuous operation into periodic action to conserve energy and reduce wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

4Reliability

If the water droplet remover operates continuously to ensure water droplet removal, then water droplet removal reliability is improved, but risk of incorrect operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater droplet removal reliabilityVSAvoidpotential damage from incorrect wiper operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of water droplets using image analysis before activating the water droplet remover. By detecting droplets in advance through software analysis, the system prevents incorrect operation of the remover, avoiding potential damage that would occur if the remover operated without proper detection of actual droplet presence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS10038837B2Imaging device and water droplet adhesion determining method

Publication Date: 2018.07.31 JVC KENWOOD CORP

AI summary

An image signal evaluator calculates a first image signal evaluation value based on an image signal captured in a state where a focusing position is adjusted to an imaging target. A water droplet adhesion determiner determines whether there is a possibility that a water droplet may be adhered onto an imaging window by comparing a first image signal evaluation value and a threshold value. In a case where it is determined that there is the possibility, an image signal evaluator calculates a second image signal evaluation value based on an image signal captured in a state where the focusing position is adjusted to a position of a close distance. The water droplet adhesion determiner determines whether a water droplet is adhered onto the imaging window by comparing the first image signal evaluation value and the second image signal evaluation value.