Lens Unit Heating Control for Condensation-Free Vehicle Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging devices on vehicles face challenges with dew condensation or freezing on the lens, which obstruct the field of view and require external heater control systems for image capture, complicating obstacle detection and automated driving functions.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with a PTC heater integrated into the lens unit, controlled by a temperature sensor and heater control unit, which heats the lens to prevent condensation and freezing without the need for external control systems, ensuring continuous image capture and reducing system dependencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heater is provided on the window to remove dew condensation or ice, then the field of view is secured, but the device complexity increases due to external heater control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The heater control unit is integrated into the imaging device housing, merging the heater control function with the imaging device itself. This eliminates the need for external control systems while maintaining the ability to remove dew condensation and ice from the window, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device performs self-heating control through its integrated heater control unit, which automatically activates the heater when dew condensation or ice is detected. This self-service capability eliminates dependency on external control systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable field of view
2Device complexity
If the heater is controlled externally, then the imaging device structure is simplified, but the system dependencies increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device incorporates its own heater control unit that autonomously manages heater activation based on temperature and humidity conditions. This self-service approach eliminates system dependencies on external control systems while maintaining a relatively simple imaging device structure
3Reliability
If the lens is heated to prevent condensation and freezing, then the field of view is maintained, but the risk of overheating components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heater control unit continuously monitors temperature and humidity conditions and adjusts heater activation accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures the lens is heated only when necessary to prevent condensation and freezing, while automatically shutting off the heater when the risk of overheating components exists, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining field of view and preventing overheating
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 effectively eliminates dew and freezing on the lens, maintaining the field of view and protecting components from overheating, thereby enhancing the reliability and cost-effectiveness of the imaging device for vehicle applications.
Implementation Method 1
The heater is provided in the lens unit. The heater control unit controls the heater in accordance with a temperature detection value by the temperature sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device according to the present disclosure includes a housing, a lens unit, a heater, an imaging unit, a temperature sensor, and a heater control unit. The lens unit is attached to the housing. The heater is provided in the lens unit. The imaging unit, the temperature sensor, and the heater control unit are housed in the housing. The imaging unit outputs an optical image formed by a light flux transmitted through the lens unit as an image signal. The heater control unit controls the heater in accordance with a temperature detection value by the temperature sensor.