Optical Element Liquid Drop Removal via Electrostatics and Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid drops on optical elements of image capture devices cause light distortion, leading to image capture issues such as blurring and focus changes, which existing technologies fail to effectively address.
Innovation Solution
An image capture device system that includes a processor configured to analyze visual content for the presence of liquid drops and effectuate their removal through electric charge imbalance, vibration, or alarm generation, ensuring clear image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid drops are present on the optical element, then light transmission is blocked or distorted, but existing removal technologies are ineffective or too complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration to the optical element to remove liquid drops through vibrational forces that dislodge and eject the drops from the surface, providing a simple yet effective removal mechanism without complex systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical drop removal systems with electric field-based actuation, using electrostatic forces to manipulate and remove liquid drops through controlled charge imbalance on the optical element surface
2Object-affected harmful factors
If complex drop removal systems are implemented, then drop removal capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical charge parameter of the optical element surface to manipulate liquid drop behavior, using variable charge states to attract, hold, or repel drops for easy removal without mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical drop removal mechanisms with electric field control, simplifying the system by using electrical actuation instead of complex mechanical structures for drop manipulation and removal
3Reliability
If early drop detection is implemented, then image quality is maintained, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring captured images for signs of liquid drop presence and immediately triggering removal actions when drops are detected, maintaining image quality through real-time detection and response
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection of liquid drops before they significantly degrade image quality, enabling early intervention and rapid removal to minimize impact on captured images
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 system effectively removes liquid drops from optical elements, preventing image distortion and maintaining image quality by using processor-driven methods to detect and address liquid presence.
Implementation Method 1
The optical element may be configured to guide light within a field of view to the image sensor
Implementation Method 2
The optical element may be configured to guide light within a field of view to the image sensor
Implementation Method 3
The image sensor may generate a visual output signal conveying visual information based on light that becomes incident thereon
Implementation Method 4
The removal of the drop(s) of liquid from the optical element may be effectuated by causing an imbalance of electric charges on or proximate to the optical element. The imbalance of electric charges may move the drop(s) of liquid
Implementation Method 5
The removal of the drop(s) of liquid from the optical element may be effectuated by causing an imbalance of electric charges on or proximate to the optical element
Implementation Method 6
The removal of the drop(s) of liquid from the optical element may be effectuated by causing vibration of the optical element. The vibration of the optical element may move the drop(s) of liquid
Data Source
AI summary
An image capture device may include an optical element through which visual content is captured. The image capture device may detect presence of a drop of liquid on the optical element during capture of the visual content. The image capture device may effectuate removal of the drop of liquid from the optical element.