Rear Camera Lens With ITO Coating for Defrosting and Touch Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rear-view cameras in vehicles often become obstructed by weather conditions such as rain, snow, or ice, leading to a blurred or obstructed view for drivers, and lack a convenient method to detect and clear obstructions or trigger trunk opening.
Innovation Solution
A rear-view camera system with an indium-tin-oxide (ITO) coating on the lens that detects obstructions and user touch events, using electrodes to heat the lens and clear obstructions while acting as a touch sensor for the trunk latch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the rear-view camera lens is exposed to the external environment, then the camera can capture images, but the lens becomes obstructed by water-based substances such as rain, snow, or ice
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of water-based obstructions into a beneficial sensing mechanism. The ITO coating detects the presence of water, snow, or ice on the lens surface through changes in electrical properties, allowing the system to identify obstruction conditions and trigger appropriate clearing actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the lens surface by applying heat through the ITO coating. By controlling the temperature parameter of the lens, the system melts or evaporates water-based obstructions, transitioning them from a harmful state to a clear state that allows proper camera operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an ITO coating is applied to the lens, then the lens can be heated to clear obstructions and detect touch events, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The ITO coating serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a heating element to clear obstructions, a touch sensor to detect user interaction, and a proximity sensor to sense the presence of objects near the lens. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture.
3Ease of operation
If the ITO coating is used as a touch sensor, then the trunk latch can be released by touching the lens, but the detection precision must be sufficient to distinguish touch from obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the electrical properties of the ITO coating and compares the detected signals against predefined thresholds or patterns. By implementing feedback control, the system can distinguish between a deliberate touch event (which should trigger trunk release) and the presence of water-based obstructions (which should trigger clearing operations).
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 water-based obstructions and enables safe and convenient operation of the trunk, enhancing camera usability and safety by providing a clear view and integrated touch functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an indium-tin-oxide (ITO) coating applied to the lens... detecting, via the ITO coating, a lens touch event
Implementation Method 2
run current through the ITO coating to remove the water-based obstruction
Implementation Method 3
run current through the ITO coating applied to the lens to remove the water-based obstruction
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus are disclosed for operating a rear camera with an embedded defroster and proximity switch. An example vehicle includes a rear view camera having a lens, an indium-tin-oxide (ITO) coating applied to the lens, and a control system. The control system is configured to detect a water-based obstruction on the lens, run current through the ITO coating to remove the water-based obstruction, detect a lens touch event, and release a vehicle trunk latch responsive to the lens touch event.