Roadway Camera Cleaning System with Automated Image Degradation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Roadway monitoring cameras, especially those mounted in hard-to-reach locations, require frequent cleaning to maintain image clarity, which is often hazardous and costly, and can lead to revenue loss and compromised traffic enforcement due to degraded image quality from dirt and debris accumulation.
Innovation Solution
A system that automatically determines image degradation using a controller connected to the cameras, actuating a pressurized wash fluid source to clean the lenses and a dry gas to dry and purge the system, allowing for remote and efficient cleaning of multiple cameras without disrupting traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cameras are mounted at heights and locations to maximize coverage, then monitoring effectiveness is improved, but accessibility for safe manual cleaning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning operations with an automated fluid-based cleaning system. A pressurized fluid delivery system with nozzles automatically cleans the camera lenses, eliminating the need for human operators to physically access hazardous mounting locations. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining monitoring effectiveness while removing the accessibility safety issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system enables the cameras to service themselves automatically without human intervention. The automated detection and cleaning mechanism allows the camera system to maintain its own performance, resolving the contradiction by making the system self-maintaining regardless of mounting location accessibility.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual cleaning is performed frequently, then image quality is maintained, but cost and traffic disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual cleaning operations with an automated fluid delivery system that can clean cameras without stopping traffic. The system uses pressurized fluid through nozzles to clean lenses automatically, maintaining image quality while eliminating the time loss and traffic disruption associated with manual cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic automatic cleaning based on detected image degradation thresholds rather than fixed schedules. This allows cleaning to occur only when necessary, maintaining image quality while minimizing operational disruption and resource consumption.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual cleaning is performed, then cleaning cost is incurred, but automated systems require complex control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-based control system where image quality is continuously monitored and compared against degradation thresholds. When the threshold is exceeded, the system automatically triggers cleaning operations. This feedback mechanism optimizes cleaning frequency and resource usage, balancing the complexity of automation against the costs of manual cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the camera's own image output as the basis for triggering its own maintenance, creating a self-regulating system. The camera monitors its own performance and automatically requests cleaning when needed, reducing the need for external complex control infrastructure.
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 reduces maintenance hazards, minimizes downtime, and maintains camera performance by ensuring clear images, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of traffic monitoring systems.
Implementation Method 1
A pressurized wash fluid source is connected to a supply end of a conduit... causing wash fluid to impinge on and wash the camera viewing surface
Implementation Method 2
The gas can also be used to purge the delivery tube(s) of wash fluid... following the wash fluid with a compressed gas in order to dry the viewing surface
Data Source
AI summary
A roadway monitoring camera cleaning system includes one or more cameras for capturing images through respective viewing surfaces, which are exposed to outdoor environmental conditions. A controller coupled to the cameras receives the images and determines whether a predetermined wash threshold has been met based on any of various indicia of image degradation. Responsive to the wash threshold being met, the controller operates a supply valve to connect a wash fluid source to a conduit, and operates at least one delivery tube valve to connect the supply conduit to at least one delivery tube. Wash fluid is delivered under pressure to the dirty viewing surface as a result. Subsequently, the controller may disconnect the wash fluid source and connect a pressurized source of inert dry gas, in order to dry the viewing surface and to purge the delivery tube of wash fluid.