Stereo Camera with Integrated Defrosting Fans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 2D camera technologies for vehicle obstacle detection struggle to accurately acquire distance information, especially at high speeds, limiting their effectiveness in vehicle safety control.
Innovation Solution
A stereo camera system with two lenses, light shield units, and fans or hot wires to defrost the windshield, capable of acquiring stereo images and performing disparity detection for accurate object detection and tracking, while also providing defrosting functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If 2D camera technology is used for obstacle detection, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of distance information is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two cameras into a stereo camera system to achieve three-dimensional imaging capability. By merging the optical paths and image processing of two separate cameras, the system obtains depth information and accurate distance measurement without requiring complex individual camera components, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional image capture to three-dimensional stereo imaging by introducing a second camera at a different position. This dimensional change enables the system to calculate distance through parallax and triangulation, significantly improving distance measurement precision while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fans are added to defrost the windshield, then the defrosting capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the defrosting function into the camera housing by incorporating fans within the same structure. This merging of functions allows the system to provide both imaging and defrosting capabilities without requiring separate dedicated defrosting devices, thereby improving adaptability while controlling device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera housing is designed to serve multiple functions: it houses the stereo cameras for imaging and simultaneously contains fans for windshield defrosting. This multi-functionality approach enables a single device to perform both optical detection and thermal management tasks, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
3Measurement precision
If light shield units are provided at front sides of lenses, then the measurement precision is improved by preventing light interference, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into separate functional components by introducing light shield units that are independently positioned in front of each lens. This segmentation allows precise control of light paths for each camera while keeping the shielding structures simple and modular, thus improving image capture accuracy without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
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 stereo camera system enhances vehicle safety by enabling accurate distance measurement and obstacle detection at high speeds, while also effectively defrosting the windshield, thereby improving driving conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first fan and a second fan respectively provided at the sides of the first lens and the second lens to operate in order to defrost a windshield of a vehicle
Implementation Method 2
a first hot wire and a second hot wire respectively provided in the first light shield unit and the second light shield unit
Data Source
AI summary
A stereo camera includes a first lens and a second lens, a first light shield unit and a second light shield unit respectively provided at front sides of the first and second lenses to shield light incident on the first and second lenses, a first fan and a second fan respectively provided at the sides of the first and second lenses to defrost a windshield of a vehicle, and a front case in which the first and second light shield units are provided at both sides of a main body. The first and second light shield units are attachable to or detachable from the front case, a width of the first light shield unit is less than a length thereof and is greater than a height thereof, and a distance between the first and second lenses is greater than the width of the first light shield unit.