SWIR Snow Detection on Vehicle Windshield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies fail to effectively detect and remove snow from motor vehicle windshields before it obstructs visibility or causes overheating of windscreen wiper motors, especially when drivers are not present.
Innovation Solution
A device using a short-wave infrared image acquisition system to detect snow by measuring luminosity changes, triggering the wiper system when specific threshold values are met, and controlling operation based on predefined thresholds to prevent overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional rain detection devices via electrodes are used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision for detecting snow is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from electrical conductivity (electrodes) to optical properties (absorption coefficient) in the short-wave infrared range. This allows precise snow detection by measuring how snow absorbs SWIR light, a property that differs significantly from rain and other contaminants, thereby achieving high measurement precision without requiring complex electrode arrays or multiple sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical detection system (electrodes measuring conductivity changes) with an optical detection system (SWIR camera measuring light absorption). This substitution enables snow-specific detection since snow has unique light absorption characteristics in the SWIR spectrum, providing superior measurement precision while actually reducing device complexity as a single SWIR camera can perform the function
2Reliability
If windshield wiper motors operate continuously to remove snow, then the visibility is maintained, but the energy consumption increases and risk of overheating occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the SWIR camera continuously monitors snow accumulation on the windshield, and the wiper motor operates only when the detected snow thickness exceeds a predetermined threshold. This feedback mechanism ensures visibility is maintained by activating wipers only when necessary, significantly reducing energy consumption and preventing motor overheating while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic detection cycles with the SWIR camera assessing snow conditions at predetermined time intervals, triggering wiper operation only when snow accumulation reaches critical levels. This periodic monitoring and action approach maintains visibility reliability while minimizing energy consumption by avoiding continuous wiper operation
3Measurement precision
If snow detection is performed at frequent intervals, then the detection accuracy is high, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic snow detection at predetermined time intervals using the SWIR camera, rather than continuous monitoring. This periodic action maintains detection accuracy by regularly assessing snow accumulation levels while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation, as the camera activates only at scheduled intervals to check for snow exceeding the threshold
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
Enables reliable and timely detection of snow accumulation, preventing visibility obstruction and motor overheating, with cyclic triggering to conserve energy during prolonged vehicle inactivity.
Implementation Method 1
The image acquisition device is configured to allow spectral analysis in short infrared waves of the outside light passing through the glazed surface
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (100) for detecting snow on a glazed surface (400) of a motor vehicle (500). The snow detection device (100) comprises at least one image acquisition device (1) configured to allow short-wave infrared spectral analysis of the exterior light passing through the glazed surface (400).