Vehicle Camera System Integrating Windshield Rain Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera systems for vehicles require extensive installation space due to separate fields of view for camera modules and sensors, leading to reduced image quality and increased complexity for driver assistance functions like lane recognition and rain detection.
Innovation Solution
A compact camera system design where a secondary camera module is integrated into the same installation space as the primary camera module, with the secondary module capturing the windshield for rain detection and light sensing, utilizing a lens hood to manage overlapping radiation and wavelength filters to differentiate detection ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate camera modules and sensors are arranged behind the windshield for different driver assistance functions, then each sensor can perform its dedicated function, but the installation space requirement increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a first camera module for capturing the surrounding area and a second camera module for rain/light sensing into a single integrated camera system housing. Both camera modules share the same installation space behind the windshield, eliminating the need for separate mounting locations and reducing overall installation space requirements while maintaining dedicated functionality for each sensor type
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated camera system performs multiple driver assistance functions simultaneously using a unified structure. The first camera module handles lane recognition and surrounding area monitoring, while the second camera module detects raindrops and light conditions, all through a single multi-functional installation unit behind the windshield
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are arranged with separate fields of view through the windshield, then each sensor can detect its specific target, but the pane area requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent directs the first camera module to capture the surrounding area through a first field of view, while the second camera module is oriented to detect raindrops and light conditions through a second field of view. Each camera module is optimized for its specific detection task with appropriate local orientation and optical characteristics, allowing both to function effectively within the same windshield installation area
3Area of stationary object
If a multifocal camera module is used to capture both long range and close range, then installation space is reduced, but image quality deteriorates due to overlapping radiation from both monitoring areas
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single multifocal camera module that compromises image quality through overlapping radiation, the patent segments the imaging function into two separate camera modules. The first camera module is dedicated to long-range surrounding area capture, while the second camera module is dedicated to close-range raindrop and light detection. This segmentation eliminates radiation overlap and maintains high image quality for each specific function
4Adaptability or versatility
If laterally offset camera modules are arranged to perform different sensor functions, then functional requirements are met, but device complexity and component requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the first camera module and second camera module into a single integrated camera system with a unified housing and shared installation location. This consolidation reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for laterally offset arrangements and multiple separate mounting structures, while still providing versatile sensor functions through the coordinated operation of both camera modules within the integrated system
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
This configuration allows for simultaneous performance of multiple sensor functions in a compact space, enhancing image quality and reducing installation space requirements while maintaining effective rain and light sensing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The camera system comprises at least one lens hood. The second camera module is arranged with a viewing direction through the lens hood in the direction of the windshield
Implementation Method 2
the first and the second camera module are designed such that the first and the second camera module detect electromagnetic radiation from different wavelength ranges
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a camera system (1) for a vehicle, which is arranged in the vehicle interior behind a windshield (3) of the vehicle, comprising a housing (2), a first camera module that captures a region in front of the vehicle, and a second camera module (11) that captures at least one region (18) of the windshield (3).