Vehicle Optical Device Condensation Removal via Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle-mounted optical systems do not effectively address the issue of dew condensation on the inner side of vehicle glass, which impairs the camera's field of view and affects the reliability of driving assistance systems.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-mounted optical device comprising an imaging unit, a condensation detection unit, and a condensation removal device control unit that detects condensation using a moisture-sensitive member and activates a heating device to remove it, thereby improving the camera's field of view and system reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a camera is mounted inside the vehicle to capture outside images through glass, then the optical device can be integrated into the vehicle structure, but dew condensation on the inner side of the glass impairs the field of view and reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of dew condensation on the glass surface using image processing algorithms. When condensation is detected in the camera's field of view, the system proactively activates the heating device to prevent further deterioration of the field of view, rather than waiting for complete obscuration to occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the glass surface by activating a heating device when dew condensation is detected. By increasing the temperature of the glass above the dew point, the condensation is evaporated or prevented from forming, thereby restoring and maintaining clear visibility for the camera.
2Reliability
If the camera captures images through glass, then the optical device benefits from the glass's protective and structural properties, but the glass surface becomes a site for condensation that degrades image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the camera's field of view for signs of dew condensation using image processing techniques. When condensation is detected, the system provides feedback to activate the heating device, and continues to monitor until the field of view is restored, at which point heating is deactivated. This closed-loop feedback ensures optimal image quality is maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using mechanical wiping mechanisms (such as wipers or cloths) to remove condensation, the system substitutes a thermal field approach by applying heat through a heating device. This non-mechanical method effectively evaporates the condensation without physical contact, preserving both image quality and the integrity of the glass surface.
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 solution effectively eliminates condensation on the vehicle's inner side glass, enhancing the reliability of the optical device and maintaining the camera's field of view, even in adverse weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a condensation removal device control processing unit that actuates a condensation removal device which removes condensation of the glass
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a technique of eliminating condensation adhering to a vehicle inner side of the glass to improve the reliability of a vehicle-mounted optical device.A vehicle-mounted optical device includes: an imaging unit that captures an outside of a vehicle through glass mounted to the vehicle to obtain an image; a condensation detection unit that detects condensation of the glass by determining whether an image in a predetermined range of a part of the image is in a predetermined state; and a condensation removal device control processing unit that actuates a condensation removal device which removes condensation of the glass when the condensation detection unit detects the condensation.