Wading Camera System for Real-Time Water Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers of motor vehicles face difficulty in determining the water level around the vehicle during wading operations, especially on uneven terrain, due to the limitations of existing ultrasonic sensors which require a settling time for reliable distance measurements and the risk of water ingestion into vehicle systems.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with cameras that automatically repositions to provide a wade image of the vehicle's exterior surface exposed to liquid, allowing the driver to determine if the water level is below a prescribed limit, utilizing existing vehicle imaging systems and combining with distance sensing means like ultrasonic and optical sensors for accurate liquid level detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasonic sensors are used to determine water level distance, then distance measurement capability is provided, but a settling time delay occurs before reliable measurements can be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an imaging camera as an intermediary device to provide immediate visual feedback of water level, bypassing the settling time delay inherent in ultrasonic sensors. The camera captures real-time images of the vehicle's exterior surface exposed to water, allowing the driver to assess water level without waiting for ultrasonic sensor stabilization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle wades through deep water, then off-road capability is demonstrated, but water may be ingested into vehicle systems causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous visual feedback to the driver through the display unit, showing the water level relative to the vehicle's exterior features. This feedback loop enables the driver to monitor water depth in real-time and adjust driving behavior to prevent water from reaching critical vehicle components, thus avoiding water ingestion damage while maintaining off-road capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging apparatus is positioned to capture images of exterior surfaces that are exposed to water at or near the maximum safe wading depth. By showing the driver the water level before it reaches critical components, the system enables preliminary action - the driver can slow down or elevate the vehicle before water ingestion becomes a risk.
3Device complexity
If the driver manually monitors water level, then no additional equipment is needed, but accurate assessment on uneven terrain is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging apparatus creates a visual copy of the vehicle's exterior surface as it appears in the water environment. This copied visual information is displayed to the driver, providing an accurate representation of the water level relative to vehicle features, eliminating the need for the driver to physically gauge depth on uneven terrain.
4Device complexity
If cameras are fixed in position, then system simplicity is maintained, but clear images of water level cannot be obtained on uneven terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements movable or adjustable camera positioning that can dynamically adapt to uneven terrain conditions. The camera can be repositioned to maintain optimal viewing angles of the vehicle's exterior surfaces exposed to water, ensuring clear images are captured regardless of ground irregularities, while the control system manages the complexity of this dynamic adjustment.
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 the driver to quickly and reliably assess the liquid level on both sides of the vehicle, preventing excessive immersion and potential damage, by providing a visual or audible output and automatically adjusting camera positions for clear images, even on uneven terrain.
Implementation Method 1
an image of at least a portion of an exterior surface of the vehicle that is exposed to liquid when wading
Implementation Method 2
multiple ultrasonic sensors that are mounted around the vehicle for determining a distance of the surface of water from the sensors
Data Source
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AI summary
A motor vehicle includes imaging apparatus comprising at least one camera. The apparatus is operable to provide a wade image to an occupant of the vehicle being an image of at least a portion of an exterior surface of the vehicle that is exposed to liquid when wading. The wade image is arranged to allow the occupant to determine whether the level of the liquid is below a prescribed level. Embodiments of the invention are advantageous over known wade aid devices such as ultrasonic sensor arrangements in that a driver is able to view directly a level of liquid such as water in which the vehicle is wading. Furthermore embodiments of the invention have a reduced settling time when switched on compared with ultrasonic sensor arrangements.