Automated Vehicle Window Defrost Testing via Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating vehicle window defroster performance are prone to human error due to subjective tracing and transfer processes, and do not effectively account for window irregularities, leading to inaccurate results and reduced testing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing computing devices with imagers to automatically capture and analyze images of vehicle windows, aligning them with predetermined templates to assess defrosting performance, and adjust lighting for optimal image quality, thereby reducing human intervention and accounting for window shape and size irregularities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual tracing and transfer methods are used to evaluate defrosting performance, then the process can be performed with simple equipment, but human error and subjectivity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracing operations with an automated optical-digital system. Digital cameras capture images of the window, and computer software automatically processes these images to calculate ice area and defrosting performance, eliminating the need for physical tracing with wax pencils and manual transfer to paper.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of the window surface through photography. Instead of physically tracing the window, the system captures digital images that can be processed by software to determine ice coverage and defrosting progress, allowing for accurate measurement without direct physical contact or manual intervention.
2Extent of automation
If digital cameras are used to record window defrosting performance, then automation is improved, but errors and artifacts are introduced during photographic processes due to window curvature and size reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies geometric transformation parameters to correct the captured images. The software adjusts for window curvature and size reduction by applying mathematical transformations that restore the original geometric relationships, ensuring accurate ice area calculations despite the photographic process introducing distortions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computational intermediary layer between image capture and analysis. The software acts as a mediator that processes the distorted photographic images, correcting geometric artifacts and transforming them into accurate representations of the actual window surface for precise measurement.
3Area of stationary object
If traces are transferred to large paper for analysis, then complete window coverage is achieved, but the traces must be analyzed outside the laboratory facilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from physical two-dimensional paper traces to digital two-dimensional image data. This dimensional transformation allows the entire window surface to be captured and analyzed within the digital computing environment, eliminating the need for large physical paper and external analysis facilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal digital measurement system that can handle any window size without requiring proportionally larger physical materials. The digital imaging and processing system universally accommodates different window dimensions within the same laboratory facility, enabling continuous testing regardless of window size.
4Ease of operation
If the vehicle is transferred to a warm area for trace transfer, then the tracing process can be completed, but the number of consecutive tests that can be performed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous testing by eliminating the warm area transfer step. The automated digital system can process images immediately after the defrosting test, allowing the vehicle to remain in the controlled test environment and enabling consecutive tests to be performed without interruption or time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for evaluating performance of a vehicle window defrosting/defogging apparatus includes at least one computing device having at least a processor and a memory, and one or more imagers configured for obtaining images of one or more windows of a vehicle. The processor is configured to execute instructions for analyzing the images to determine a defrosted/defogged portion of the one or more windows at predetermined time intervals, including controlling illumination to optimize the system's ability to distinguish cleared window areas. A graphical user interface is configured for displaying and/or manipulating at least one of the one or more images, digital data of the one or more images, and a predetermined template for determining the defrosted/defogged portion of the one or more windows. The system includes instructions for aligning the one or more images with the predetermined template, including processing the images to correct for window taper, curvature, and size.