Vehicle Window Heating Control Using Camera Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
The rear window defroster in vehicles continues to consume energy unnecessarily if the window is clear before a timer elapses, as it does not automatically turn off, leading to increased power consumption in electric vehicles and vehicles with growing electrical features.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a camera to capture images of the window, analyze its state, and control the heating element based on whether it is frosted, fogged, or clear, with additional features like wiper control and humidity sensors to optimize energy usage by turning off the heating element when the window is clear and reducing defrosting/defogging efforts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the defroster remains on until a timer elapses, then the window defrosting function is ensured, but energy is consumed unnecessarily when the window is already clear
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a camera to capture images of the window and an analysis module to determine the window state (frosted/fogged or clear). This visual feedback loop allows the control module to automatically turn off the heating element when the window is clear, eliminating unnecessary energy consumption while ensuring the defrosting function is reliably performed only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic control where the defroster turns itself off based on the window state detection. The camera and analysis module continuously monitor the window, and when clarity is detected, the heating element automatically shuts off without requiring manual intervention from the user, making the system self-regulating and energy-efficient.
2Extent of automation
If manual control is used, then the system is simple, but the defroster cannot automatically turn off when the window is clear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated optical detection system. A camera captures images of the window, and an analysis module processes these images to determine window state. This substitution of mechanical/manual control with optical and computational systems achieves automatic control while managing complexity through integrated electronic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a camera as an intermediary between the user and the heating element control. Instead of direct manual control, the camera captures visual information about the window state, which is then processed by an analysis module to mediate the control decision. This intermediary enables automatic control while keeping the user interface simple.
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 solution ensures the heating element is automatically turned off when the window is clear, reducing unnecessary energy consumption and optimizing power usage in vehicles, thereby enhancing energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A window of the vehicle is heated with a heating element of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
An image of the window is captured with a camera of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure describes systems and methods for controlling a heating element of a window of a vehicle. The systems and methods include capturing an image of the window with a camera of the vehicle. The image is analyzed to determine a state of the window and the heating element is controlled based on the state of the window.