Windscreen Detection Switching Between Fog and Rain Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current driving assistance systems require significant resources as they run separate and often simultaneous applications for raindrop and fog detection on a vehicle's windscreen, due to the slow onset of fogging and the mutual exclusivity of these weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method that switches between raindrop and fog detection applications based on predetermined thresholds and conditions, using a camera with a bifocal objective to share resources and reduce unnecessary detection cycles, allowing for automatic triggering of windscreen wipers and defogging systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate raindrop and fog detection applications run simultaneously, then detection reliability is improved, but resource consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between raindrop detection and fog detection applications based on detected conditions. When raindrop detection triggers, the system activates raindrop handling; when fog detection triggers, the system activates fog handling. This dynamic switching ensures reliable detection of both conditions while avoiding simultaneous execution of both applications, thus reducing resource consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different detection modes. The camera alternates between raindrop detection mode and fog detection mode based on environmental conditions. This parameter change approach maintains detection reliability for both rain and fog while optimizing resource usage by not running both applications simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If raindrop detection runs frequently, then raindrop detection precision is improved, but fog detection responsiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts detection frequency based on current weather conditions. When rain is detected, the system focuses on raindrop detection with appropriate frequency. When fog conditions prevail, the system switches to fog detection mode. This dynamic adjustment ensures both raindrop detection precision and fog detection responsiveness are optimized for their respective conditions without compromising either.
3Device complexity
If a single camera is used for both raindrop and fog detection, then device complexity is reduced, but detection precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by alternating between raindrop detection and fog detection modes with the single camera. The camera captures images and the system processes them through different detection algorithms at different times. This periodic switching allows one camera to perform both detection functions with sufficient precision, avoiding the need for multiple cameras while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The single camera is designed to be universal, capable of performing both raindrop detection and fog detection functions. The camera system includes image capture capabilities and processing means that can handle both detection types by switching between modes. This multi-functionality approach reduces device complexity while maintaining adequate detection precision for both rain and fog conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of fog and raindrop detection on a windscreen (200), comprising a raindrop detection application (201) and a fog detection application (202), characterized in that said fog detection application (202) comprises a step (202b) in which an indication of the presence of raindrop is detected, said indication of raindrop presence triggering a switch from said fog detection application (202) to said raindrop detection application (201).