Vehicle Wiper Control via Camera Snow Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Black box cameras in vehicles struggle to photograph the outside when snow or ice accumulates on the windshield, making it difficult to determine the cause of external damage, especially in winter conditions, and existing solutions are inefficient for removal.
Innovation Solution
A wiper system with a first camera inside the vehicle, a wiper apparatus, and a telematics module that communicates with a driver terminal to control the wiper operation, including a second camera at the rear and features like remote start and battery voltage monitoring, to automatically remove foreign materials from the windshield glass when the vehicle is parked.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vehicle is parked outdoors in winter, then snow accumulates on the windshield glass, but the black box camera cannot photograph the outside of the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of snow accumulation on the windshield before it completely blocks the camera view. The telematics module detects snow presence and automatically activates the wiper apparatus to clear the windshield proactively, preventing complete occlusion of the camera lens and ensuring continuous photographing capability.
2Loss of time
If snow accumulates on the windshield glass, then time is spent in removing the accumulated snow, but manual removal becomes difficult when snow freezes into ice
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service snow removal by automatically detecting snow accumulation through the camera and telematics module, then autonomously activating the wiper apparatus without requiring driver intervention. The system monitors windshield conditions and triggers wiper operation automatically, eliminating manual removal effort and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the camera to continuously monitor windshield conditions. The telematics module processes camera images to detect snow accumulation, and this feedback triggers automatic wiper activation. The closed-loop feedback system ensures timely snow removal before it freezes into ice, maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If the wiper system operates automatically to remove foreign materials, then the camera can photograph the outside, but the system complexity increases with additional sensors and control modules
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing black box camera for multiple purposes: its primary function for recording traffic incidents and an additional function for detecting snow accumulation on the windshield. The telematics module processes the camera footage for dual purposes. This multi-functionality approach enables automatic wiper operation without adding dedicated snow detection sensors, reducing overall system complexity.
4Reliability
If the vehicle battery voltage is low, then the vehicle cannot start normally, but continuous wiper operation during parking drains the battery further
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback from a voltage sensor that continuously monitors battery voltage levels. When the voltage drops below a predetermined threshold during wiper operation, the telematics module automatically terminates wiper operation to prevent complete battery depletion. This feedback control ensures the vehicle retains enough power for starting while still providing snow removal when battery levels are adequate.
Data Source
AI summary
A wiper system and a control method thereof are provided. The wiper system includes a first camera provided inside a vehicle to photograph outside of the vehicle beyond a windshield glass. A wiper apparatus removes foreign materials from the windshield glass, and a body control module operates the wiper apparatus. The telematics module communicates with a driver terminal and controls the body control module. The telematics module determines whether an external view is extractable from an image acquired by the first camera during an engine stop, and applies a wiper operation signal to the body control module based on the communication result according to a communication with the driver terminal if the external view is not extracted.