B60S1/02

Photographing apparatus for vehicle and heating device
10953853 · 2021-03-23 · ·

A photographing apparatus for vehicle includes a photographing apparatus, heating means, and a control device. The photographing apparatus is disposed inside a vehicle so as to face a window of the vehicle and is configured to receive photographing light passing through the window. The heating means is disposed inside the vehicle so as to face the window. The heating means generates heat that is given to the window when voltage of an electric power source of the vehicle is applied to the heating means. The control device changes voltage application time that is time period for applying the voltage of the electric power source to the heating means so that a total amount of heat generated by the heating means for a predetermined period of time is coincident with a predetermined amount determined based at least on an outside air temperature.

Low-light sensor cleaning

A system includes a camera having a field of view, a cleaning apparatus positioned to clean the camera, and a computer communicatively coupled to the camera and the cleaning apparatus. The computer is programmed to detect an obstruction on the camera based on sensing a trajectory of an external light source relative to the field of view in data from the camera, and upon detecting the obstruction, activate the cleaning apparatus.

WAVETRAP FOR A VEHICLE DEFROSTER SYSTEM
20210061227 · 2021-03-04 ·

A wavetrap includes a housing having a base including a base plate. The housing has a wire channel, an inductor pocket and a terminal pocket. The housing has a capacitor pocket that receives a capacitor. The wavetrap includes a defroster wire having a wire end received in the wire channel. The defroster wire extends from the housing for connection to a vehicle defroster circuit. The wavetrap includes an inductor supported by the base plate. The inductor is received in the inductor pocket. The inductor has a coil extending between a first end and a second end. The first end is coupled to the wire end of the defroster wire. The wavetrap includes a ground terminal supported by the base plate. The ground terminal is received in the terminal pocket. The ground terminal is electrically connected to a ground circuit.

VEHICLE LIGHTING ASSEMBLY WITH LENS HEATING DEVICE AND RECEPTACLE CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY FOR SAME

A lighting assembly is presented herein. The lighting assembly includes a receptacle terminal having a connection portion defining an aperture configured to receive a corresponding plug terminal along a longitudinal axis and an attachment portion configured to attach the receptacle terminal to a wire, a terminal housing defining a first oval-shaped opening and an oval-shaped cavity in which the connection portion of the receptacle terminal is disposed, and a terminal housing cover defining a second oval-shaped opening attached to the terminal housing, thereby enclosing the connection portion. The connection portion is sized, shaped, and arranged within the cavity to be movable along a lateral axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Apparatus for clearing snow and ice on a windshield or a windowpane or a side mirror of a vehicle
10913429 · 2021-02-09 ·

An apparatus for clearing snow and ice is disclosed. The apparatus is provided at a windowpane or a side mirror or a windshield of a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a first layer and a second layer. The first layer or the second layer is removably coupled to the windowpane or the side mirror or the windshield. The apparatus comprises a heating element provided in between the first layer and the second layer. The apparatus further comprises a plug coupled to the heating element via a cable. Further, the plug is coupled to a receptacle provided at a dashboard of the vehicle. The plug inserted in the receptacle to introduce electricity into the heating element to increase the temperature of the heating element to clear the snow or ice formed on the windowpane or the side mirror or the windshield.

BACKLIGHT WINDOW DEFROSTING SYSTEM BASED ON FIELD OF VIEW

An apparatus for heating a window of a vehicle comprises an electrical storage unit configured to store an electrical charge and a plurality of heating circuits disposed on a window of the vehicle. The apparatus further comprises a controller configured to monitor the electrical charge of the electrical storage unit and selectively activate one or more of the heating circuits based on the electrical charge.

VIBRATING VEHICLE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WITH HEATING ELEMENT
20210039605 · 2021-02-11 ·

The vibrating vehicle windshield wipers with heating element for private and commercial vehicles effectively clear away snow, ice, and other inclement weather debris from both the vehicle windshield and the wipers themselves. The vibration and heating element ensure the windshield wipers remain functional at all times, eliminating the need to apply manual brushes and scrapers to a windshield and utilizes sensors to either manually or automatically trigger the heating element, controlled via the internal defrosting mechanism in the vehicle.

Moisture sensor and/or defogger with bayesian improvements, and related methods
11850824 · 2023-12-26 · ·

In certain example embodiments, moisture sensors, defoggers, etc., and/or related methods, are provided, More particularly, certain example embodiments relate to moisture sensors and/or defoggers that may be used in various applications such as, for example, refrigerator/freezer merchandisers, vehicle windows, building windows, etc. When condensation or moisture is detected, an appropriate action may be taken (e.g., actuating windshield wipers, turning on a defroster, triggering the heating of a merchandiser door or window, etc.). Bayesian approaches optionally, may be implemented in certain example embodiments in an attempt to improve moisture detection accuracy. For instance, models of various types of disturbances may be developed and, based on live data and a priori information known about the model, a probability of the model being accurate is calculated. If a threshold value is met, the model may be considered a match and, optionally, a corresponding appropriate action may be taken.

Window defect sensing and image processing

Various embodiments relate to sensing defects associated with a window. Furthermore, various embodiments relate to performing image processing to produce a corrected image of a scene based at least partly on data corresponding to the detected defects. In some examples, one or more lighting modules may be used to illuminate the window to facilitate detection of the defects by one or more sensor devices.

Window defect sensing and image processing

Various embodiments relate to sensing defects associated with a window. Furthermore, various embodiments relate to performing image processing to produce a corrected image of a scene based at least partly on data corresponding to the detected defects. In some examples, one or more lighting modules may be used to illuminate the window to facilitate detection of the defects by one or more sensor devices.