Kia has been granted a patent for an exterior camera system featuring a rotatable housing and an integrated cleaning method. The system includes a wiper and washer fluid nozzle, with a controller that adjusts the camera’s position and cleaning based on contamination levels and driving conditions. GlobalData’s report on Kia gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Kia, Battery management systems was a key innovation area identified from patents. Kia's grant share as of July 2024 was 50%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Exterior camera cleaning system for vehicles
A recently granted patent (US12071108B2) outlines an innovative method for cleaning exterior camera lenses in vehicles. The method involves a controller that assesses the degree of contamination on a camera module. When the contamination reaches a predetermined threshold, the controller initiates a cleaning process. This process includes dispensing washer fluid through a nozzle and managing the extension of the camera module from its housing, which is rotatably connected to a base unit. The controller adjusts these actions based on the vehicle's current driving state or speed, ensuring that the cleaning mechanism operates efficiently under varying conditions. The design allows the camera module to move synchronously with the housing, enhancing the cleaning effectiveness.
Additionally, the patent details methods for determining contamination levels by dividing the camera's view into grids to quantify visible obstructions. The controller also adapts the cleaning frequency based on vehicle speed and can modify the housing's folding speed when the vehicle operates in autonomous mode. Furthermore, the system incorporates a rain sensor to gauge precipitation levels, allowing the controller to set different folding speeds for the housing based on the detected amount of rain. This multifaceted approach aims to maintain optimal camera performance and visibility, particularly in adverse weather conditions.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
