Optical Performance of ADAS Camera under Thermal-Induced Structural Deformation of Windshield

This study investigates the combined use of optical and mechanical simulation tools to assess the impact of thermally induced structural deformation of automotive windshields on the optical performance of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) cameras. ADAS technologies rely heavily on accurate and high-quality visual data captured through cameras mounted behind the windshield. Any distortion in the optical path, especially due to environmental factors such as heat generated by defrosting systems, can compromise the reliability of these systems. The simulation workflow begins with an ideal-case optical analysis, where the camera’s imaging performance is evaluated assuming a nominal windshield geometry. This serves as a baseline for image clarity, contrast, and overall system functionality. Next, thermal loads originating from the embedded defrost wires are modeled using steady-state thermal analysis. These thermal inputs result in non-uniform temperature distribution across the windshield, leading to structural deformation due to thermal expansion and material behavior. The deformed geometry is then extracted and reintroduced into the optical simulation environment to assess the camera’s performance under degraded conditions. Comparative analysis between the ideal and deformed cases is performed using metrics such as Modulation Transfer Function (MTF), image displacement, etc. The results reveal significant changes in image quality, which can adversely affect critical ADAS functions such as lane detection, object recognition. This integrated simulation approach provides a robust framework for evaluating real-world environmental impacts on camera performance. It enables engineers to identify potential failure modes early in the design process and supports the development of more resilient and reliable ADAS solutions for enhanced automotive safety.