Patent Publication Number: US-2022221713-A1

Title: Self-cleaning camera lens system and method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/135,732 filed Jan. 10, 2021, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art nor material to the presently described or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of camera cleaning devices of existing art and more specifically relates to a camera lens cleaning device. 
     RELATED ART 
     A digital camera is an optical instrument used to capture an image, or a motion image, utilizing lenses to focus light onto an image pickup device. A common problem with cameras is that the lens is easily soiled, and therefore the image or motion images captured with the camera are obstructed. This is particularly true for cameras that are immersed in action and/or located outdoors as they can be easily and quickly soiled by debris. With these types of cameras, it is also often difficult to clean the debris from the lens as they are located in difficult to reach or dangerous areas (such as mounted to a side of a moving vehicle) and thus, there is a very short amount of clear filming time. 
     Attempts have been made to solve this problem. However, these attempts have not been satisfactory as they are either bulky, not self-contained, do not continuously clean (and therefore the shot is already ruined before the device cleans the lens), do not have long battery life, require a large amount of cleaning fluid, or utilize a cleaning means that crosses in front of the lens, thereby ruining the shot. Thus, a suitable solution is desired. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known camera cleaning device art, the present disclosure provides a novel self-cleaning camera lens system. The general purpose of the present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to effectively provide unobstructed footage for a prolonged period and maintain image quality in debris-filled filming environments. 
     A lens cleaning system is disclosed herein. The lens cleaning system is configured for attachment to a camera and for automatically cleaning a lens thereof, the lens including an optical axis defining a light path. The lens cleaning system may include a main case, a lens shield, an actuator means, a cleaning member housing, at least one cleaning member, and a power supply system for supplying power to the lens cleaning system. The main case may include an attachment means configured to attach the lens cleaning system to the camera; a bottom section; a top section sat atop the bottom section; and a shield housing disposed within the top section. The shield housing may include a lens aperture in which the lens sits when the lens cleaning system is attached to the camera. The lens aperture may be sized at least substantially equal to the lens of the camera such that the lens is not obstructed. 
     The lens shield may be seated within the shield housing. The lens shield may be seated atop the lens when the lens cleaning system is attached to the camera. The lens shield may be transparent such that the light path passes through the lens shield unobscured. The actuator means may be attached to the lens shield such that the actuator means is able to rotate the lens shield relative to the optical axis. 
     The cleaning member housing may be removably attached atop the lens shield. The cleaning member housing may include a left side and a right side relative to the camera. The left side may include a housing opening sized at least substantially equal to the lens of the camera such that the lens is not obstructed. The cleaning member housing may include at least one debris director means and at least one debris outlet. The at least one cleaning member may be seated within an interior side of the cleaning member housing and may be configured to contact a top surface of the lens shield and clean debris therefrom. 
     According to another embodiment, a method of automatically cleaning a lens of a camera is also disclosed herein. The method includes providing the lens cleaning system as above; attaching the cleaning member housing to the main case; attaching the main case to the camera via the attachment means; supplying power to the lens cleaning system, thereby: powering the actuator means; and causing the actuator means to continuously rotate the lens shield relative to the optical axis, the lens shield continuously passing by the at least one cleaning member such that said debris is continuously cleaned from the lens shield prior to passing over the lens of the camera and therefore the lens is always substantially free from the debris. 
     For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, a self-cleaning camera lens system and method, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of a lens cleaning system attached to a camera according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the lens cleaning system attached to the camera, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom perspective view of the lens cleaning system attached to the camera, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom perspective view of the lens cleaning system attached to the camera and including a camera conforming clip, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the lens cleaning system, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded view of the lens cleaning system including the cleaning member housing, a cleaning wipe, a lens shield and a motor, and according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7A  is a side view of a flexible clip being closed and attaching a cleaning member housing to a main case, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7B  is a side view of the flexible of  FIG. 7A  being open, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is a close-up view of a blade located on the cleaning member housing, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the lens cleaning system including the cleaning wipe, a main squeegee, a second squeegee and the cleaning member housing, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the lens cleaning system of  FIG. 9  assembled, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  is a top perspective view of the lens cleaning system illustrating an inlet aperture, an inlet tunnel, a drainage tunnel and a debris passageway, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  is a close-up view of the lens cleaning system of a drainage aperture, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  is a close-up view of the lens cleaning system illustrating the inlet aperture and the inlet tunnel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic diagram of a power supply system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the camera, a seal element and a power extension cord, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 16  is a flow diagram illustrating a method of automatically cleaning a lens of a camera, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to camera cleaning devices and more particularly to a self-cleaning camera lens system as used to provide a continuous cleaning system for camera lenses to allow for longer shot durations without having the image obstructed by debris. The self-cleaning camera lens system may be particularly designed to be self-cleaning, self-contained, mobile, discrete, easy to use, easily attachable, unobtrusive and at least partially self-maintaining and self-powered. Generally, the self-cleaning camera lens system may be small and compact such that a user can “grab it and go”, and such that setting up the camera with the self-cleaning camera lens system attached may be as simple as if it were not attached. The self-cleaning camera lens system may be configured to clean both dry and liquid debris. 
     Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in  FIGS. 1-15 , various views of a lens cleaning system  100 . As shown, the lens cleaning system  100  may include a main case  110 , a lens shield  120 , an actuator means  130 , a cleaning member housing  140 , at least one cleaning member  150  and a power supply system  160 . As shown in these figures, the lens cleaning system  100  may be configured for attachment to a camera  5 . The lens cleaning system  100  may automatically and continuously (when powered on) clean a lens  10  of the camera  5 . The lens  10  may include an optical axis  15  defining a light path. In some examples, the camera  5  may be a camera used in harsh conditions, hard to reach locations and/or other situations which a consistently clean lens  10  is desired and/or is difficult to clean manually. For instance, the camera  5  may be an action camera. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the main case  110  may include an attachment means  111  configured to attach the lens cleaning system  100  to the camera  5 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, the attachment means  111  may include a camera  5  conforming clip  115  configured to secure the camera  5  to the main case  110 . Further, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the attachment means  111  may include brackets  116  configured to attach the main case  110  to existing mounting hardware  25  on the camera  5 . In this embodiment, a nut and bolt combination  26  may be inserted through the brackets  116  and existing mounting hardware  25  to secure the main case  110  to the camera  5 . 
     The main case  110  may further include a bottom section  112 , a top section  113  sat atop the bottom section  112 , and a shield housing  117  ( FIG. 5 ) disposed within the top section  113 . Preferably, the main case  110  may be tailored specifically to accommodate the camera  5  and ensure a secure connection for safety and mount-ability. In addition, in some embodiments, the main case  110  may include an angular shape. The angular shape may be configured to direct falling debris away from the lens cleaning system  100  (and therefore the lens  10 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 5  particularly, the shield housing may include a lens aperture  114  in which the lens  10  sits when the lens cleaning system  100  is attached to the camera  5 . As shown, the lens aperture  114  may be sized at least substantially equal to the lens  10  of the camera  5  such that the lens  10  is not obstructed and normal use of the lens  10  remains. The lens shield  120  may be seated within the shield housing  117 . The lens shield  120  may be seated atop the lens  10  when the lens cleaning system  100  is attached to the camera  5  and configured to shield the lens  10  from debris, preventing damage thereto. In some embodiments as shown in  FIG. 5 , a dirt trap layer  118  may be included in the lens cleaning system  100  and located between the main case  110  and the lens shield  120 . The dirt trap layer  118  may keep a rear surface of the lens shield  120  clean and hold it in place. The dirt trap layer  118  may further act as a filter to allow the lens shield  120  to sit flush with the lens  10  (and therefore provide improved protection). 
     The lens shield  120  is transparent such that the light path passes through the lens shield  120  unobscured (and thus the camera  5  is able to take videos and photos as normal). As shown As shown in  FIGS. 5-6  particularly, the lens shield  120  may include a disc shape. The lens shield  120  may be made from a glass or acrylic material and may include a scratch resistant and water repellent coating. Further, similar to the main case  110 , the lens shield  120  may also include an angular design configured to redirect falling debris, and/or allow the lens shield  120  to be at least partially aerodynamic. It is imagined that the lens shield  120  may cover an entirety of the lens  10  so as to completely protect the lens  10  and allow the entirety of the lens  10  to be cleaned (as shown in  FIG. 2 ). Preferably, a half of the lens shield  120  (as measured by a radius thereof) may cover an entire diameter of the lens  10 . In some embodiments, the lens shield  120  may be tailored to fit the specific lens  10 , thereby providing a formed, secure fit. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the actuator means  130  may be attached to the lens shield  120  such that the actuator means  130  is able to rotate the lens shield  120  relative to the optical axis  15 . Particularly, as shown, the actuator means  130  may include an actuator axis  134  about which the lens shield  120  rotates that is parallel to the optical axis  15 . Preferably, as shown, the actuator means  130  may include a motor  131 . The motor  131  may be speed adjustable such that a user may adjust a speed of the motor  131  depending on desired effect. To attach the motor  131  to the lens shield  120 , in some embodiments, the lens shield  120  may include four apertures equally spaced around a center point thereof. A motor bit  132  or a “D-HUB” may be provided that is attached to a tip of the motor  131  ( FIG. 5 ). The motor bit  132  may be lined up with the apertures on the lens shield  120  and fastened thereto (such as via screws). This attachment may evenly distribute torque of the motor  131  to four areas (the four apertures) of the lens shield  120 , thereby preventing the lens shield  120  from cracking. In some embodiments, the lens cleaning system  100  may include a motor switch  133  ( FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 14 ) for selectively powering the motor  131  on and off. 
     The cleaning member housing  140  may be removably attached atop the lens shield  120 . This may allow for easy removal and replacement of components located below the cleaning member housing  140  (discussed in more detail below). To facilitate easy removal of the top section  113  from the main case  110 , preferably, as shown in  FIGS. 7A-7B , the cleaning member housing  140  may include a pair of flexible clips  147 . The flexible clips  147  may allow for back-and-forth flexibility thereof. Further, a groove located on the pair of flexible clips  147  may be angled to provide a better grip. The cleaning member housing  140  may include a left side  141  and a right side  142  relative to the camera  5  ( FIG. 2 ). The left side  141  may include a housing opening  143  ( FIG. 5 ) sized at least substantially equal to the lens  10  of the camera  5  so that the lens  10  is not obstructed. The cleaning member housing  140  may include at least one debris director means  240  and at least one debris outlet  340   
     As shown in  FIGS. 8-10 , in some embodiments, the at least one debris director means  240  may include a raised lip  241  (or an ‘eyebrow) located at a top exterior edge  144  of the housing opening  143  at an exterior side  145  of the cleaning member housing  140  ( FIG. 2 ). The raised lip  241  may be positioned at a top of the lens  10  when the lens cleaning system  100  is attached to the camera  5  and configured to direct debris away from the lens  10 . For example, the raised lip  241  may direct liquid debris, such as rain, snow, ice, etc. away from the lens  10 . A position of the raised lip  241  relative to the lens  10  may also ensure that whilst the lens shield  120  is spinning, a cleaned section thereof will be protected right until it passes over the lens  10 . This may ensure a substantially continuously clear shot, even with debris bombarding the lens  10 . Further, the cleaning member housing  140  may include an angular shape to redirect debris (particularly liquid debris) from crossing in front of the lens  10 . 
     In addition, as shown in  FIGS. 8-10  and  FIG. 12 , the at least one debris director means  240  may further include a blade  242  located on a side edge  148  of the housing opening  143  at the exterior side  145  of the cleaning member housing  140  ( FIG. 2 ). The blade  242  may be positioned at a side of the lens  10  when the lens cleaning system  100  is attached to the camera  5  and configured to scrape the debris from the lens shield  120 . For example, the blade  242  may be particularly useful in scraping solid debris, large debris, and/or debris particularly difficult to remove. Friction between the blade  242  and the lens shield  120  may cause a scraping effect, dislodging heavy or large debris from the lens shield  120 . In some embodiments, the blade  242  may include a hook-like shape with a sharp edge and a wavy exterior. This shape may aid in dislodging heavy or large debris from the lens shield  120  and directing that debris away from the lens shield  120 . The blade  242  may preferably be pressed against the lens shield  120  when the cleaning member housing  140  is attached to the main case  110 ). When the lens shield  120  spins, debris may be directed to towards the blade  242 . 
     The at least one cleaning member  150  may be seated within an interior side  146  of the cleaning member housing  140 . The at least one cleaning member  150  may be confined to a covered area of the cleaning member housing  140 ; particularly, the at least one cleaning member  150  may not extend past the housing opening  143  so as to not obstruct the lens  10 . As shown, the covered area may be a majority area of the cleaning member housing  140 . As such, after the lens shield  120  has rotated a full 360 degrees, a once soiled section of the lens shield  120  is free (or at least one substantially free) from debris. 
     The at least one cleaning member  150  may be configured to contact a top surface  121  of the lens shield  120  and clean debris therefrom. The cleaning member housing  140  may fit tightly and securely over the lens shield  120  to ensure maximum efficiency of at least one cleaning member  150  on the lens shield  120  as the increased pressure of the tight fit ensures maximum surface contact. A precise amount of pressure may be applied to ensure maximum effect whilst preventing strain or damage to the motor  131 . The pair of flexible clips  147  may be used provide the precise amount of pressure. For example, a height of the flexible clips  147  may be precise as they may dictate amount of pressure imposed on the lens shield  120 , ensuring the motor  131  is not damaged. 
     As above, the cleaning member housing  140  may be removably attached to the main case  110 . As such, components such as the dirt trap layer  118 , the at least one cleaning member  150 , the lens shield  120 , etc. may be removed and replaced. For example, a user may remove the cleaning member housing  140  from the main case  110  to expose the at least one cleaning member  150 ; remove and replace the at least one cleaning member  150 ; unscrew the lens shield  120  from the motor bit  132 ; remove and replace the lens shield  120 ; and remove and replace the dirt trap layer  118 . 
     Whilst the lens shield  120  spins, it may go through a plurality of cleaning stages to ensure the view of the lens  10  remains substantially clear. As such, as shown in  FIGS. 9-11  particularly, the at least one cleaning member  150  may include more than one cleaning member  150 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 9-10  specifically, the at least one cleaning member  150  may include a cleaning wipe  250 . As above, a half of the lens shield  120  may cover the entire diameter of the camera lens  10 . The cleaning wipe  250  may cover (at least) an opposite half of the lens shield  120 . The cleaning wipe  250  may be stationery and located in a dedicated groove on the cleaning member housing  140 . The cleaning wipe  250  may continuously clean the half of the lens shield  120  that is not covering the lens  10  (as the lens shield  120  spins the half covering the lens  10  continuously changes). 
     The cleaning wipe  250  may be abrasive, efficient and highly absorbent. Further, the cleaning wipe  250  may also be configured to trap direct particles as well as absorb liquid. In some embodiments, the cleaning wipe  250  may include superabsorbent gel polymers configured to absorb moisture over a long period of time. As shown in  FIG. 9  via dotted lines, the cleaning wipe  250  may be split into a plurality of sections  251 . Each of the plurality of sections  251  may perform a different cleaning purpose. As such, the cleaning wipe may include a variety of textures and each section may include a different texture. For example, the cleaning wipe  250  may include a moisture stage, an abrasive stage, an absorbent stage, and a polishing and/or drying stage. 
     The moisture stage will be discussed in more detail below. The abrasive stage may include the loosening of stuck particles from the lens shield  120 , this may involve the cleaning wipe  250  including a section with a course texture. The absorbent stage may include the absorbing of moisture, as well as trapping particles dislodged from the lens shield  120 . The polishing and/or drying stage may wipe away any remaining liquid to dry the lens shield  120 . 
     Further, as shown in  FIGS. 9-13 , the at least one cleaning member  150  may further include a main squeegee  350  (a scraper device). The main squeegee  350  may be located behind the blade  242  (as shown in  FIG. 10 ) and configured to remove the debris from the lens shield  120 . Particularly, the main squeegee  350  may be configured to dispel liquid as well as smaller debris that passed by the blade  242 . For example, as the lens shield  120  spins, it may push debris and liquid towards the blade  242  which dislodges heavier debris, and smaller debris or liquid debris is then directed towards the main squeegee  350 . A seal between the lens shield  120  and the main squeegee  350  may allow the main squeegee  350  to wick away liquid from the surface of the lens shield  120  and redirect its flow. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 11-12 , the at least one debris outlet  340  may include a drainage tunnel  341  and a drainage aperture  342  located on the interior side  146  of the cleaning member housing  140 . In some examples, the drainage tunnel  341  may be a groove cut into the cleaning member housing  140 . In this embodiment, the debris removed by the main squeegee  350  may be directed through the drainage tunnel  341  and out through the drainage aperture  342 . 
     Further, in some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 9-11  and  FIG. 13 , the at least one cleaning member  150  may further include a second squeegee  450  located behind the raised lip  241  ( FIG. 10 ) and configured to remove remaining debris from the lens shield  120 . The second squeegee  450  may be useful in a final stage of cleaning. For example, before a previously soiled section of the lens shield  120  rotates back in front of the lens  10  (cleaned), the second squeegee  450  may redirect any remaining debris on the surface of the previously soiled section downwards and away. This may ensure that the previously soiled section is completely clean and transparent before it passes in front of the lens  10 . 
     As above, the cleaning wipe  250  may include a moisture stage. In this embodiment, the cleaning wipe  250  may include a wet area  252 . As shown in  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 13 , the cleaning member housing  140  may further include a liquid inlet  440 . The liquid inlet  440  may include an inlet aperture  441  attached to an inlet tunnel  442  and may be configured to receive cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid may be directed through the inlet tunnel  442  and into the wet area  252 , and the lens shield  120  may be at least partially wetted by the wet area  252  during rotation of the lens shield  120 . Thereby, the lens shield  120  may be at least partially cleaned by the cleaning liquid which may help dislodge larger and/or solid stuck on debris. 
     In addition to this, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the at least one debris director means  240  may further include a debris passageway  343  located on the interior side  146  of the cleaning member housing  140 . In this embodiment, the second squeegee  450  may further be configured to remove remaining cleaning liquid from the lens shield  120  and the remaining cleaning liquid may be directed through the debris passageway  343  and into the wet area  252  for recirculation. In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the debris passageway  343  may be integral to the drainage tunnel  341 . Recirculation may include steps such as: using a cleaning liquid in a distribution bottle with a small narrow tip; placing the tip of the bottle inside the liquid aperture; squirting a small amount of cleaning fluid into the inlet aperture  441 ; and ensuring the main case  110  and the cleaning member housing  140  is upright so that the cleaning liquid is able to follow through the inlet tunnel  442  to the wet area  252  where the cleaning liquid may be caught by the (rotating) lens shield  120  (and thus it is cleaned by the cleaning liquid). 
     The power supply system  160  may be configured for supplying power to the lens cleaning system  100 . Particularly, the power supply system  160  may supply power to the actuator means  130 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , the power supply system  160  may preferably include batteries  163 . The batteries  163  may be stored within the bottom section  112  of the main case  110  (FIG.  5 ). Particularly, the batteries  163  may be placed into a slot  169  ( FIG. 4 ) in the main case  110  and closed with a battery door  165  ( FIG. 5 ) to ensure debris does not contact the batteries  163 . Further, the power supply system  160  may include the motor switch  133  for controlling power to the motor  232  (and selectively switching the motor  131  on and off) and a power switch  166  for controlling power to the lens cleaning system  100 . 
     Further, as shown in  FIG. 14  (and  FIG. 5 ) the power supply system  160  may include a distribution board  162 . The distribution board  162  may include a power input for allowing for charging of the batteries  163 . Applying continuous power into the power input may allow for charging of the batteries  163 , as well as powering of the actuator means  130  without reliance on the batteries  163 . The distribution board  162  may also be able to control the actuator means  130  automatically through other means, such as a remote device. Further, the distribution board  162  may be able to provide more or less power through its power outputs or provide a variation of power outputs such as amperage, voltage, or number of outputs and inputs. To ensure that the distribution board  162  does not contact debris, a screen protector  171  ( FIG. 5 ) may be installed for covering the distribution board  162 . Further, as shown in  FIG. 5 , to ensure the distribution board  162  remains sealed, in some embodiments, a gasket  172  may be provided. 
     In addition to this, a power extension cord  164  may be provided, as shown in  FIGS. 14-15 . The power extension cord  164  may be configured to plug into the camera  5 , extending a battery life of the camera  5 . A seal element  161  may be provided and configured for attachment about a power input port  20  of the camera  5 . The seal element  161  may be a replacement part for the camera&#39;s  5  original clip for its power input port  20 . The seal element  161  may be configured to prevent debris and debris from entering the power input port  20  and therefore, the seal element  161  may provide a tight seal between a male power connector (of the power extension cord  164 ) and the seal element  161 , therefore providing a “splash-proof” connection. The seal element  161  may be custom made for each type of camera  5  used with the lens cleaning system  100 . As shown, the seal element  161  may include a specialty clip  167  and rubber seal  168 . Further, in some embodiments, the power supply system  160  may include a Universal Serial Bus (USB) plug  173  ( FIG. 5 ). 
     In some embodiments, power extension cord  164  may also be configured to power the self-cleaning lens  10  system using an alternative source of energy, such as a larger battery, a DC power outlet, a solar panel, etc. Further, in some embodiments, the lens  10  cleaning may include an integral alternative power source such as a battery bank or solar panel. In addition, in some embodiments, the lens cleaning system  100  may include a processing unit. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 16  showing a flow diagram illustrating a method  500  of automatically cleaning a lens of a camera, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, the method  500  may include one or more components or features of the lens cleaning system  100  as described above. As illustrated, the method  500  may include the steps of: step one  501 , providing the lens cleaning system as above; step two  502 , attaching the cleaning member housing to the main case; step three  503 , attaching the main case to the camera via the attachment means; and step four  504 , supplying power to the lens cleaning system, thereby: powering  504   a  the actuator means; and causing  504   b  the actuator means to continuously rotate the lens shield relative to the optical axis, the lens shield continuously passing by the at least one cleaning member such that said debris is continuously cleaned from the lens shield prior to passing over the lens of the camera and therefore the lens is always substantially free from said debris. 
     Further steps may include step five  505 , again providing the lens cleaning system as above (including the raised lip, the blade, the drainage tunnel, the drainage aperture, the cleaning wipe, the main squeegee and the second squeegee); and step six  506 , supplying power to the lens cleaning system, thereby: powering  506   a  the actuator means; and causing  506   b  the actuator means to continuously rotate the lens shield relative to the optical axis, the lens shield continuously passing by the main squeegee, the cleaning wipe, the second squeegee and the blade, the main squeegee removing said debris from the lens shield, the blade scraping said debris from the lens shield, the cleaning wipe cleaning said debris from the lens shield and the second squeegee removing said remaining debris from the lens shield prior to the lens shield passing over the lens, the raised lip directing said debris away from lens, said debris removed by the main squeegee directed through the drainage tunnel and out through the drainage aperture. 
     Further steps may include step  507 , again providing the lens cleaning system as above (including the wet area, the debris passageway, the liquid inlet with liquid aperture and liquid tunnel); step  508 , inserting cleaning liquid into the liquid inlet, the cleaning liquid directed through the inlet tunnel and into the wet area; and step nine  509  supplying power to the lens cleaning system, thereby: powering  509   a  the actuator means; and causing  509   b  the actuator means to continuously rotate the lens shield relative to the optical axis, the lens shield being at least partially wetted by the wet area during rotation of the lens shield and thereby the lens shield is at least partially cleaned by the cleaning liquid. 
     Additional steps may include step ten  510 , again providing the lens cleaning system as above (wherein the second squeegee is configured to remove remaining cleaning liquid from the lens shield); and step eleven  511 , supplying power to the lens cleaning system, thereby: powering  511   a  the actuator means; and causing  511   b  the actuator means to continuously rotate the lens shield relative to the optical axis, the lens shield continuously passing by the main squeegee, the cleaning wipe, the second squeegee and the blade, the second squeegee removing remaining cleaning liquid from the lens shield, the remaining cleaning liquid being directed through the debris passageway and into the wet area for recirculation. 
     It should be noted that certain steps are optional steps and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method  500  are illustrated using dotted lines in  FIG. 16  so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method  500 . It should also be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). It should also be noted that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods for automatically cleaning a lens of a camera are taught herein. 
     The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.