Rain detection apparatus and method
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Abstract
A rain detection apparatus and method, comprising a camera adapted to view a surface and a processor adapted to capture at least one image from the camera, in which the processor is further adapted to generate at least one signal indicative of the presence of rain on the surface from information contained in the at least one captured image and to, optionally drive surface cleaning apparatus in response thereto, in which the apparatus is adapted to capture images focussed at a plurality of distances; in which the processor includes edge detection means adapted to detect edges visible in the at least one captured image and difference means adapted to calculate the difference between the number of edges visible between differing images; and in which the edge detection means is further adapted to disregard edges close to areas of light larger than the largest raindrop that is desired or expected to be detected. The apparatus and method optionally includes a backlight, which the difference in numbers of edges between frames with and without the backlight illuminated being used to distinguish between background features and rain on the surface. The surface may be a vehicle windscreen, windshield or the cover or lens of a vehicle lamp, in which case the cleaning apparatus may be one or more wipers or washers.
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Citations
87 Claims
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1-42. -42. (canceled)
- 43. A rain detection apparatus, comprising a camera adapted to view a surface and a processor adapted to capture a plurality of images from said camera said images containing a number of visible edges, wherein said processor is further adapted to generate at least one signal indicative of a presence of rain on said surface from information contained in the at least one captured image, wherein said apparatus is adapted to capture images focussed at a plurality of distances wherein said processor includes edge detection means adapted to detect edges visible in said at least one captured image and in wherein said processor includes difference means adapted to calculate a difference between said number of edges visible between differing images.
- 58. A rain detection apparatus, comprising a camera adapted to view a surface and a processor adapted to capture at least one image from said camera containing a number of edges, wherein said processor is adapted to generate at least one signal indicative of a presence of rain on said surface from information contained in said at least one captured image, wherein said processor includes edge detection means adapted to detect edges visible in said at least one captured image and difference means adapted to calculate the difference between said number of edges visible between differing images.
- 73. A rain detection apparatus, comprising a camera adapted to view a surface and a processor adapted to capture at least one image from said camera, wherein said processor is adapted to generate at least one signal indicative of a presence of rain on said surface from information contained in the at least one captured image, wherein said processor includes edge detection means adapted to detect edges visible in said at least one captured image, said edge detection means being further adapted to disregard edges close to areas of light larger than a largest raindrop that is desired to be detected.
Specification