The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 15, 2012
Filed:
Jan. 14, 2005
Adam John Heenan, Sheffield, GB;
Roger John Hazelden, Tamworth, GB;
Martin John Thompson, Birmingham, GB;
Alastair James Buchanan, Sutton Coldfield, GB;
Adam John Heenan, Sheffield, GB;
Roger John Hazelden, Tamworth, GB;
Martin John Thompson, Birmingham, GB;
Alastair James Buchanan, Sutton Coldfield, GB;
TRW Limited, , GB;
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 focused 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.