Stereo imaging rain sensor
US6596978B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 28, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jul 22, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 21, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N2013/0081
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Two embodiments include a first image sensor (14, 114) for sensing a first image of the exterior surface of the glass (12) along a first optical axis A and a second image sensor (16, 116) for sensing a second image of the exterior surface of the glass (12) along a second optical axis B which intersects the first optical axis A at an intersection X disposed adjacent the exterior surface of the glass (12). Both embodiments include an image correlator (22) for correlating the first and second images and producing an activation signal (24) in response to coincidence of moisture (10) in the respective correlated first and second images. The rain sensor accurately interprets images of moisture that lie in a narrow measurement zone adjacent the exterior surface of the windshield while disregarding images of objects that lie outside that zone.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.