Rain detection apparatus and method

摘要

A rain detection apparatus includes a camera that views a surface and a processor that captures an image from the camera. The processor generates a signal indicative of rain on the surface from information contained in the captured image and optionally drives a surface cleaning apparatus in response thereto. The apparatus captures images focused at a plurality of distances. The processor includes an edge detector that detects edges visible in the captured image and a difference structure that calculates the difference between the number of edges visible between differing images. The edge detector disregards edges close to areas of light larger than the largest raindrop that is desired or expected to be detected. The apparatus optionally includes a backlight, and the difference in numbers of edges between frames with and without the backlight illuminated are used to distinguish between background features and rain on the surface.

主权项

1. A rain detection apparatus comprising:
a camera adapted to view a surface; and a processor adapted to capture at least one image from the camera, wherein the processor is 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, the processor includes edge detection means adapted to detect edges visible in the at least one captured image, and the edge detection means is further adapted to disregard edges close to large areas of light.