Radiant energy – Photocells; circuits and apparatus – Optical or pre-photocell system
Reexamination Certificate
2007-05-15
2009-11-03
Luu, Thanh X (Department: 2878)
Radiant energy
Photocells; circuits and apparatus
Optical or pre-photocell system
C250S227250, C340S602000, C318S643000
Reexamination Certificate
active
07612356
ABSTRACT:
A raindrop sensor includes an image sensor and an image processor. The image sensor captures an image of a windshield from inside a vehicle. The image processor performs a frequency analysis of the image to detect a high-frequency component in the image. When the high-frequency component is detected, the image processor detects a width of a change region where a change in gradation of the image occurs. When the width of the change region is within a predetermined range corresponding to a diameter of a raindrop, the image processor determines that the raindrop is on the windshield. Even when a foreign matter such as a water stain appears as the high-frequency component as a result of the frequency analysis, the raindrop and the foreign matter can be distinguished from each other based on the width of the change region.
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Imanishi Masayuki
Michiyama Katsunori
Utida Akira
Yamamoto Atsushi
DENSO CORPORATION
Legasse Jr. Francis M
Luu Thanh X
Nippon Soken Inc.
Posz Law Group , PLC
LandOfFree
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