Stereo imaging rain sensor

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.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.