Rain sensor system and vehicle

Abstract

A rain sensor system (1) for measuring the amount of rain on a window (101) of a vehicle (100) is provided. The rain sensor system comprises a camera arrangement (2) configured to capture an image of an area (102) around the vehicle (100) using camera optics (3), and a rain sensor (6) comprising an emitter (4) configured to emit or transmit light and a receiver (5) configured to receive measurement light emitted or transmitted by the emitter (4) and directed to the receiver (5) by the window (101); wherein the emitter (4) and the receiver (5) are arranged at a distance (d) from each other; and the receiver (5) and the camera optics (3) of the camera arrangement (2) are different components.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to rain sensor systems and vehicles having such rain sensor systems. Background Technology

[0002] Rain sensor systems can be used in vehicles to measure the amount of water, such as rainwater on a vehicle's windshield. DE102011101744A1 discloses an example of a rain sensor that includes a light emitter for sending light onto a window and a receiver for receiving light emitted by the light emitter and reflected by the window. The light emitter and receiver are housed together in the same housing. The amount of rain on the window is determined based on the light signal received by the receiver.

[0003] Today, vehicles typically include camera units for capturing images of the area surrounding the vehicle. It is desirable to reduce the window surface covered by the camera unit and rain sensor to increase the driver's field of view. In this context, EP1580092B1, DE102008044003A1, DE102006010671A1, and DE102014214710A1 disclose rain sensor and camera optics that share some optical elements. For example, the camera sensor of the camera unit also functions as a receiver for the rain sensor. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One object of the present invention is to provide an improved rain sensor system.

[0005] According to a first aspect, a rain sensor system for measuring the amount of rain on a vehicle window is provided. The rain sensor system includes:

[0006] A camera device configured to capture images of the area surrounding the vehicle using camera optics; and

[0007] A rain sensor includes a transmitter and a receiver, the transmitter being configured to emit or transmit light, and the receiver being configured to receive measuring light emitted or transmitted by the transmitter and guided to the receiver by a window; wherein,

[0008] The transmitter and receiver are arranged at a certain distance from each other; and

[0009] The camera optics of the receiver and camera device are different components.

[0010] Arranging mechanically independent transmitters and receivers at a distance from each other is advantageous because their positions can be adjusted independently. The positions of the transmitters and receivers can be adjusted according to the size and shape of the window and / or camera device. This increases the flexibility of rain sensor placement on the window while optimizing the rain sensor's sensing capabilities and / or the design of the rain sensor device. A further advantage of having the receiver and camera optics as separate components is that the rain sensor does not need to be optically synchronized with the camera device. Therefore, a rain sensor system with greater design flexibility is achieved.

[0011] A vehicle can be specifically defined as a passenger transport vehicle, such as a car, bus, truck, train, or airplane. The windows of a vehicle are preferably the windshield (front window) or rear window. Windows can be made of glass. Measuring the amount of rain on the windows helps to control the wiping accordingly.

[0012] The camera device can be mounted behind a window, on the inside of the vehicle. It can be used to capture images, particularly video images, of the area surrounding the vehicle. The camera device may also be referred to as a dashboard camera, a front-facing camera, and / or an automotive digital video recorder. The area surrounding the vehicle can correspond to the field of view of the camera device. The area surrounding the vehicle is preferably located in front of the vehicle. The camera optics are all the optical components used to capture images of the area surrounding the vehicle.

[0013] The emitter generates light or transmits received light. In both cases, the light emitted or transmitted by the emitter is directed through a window, thereby coupling the light into the window. If the emitter generates light, it can be implemented as a light-emitting diode (LED). To adjust the divergence of the light emitted by the LED, the emitter may also include lenses, particularly Fresnel lenses, freeform optics, and / or holographic elements. If the emitter transmits light, it may include one or more optical elements, such as lenses. Preferably, the emitter includes one or more prisms, blazed gratings, diffraction gratings, holographic elements, freeform optics, etc.

[0014] A window can reflect received light from its interior, thus directing the light to a receiver. When there is no water on the window, it can perform multiple total internal reflections of the light between the emitter and receiver. In particular, total internal reflection occurs at the window-air interface, especially because the refractive index of the glass forming the window is higher than that of air. The refractive index of the receiver is preferably higher than that of the window. As a result, at the window-receiver interface, the light leaves the window and reaches the receiver.

[0015] The receiver can be a photodetector, photodiode, inverted LED, or any other photosensitive photoelectric element. The receiver can, for example, detect how much light is incident on it and / or at what angle. The light transmittance of a window varies depending on the amount of water (especially rain) on it. Specifically, a window with water droplets transmits less light to the receiver due to total internal reflection losses compared to a window without water.

[0016] The transmitter and receiver are specifically arranged on the same side of the window, particularly inside the vehicle. The transmitter and receiver are mechanically independent (uncoupled) components, specifically not attached to each other. In other words, the transmitter and receiver can move independently of their respective counterparts. Preferably, the transmitter and receiver are not housed in the same housing.

[0017] The transmitter and receiver are arranged at a certain distance from each other, specifically at different positions along the window, with a (e.g., predetermined) distance between them. The transmitter and receiver are preferably arranged far enough apart that light is reflected multiple times within the window between them. This increases the accuracy of the detection performed by the receiver.

[0018] The receiver and camera optics are separate components, specifically meaning they are independent units, and preferably, they are mechanically and / or optically uncoupled from each other. The transmitter and camera optics can also be separate components.

[0019] The transmitter and receiver can be optically independent of the camera optics. "Optically independent" means that the transmitter and receiver do not share any optics with the camera optics of the camera device. In other words, the optics of the transmitter used to emit and / or transmit light are not suitable for use when capturing images of the area around the vehicle. Similarly, the optics of the receiver used to receive light reflected from the window are not suitable for use when capturing images of the area around the vehicle. In other words, the camera optics use a first optical path to capture images of the area around the vehicle, while the transmitter and receiver use a second optical path to detect the amount of rain on the window; the first and second optical paths are different from each other. Furthermore, when capturing images of the surrounding area, the wavelength of light used by the rain sensor can be different from the wavelength used by the camera device to avoid any interference between the light sources.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the rain sensor system further includes an analysis unit configured to analyze the received measurement light to determine the amount of rain on the window.

[0021] Analysis of the received measurement light can involve determining the intensity of the received measurement light and / or the angle of incidence of the received measurement light at the receiver, particularly as a function of time. The analysis unit can be connected to the receiver, such that the receiver transmits the received measurement light to the analysis unit. If the receiver includes a photodiode, the receiver can transmit a current to the analysis unit proportional to the received measurement light.

[0022] The analysis unit can determine the rainfall amount as a digital signal. The analysis unit can then display the determined rainfall amount on a screen or output it to the control unit. The control unit can then control the operation of the window wiper based on the rainfall amount determined by the analysis unit.

[0023] The preferred solution specifies that the transmitter and receiver are arranged on the window such that light emitted or transmitted by the transmitter is reflected at least once by total internal reflection on the outer surface of the window and at least once on the inner surface of the window. This allows for a long measurement area without additional components on the inner surface of the window.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the transmitter and receiver are arranged along different sides of the camera device.

[0025] The transmitter and receiver are arranged on different sides (preferably opposite sides) of at least a portion of the camera assembly, particularly on different sides of the camera optics. Preferably, the transmitter and receiver are arranged symmetrically around the camera assembly, thereby improving the design of the rain sensor system.

[0026] According to another embodiment, the rain sensor system further includes a camera cover configured to at least partially cover the camera device; wherein the transmitter and / or receiver are arranged in, on, or along the camera cover.

[0027] A camera cover can be a component positioned between a window and a camera assembly to cover and conceal the camera assembly when viewed from outside the vehicle. Specifically, the camera has openings for the camera lens of the camera assembly to allow capture of the surrounding area, but covers components of the camera assembly, such as processing units. The camera cover can be part of the camera assembly housing. The camera cover can be made of opaque plastic.

[0028] The arrangement of the transmitter and receiver within the camera cover specifically means that the camera cover includes openings and / or mounts for accommodating the transmitter and / or receiver. This arrangement is advantageous because the transmitter and / or receiver are integrated into the camera cover, thereby reducing the overall size of the rain sensor system.

[0029] The arrangement of the transmitter and receiver on the camera cover specifically means that the transmitter and / or receiver are positioned between the window and the camera cover. This advantageously reduces the surface area of ​​the window used by the rain sensor system.

[0030] Arranging the transmitter and / or receiver along the camera cover specifically means that the transmitter and receiver are arranged along the side or edge of the camera cover, especially in contact with the camera cover.

[0031] According to another embodiment, the transmitter and receiver are arranged along one or more edges of the camera cover, or in one or more openings in the camera cover.

[0032] The edge specifically refers to the side of the camera cover.

[0033] According to another embodiment, the transmitter and receiver are arranged on opposite edges of the camera cover or at different ends of the same edge.

[0034] According to another embodiment, the transmitter and / or receiver are configured to move independently of the camera cover and / or camera device.

[0035] The transmitter and / or receiver can be moved independently relative to the camera cover, especially without damaging any parts.

[0036] According to another embodiment, the distance between the transmitter and the receiver is at least 5 cm, and particularly at least 7 cm or 10 cm.

[0037] According to a further embodiment,

[0038] The emitter includes a light-emitting diode (LED) for emitting light and / or an optical element (first optical element) for collimating the emitted light; and / or

[0039] The receiver includes an optical element (second optical element) for focusing the received measurement light.

[0040] The first optical element adjusts the divergence of the light beam emitted by the transmitter. To collimate the light, the transmitter may include a lens, particularly a Fresnel lens, a freeform optics device, a holographic element, a prism, a blazed grating, a diffraction grating, etc., as the first optical element. The second optical element may also be a lens, particularly a Fresnel lens, a freeform optics device, a holographic element, a prism, a blazed grating, a diffraction grating, etc. Preferably, the second optical element is identical to the first optical element, but inverted. The light received by the receiver then propagates along a path opposite to that of the transmitter.

[0041] According to another embodiment, the light emitted by the transmitter has a divergence between 3 and 6 degrees. This introduces some tolerance regarding the positioning of the receiver relative to the transmitter.

[0042] According to another embodiment, the rain sensor system further includes a processor unit for powering and / or controlling (i) the transmitter and / or receiver and (ii) the camera device.

[0043] The same processor unit is used to power and / or control the rain sensor and camera assembly. Although the camera optics and rain sensor optics are not shared, the camera assembly and rain sensor can share the same processor unit. In other words, the rain sensor and camera assembly can be electrically coupled. This is advantageous because the entire rain sensor system, including the rain sensor and camera assembly, requires a single processor unit. This reduces the amount of space required for the processor unit and also reduces cost.

[0044] Preferably, the processor unit is used to control the capture of images of the area surrounding the vehicle by the camera optics. The processor unit may include all the electronics of the rain sensor. In other words, the rain sensor may only include optical elements and optional housing and / or an interface for connection to the camera device.

[0045] To couple the camera device and the rain sensor, cables, optical fibers, and / or flexible flat cables can be used.

[0046] According to a further embodiment,

[0047] The camera device includes a light emitting element configured to emit light and / or a light receiving element configured to receive light; and

[0048] The optical emitting element is connected to the transmitter via a first optical fiber configured to transmit light emitted by the optical emitting element to the transmitter, and / or the optical receiving element is connected to the receiver via a second optical fiber configured to transmit measurement light received by the receiver to the optical receiving element.

[0049] The light emitting element and / or light receiving element may be physically located on the camera device, for example, within the housing of the camera device. The light emitting element and / or light receiving element are preferably used only for the rain sensor and, in particular, not for capturing images of the area around the vehicle. Specifically, the light emitting element and / or light receiving element are not part of the camera optics. However, the light emitting element and / or light receiving element may be optically coupled to the transmitter and / or receiver to emit light to and / or receive light from them. Optical fiber can be used for optical coupling. The transmitter and / or receiver preferably include the aforementioned first and / or second optical elements.

[0050] According to another embodiment, the processor unit further includes a determining element for determining the amount of rain on the window based on the light received by the light receiving element.

[0051] Rainfall analysis can be performed using the same processor unit that controls the camera device, specifically for capturing images of the surrounding area. This reduces the cost and space required for the processor unit.

[0052] According to another embodiment, the light emitting element and / or the light receiving element are part of the processor unit.

[0053] The processor unit can be a printed circuit board (PCB), particularly a motherboard PCB (or motherboard) for a camera device. The PCB may have light emitting elements and / or light receiving elements arranged thereon. The PCB may also include mechanical coupling elements for coupling the first and second optical fibers to the PCB.

[0054] According to another embodiment, the rain sensor system includes multiple transmitters and / or multiple receivers.

[0055] This can improve the reliability of detecting how much rain is on the window, and thus increase the accuracy and reliability of the rain sensor system. Alternatively or in addition, multiple transmitters and / or receivers can be used to expand the detection area of ​​the rain sensor.

[0056] According to a second aspect, a rain sensor is provided for a rain sensor system according to the first aspect or an embodiment thereof. The rain sensor includes a transmitter and a receiver, the transmitter being configured to emit or transmit light, and the receiver being configured to receive measuring light emitted or transmitted by the transmitter and guided to the receiver by a window; wherein,

[0057] The transmitter and receiver are arranged at a certain distance from each other; and

[0058] The receiver and camera optics of a camera device are different components.

[0059] The features described in conjunction with the rain sensor system according to the first aspect or its embodiments are equally applicable to the rain sensor according to the second aspect.

[0060] According to a third aspect, a vehicle is provided that includes a rain sensor system according to the first aspect or an embodiment thereof.

[0061] The features described in connection with the rain sensor system according to the first aspect or its embodiments are also applicable to the vehicle according to the third aspect.

[0062] The invention has been described with reference to various embodiments. It should be understood that one or more features of any embodiment may be combined with one or more features of other embodiments. Furthermore, any single feature or combination of features in any embodiment may constitute another embodiment.

[0063] Other embodiments or aspects of the invention are subject to the dependent claims and the examples described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0064] Figure 1 A view of the vehicle is shown;

[0065] Figure 2 A rain sensor system according to a first embodiment is shown;

[0066] Figure 3 This shows a first example of light propagating through a window without rain;

[0067] Figure 4 It shows light propagating through a rain-soaked window;

[0068] Figure 5 A second example of light propagating through a window without rain is shown;

[0069] Figure 6 A rain sensor system according to a second embodiment is shown;

[0070] Figure 7 It shows the use of Figure 6 The camera device of the rain sensor system;

[0071] Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 Detailed view of the optical connections in the camera device; and

[0072] Figure 9 It shows Figure 6 An example of the connection on the transmitter side of a rain sensor system.

[0073] In the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise specified, the same elements are indicated by the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0074] Figure 1 A view of a vehicle 100, which is a car, is shown. The car 100 has a window 101, which is a windshield, at its front 107. Inside the car 100, a rain sensor system 1 is mounted on the window 101. The rain sensor system 1 is mounted at or near a rearview mirror (not shown) of the car 100.

[0075] The rain sensor system 1 of the car 100 is, for example, the rain sensor system 1 according to the first embodiment, which in Figure 2 As shown in the image. Figure 2 The side of the rain sensor system 1 is shown, positioned against and / or toward a window 101 inside the vehicle 100. In other words, Figure 2 A rain sensor system 1 is shown, visible from the outside of the vehicle 100 through window 101.

[0076] like Figure 2 As shown, the rain sensor system 1 includes a camera device 2 and a rain sensor 6. The camera device 2 includes camera optics 3, which includes lenses, etc. The camera optics 3 are positioned such that their field of view 103 extends to the front 107 of the vehicle 100. Using the camera optics 3, the camera device 2 can monitor an area 102 around the vehicle 100 (see...). Figure 1 Region 102 is defined by the field of view 103 of the camera optics 3.

[0077] The camera optics 3 are visible from the outside of the vehicle 100. However, the camera cover 20 conceals the rest of the components of the camera assembly 2. These concealed components include, for example, the control unit of the camera optics 3.

[0078] The rain sensor 6 includes a transmitter 4 and a receiver 5. The transmitter 4 and receiver 5 are two separate optical elements that can move independently of each other. The transmitter 4 and receiver 5 can also move independently of the camera device 2 (e.g., during positioning and / or mounting of the transmitter 4 and receiver 5 onto the window 101). In the rain sensor system 1 of the first embodiment, the transmitter 4, receiver 5, and camera device 2 are completely independent and uncoupled units that do not share any resources (light, electricity, etc.). Specifically, the receiver 5 and the camera optics 3 are separate components.

[0079] The transmitter 4 and receiver 5 are mechanically fixed to the window 101, and silicone for refractive index matching is placed between the transmitter 4 and the window 101 and between the receiver 5 and the window 101.

[0080] Transmitter 4 and receiver 5 are arranged at a distance d from each other, and camera device 2 is arranged between transmitter 4 and receiver 5. Figure 2 As shown, the transmitter 4 and receiver 5 are arranged along opposite sides (edges) 21 of the camera cover 20. Figure 2 In one embodiment, the rain sensor system 1 is symmetrical about the central vertical axis of the camera cover 20.

[0081] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 Explain the working principle of the rain sensor 6. The interior 104 and exterior 105 of the car 100 are separated by a window 101. The emitter 4 includes an LED 4a for emitting light and a lens 4b arranged between the LED 4a and the window 101 for collimating the light emitted by the LED 4a. As a result, the emitter 4 directs the collimated light beam 7 into the window 101. The emitter 4 and the receiver 5 are sufficiently far apart that the light beam 7 can be reflected at a point of total reflection 8 before reaching the receiver 5. Figures 3 to 5 (Only some are shown in the image) where the window 101 reflects the light multiple times.

[0082] like Figure 3 As shown, Figure 2 The receiver 5 of the rain sensor system 1 includes a lens 5a and a photodiode 5b that converts the received measurement light into an electric current. Therefore, the output of the receiver 5 is an electrical signal proportional to the intensity of the received light. The electrical signal output by the receiver 5 is forwarded to the analysis unit 22, which determines the amount of rain on the window 101 based on the received electrical signal.

[0083] exist Figure 3 In the case of rain, there is no rain on window 101. As a result, the light beam 7 is completely and repeatedly reflected, and the intensity of the light received at receiver 5 is essentially equal to the intensity emitted by transmitter 4. On the other hand, when there are raindrops 106 on window 101, the raindrops 106 alter the reflection of the light beam 7. As a result, depending on the amount of water on the window (or equivalently depending on the number of raindrops 106), some or all of the light beam 7 is partially reflected towards receiver 5 along their trajectories. Figure 4 As shown, at partial reflection point 9, some light is not reflected and instead leaves window 101. This lost light "disappears" from the light detected by receiver 5. Therefore, the light intensity detected at receiver 5 decreases with increasing rainfall, allowing analysis unit 22 to determine how much water is on window 101.

[0084] Multiple reflections of the light beam 7 in window 101 increase the accuracy of the rain sensor system 1.

[0085] The optical alignment of transmitter 4 relative to receiver 5 does not need to be performed with extreme precision. In fact, as... Figure 5 As shown, a slight divergence of the injected light (a few degrees, preferably less than 6°) causes a constant offset of some beam 7. Although the light intensity received at receiver 5 is reduced in this case, this can be compensated for by increasing the emitted light intensity on the transmitter 4 side. Figure 5 In the case of slight divergence, it can follow the reference above. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The same route is described to perform the detection of rainfall on window 101.

[0086] although Figure 4 and 5 LED 4a, lens 4b, lens 5a, photodiode 5b, and analysis unit 22 are not explicitly shown, but transmitter 4, receiver 5, and analysis unit 22 are actually related to... Figure 3 The same as in [the previous sentence].

[0087] As a first embodiment ( Figure 2 As an alternative to the rain sensor system 1 of the second embodiment, the rain sensor system 1 can be installed... Figure 1 Behind the window 101 of the car 1. This rain sensor system 1 according to the second embodiment is located behind the window 101 of the car 1. Figure 6 As shown in the image.

[0088] Rain sensor system 1 of the first embodiment ( Figure 2 ) and the rain sensor system 1 of the second embodiment ( Figure 6The difference between the two is that in the first embodiment, the transmitter 4 emits light itself, while the receiver 5 analyzes or emits an electrical signal corresponding to the detection intensity itself. On the other hand, in the second embodiment ( Figure 6 In this embodiment, transmitter 4 emits only the light received from camera device 2, and receiver 5 forwards only the received measurement light toward camera device 2 for analysis. In the second embodiment, transmitter 4 and receiver 5 do not include any electronic components, but only optical components. Similar to the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, receiver 5 and camera optics 3 are different components.

[0089] In detail, such as Figure 7 As shown, the camera device 2 of the rain sensor system 1 in the second embodiment includes a processor unit 10 mounted within a housing 11. The processor unit 10 is a printed circuit board (PCB) configured to control the operation of the camera optics 3 to capture an image of the area 102. Furthermore, the processor unit 10 includes a light emitting element 12 (here, an LED) and a light receiving element 13 (here, a photodiode).

[0090] like Figure 7 As shown, housing 11 includes a first fiber optic interface 14 and a second fiber optic interface 15 for connecting fiber optic cable 16. More specifically, as... Figure 8 As shown, the fiber optic connector 17 can be inserted into the first fiber optic interface 14. Light emitted by the LED 12 is guided into the fiber optic cable 16 through the fiber optic connector 17. Figure 6 and 8 As shown, the other end of the optical fiber 16 is connected to the transmitter 4. An optical fiber connector 18 is used to couple the optical fiber to the transmitter 4. In a second embodiment, the transmitter 4 includes a prism 19 as a first optical element (see...). Figure 9 Therefore, the light emitted by LED 12 is guided to emitter 4 through first optical fiber 16, collimated by prism 19 and incident into window 101.

[0091] Although not shown in the figure, the connection between the light receiving element 13 and the receiver 5 is equivalent to Figure 8 and 9 The connection between the light emitting element 12 and the transmitter 4 is shown. Specifically, a second optical fiber (not shown) connects the light receiving element 13 and the receiver 5. Connectors similar to fiber optic connectors 17 and 18 are used for connections between the optical fiber and the light receiving element 13, and between the optical fiber and the receiver 5. The receiver 5 may include a second optical element for focusing the received measurement light. The receiver 5 transmits the received measurement light to the light receiving element 13 via the second optical fiber. The light receiving element 13 generates an electrical signal based on the received measurement signal.

[0092] Advantageously, the rain sensor 6 does not require a power supply and does not need to emit light signals or analyze the measured light signals themselves. Instead, processor resources are shared with the camera device 2. This reduces the cost, complexity, and size of the rain sensor system 1 in the second embodiment.

[0093] In the second embodiment, the propagation of light through window 101 is the same as in the first embodiment. Figures 3 to 5 ).

[0094] Although the technology has been described with reference to several practical examples, it should be understood that the technology is not limited to the disclosed examples, but rather is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements. For example, the vehicle may be a train, truck, etc., rather than a car. The rain sensor system 1 may be installed at the rear 108 of the vehicle 100 instead of the front 107 (see...). Figure 1 Instead of using prism 19 as the first optical element, free-form optics or diffractive optics can be used. The positioning of transmitter 4 and receiver 5 can differ. Figure 2 As shown. For example, transmitter 4 and receiver 5 can be positioned above and below camera device 2. Transmitter 4 and receiver 5 can also be at least partially integrated into camera cover 20. Furthermore, additional features such as ambient light sensing can be implemented using rain sensor 6 or using camera device 2.

[0095] List of reference numerals

[0096] 1 Rain Sensor System

[0097] 2. Camera device

[0098] 3. Camera optics

[0099] 4. Transmitter

[0100] 4a LED

[0101] 4b lens

[0102] 5 receivers

[0103] 5a lens

[0104] 5b photodiode

[0105] 6 Rain Sensors

[0106] 7 beams

[0107] 8 Total Reflection Point

[0108] 9 Partial Reflection Points

[0109] 10 processor units

[0110] 11. Shell

[0111] 12 light emitting elements

[0112] 13 Optical receiving element

[0113] 14 First Fiber Optic Interface

[0114] 15 Second Fiber Optic Interface

[0115] 16 First Fiber Optic

[0116] Fiber optic connectors 17 and 18

[0117] 19 Prisms

[0118] 20 Camera Cap

[0119] 21 sides

[0120] 22 Analysis Unit

[0121] 100 vehicles

[0122] 101 Windows

[0123] 102 Surrounding Area

[0124] 103. Camera Field of View

[0125] 104 Internal

[0126] 105 External

[0127] 106 raindrops

[0128] 107 Front

[0129] 108 Rear

[0130] d Distance

Claims

1. A rain sensor system (1) for measuring rainfall on a window (101) of a vehicle (100), comprising: A camera device (2) configured to capture images of the area (102) surrounding the vehicle (100) using camera optics (3); Rain sensor (6) includes a transmitter (4) and a receiver (5), the transmitter (4) being configured to emit or transmit light, and the receiver (5) being configured to receive measuring light emitted or transmitted by the transmitter (4) and guided to the receiver (5) by the window (101); wherein the transmitter (4) and the receiver (5) are arranged to be a distance (d) apart from each other. The receiver (5) and the camera optics (3) of the camera device (2) are different components. The camera device (2) includes a light emitting element (12) configured to emit light and / or a light receiving element (13) configured to receive light, wherein the light emitting element (12) and / or the light receiving element (13) are not part of the camera optics (3), and The light emitting element (12) is connected to the transmitter (4) via a first optical fiber (16) configured to transmit the light emitted by the light emitting element (12) to the transmitter (4), and / or the light receiving element (13) is connected to the receiver (5) via a second optical fiber configured to transmit the measurement light received by the receiver (5) to the light receiving element (13).

2. The rain sensor system according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes an analysis unit (22) configured to analyze the received measurement light to determine the amount of rain on the window (101).

3. The rain sensor system according to claim 2, wherein, The transmitter (4) and receiver (5) are arranged on the window (101) such that light emitted or transmitted by the transmitter (4) is reflected at least once on the outer surface of the window (101) by total internal reflection and at least once on the inner surface of the window (101).

4. The rain sensor system according to claim 3, wherein, The transmitter (4) and receiver (5) are mechanically independent components, and / or the transmitter (4) and receiver (5) are not attached to each other, and / or the transmitter (4) and receiver (5) are not housed in the same housing.

5. The rain sensor system according to claim 4, wherein, The transmitter (4) and receiver (5) are arranged along different sides of the camera device (2).

6. The rain sensor system according to any one of the preceding claims further includes a camera cover (20) configured to at least partially cover the camera device (2), wherein, The transmitter (4) and / or receiver (5) are arranged in the camera cover (20), on the camera cover (20), or along the camera cover (20).

7. The rain sensor system according to claim 6, wherein, The transmitter (4) and receiver (5) are arranged along one or more edges (21) of the camera cover (20) or in one or more openings in the camera cover (20).

8. The rain sensor system according to claim 7, wherein, The transmitter (4) and receiver (5) are arranged on opposite edges (21) of the camera cover (20) or at different ends of the same edge (21).

9. The rain sensor system according to claim 6, wherein, The transmitter (4) and / or receiver (5) are configured to move independently of the camera cover (20) and / or camera device (2).

10. The rain sensor system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The emitter (4) includes a light-emitting diode (4a) for emitting light and / or an optical element (4b) for collimating the emitted light; and / or The receiver (5) includes an optical element (5a) for focusing the received measurement light.

11. The rain sensor system according to claim 10, wherein, The light emitted by the emitter (4) has a divergence between 3 and 6 degrees.

12. The rain sensor system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a processor unit (10) for powering and / or controlling (i) the transmitter (4) and / or the receiver (5) and (ii) the camera device (2).

13. The rain sensor system according to claim 12, wherein, The processor unit (10) further includes a determining element for determining the amount of rain on the window (101) based on the light received by the light receiving element (13), and / or wherein the light emitting element (12) and / or the light receiving element (13) are part of the processor unit (10).

14. A vehicle (100) comprising a rain sensor system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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