Patent ID: 9128813
Filing Date: 2015-09-08
Classification: B60Q,B60S,G06F,G06K

Abstract:
1. A method for assisting a driver in driving a vehicle by detecting weather-related visibility limitations, wherein image data of the surroundings of the vehicle and of a windshield of the vehicle are generated by a camera that is directed toward the windshield, including: generating at least one image by the camera which includes a bifocal optical element so that the camera is focused on the windshield in a first image region and focused on the surroundings of the vehicle in a second image region; detecting wetting of at least one of the inner and/or outer surface of the windshield with moisture and condensate, the image data of the first image region of the at least one image are evaluated by an image processing system and, in the event of a detection of wetting, a first evaluation signal that indicates wetting of the inner and/or outer surface of the windshield with moisture and/or condensate is generated; detecting a visibility limitation, due to fog and/or wetting of the inner and/or outer surface of the windshield with moisture and/or condensate, the image data of the second image region of the at least one image are evaluated by the image processing system and, in the event of a detection of visibility limitation, a second evaluation signal that indicates the visibility limitation is generated; and 1) activating, by a control device, a windshield wiper of the vehicle to wipe the windshield in response to the first evaluation signal and the second evaluation signal both being generated, and then activate a windshield heater of the vehicle in response to the first evaluation signal and the second evaluation signal both still being generated after the wiper wipes the windshield, 2) activating, by the control device, a fog lamp of the vehicle and/or a driver warning device of the vehicle in response to only the second evaluation signal being generated.