Abstract: A method for classifying a roadway condition on the basis of image data from a camera system includes providing image data which is configured to image at least one portion of the surroundings of the vehicle, at least part of the portion containing the roadway on which the vehicle is driving. The method includes distinguishing diffuse reflection and specular reflection of the roadway by evaluating differences in the appearances of at least one point of the roadway in at least two images. The method also includes determining whether, in at least one image, there are disturbances that have been caused by at least one wheel of a vehicle whirling up a substance covering a roadway as said wheel travels thereover. The method further includes classifying the roadway condition into one of several roadway condition classes, taking account of the results with regard to the reflection type and the disturbance intensity.

Abstract: In a method for detecting and assessing reflections on a road (7), a camera (2) produces at least two digital images of at least one point (3) of the road, respectively from different recording perspectives (A, B) of the camera (2). Diffuse reflection and specular reflection of the road (7) are then detected by assessing differences in the appearances of the point (3) of the road in the at least two digital images using digital image processing algorithms. Road reflections are preferably assessed using an approximative approach. An item of road condition information is determined based on the detected reflection, preferably an item of road condition information which states whether the road is dry, wet, snow-covered or icy. Also provided are an apparatus (1) for carrying out the above-mentioned method, and a vehicle having such an apparatus.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus determine a road condition using a vehicle camera. At least one image is acquired using the camera. A first image area that includes an image of the road surface is determined in the at least one image. A classifier assigns the first image area to at least one class (among pre-established classes) that represents a specific road condition of the road surface. Information regarding this specific road condition is output.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting and assessing reflections on a road (7). A camera (2) is provided and is used to produce at least two digital images of at least one point (3) of the road, wherein the images are produced from different recording perspectives (A, B) of the camera (2). Diffuse reflection and specular reflection of the road (7) are then detected by assessing differences in the appearances of the at least one point (3) of the road in the at least two digital images using digital image processing algorithms. Road reflections are particularly preferably assessed using an approximative approach. An item of road condition information is determined on the basis of the detected reflection, in particular an item of road condition information which states whether the road (7) is dry, wet, snow-covered or icy. The invention also relates to an apparatus (1) for carrying out the above-mentioned method and to a vehicle having such an apparatus (1).

Abstract: A method for detecting and evaluating environmental influences and road condition information in the surroundings of a vehicle. At least two digital images are generated in a successive manner using a camera, and the same image section is selected on each image. Changes in the image sharpness between the image sections of the at least two successive images are detected using digital image processing algorithms, wherein the image sharpness changes are weighted in a decreasing manner from the center of the image sections towards the outside. Surroundings condition information is ascertained on the basis of the detected image sharpness changes between the image sections of the at least two successive images using machine learning methods, and road condition information is determined on the basis of the ascertained surroundings condition information.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining a road condition using a vehicle camera (6), and it includes the following steps: at least one image (I) is taken using the vehicle camera (S10); a first image area (R1) is determined that includes an image of the road surface (1) (S16); said first image area (R1) is fed to a classifier, wherein the classifier assigns at least one class to said first image area that represents a specific road condition (S18); and information is output with respect to this at least one road condition (S20).