Multi-function light sensor for vehicle

Details Multi-function light sensor for vehicle Multi-function light sensor for vehicle

1997-05-14

2000-09-12

Lieu, Julie

Communications: electrical

Condition responsive indicating system

Specific condition

340604, 250573, 250574, 15DIG15, 318483, 318DIG2, G08B 2100

Patent

active

061183830

ABSTRACT:
A system for detecting the presence of rain droplets on a windshield employs a source of radiant energy, such as an LED, and a photodetector installed on the instrument panel of a vehicle. The LED and the photodiode are arranged with respect to one another such that light from the LED cannot reflect directly off the windshield onto the photodiode. Only when the light from the LED is back scattered by an environmental condition, such as the raindrops on the exterior of the windshield, the condensation of moisture on the interior of the windshield, or the presence of smoke in the cabin, will the photodiode receive the light from the LED. Each of these environmental conditions has a predeterminable characteristic signature that permits the processing of data to detect same. An ambient light signal is subtracted from the combination of the rain and ambient light signals by pulsed operation of the LED and subtracting the ambient light signal, which is detected when the LED is dark, from the combined LED and ambient light signal which is present when the LED is illuminated. A further LED is provided to effect a fog detection system that detects condensation on the interior of the vehicle windshield. The further LED illuminates the photodiode in a manner whereby the light on the photodiode is reduced when condensation is present. Also, a monitoring arrangement that employs a separate light sensor provides compensation for variances resulting from component aging and thermal influences.

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