Adhering substance detector and controller using the same

Details Adhering substance detector and controller using the same Adhering substance detector and controller using the same

2005-07-19

2005-07-19

Stafira, Michael P. (Department: 2877)

Optics: measuring and testing

Of light reflection

C356S448000, C250S208100, C250S227250, C250S574000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06919961

ABSTRACT:
An object sensor is provided, which has a high object detection rate with respect to an object such as a raindrop adhering to a detection surface, and which is capable of detecting the presence/absence of an object with a high sensitivity. A light source10, a detection surface110, a focusing lens40, and a plurality of photodetecting elements of a photodetecting unit50form a focusing system of equal magnification that is capable of catching an image in a size smaller than an object to be detected. Light emitted from the light source10is incident on the detection surface110via a prism20at a predetermined incident angle. Without a raindrop120, the total internal reflection condition is satisfied as shown by a path140of a beam, so that the beam is subjected to the total internal reflection. Then, the beam passes through a prism30, and is focused on a photodetecting surface of the photodetecting unit50by the focusing lens40. On the other hand, with a raindrop120, the total internal reflection condition is not satisfied as shown by a trail130of a beam, so that the beam passes therethrough and is not focused on the photodetecting unit50. A difference in signal level is determined on the photodetecting element basis, so that an object covering the detection surface110is detected.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4701613 (1987-10-01), Watanabe et al.
patent: 4867561 (1989-09-01), Fuji et al.
patent: 5572315 (1996-11-01), Krell
patent: 5661303 (1997-08-01), Teder
patent: 5898183 (1999-04-01), Teder
patent: 5991049 (1999-11-01), Tanaka et al.
patent: 5998782 (1999-12-01), Koyama et al.
patent: 6064059 (2000-05-01), Pientka et al.
patent: 6207967 (2001-03-01), Hochstein
patent: 6232603 (2001-05-01), Nelson
patent: 6262407 (2001-07-01), Teder
patent: 6307198 (2001-10-01), Asakura et al.
patent: 6369378 (2002-04-01), Lamm et al.
patent: 6376824 (2002-04-01), Michenfelder et al.
patent: 57-134657 (1981-02-01), None
patent: 59-152449 (1984-10-01), None
patent: 63-33645 (1988-02-01), None
patent: 63-038058 (1988-02-01), None
patent: 64-25036 (1989-12-01), None

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Adhering substance detector and controller using the same does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Adhering substance detector and controller using the same, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Adhering substance detector and controller using the same will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3403616