Radiant energy – Photocells; circuits and apparatus – Optical or pre-photocell system
Patent
1981-03-11
1984-10-23
Nelms, David C.
Radiant energy
Photocells; circuits and apparatus
Optical or pre-photocell system
340555, G01S 902
Patent
active
044790538
ABSTRACT:
An optical proximity sensor for optically detecting an object within a predetermined detection volume. More specifically, an optical proximity sensor is disclosed having an illuminator assembly including an illuminator lens (55) and a plurality of light-emitting diodes (53) located at first predetermined positions along the focal plane (54) of the illuminator lens (55). A detector assembly including a detector lens (65) and a plurality of photodiodes (60) located at second predetermined positions along the focal plane of the detector lens (65) is also provided. The two lenses are spaced apart a predetermined distance in accordance with the configuration of the light-emitting diodes (53) and the photodiodes (60) in order to define a predetermined detection volume. Each light-emitting diode has a corresponding photodiode, and their relative positions on their respective focal planes determine the detection volume defined by their overlapping fields of view. Thus by correctly positioning one light-emitting diode/photodiode pair with respect to each other, all the other pairs will be correctly positioned due to their predetermined locations on their respective focal planes. Additionally, a combination of optical proximity sensors, according to the invention, is disclosed wherein the sensors can be used in conjunction with a vehicle to provide a safety system for warning an operator when an object is within a volume defined by the proximity sensor combination.
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Hostetter Darwin R.
Jones T.
Manning J.
Mott M.
Nelms David C.
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