Radiant energy – Photocells; circuits and apparatus – Photocell controls its own optical systems
Patent
1992-10-19
1994-02-01
Messinger, Michael
Radiant energy
Photocells; circuits and apparatus
Photocell controls its own optical systems
250223R, G01J 132
Patent
active
052834247
ABSTRACT:
The present invention is a method and apparatus for selectively altering the sensitivity of an optical sensor. The sensor has both a light source and a detector which are optically aligned with one another. The detector produces a first output signal level in response to light having an illumination intensity greater than or equal to a threshold intensity, and a second output signal level in response to light having an illumination intensity less than a threshold intensity. The sensor further includes the ability to selectively alter the illumination intensity of the light emitted by the light source to a lower level between the threshold intensity and the normal operating intensity. Hence, operating at the lower intensity enables the sensor to detect translucent sheets or facilitates identification of marginally operable sensors.
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Acquaviva Thomas
Wierszewski Ronald R.
Basch Duane C.
Messinger Michael
Xerox Corporation
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