Electricity: motive power systems – Automatic and/or with time-delay means – Moisture content or wetness
Patent
1997-12-02
2000-02-01
Masih, Karen
Electricity: motive power systems
Automatic and/or with time-delay means
Moisture content or wetness
318443, 318444, 318480, 15250C, 1525012, 1525013, 1525017, G05B 500
Patent
active
060207043
ABSTRACT:
An apparatus for detecting moisture on the windscreen of a motor vehicle has an illumination source and a light sensor mounted within the motor vehicle. The light sensor detects light rays from the light source reflected off the windscreen via a diffusion surface within the motor vehicle. Based upon the sensed reflected light, an image processor in communication with the light sensor creates an image of a portion of the windscreen that the processor analyzes to determine the moisture condition of the windscreen.
A method for controlling the operation of the windscreen wiper system monitors light reflected from a portion of a windscreen and creates an image of the moisture condition of the windscreen based on the reflected light. The image is analyzed to determine the configuration of light intensities in predetermined zones. From the light intensity configuration, the moisture condition of the windscreen is determined. The sensed moisture condition parameters are compared to a threshold array and a signal based upon this comparison is communicated the wiper, defogger, or headlight control system.
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SAE Technical Paper Series--Method of Evaluating Visibility Provided by Windshield Wipers in Rainy Conditions. By T. Kurahashi, Y. Fukatsu, and K. Matsui. Sep. 23-26, 1995.
Video Rain Sensing Using A Screen, Disclosed anonymously.
SAE Technical Paper Series--The Engineering Resource For Advancing Mobility, "Method of Evaluating Visibility Provided by Windshield Wipers in Rainy Conditions" by T. Kurahashi, Y. Fukatsu and K. Matsui. Dearborn, Michigan--Sep. 23-26, 1985.
Lewis J. Gordon
Masih Karen
Valeo Electrical Systems, Inc.
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