Apparatus and method for detecting an object using digitally encoded optical data
US6265709A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 12, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jul 24, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 12, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S17/04
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A proximity detection apparatus for detecting objects within a predetermined space. The apparatus comprises a transmitter, a receiver, a processor, and a power supply that provides electrical potential to the transmitter, the receiver, and the processor. The processor produces transmitted data bursts to the transmitter, the transmitter emits optical data bursts toward the predetermined space where, if the object is present, the optical data bursts reflect off of the object as return optical bursts. The receiver detects the return optical bursts and transmits received data bursts to the processor. The processor compares the received data bursts against the transmitted data bursts to verify that the object is present in the predetermined space. The processor produces an output signal to control equipment based the object being present or absent from the predetermined space. A dispensing system embodiment may include a portion control device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.