Device and method for operating a rain detector
US6331819A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 2, 2000 |
| Grant date | Dec 18, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 2, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60S1/0833
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and a method for operating an optoelectronic rain sensor for detecting the wetting of a window (14) with moisture for wetting-dependent triggering of a system, in particular a windshield wiper system for motor vehicles, is proposed in which the component of the ambient beam (18) of the sensor signal (22) in a first interval is virtually eliminated and therefore need no longer be taken into account in the ensuing detection of the sensor signal (22) in a second interval relevant to triggering of the windshield wiper system. The apparatus includes first means (26, 40, 42), which in the first interval detect the sensor signal (22) and ascertain an interfering light signal (44) corresponding to the ambient beam (18), the latter signal being delivered to a regulator (50), which as a function of the interfering light signal (44) regulates compensation means (30) disposed in the current circuit of the receiver (16), and second means (26, 60, 62), which in the second interval, directly following the first, detect the sensor signal (22) and ascertain a useful light signal (64) corresponding substantially to the transmitter beam (12).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.