Method and apparatus for monitoring a powered vent opening with a multifaceted sensor system
US6693273B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 2, 2000 |
| Grant date | Feb 17, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 2, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S17/04
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system and method are disclosed for enabling the selective monitoring of various regions of an aperture having a powered closure operative therein. Each of plural, individually selectable emitters is adapted to provide a narrow beam whose angle with respect to a horizontal plane is offset from the other emitters. All of the radiated beams lie in substantially the same plane in azimuth. A controller responds to certain stimuli to selectively activate one or more of the emitters. The energy thus produced is monitored by a receiver preferably disposed within the same housing. The receiver output is analyzed by the controller to identify the presence of an obstacle in that portion of the aperture illuminated by the selected emitter(s). A variety of systems may provide input to the controller for the purpose of influencing which of the plural emitters are to be activated for object detection. In an alternative embodiment, one or more unswitched emitters may be used in conjunction with plural, selectively activated receivers. In a further embodiment, plural emitters and plural receivers are provided, all being independently selectable by the controller. The ability to selectively monit…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.