Sunload sensor for automotive vehicles
US6888120B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 29, 2002 |
| Grant date | May 3, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 29, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01J1/0411
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A dual-channel sunload sensor capable of sensing the intensity and directionality of the solar radiative power entering the cabin of a car through the windshield, for the purpose of providing information to the data processing system of the car that enables a control of the air conditioning system that optimizes the comfort of the driver and of the front passenger. Signals from the sensor offer reliable indications of the solar load power and directionality for a wide range of angular positions of the sun. The sensor includes two convex transparent parts collecting light each toward a respective photodiode, the transparent parts being separated by an opaque portion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.