Deposit detector and control device using it
US7002480B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 25, 2001 |
| Grant date | Feb 21, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 1, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S318/02
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A deposit detector in which deposit on a detection surface has a surface shape effect, and generation of a flashing phenomenon caused by irregular reflection of the light incident on the deposit from the outside is estimated. In a deposit detection mode, light emitted from a light source (10) for total reflection and total-reflected from the detection surface is received by a light-receiving element unit (50). Each element is disposed at such an angle that the light undergoes total reflection when no deposit is present or the condition of total reflection is not satisfied when deposit is present. Further, in a light-scattering deposit detection mode, light emitted from a scattering light source (20) and scattered by the detection surface is received by the light-receiving element unit (50). In an extraneous light quantity increase detection mode, extraneous light is received by the light-receiving element unit (50). Light detection signal generated while changing the mode is analyzed by a deposit estimation unit (60), and deposition of rain drops and increase in incident extraneous light quantity are detected to estimate generation of irregular reflection (flashing phenomenon) caus…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.