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WO1999050092A1 - Systeme de detection de la visibilite - Google Patents

Systeme de detection de la visibilite Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1999050092A1
WO1999050092A1 PCT/US1999/007135 US9907135W WO9950092A1 WO 1999050092 A1 WO1999050092 A1 WO 1999050092A1 US 9907135 W US9907135 W US 9907135W WO 9950092 A1 WO9950092 A1 WO 9950092A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sensor
opening
visibility
recited
optical port
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1999/007135
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Takeo Sawatari
Philip A. Gaubis
Clark J. Charnetski
Original Assignee
Sentec Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US09/053,034 external-priority patent/US5982288A/en
Priority claimed from US09/196,362 external-priority patent/US6330519B1/en
Application filed by Sentec Corporation filed Critical Sentec Corporation
Priority to AU33761/99A priority Critical patent/AU3376199A/en
Publication of WO1999050092A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999050092A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/02—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments
    • B60Q1/04—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights
    • B60Q1/18—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights being additional front lights
    • B60Q1/20—Fog lights
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/0017—Devices integrating an element dedicated to another function
    • B60Q1/0023—Devices integrating an element dedicated to another function the element being a sensor, e.g. distance sensor, camera
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q2300/00—Indexing codes for automatically adjustable headlamps or automatically dimmable headlamps
    • B60Q2300/30—Indexing codes relating to the vehicle environment
    • B60Q2300/31—Atmospheric conditions
    • B60Q2300/312—Adverse weather

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to a sensor system to detect visibility and,
  • drivers may then reduce their speed based on the density
  • Radar and lidar systems are used to gather general weather data.
  • Transmissometers are very
  • Coulter counters are often used in clean room monitoring. Coulter counters are
  • Non-optical devices such as triboelectric current sensors depend on the flow of
  • Spark discharge sensors require sensor electrodes to continually be kept clean and
  • Another optical device for measuring fog is a nephelometer.
  • nephelometers have expensive optical systems and are very large in size.
  • nephelometers generally include a “window" through which light is
  • Window contamination in a nephelometer (i) makes accurate
  • fog detection causes measurement errors.
  • Other methods for fog detection include: coulter counter, spark
  • the vehicle may be desirable for the vehicle to have a visibility
  • a detector includes a housing
  • a first light source is fixed within
  • the housing directs light through the first hollow opening to a sample volume outside the
  • a first light detector receives light reflected from the sample volume through the
  • a controller is coupled to the first light source and the first detector.
  • the controller determines an output indicative of visibility from the light received by the first
  • a display may be coupled
  • the display may also indicate a
  • deterioration of the first detector may be included. To compensate for the deterioration of the first detector
  • a second light source may be placed adjacent to the first detector and illuminate
  • the controller then calculates the first detector with a predetermined amount of light. The controller then calculates the first detector with a predetermined amount of light.
  • a means for determining deterioration of the first light source may be concluded.
  • compensating for deterioration of the first light source includes a second detector located
  • the second detector would provide feedback to the controller
  • a housing using a first light source detecting the amount of light scattering from the volume of
  • the calculation may take into
  • a removable sensor head comprises
  • a sensor enclosure defining a first optical port and a second optical port.
  • a first circuit board is
  • a first connector is coupled to the first circuit board.
  • a light source is coupled to the first circuit board, which positions the light source within the first optical
  • a second circuit board is coupled to the sensor enclosure.
  • a second connector coupled to
  • a light detector is coupled to the second circuit board.
  • circuit board positions the light detector within the second optical port.
  • a calibration memory
  • a visibility sensor assembly has a
  • a removable sensor head assembly is removably coupled
  • the sensor head assembly has a sensor enclosure
  • An electronics module is coupled to the sensor head through the connector.
  • a rain sensor is provided, which is configured to close
  • a sensor enclosure which is configured
  • One advantage of the present invention is that it features a no window/no lens
  • the sensor system provides a means for
  • the sensor system also can
  • center may be provided via fiber optics, a cable, RF, telephone, and cellular phones.
  • the sample rate for determining fog may be changed depending on whether the conditions
  • the sample rate may be increased. Power use is thereby minimized.
  • a separate post does not need to be installed along the highway for a sensor system.
  • the sensor system may be installed on currently existing posts such as speed limit signs or other
  • Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of a highway warning system employing a
  • Figure 2 is a diagrammatic of a visibility sensor head according to the present
  • Figure 3 is a diagrammatic view of an alternative embodiment of a visibility
  • Figure 4 is a flow chart a method for operating a visibility sensor system to
  • Figure 5 is a partial cutaway elevational view of a removable sensor head
  • Figure 6 is a bottom view of the removable sensor head of Figure 5;
  • Figure 7 is a side elevational view of a removable sensor and electronic module
  • Figure 8 is a bottom view of the visibility sensor system of Figure 7;
  • Figure 9 is a forward looking elevational view of an external rear view mirror
  • Figure 10 is a top elevational view of the rear view mirror housing with visibility
  • Figure 11 is a side view of an automotive vehicle having a visibility detection
  • Figure 12 is a side view of an automotive vehicle having a visibility detection
  • Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative sensor head housing
  • Figure 14 is a side cross-sectional view similar to that of Figure 13 having sensor
  • Figure 15 is a timing diagram view illustrating a synchronous detection feature
  • Figure 16 is a simplified, perspective view of a vehicle having a visibility
  • Figure 17 is a simplified front view of a preferred visibility sensor/fog lamp
  • Figure 18 is a side view, partially in section, of the embodiment shown in Figure
  • Figure 19 is a simplified front view of an alternate, preferred visibility sensor/fog
  • Figure 20 is a simplified side view, partially in section, of the embodiment shown
  • Figure 21 is a simplified bottom view of yet another preferred visibility sensor/fog
  • Figure 22 is a simplified side view, partially in section, of the embodiment shown
  • Figure 23 is a simplified front view of still yet another preferred, visibility sensor/fog lamp combination embodiment in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 24 is a simplified side view, partially in section, of the embodiment
  • Figures 25-26 are bottom and side views, respectively, of still yet another
  • Figure 27 is a simplified side view of a visibility sensor/fog lamp as installed in
  • Figure 28 is an enlarged, partial side view showing a removable sensor enclosure
  • a highway visibility detection system 10 has a
  • visibility sensor unit 12 a warning display 14 and a central controller 16.
  • Visibility sensor unit 12 a warning display 14 and a central controller 16.
  • Visibility sensor unit 12 warning display 14 and central controller 16 may all be linked through a communications network.
  • a communication network for example, may be cellular phone, RF,
  • central controller 16 has an antenna 22 which may be used for RF or cellular communication
  • warning display 14 may be displayed on warning display 14. Also, a suggested vehicle
  • warning display 14 may also be displayed on warning display 14.
  • Central controller 16 may be part of an intelligent transportation system (ITS).
  • ITS intelligent transportation system
  • the central controller 16 may be a manned controller which may perform a number of functions
  • visibility sensor unit 12 preferably has most of its
  • one housing 24 The operation of the system is generally controlled by a micro controller 26.
  • a sensor head 28 is coupled to and controlled by micro controller 26. Sensor head 28 transmits
  • a memory 32 is used
  • Memory 32 is preferably
  • Memory 32 may contain a conversion factor for converting
  • Memory 32 may also
  • Such sensors may include an
  • atmosphere pressure sensor 34 one or more precipitation sensors 35, a temperature sensor 36 and
  • Micro controller 26 may also be coupled to a communications link 40 that allows
  • micro controller 26 to communicate with a central controller 16. Although atmospheric pressure
  • Micro controller 26 would be provided through communications link 40 to micro controller 26. Micro controller 26
  • the sensor head 28 may be used to calculate the safe speed based upon the visibility detected by the sensor head 28.
  • the calculation of a safe speed may be done at a central controller.
  • Communications link 40 may be one of a number of types of communications
  • Communications link 40 may, for example, be cellular telephone
  • Communications link 40 may be used
  • Sensor head 28 has a first optical port 42 and a second optical port 44.
  • optical port 42 has a first optical axis 46 and second optical port 44 has a second optical axis 48.
  • First optical axis 46 coincides with the longitudinal axis of first optical port 42. Likewise, the
  • second optical axis 48 coincides with the longitudinal axis of second optical port 44.
  • first optical axis 46 and second optical axis 48 may be about 150°.
  • the first optical port could coincide with the second optical
  • first light source 52 Recessed within first optical port 42 is a first light source 52.
  • First light source 52 is preferably mounted in an end of first optical port 42.
  • First light source 52 is preferably an
  • First light source 52 may,
  • first light source 52 for example, have a total beam width of 10°.
  • optical port 42 at a first hollow opening 54.
  • Second optical port 44 has a first detector 56 located in an end thereof.
  • detector 56 is sensitive to the wave length of light scattered from the sample volume 30.
  • detector 56 may have a small surface area such as a five square millimeter surface area.
  • a light filter is reflected from particles in sample volume 30 into a second hollow opening 58.
  • Filter 60 may be interposed in the optical path between sample volume 30 and first detector 56.
  • First detector 56 provides an output
  • micro controller 26 through a low noise amplifier 62 corresponding to the amount of light
  • both second optical port 44 and first optical port are identical to first optical port
  • test light source 64 may be provided in second optical port 44. Test light source
  • Test light source 64 is also preferably an infrared LED.
  • Test light source 64 preferably has a relatively wide beam
  • Test light source 64 is coupled to micro controller 26. Micro controller 26 controls
  • Test light source 64 is used during self testing and self
  • a compensation detector 66 is coupled within first optical port 42. Compensation
  • detector 66 may have a smaller area such as a 1.5 square millimeter detection area.
  • Compensation detector 66 is coupled to micro controller 26 through a low noise amplifier 68,
  • compensation detector 66 provides feedback to micro controller 26 as to the operation of first
  • a heater 70 is coupled adjacent to first light source 52 and first detector 56 to
  • Heater 70 may be a tungsten wire or thermoplastic
  • Heater 70 may, for example, maintain a differential temperature of roughly 5° C
  • micro controller 26 may be coupled adjacent to the heater 70 to provide feedback to micro controller 26 so that the
  • heater 70 may be monitored.
  • An insect repellant 74 may be placed inside or adjacent to first optical port 42 and
  • Insect repellant 74 may be a variety of insect repellant means. Insect
  • repellant may, for example, be a chemical known to be poisonous or repellant to the insects of
  • a power source 76 is used to power the highway visibility detection system 10.
  • Highway visibility detection system 10 is flexible in the sense that it may operate from a variety
  • Power source 76 may, for example, be a solar cell coupled to storage
  • the power source may also be batteries or be coupled directly to a fixed power line.
  • Precipitation sensor 35 may comprise a conventional rain sensor or a conventional
  • first optical port 42 and second optical port 44 are not aligned with the longitudinal axis of first optical port 42 and second optical port 44.
  • First optical axis 46 and second optical axis 48 also preferably have an angle of about 150°
  • invention would be to continuously operate the system so as to constantly provide feedback to
  • fog can be predicted. From meteorology, a saturation surface, which is sometimes called the
  • maximum vapor pressure surface can be defined in three-dimensional space defined by
  • Fog occurs when the saturation surface is reached.
  • controller 26 performs the following operations. First the atmospheric pressure is measured in
  • step 80 In step 82 the humidity is measured. In step 84 the temperature is measured.
  • the atmospheric pressure, humidity and temperature conditions are preferably measured outside
  • step 86 determines the distance from the saturation surface.
  • step 88 the distance
  • step 90 the time to determine the speed that the saturation surface is being approached.
  • step 92 the sample rate is changed so that the micro
  • controller will turn on to determine visibility at a higher rate if the saturation surface is being
  • One method for setting the sample rate may be that if the estimated time to reach
  • the micro controller will turn on at a rate twice as fast as the
  • this faster rate may be twice an hour.
  • this faster rate may be twice an hour.
  • step 92 After executing step 92,
  • step 80 is re-executed and the next sample period determined by the micro controller.
  • the first light source illuminates a sample
  • volume 30 into first detector 56 The amount of light scattered will be dependent upon the
  • the light scattered from the sample volume has a direct correlation to the visibility present
  • Date acquisition may be taken once or preferably
  • corresponding to the amount of illumination on the first detector 56 may be converted by a micro
  • Micro controller 26 into a visibility.
  • Micro controller 26 may also convert the visibility into a safe
  • the safe speed may be calculated or looked up in a table stored in
  • the sensor system also has the ability to self calibrate. During manufacturing,
  • a light scattering calibration object may be positioned in the sample volume.
  • controller when commanded, can save the measurement and determine a correction factor to be
  • connection factor will be used to correct subsequent
  • a sensor head 100 may be desirable to have a sensor head 100 that is easily removable and replaceable. In such a
  • a sensor enclosure 102 defines
  • first optical port 42 and second optical port 44.
  • a center wall 104 separates first optical port 42
  • Each end piece 106 and 108 are respectively used
  • first hollow opening 54 and second hollow opening 58 similar
  • Circuit board 110 is also used to secure light source 52. Circuit board 110 may
  • Connector 113 may be one of a variety of types of connectors including being a male or female
  • Connector 113 should allow easy connection and
  • a plurality of wires 117 may
  • light source 52 may be used to couple light source 52 to a power source or microcontroller.
  • Circuit board 112 is secured to photo detector 56.
  • Photo detector 56 is preferably
  • Circuit board 112 preferably has an amplifier
  • Circuit board 112 also preferably has a calibration memory 116
  • calibration memory 116 may be part of memory 32 shown in
  • micro controller 26 uses the information stored in
  • photo detectors are often packaged together with an amplifier 62.
  • a wire or a plurality of wires 118 are used to couple connector 114 to the remaining circuitry of
  • 58 within bottom surface 120 are preferably oval in shape.
  • the oval shape has been found to be
  • a shutter 122 shown on second hollow opening 58 may be used to cover second
  • first hollow opening 54 may also be incorporated in a similar manner over first hollow opening 54 to prevent
  • Shutter 122 is preferably a simple solenoid operated device.
  • Shutter 122 may be switch operated, operated manually or automatically operated. One manner
  • shutter 122 may be opened. To prevent shutter 122 from opening in a car wash, the
  • system may be coupled to a sensor in the transmission of the vehicle that senses whether the
  • shutters for covering the "windowless” openings during no-fog conditions.
  • Such shutters are
  • the shutters may be closed during, for example, car washing, or when
  • the closure condition may be one condition selected from the group consisting of a condition
  • transmission is in a parked condition, and a condition where an engine of the vehicle is stopped.
  • precipitation sensor 35 such as a rain sensor or a
  • snow sensor which generates an output signal.
  • the output signal in one
  • microcomputer 26 which in turn is configured to generate the
  • closure signal is then applied to one or both of the shutters 122 ( Figure 2 and
  • an output of sensor 35 may be used directly (i.e., not directed through
  • rain sensor 35 may comprise a piezo-electric plate which produces a voltage when a pressure is
  • the top trace thereof represents the ON and OFF control
  • photodetector 56 is configured to generate a signal having a magnitude corresponding
  • photodetector 56 when light source 52 is OFF, photodetector 56
  • photodetector 56 When light source 52 is ON, however, photodetector 56 generates an output signal having
  • microcontroller 26 internally controls
  • the sealer is used to filter out the effect of ambient light (bias
  • a positive polarity state is represented diagrammatically as the combination of AL,, and SL,.
  • the "addition" operation is a function only of the scattered light derived from sample volume 30
  • the time constant TC when used to
  • detect fog may be selected to be between about 10-60 seconds, and may be up to several
  • raindrops or snowflakes
  • time constant TC which may be selected to be
  • reading is the accumulated value over one time constant TC) compared with each, for example,
  • interval such as one minute, if widely fluctuating, are indicative of raindrops or snowflakes.
  • sensor head 28 may be employed in both a right and a left fog
  • a housing 124 is shown having a removable
  • Electronic module 126 may have different
  • electronic module 126 contains many of the features of Figure 2 such as
  • electronic module contains algorithms to determine the true fog occurrence from such data
  • an atmospheric pressure sensor 34 a temperature sensor 36, a humidity sensor 38.
  • the sensors may be coupled to each fog sensor. To reduce cost and avoid redundancy, however,
  • one or all sensors may be located in a central location if a group of visibility sensors are used in
  • Bottom surface 120 of removable sensor head 100 is preferably flush with bottom
  • housing 124 does not disturb the laminar flow near openings 54 and 58.
  • Removable sensor head 100 may be snap fit within housing 124.
  • fastening device 130 may also be used to secure removable sensor head 100 within housing 124.
  • Mechanical fastening device 130 may, for example, be used in conjunction with screws or other
  • device 130 is preferably relatively easy to disassembly and reassembly to facilitate replacement
  • Electronic module 126 may also be designed to be easily removed from within
  • sensor head 100 is more likely to be replaced or serviced.
  • Electronic module 126 may be coupled to an external power supply through a connector 132.
  • Connector 132 may also be used to couple electronic module 126 to a remote display 134.
  • Display 134 may also be coupled through a central computer or host controller. Remote display
  • Remote display 134 may be a warning signal or an audible signal. Remote display 134 may provide an indication
  • Display may be a visual indicator, an audible indicator or a
  • the visual indicator may be
  • the audible indicator may be a
  • a gasket 136 may be used between removable sensor head 100 and housing 124
  • connector 132 may be a sealed
  • a heater 138 may be coupled adjacent to first hollow
  • the accuracy of the detector system may be affected.
  • removable sensor head 100 has thus been made easy to remove and
  • connectors 113 and 114 are connected to
  • the calibration data was stored within calibration memory 116 during
  • This feature may be
  • a removable sensor head 100 into an automobile is to place removable sensor head 100 into a rear
  • Removable sensor head 100 is preferably placed behind mirror 142
  • Bottom surface 120 of sensor head 110 is preferably flush
  • mirror housing 140 is least disturbed.
  • Electronic module 126 may also be incorporated within rear view mirror housing
  • electronic module 126 may easily be incorporated into the interior of the
  • the electronics are not subjected to the harsh weather conditions and thus may increase
  • shutters 122 it is desirable to include shutters 122 in an automotive application. It is desirable to include shutters 122 in an automotive application. It is desirable
  • the life of sensor head 100 may be increased.
  • Shutters 122 may also be applied to a highway sign application.
  • an automotive vehicle 146 has a roof 148.
  • removable sensor head 100 is shown coupled near the rear end of roof 148. Sensor head 100 may
  • Electronic module 126 may be positioned to reduce wind resistance.
  • Electronic module 126 may be placed in many areas of
  • Display unit 134 and electronic module 126 may, for example, be mounted to a rear view
  • Electronic module 126 may also be coupled to vehicle battery 150 which provides
  • Sensor head 10 may be removable or fixed when included in an automotive
  • Sensor head 10 may, for example, be placed in the trim around the rear window of the vehicle.
  • sensor head 100 becomes unobtrusive.
  • removable sensor head 100 may be
  • detector system 10 is particularly suited for after-market automotive applications. Detachable
  • housing 152 preferably has magnets 150 suitable for coupling detachable housing 152 to a steel
  • roof 148 or a vehicle door 155.
  • Removable sensor head 100 may be removed from and coupled to detachable
  • housing 152 as described above. As is best shown in Figures 13 and 14, the housing 152 may
  • Legs 156 have magnets 150 therein for attachment to the automotive vehicle.
  • sample volume 30 may be between detachable housing
  • sample volume 30 may be directed away from automotive
  • an automotive vehicle owner merely couples the
  • detachable housing 152 to the outside of automotive vehicle 146.
  • electronic module 134 may, for example, be clipped to a rear view mirror within the passenger
  • Electronic module 126 may, for example, be powered
  • cable having a plurality of wires may be used to couple detachable housing 152 and removable
  • a sensor head for an automotive vehicle may be used to activate the
  • Such a system may work as follows: once the saturation detects that fog is likely, the shutters
  • the fog lights of the vehicle may then be illuminated.
  • Figure 16 shows exemplary vehicle 20 including a first and a second combination
  • Apparatus 200 in one embodiment, is an integral unit
  • apparatus 200 may
  • an optimal airflow design may include an optional shutter, and may
  • the no window/no lens approach eliminates window surface contamination.
  • the optional shutter may be (i) activated by a "fog prediction filter" using
  • apparatus 200 which includes a unit housing assembly 210, a lamp
  • 200 may include one or more electrical connections to electronic module 126, to thereby access
  • apparatus 200 To address this problem, and in accordance with the present invention, apparatus 200
  • the thin-walled structure 216 includes a plurality of relatively thin-walled structures 216,, 216 2 , 216 3 , and 216 4 .
  • the thin-walled structures 216, 216 2 , 216 3 , and 216 4 are relatively thin-walled structures 216, 216 2 , 216 3 , and 216 4 .
  • walled structures may comprise conventional and well-known materials.
  • Lamp assembly 212 is configured to produce illumination in response to an
  • excitation signal may generally comprise conventional and well-known components and
  • Lamp assembly 212 may include a reflector 218, a bulb 220, a lens or other light
  • transmissive material 222 for transmitting light to a source
  • microcontroller 26 i.e., the excitation signal
  • Sensor head assembly 214 includes a sensor enclosure 226 having a plurality of
  • Walls 228, relatively thin-walled structures
  • first optical port 230 having a first opening 232
  • walls 228, further define a second optical port 230
  • optical port 234 having a second opening 236.
  • Optical port 230 is a volume bounded in-part by
  • First optical port 230 is bounded in-part on the left by wall 228 4 , and wall 228 2 on the top.
  • enclosure 226 further includes an exit opening 238, a first deflector 240 having a first aperture
  • Light source 52, and photodetector 56 are located in respective relatively
  • sensor enclosure 226 and light source 52 disposed
  • first optical port 230 in first optical port 230 are configured to emit a light beam through first aperture 242 and first
  • enclosure 226 and light detector 56 (disposed in second optical port 234)
  • Detector 56 are configured to detect light through second aperture 244 and second opening 236. Detector 56
  • openings 232 and 236 are located on a
  • openings 232 and 236 are in direct
  • enclosure 226 relative to the outside of enclosure 226, and, further, by selecting proper sizes for
  • an air pressure differential can be established. That is, one can
  • shutters 122 in Figure 6 are optional.
  • FIGS 19 and 20 illustrate a second preferred embodiment of the apparatus
  • Apparatus 200' is substantially similar to
  • apparatus 200 except that apparatus 200' does not include second deflector 246, but in lieu
  • exit opening 238 that is positioned at a distal end of an air flow channel 250.
  • Apparatus 200' illustrates just one of the plurality of variations and modifications of enclosure
  • FIGS 21 and 22 illustrate yet another preferred embodiment, namely apparatus
  • Apparatus 200 will be referred to as a "look-down" embodiment wherein the optically
  • Apparatus 200 includes unit housing 210, lamp
  • Unit housing 210 and lamp assembly 212 may
  • Sensor head assembly 214" includes a sensor enclosure 226"
  • Enclosure 226" includes a deflector 240" having first and
  • apparatus 200' ' creates an air flow
  • Figure 21 is a bottom view of
  • apparatus 200" includes an air filter 260 configured to filter air for the
  • FIGS 23 and 24 illustrate still yet another preferred embodiment of the present
  • Apparatus 200' includes a unit housing 210, a lamp
  • Unit housing 210, and lamp assembly 212 Unit housing 210, and lamp assembly 212
  • Apparatus 200' may be generally cylindrical in shape, and
  • a sensor enclosure 226' that includes a first deflector 240'", and a second deflector
  • Walls including thin walls 256,, and 256 2 , in-part, define first optical port 230, and
  • Second optical port 236 First and second openings 232 and 236 are best shown in Figure 23.
  • First deflector 240' includes first aperture 242'", and second aperture 244'", while second
  • deflector 246' is illustrated as including third aperture 252, and fourth aperture 254. Apertures
  • 242'", and 252 are, generally, in registry, while apertures 244'" and 254 are, likewise, generally
  • photodetector 56 to receive light therethrough from scattered particles in the optically sensitive
  • IR LED and photodetector e.g., 242, 244 in Figure 19/20
  • pressure air 266 goes through the filter 260 wherein clean air continuously flows in the chambers
  • FIGS. 25-26 in addition, show a support 262, and a shutter 264 installed at
  • opening 236 there may be provided a second shutter 264 at opening 232.
  • shutters 264 may be controlled in a manner described hereinbefore to selectively cover the
  • Air-flow channels are shown in Figure 27. This channel, which is formed by the
  • Figure 28 shows a modularized sensor head unit 100', being configured to be
  • the humidity, temperature and atmospheric pressure sensors may be replaced by a wind
  • velocity sensors if this invention were to be used to measure visibility in blowing dust.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analysing Materials By Optical Means (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un système de détection de la visibilité (12) constitué d'un boîtier (124) pourvu d'un orifice pour tête de détection. Un ensemble tête de détection (100) amovible est couplé amovible dans le boîtier (124) à l'intérieur de l'orifice pour tête de détection. L'ensemble tête de détection (100) comporte une enceinte de détection et un connecteur (132). Un module électronique est couplé à la tête de détection (100) via le connecteur (132). Un détecteur de pluie (35) qui détecte la présence de pluie, commande à des volets (122) de couvrir les orifices (54, 58) de l'enceinte de détection. Selon d'autres réalisations, une autre enceinte de détection (226) est configurée de façon à développer un différentiel interne de pression de façon à minimiser la contamination de la source de lumière (52) et du photocapteur (56).
PCT/US1999/007135 1998-04-01 1999-03-31 Systeme de detection de la visibilite WO1999050092A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU33761/99A AU3376199A (en) 1998-04-01 1999-03-31 Visibility sensor system

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/053,034 1998-04-01
US09/053,034 US5982288A (en) 1997-03-18 1998-04-01 Visibility sensor system
US09/196,362 US6330519B1 (en) 1998-11-19 1998-11-19 Visibility sensor system
US09/196,362 1998-11-19
US11514099P 1999-01-08 1999-01-08
US60/115,140 1999-01-08

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1999050092A1 true WO1999050092A1 (fr) 1999-10-07

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1999/007135 WO1999050092A1 (fr) 1998-04-01 1999-03-31 Systeme de detection de la visibilite

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AU (1) AU3376199A (fr)
WO (1) WO1999050092A1 (fr)

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001051313A1 (fr) * 2000-01-12 2001-07-19 Robert Bosch Gmbh Dispositif de mise en marche automatique d'equipements d'eclairage de vehicules
EP1300671A1 (fr) * 2001-10-08 2003-04-09 Almos Systems PTY Limited Amélioration des performances d'appareils de mesure de transmission optique
DE202010016707U1 (de) 2010-12-17 2011-03-24 Gershman, Arkadij Das Gerät für die Instrumentalbestimmung der Sichtweite
DE202010016708U1 (de) 2010-12-17 2011-05-26 Gershman, Arkadij, 30559 Sichtweitenmeßgerät mit dem Lichtstrahler und Diversitylichtempfang
DE102010026800A1 (de) 2010-07-10 2012-01-12 Arkadij Gershman Das Verfahren und die Einrichtung für die Instrumentalbestimmung der Sichtweite
DE102010018409A1 (de) 2010-04-13 2012-06-14 Arkadij Gershman Verfahren zur Sichtweitenmessung und die Einrichtung um es realisieren
WO2017016533A1 (fr) * 2015-07-24 2017-02-02 Preh Gmbh Dispositif de détection et de reconnaissance de brouillard pour un véhicule automobile
CN107685681A (zh) * 2017-08-10 2018-02-13 佛山市三水区彦海通信工程有限公司 一种汽车雨雾天灯光智能控制方法
CN110596047A (zh) * 2019-09-30 2019-12-20 山东省科学院海洋仪器仪表研究所 一种能见度传感器及其自清洁方法和标定方法
CN110850389A (zh) * 2019-10-31 2020-02-28 无锡中科光电技术有限公司 激光雷达天窗的维护装置及其工作方法
EP4063193A1 (fr) * 2021-03-24 2022-09-28 ZKW Group GmbH Phares de véhicule automobile

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US4807096A (en) * 1986-06-26 1989-02-21 Donnelly Corporation Interior light/carrier module for vehicles
US4931767A (en) * 1987-10-17 1990-06-05 Daimler-Benz Ag Device for visibility measurement for a motor vehicle
US5138150A (en) * 1990-12-14 1992-08-11 Eaton Corporation Photoelectric proximity sensor having shutter adjustment means for sensing region distance
US5347387A (en) * 1992-03-24 1994-09-13 Rice Robert C Self-aligning optical transceiver
US5349267A (en) * 1992-03-31 1994-09-20 Valeo Vision Lighting and/or indicating apparatus for use in foggy conditions

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4807096A (en) * 1986-06-26 1989-02-21 Donnelly Corporation Interior light/carrier module for vehicles
US4931767A (en) * 1987-10-17 1990-06-05 Daimler-Benz Ag Device for visibility measurement for a motor vehicle
US5138150A (en) * 1990-12-14 1992-08-11 Eaton Corporation Photoelectric proximity sensor having shutter adjustment means for sensing region distance
US5347387A (en) * 1992-03-24 1994-09-13 Rice Robert C Self-aligning optical transceiver
US5349267A (en) * 1992-03-31 1994-09-20 Valeo Vision Lighting and/or indicating apparatus for use in foggy conditions

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001051313A1 (fr) * 2000-01-12 2001-07-19 Robert Bosch Gmbh Dispositif de mise en marche automatique d'equipements d'eclairage de vehicules
US6759761B1 (en) 2000-01-12 2004-07-06 Robert Bosch Gmbh Device for automatically switching lighting devices in vehicles
EP1300671A1 (fr) * 2001-10-08 2003-04-09 Almos Systems PTY Limited Amélioration des performances d'appareils de mesure de transmission optique
DE102010018409A1 (de) 2010-04-13 2012-06-14 Arkadij Gershman Verfahren zur Sichtweitenmessung und die Einrichtung um es realisieren
DE102010026800A1 (de) 2010-07-10 2012-01-12 Arkadij Gershman Das Verfahren und die Einrichtung für die Instrumentalbestimmung der Sichtweite
DE202010016707U1 (de) 2010-12-17 2011-03-24 Gershman, Arkadij Das Gerät für die Instrumentalbestimmung der Sichtweite
DE202010016708U1 (de) 2010-12-17 2011-05-26 Gershman, Arkadij, 30559 Sichtweitenmeßgerät mit dem Lichtstrahler und Diversitylichtempfang
WO2017016533A1 (fr) * 2015-07-24 2017-02-02 Preh Gmbh Dispositif de détection et de reconnaissance de brouillard pour un véhicule automobile
CN107685681A (zh) * 2017-08-10 2018-02-13 佛山市三水区彦海通信工程有限公司 一种汽车雨雾天灯光智能控制方法
CN110596047A (zh) * 2019-09-30 2019-12-20 山东省科学院海洋仪器仪表研究所 一种能见度传感器及其自清洁方法和标定方法
CN110850389A (zh) * 2019-10-31 2020-02-28 无锡中科光电技术有限公司 激光雷达天窗的维护装置及其工作方法
EP4063193A1 (fr) * 2021-03-24 2022-09-28 ZKW Group GmbH Phares de véhicule automobile

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