Moisture detecting system using semiconductor light sensor with integral charge collection
First Claim
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1. A system for detecting moisture on a surface comprising:
- a light emitter for directing light at the surface;
a light sensor for receiving light that is emitted from the light emitter and strikes the surface, wherein the light sensor accumulates charge in response to incident light over a preselected integration period; and
a control circuit coupled to the light sensor for detecting moisture on the surface based on the intensity of light received by the light sensor.
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Abstract
Moisture detection permits moisture removal equipment, such as automotive windshield wipers and defogger systems, to be operated automatically. A system for detecting moisture on a surface includes a light emitter directed at the surface. The presence of moisture is based on the intensity of light from the emitter reflected by the surface and received by a light sensor. The light sensor accumulates charge in response to incident light over a variable integration period.
6 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A system for detecting moisture on a surface comprising:
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a light emitter for directing light at the surface;
a light sensor for receiving light that is emitted from the light emitter and strikes the surface, wherein the light sensor accumulates charge in response to incident light over a preselected integration period; and
a control circuit coupled to the light sensor for detecting moisture on the surface based on the intensity of light received by the light sensor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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- 10. A method for detecting moisture on a surface based on the intensity of light received by a light sensor from a light emitter directed at the surface, the method comprising the step of configuring the light sensor to accumulate charge in response to incident light over a preselected integration period.
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