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Road surface friction detector and method for vehicles

  • US 6,166,645 A
  • Filed: 01/13/1999
  • Issued: 12/26/2000
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/13/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A road surface friction detector for use in a vehicle, the detector providing information regarding the integrity of a road surface to an operator of the vehicle, the detector comprising:

  • a sensor unit, said sensor unit being adapted for attachment to an underside of the vehicle, said sensor unit including;

    a first sensor, said first sensor including a first light source and a first light receiver, said first light source directing light to reflect off of the road surface, the reflection of the light received by said first light receiver, whereby the amount of light received by said first light receiver indicating various road conditions,a second sensor, said second sensor including a second light source and a second light receiver, said second sensor further including a reflective element, said second light source directing light at said reflective element, said second light receiver receiving light reflected off of said reflective element whereby said second sensor providing a controlled reflective environment so as to allow interference due to dirt and debris build up on said first and second sensors to be measured;

    a display unit, said display unit including controls for said sensor unit, whereby said display unit providing the operator with signals corresponding to various road conditions and signaling the operator that said sensor unit is disabled because of dirt and debris; and

    a microprocessor unit, said microprocessor unit connected to said sensor unit and said display unit, said microprocessor unit generating a modulation frequency for a series of light pulses to be emitted by said first and second sensors, whereby the modulation frequency reducing the amount of interference in said first and second sensors from an outside light source.

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