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Dual mode optical rain sensing device

  • US 9,840,232 B1
  • Filed: 08/16/2016
  • Issued: 12/12/2017
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/16/2016
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A device for detecting rain or a substance on a windshield, the device comprising:

  • at least one radiation source that emits radiation toward a detection area on the windshield in a direction such that a first portion of the radiation reflects from the windshield and a second portion of the radiation passes through the windshield;

    an internal reflection sensor situated relative to the at least one radiation source such that at least some of the first portion of the radiation that reflects from the detection area on the windshield is incident on the internal reflection sensor, the internal reflection sensor providing a first output that is indicative of an amount of the first portion of the radiation that is incident on the internal reflection sensor, the first output having a characteristic that differs based on whether at least one rain drop is on the windshield in the detection area;

    a scattered reflection sensor situated relative to the at least one radiation source differently than the internal reflection sensor such that at least some of the second portion of the radiation reflecting from rain near the windshield or a substance on the windshield may be incident on the scattered reflection sensor, the scattered reflection sensor providing a second output indicative of an amount of radiation incident on the scattered reflection sensor; and

    a processor that is configured to determine a condition of the windshield based on the first output and the second output.

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