EP2872013A1 - Procédé d'élimination de la condensation sur une porte de réfrigérateur/congélateur - Google Patents

Procédé d'élimination de la condensation sur une porte de réfrigérateur/congélateur

Info

Publication number
EP2872013A1
EP2872013A1 EP13742545.0A EP13742545A EP2872013A1 EP 2872013 A1 EP2872013 A1 EP 2872013A1 EP 13742545 A EP13742545 A EP 13742545A EP 2872013 A1 EP2872013 A1 EP 2872013A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
door
capacitor
example embodiments
capacitors
certain example
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP13742545.0A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP2872013B1 (fr
Inventor
Vijayen S. Veerasamy
Jose NUNEZ-ROGUEIRO
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Guardian Glass LLC
Original Assignee
Guardian Industries Corp
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 US13/543,426 external-priority patent/US10173579B2/en
Application filed by Guardian Industries Corp filed Critical Guardian Industries Corp
Publication of EP2872013A1 publication Critical patent/EP2872013A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2872013B1 publication Critical patent/EP2872013B1/fr
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
    • A47F3/00—Show cases or show cabinets
    • A47F3/04—Show cases or show cabinets air-conditioned, refrigerated
    • A47F3/0404—Cases or cabinets of the closed type
    • A47F3/0426—Details
    • A47F3/0434—Glass or transparent panels
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D21/00—Defrosting; Preventing frosting; Removing condensed or defrost water
    • F25D21/06—Removing frost
    • F25D21/08—Removing frost by electric heating
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B1/00—Details of electric heating devices
    • H05B1/02—Automatic switching arrangements specially adapted to apparatus ; Control of heating devices
    • H05B1/0227—Applications
    • H05B1/0252—Domestic applications
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B3/00—Ohmic-resistance heating
    • H05B3/84—Heating arrangements specially adapted for transparent or reflecting areas, e.g. for demisting or de-icing windows, mirrors or vehicle windshields
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
    • F25B2700/02—Humidity
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
    • F25D2700/02—Sensors detecting door opening

Definitions

  • Certain conventional rain sensors are based on an electro-optical concept. According to certain such techniques, rain droplets are sensed solely by measuring the change in the total internal reflection of a light beam off the glass-air interface. Other electro-optical techniques have attempted to analyze the brightness of a section of a window "image" to detect rain droplets or fog on a window.
  • optical techniques have limited sensing areas, are fairly expensive, and may result in erroneous detection indications due to the use of optical imaging as the sole detection method.
  • a plurality of sensing capacitors are supported by a window such as a vehicle windshield, the capacitors each having a different field.
  • a sensing circuit outputs an analog signal that is based on and/or related to the capacitances of the sensing capacitors.
  • a switching circuit is provided in order to selectively switch between different sensing capacitors or different combinations thereof (or even possibly antennas and/or bands), in order to change the sensing field being analyzed and/or change the feature being searched for.
  • the switching circuit may selectively switch between: (a) capacitor(s) for detecting rain on an exterior surface of the window, and (b) capacitor(s) for detecting one or more of ice on an exterior surface of the window, mist on an exterior surface of the window, and/or moisture on an interior surface of the window.
  • capacitor(s) for detecting rain on an exterior surface of the window and (b) capacitor(s) for detecting one or more of ice on an exterior surface of the window, mist on an exterior surface of the window, and/or moisture on an interior surface of the window.
  • a rain sensor comprising: a sensing circuit comprising a plurality of sensing capacitors supported by a vehicle window, one or more of the sensing capacitors being sensitive to moisture on an external surface of the window and including first and second spaced apart capacitor electrodes that are substantially coplanar; and a switching circuit for selectively coupling the plurality of sensing capacitors to read-out circuitry of the rain sensor.
  • an electronic device e.g., rain sensor, antenna system, or the like
  • a sensing circuit comprising a plurality of different fractal structures
  • a switching circuit for selectively coupling different ones or combinations of the fractal structures to readout circuitry.
  • the fractal structures may be capacitive sensors, antennas having different bands, or the like in different example instances.
  • a rain sensor comprising: a sensing circuit comprising at least one sensing capacitor that is sensitive to moisture on an external surface of a window; an adder receiving, directly or indirectly, an analog output signal from the sensing circuit and determining a difference between the analog output signal from the sensing circuit and a feedback signal; a quantizer including a comparator downstream of the adder that outputs a bitstream based at least on whether a received signal level is higher or lower than a predetermined threshold; a lowpass digital filter downstream of the quantizer for lowpass filtering the bitstream so as to output a filtered digital signal; and a correlation engine that performs correlation on the filtered digital signal in order to determine whether rain is present on the external surface of the window.
  • this system may be said to use sigma-delta modulation in analog to digital signal conversion.
  • a rain sensor comprising: at least one sensing capacitor supported by a window, the sensing capacitor being sensitive to rain on an external surface of the window; and wherein the sensing capacitor comprises fractal geometry.
  • a rain sensor comprising: at least one sensing capacitor that is sensitive to moisture on an external surface of a window; and the first sensing capacitor comprising first and second capacitor electrodes each have a meandering shape, and wherein the first and second capacitor electrodes are substantially parallel to each other.
  • a rain sensor comprising: a sensing circuit comprising at least first and second sensing capacitors that are sensitive to moisture on an external surface of a window; the sensing circuit further comprising at least one mimicking capacitor that mimics at least charging and/or discharging of at least one of the first and second sensing capacitors; wherein a writing pulse causes at least the first sensing capacitor to be charged, and an erasing pulse causes each of the first sensing capacitor and the mimicking capacitor to substantially discharge; wherein presence of rain on the external surface of the window in a sensing field of the first sensing capacitor causes a voltage at an output electrode of the mimicking capacitor to fluctuate in a manner proportional to fluctuation of voltage at an output electrode of the first sensing capacitor, even though the rain is not present in a field of the mimicking capacitor; and wherein rain is detected based on an output signal from the output electrode of the mimicking capacitor, wherein the output signal is read at least between an end of the writing pulse and a beginning
  • a method of detecting rain on a surface of a window comprising: supplying first and second spaced apart writing pulses which respectively cause first and second sensing capacitors of a sensing circuit to charge, wherein the first sensing capacitor charges when the second sensing capacitor is substantially discharged, and the second sensing capacitor charges when the first sensing capacitor is substantially discharged, so that the first and second sensing capacitors are charged at different times; each of the first and second sensing capacitors being sensitive to moisture on the surface of the window; supplying a first erasing pulse, between times of the first and second writing pulses, the first erasing pulse causing the first sensing capacitor to
  • a method of sensing the presence of moisture comprising: receiving data relating to at least two capacitors supported by the vehicle window; autocorrelating the data relating to each capacitor to obtain autocorrelated data; and determining, based at least on said autocorrelated data, whether moisture is present on an exterior surface of the vehicle window.
  • the data relating to the at least two capacitors is received from circuitry that receives and/or reads capacitance data from the at least two capacitors.
  • the data relating to the at least two capacitors is output from circuitry that: (a) receives and/or reads data and/or signals from the at least two capacitors, and/or (b) includes a capacitor(s) or other circuit element(s) that mimics or substantially mimics charging and/or discharging of the at least two capacitors.
  • the autocorrelation may be used as an initial step to determine whether water may be present on the window. However, it is possible that the autocorrelation may also detect the presence of other materials (e.g., dust or dirt) on the window because the correlation signatures of these materials can be different.
  • cross-correlating data from the at least two capacitors may be performed so as to correlate data from different capacitors to obtain cross-correlated data. Then, based at least on the cross- correlated data, a type and/or amount of moisture may be determined.
  • the cross- correlated data may also or instead be used to determine if the material detected via the autocorrelation is a material other than moisture such as dust or dirt, and if so then not actuating the wipers.
  • the cross-correlating may be performed after the autocorrelating when certain conditions are met. As an example, the cross-correlation may be performed so as to determine whether the moisture on the window is light rain, heavy rain, fog, sleet, snow, or ice (a type of moisture).
  • the autocorrelated data from the capacitor(s) may be checked for negative values.
  • the system or method may calculate whether a gradient of an autocorrelation curve associated with the autocorrelated data is greater than one or some other predetermined value; and if not then the system or method may indicate that it is not raining, park the wipers if they were moving, and/or not actuate wipers of the vehicle. [0021] In certain example embodiments of this invention, the system or method may determine whether the shape of the autocorrelation curve or signal footprint associated with the autocorrelated data is different than a predetermined autocorrelation curve or signal footprint associated with normalized non-disturbed autocorrelation data.
  • conditions checked for in the autocorrelation function include (i) the gradient of the normalized autocorrelation function (e.g., when there is no disturbance the absolute value of the gradient is unity and changes with disturbance), (ii) the sign of the autocorrelation function (e.g., with a CB radio turned on or with a human hand on the windshield the values are oscillatory with positive and negative parts), and (iii) the shape of the autocorrelation function as a function of time lag may also be used as a signature or footprint to distinguish rain from other disturbances, and this shape may also be used to distinguish between different nuances of rain or water content.
  • cross-correlating of data from at least two capacitors is only performed when one, two or all of the following conditions are met: (a) the autocorrelated data has no negative values; (b) a gradient of an autocorrelation curve associated with said autocorrelated data is greater than one; and (c) the shape of the autocorrelation curve associated with the autocorrelated data (e.g., signal footprint) is different than a predetermined autocorrelation curve associated with normalized non- disturbed autocorrelation data (e.g., predetermined footprint).
  • a predetermined autocorrelation curve associated with normalized non- disturbed autocorrelation data e.g., predetermined footprint
  • (c) may be replaced with (c') the shape of the autocorrelation curve associated with the autocorrelated data (e.g., signal footprint) matches or substantially matches a predetermined autocorrelation curve (e.g., predetermined signal footprint) associated with a known moisture pattern.
  • a symmetry level of a cross-correlation curve associated with the cross-correlated data can be determined.
  • a sensing capacitor array may include at least n sensing capacitors, wherein n may be two, four, ten or any other suitable number.
  • the array may be any type of array such as a linear array, any of the arrays shown in the figures, or any other type of array. Autocorrelating of data from and/or related to all or less than all of the sensing capacitors may be performed to obtain the autocorrelated data.
  • capacitors are formed based on a fractal pattern.
  • one or more of the capacitors may be formed based on a fractal pattern, such as a Hilbert fractal pattern.
  • Other capacitive fractal patterns may also be used, including but not limited to a Cantor set.
  • These fractal structures maximize or enlarge the periphery and thus result in a large capacitance for a given area.
  • the use of two dimensional fractal designs also allows the sensor to occupy a small amount of physical space on the window while at the same time being electrically larger than its physical size.
  • the concentration of lateral flux in a fractal geometry may also allow the sensor to detect rain/water not necessarily spread over the actual physical area of the sensor in certain example embodiments of this invention.
  • a fractal capacitor(s) has an attribute of being its own Faraday shield or quasi-Faraday shield.
  • the rain sensor may be electrically connected to a Local Interconnect Bus of the vehicle.
  • a method of sensing the presence of moisture on a vehicle window such as a windshield, backlite or sunroof, the method comprising: receiving data from at least two capacitors supported by the vehicle window; correlating data from one or more of the capacitors to obtain correlated data; determining, based at least on said correlated data, (a) whether moisture is present on an exterior surface of the vehicle window, and/or (b) a type and/or amount of material present on an exterior surface of the vehicle window.
  • the correlation may be autocorrelation and/or cross-correlation.
  • a method of engaging vehicle windshield wiper(s) in response to detected rain comprising reading data from a capacitive array having at least two capacitors; autocorrelating data from each capacitor individually; determining from the autocorrelation data whether it is raining; cross-correlating data from the capacitors; determining from the cross-correlated data a type and/or an amount of rain; engaging the wipers if rain is detected; and, stopping or not actuating the wipers if one or both of the determining steps determines that it is not raining.
  • a symmetry level of the cross-correlation curve may be determined, and a wiper speed related to the symmetry level may be selected.
  • a wiper speed may be selected from a plurality of predetermined wiper speeds in certain example instances. In some example embodiments, only a single wipe is initiated for boundary conditions detected in one or both of the determining steps.
  • a method of engaging windshield wipers of a vehicle in response to detected rain comprising reading data from a capacitive array having at least two capacitors; mathematically comparing data from each capacitor individually (e.g., autocorrelating); determining from the mathematically compared individual capacitor data whether it is raining; mathematically comparing data from different capacitors (e.g., cross-correlating); determining from the mathematically compared different capacitor data a type and/or an amount of rain; engaging the wipers if rain is detected; and, stopping or not actuating the wipers if one or both of the determining steps determines that it is not raining.
  • a sigma-delta modulator or other suitable circuit or software may be used to perform an analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion of data from the capacitive array.
  • a software or other type of comparator may perform at least one of checking autocorrelation data for negative values, calculating whether a gradient of autocorrelation data is greater than one, and/or attempting to match or substantially match a shape of autocorrelation data with autocorrelation data stored in a database.
  • the correlating engine computes cross-correlations when all conditions tested for by the comparator are met.
  • a system or method for engaging windshield wipers in response to detected rain comprising a capacitive array having at least two capacitors; circuitry that reads capacitance data from the capacitive array; a correlating engine or correlator that autocorrelates data from the circuitry to determine the existence of rain, and cross-correlates data from the circuitry to determine a type and/or an amount of rain if it is determined that rain exists; and, a wiper motor that is capable of receiving a signal for directing whether the wipers should move or stop.
  • a symmetry level of a cross-correlation curve is computed, and the wiper motor may select a wiper speed related to the symmetry level.
  • a rain sensor comprises at least two sensing devices (e.g., sensing capacitors or the like) that are affected by rain on a surface of a window; circuitry that provides an output related to the sensing devices; and at least one correlating engine that (a) autocorrelates information from said circuitry to determine whether rain is present, and/or (b) cross-correlates information from said circuitry to determine how fast to operate at least one wiper of a vehicle and/or an amount of rain.
  • sensing devices e.g., sensing capacitors or the like
  • circuitry that provides an output related to the sensing devices
  • at least one correlating engine that (a) autocorrelates information from said circuitry to determine whether rain is present, and/or (b) cross-correlates information from said circuitry to determine how fast to operate at least one wiper of a vehicle and/or an amount of rain.
  • a rain sensor for a vehicle is provided.
  • a printed circuit board (PCB) supported by a vehicle window comprises first and second outer layers and at least one inner layer.
  • the first outer layer is closest to an interior of the vehicle, and the second outer layer is closest to an exterior of the vehicle.
  • First and second capacitor arrays are provided.
  • the first capacitor array is formed on an outer surface of the first outer layer of the PCB, and the second capacitor array is formed on an outer surface of the second outer layer of the PCB.
  • One or more sensing capacitors in the first and/or second capacitor arrays is/are sensitive to moisture on an external surface of the window.
  • Programmed logic circuitry is configured to distinguish between moisture on the exterior surface of the vehicle window, humidity on the interior surface of the vehicle window, and EMI.
  • the at least one inner layer is arranged so as to decouple the first and second capacitor arrays and to shield the first capacitor array from fields emanating from the second capacitor array and vice versa. EMI is detected when the first and second capacitor arrays detect identical or similar signals
  • a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) supported by a vehicle window is provided.
  • a first outer layer is provided, with the first outer layer being closest to an interior of the vehicle and being formed from a flexible polymer.
  • a second outer layer is provided, with the second outer layer being closest to an exterior of the vehicle and being formed from a flexible polymer.
  • a first capacitor array comprising a first plurality of sensing capacitors is printed or etched on the first outer layer of the PCB.
  • a second capacitor array comprising a second plurality of sensing capacitors is printed or etched on the second outer layer of the PCB closest to the vehicle window.
  • Programmed logic circuitry is configured to distinguish between moisture on the exterior surface of the vehicle window, humidity on the interior surface of the vehicle window, and EMI, in dependence on signals generated by the first and second capacitor arrays.
  • At least one substantially metallic inner layer is arranged so as to decouple the first and second capacitor arrays and to shield the first capacitor array from fields emanating from the second capacitor array and vice versa.
  • the first and second capacitor arrays are formed on opposing surfaces of the flexible PCB. EMI is detected when the first and second capacitor arrays detect identical or similar signals substantially simultaneously.
  • an electronic device mountable in or on a vehicle window is provided.
  • a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) is provided.
  • First and second sensing circuits are formed on opposing sides of the flexible PCB, with each said sensing circuit comprising a plurality of different fractal structures.
  • a ground plane is located between the first and second sensing circuits, with the ground plane being arranged so as to decouple the first and second capacitor arrays and to shield the first capacitor array from fields emanating from the second capacitor array and vice versa.
  • the electronic device is configured to detect moisture on an exterior surface of the vehicle window, humidity on an interior surface of the vehicle window, and EMI.
  • a light sensor for a vehicle is provided.
  • a printed circuit board (PCB) supported by a vehicle window comprises first and second outer layers and at least one inner layer, with the first outer layer being closest to an interior of the vehicle and the second outer layer being closest to an exterior of the vehicle.
  • a light sensor flip-chip is mounted to an inner surface of the first outer layer of the PCB, with the light sensor flip-chip including at least two light sensor arrays, and with each said sensor array being configured to sense light of a predetermined wavelength.
  • Programmed logic circuitry is configured to set a state of the vehicle lights in dependence on the light sensor.
  • the at least two light sensor arrays are arranged so as to see through a hole formed in the PCB, the hole in the PCB acting as a lens.
  • a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) supported by a vehicle window is provided.
  • a first outer layer is provided, with the first outer layer being closest to an interior of the vehicle and being formed from a flexible polymer.
  • a second outer layer is provided, with the second outer layer being closest to an exterior of the vehicle and being formed from a flexible polymer.
  • At least one substantially metallic inner layer is provided.
  • a light sensor comprising a light sensor flip-chip is mounted to an inner surface of the first outer layer of the PCB, with the light sensor flip-chip including at least two light sensor arrays, and with each said sensor array being configured to sense light of a predetermined wavelength.
  • Programmed logic circuitry is configured to set a state of the vehicle lights in dependence on the light sensor.
  • a vehicle window is provided.
  • First and second substantially parallel spaced-apart glass substrates are laminated together via a polymer-inclusive layer.
  • An opaque layer is provided.
  • a printed circuit board (PCB) includes a light sensor comprising a light sensor flip-chip, the light sensor flip- chip including at least two light sensor arrays, each said sensor array being configured to sense light of a predetermined wavelength.
  • An adhesive bonds the light sensor to the PCB.
  • a hole is formed in the PCB and the opaque layer so as to allow the light sensor arrays to see through the hole formed in the PCB and the opaque layer.
  • a state of the vehicle lights is settable in dependence on the light sensor.
  • the PCB is located in or is supported by the vehicle windshield.
  • a method of operating vehicle lights is provided.
  • a capacitive light sensor is configured to sense a presence and intensity of light over at least one wavelength, with each said wavelength being associated with a respective output channel of the light sensor.
  • a buffer is filled with data from the at least one output channel, with the buffer being filled with a predetermined number of data points at a predetermined frequency. An edge change is detected in the data in the buffer. An on/off state of the vehicle lights is maintained when an edge change is not detected.
  • the vehicle lights When an edge change is detected, when the data passes from a high value to a low value through a first predefined threshold and remains lower than the first predefined threshold for a persistence interval, the vehicle lights are turned on, and when the data passes from a low value to a high value through a second predefined threshold and remains higher than the second predefined threshold value for the persistence interval, the vehicle lights are turned off.
  • the second threshold is equal to the first threshold plus a hysteresis factor.
  • a method of operating vehicle lights is provided.
  • a capacitive light sensor is configured to sense a presence and intensity of light over three wavelengths, with each said wavelength being respectively associated with first, second, and third output channels of the light sensor.
  • a buffer is filled with data from the output channels, with the buffer being filled with a predetermined number of data points at a predetermined frequency.
  • An edge change is detected in the data in the buffer.
  • a speed of the vehicle is determined. When the vehicle speed exceeds a first speed threshold, a predefined speed hysteresis factor is added to the first and second thresholds until the vehicle speed drops below a second speed threshold. Edge changes in at least two of the first, second, and third channels are correlated. The on/off state of the vehicle lights is changed in dependence on the correlation.
  • the second threshold is equal to the first threshold plus a hysteresis factor.
  • a light sensor for a vehicle is provided. At least one capacitive light sensor array is configured to sense a presence and intensity of light over at least one wavelength, with each said wavelength being associated with a respective output channel of the light sensor array.
  • a buffer is configured to store data from the at least one output channel, with the buffer being filled with a predetermined number of data points at a predetermined frequency.
  • Light sensing programmed logic circuitry is configured to: (a) detect an edge change in the data in the buffer, (b) maintain an on/off state of the vehicle lights when an edge change is not detected, and (c) when an edge change is detected: when the data passes from a high value to a low value through a first predefined threshold and remains lower than the first predefined threshold for a persistence interval, generate a signal indicating that the vehicle lights are to be turned on, and when the data passes from a low value to a high value through a second predefined threshold and remains higher than the second predefined threshold value for the persistence interval, generate a signal indicate that the vehicle lights are to be turned off.
  • the second threshold is equal to the first threshold plus a hysteresis factor.
  • a light sensor for a vehicle is provided.
  • At least one capacitive light sensor array is configured to sense a presence and intensity of light over a plurality of wavelengths, with each said wavelength being associated with a respective output channel of the light sensor array.
  • a buffer is configured to store data from the output channels, with the buffer being filled with a predetermined number of data points at a predetermined frequency.
  • Light sensing programmed logic circuitry is configured to detect an edge change in the data in the buffer.
  • Speed determining programmed logic circuitry is configured to determine a speed of the vehicle.
  • the light sensing programmed logic circuitry is further configured to add a predefined speed hysteresis factor to the first and second thresholds when the vehicle speed exceeds a first speed threshold until the vehicle speed drops below a second speed threshold, correlate edge changes in at least some of the plurality of channels, and change the on/off state of the vehicle lights in dependence on the correlation.
  • the second threshold is equal to the first threshold plus a hysteresis factor.
  • a method of removing condensation from a refrigerator/freezer door including at least one glass substrate.
  • the door is connected to a heating system operable in at least first and second modes.
  • the heating system When the heating system is operating in the first mode, the door is heated while condensation is detected as being present thereon, as determined via a moisture detector.
  • the heating system When the heating system is operating in the second mode: the door is heated when the door is determined to be open, and the heating is continued until either the door is determined to be closed, or a thermal runaway is detected, whichever comes first.
  • a refrigerator/freezer merchandiser comprises at least first and second substantially parallel glass substrates.
  • a continuous or patterned conductive coating is supported by the first and/or second substrate.
  • At least one moisture detector is configured to detect the presence and type of condensation on the door, if any,
  • a controller is configured to cause an AC power source to generate a pulsed AC signal to be generated and passed to the conductive coating at one or more frequencies selected in dependence on the type of moisture present.
  • a method of detecting moisture on a glass substrate is provided.
  • a parameterized model (M) is provided for a possible moisture-related disturbance.
  • Background information (I) concerning the model is provided, with I being known a priori.
  • a prior probability of M given I, P(M 1 1), is calculated.
  • Data from at least one sensor (D) connected to the substrate is collected.
  • D,I) is computed.
  • the computing of P(M I D,I) is repeated as additional data is collected.
  • the model is accepted if P(M j D,I) is greater than 0.9; otherwise, it is rejected.
  • the glass substrate is a part of a vehicle window, building window, or merchandiser.
  • a method of detecting moisture on a glass substrate is provided.
  • a plurality of parameterized models (Mx) are provided for different possible disturbances.
  • Background information (Ix) concerning each of the models is provided.
  • Ix), is calculated.
  • Data from at least one sensor (D) connected to the substrate is collected.
  • D,Ix), is computed.
  • D,Ix) is repeated as additional data is collected.
  • the probability of each said model is compared to a predetermined threshold.
  • Each said model is accepted or rejected based on the comparing. When a particular model is accepted, an action is caused relative to the glass substrate in dependence on the particular model that is accepted.
  • non-transitory computer readable storage medium tangibly storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, perform one of these methods.
  • an electronic device located in close relative proximity to a glass substrate.
  • a first memory location stores a plurality of parameterized models (Mx) for different possible disturbances.
  • a second memory location stores background information (Ix) concerning each of the models.
  • At least one sensor is configured to collect data from at least one sensor (D) connected to the substrate.
  • Parameterized models may be stored for both moisture-related disturbances and non-moisture-related disturbances.
  • the device may be incorporated into a vehicle in certain example embodiments, in which the glass substrate is at least a part of a vehicle windshield, and the action to be taken is selected from the group consisting of turning on/off windshield wipers, turning on/off defrosters, and turning on/off the vehicle's lights.
  • FIGURE 1 (a) is a block diagram of components of an exemplary rain sensor according to an example embodiment of this invention.
  • FIGURE 1 (b) is a cross sectional view of a rain sensor according to an example embodiment of this invention, that may use the features of Fig. 1 (a) and/or one or more of Figs. 2- 12.
  • FIGURE 1 (c) is a cross sectional view of a rain sensor according to another example embodiment of this invention, that may use the features of Fig. 1(a) and/or one or more of Figs. 2-12.
  • FIGURE 1 (d) is a cross sectional view of a rain sensor according to another example embodiment of this invention, that may use the features of Fig. 1 (a) and/or one or more of Figs. 2- 12.
  • FIGURE 1 (e) is a cross sectional view of a rain sensor according to another example embodiment of this invention, that may use the features of Fig. 1 (a) and/or one or more of Figs. 2- 12.
  • FIGURE 1 (f) is a cross sectional view of a rain sensor according to another example embodiment of this invention, that may use the features of Fig. 1 (a) and/or one or more of Figs. 2-12.
  • FIGURE 2A is an exemplary optimized pattern for a quadrant capacitive array based on Hilbert fractals, where such capacitors may be provided on the window as a sensor array in the embodiments of one or more of Figs. 1 (a)- 1 (f) and 4- 12 for example.
  • FIGURE 5 is an example circuit diagram including exemplary circuitry used for an erase clock pulse in readout electronics, for use in one or more of the embodiments of Figs. 1 (a)- 1 (f), 4 and 6-12 for example.
  • FIGURE 1 1C is an example experimentally-obtained autocorrelation snapshot indicative of CB radio interference.
  • FIGURE 1 ID is an example experimentally-obtained autocorrelation snapshot indicative of a grounded body with a voltage.
  • FIGURE 12A is an exemplary correlation matrix indicative of light rain.
  • FIGURE 16 is a crosscorrelation graph, plotting crosscorrelation values versus time lags (the time lags are in terms of microseconds in the time domain) according to an example of this invention, using certain signals from Fig. 14.
  • FIGURE 17 is a crosscorrelation graph, plotting crosscorrelation values versus time lags (the time lags are in terms of microseconds in the time domain) according to an example of this invention, using certain signals from Fig. 14.
  • FIGURE 23 is a crosscorrelation graph, plotting crosscorrelation values versus time lags (the time lags are in terms of microseconds in the time domain) according to an example of this invention, using certain signals from Fig. 14,
  • FIGURE 24 is a crosscorrelation graph, plotting crosscorrelation values versus time lags (the time lags are in terms of microseconds in the time domain) according to an example of this invention, using certain signals from Fig. 14.
  • FIGURES 28(a) AND 28(b) are schematic diagrams illustrating advantages of using floating electrodes for sensing capacitors (e.g., C 1 -C4) according to certain example embodiments of this invention.
  • FIGURE 29 is a block diagram illustrating sigma-delta modulation according to another example embodiment of this invention; this processing being performed in circuitry, firmware and/or software.
  • FIGURE 30 is a block diagram illustrating sigma-delta modulation according to yet another example embodiment of this invention; this processing being performed in circuitry, firmware and/or software.
  • FIGURE 32 shows an example first outer layer of a sensor according to an example embodiment.
  • FIGURE 33 shows an example first inner layer of a sensor according to an example embodiment.
  • FIGURE 34 shows an example second inner layer of a sensor according to an example embodiment.
  • FIGURE 37(a) is a cross-sectional view of a rain sensor supported by an interior surface of an inner glass substrate according to an example embodiment of this invention.
  • FIGURE 37(b) is a cross-sectional view of a rain sensor supported by an interior surface of an outer glass substrate according to an example embodiment of this invention.
  • FIGURE 40 is a cross-sectional view of a light sensor supported by an inner surface of an inner glass substrate according to an example embodiment of this invention.
  • FIGURE 43 is a graph showing the spectral responsivity of the photodiodes of the three channels of an illustrative light sensor according to an example embodiment.
  • FIGURE 44 is an illustrative flowchart illustrating how a moisture sensor may be used in connection with a refrigerator/freezer merchandiser according to an example embodiment.
  • FIGURE 46 is a graph plotting the temperature gradient of an example laminated article according to an example embodiment.
  • FIGURE 47 is a graph plotting the deicing time for an illustrative laminated article vs. temperature according to an example embodiment.
  • FIGURE 50 is an illustrative flowchart illustrating how Bayesian techniques may be used to improve the quality of detections according to an example embodiment.
  • a moisture (e.g., rain) sensor system and/or method includes capacitance-based detection which translates a physical input signal (e.g., the presence of a drop of water on a windshield, or the like) into a digital electrical voltage signal which is received and interpreted by a software program(s) or circuit(s) that decides whether windshield wipers should be activated, and, if so, optionally their proper speed.
  • capacitive coupling is used to detect water and/or other material in the exterior surface of a window such as a vehicle windshield, sunroof, and/or backlite.
  • computational methods may be performed by hardware or a combination of hardware and software in different example embodiments of this invention.
  • no reference capacitance or capacitor is needed (i.e., no compensation capacitor is needed).
  • a plurality of sensing capacitors are supported by a window such as a vehicle windshield, the capacitors each having a different field.
  • a sensing circuit outputs an analog signal that is based on and/or related to the capacitances of the sensing capacitors.
  • a switching circuit is provided in order to selectively switch between different sensing capacitors or different combinations thereof (or even possibly antennas and/or bands), in order to change the sensing field being analyzed and/or change the feature being searched for (e.g., see Figs. 4, 5, 26 and 31).
  • the switching circuit may selectively switch between: (a) capacitor(s) for detecting rain on an exterior surface of the window, and (b) capacitor(s) for detecting one or more of ice on an exterior surface of the window, mist on an exterior surface of the window, and/or moisture on an interior surface of the window.
  • capacitor(s) for detecting rain on an exterior surface of the window and (b) capacitor(s) for detecting one or more of ice on an exterior surface of the window, mist on an exterior surface of the window, and/or moisture on an interior surface of the window.
  • Certain example embodiments of this invention take advantage of a permittivity equation, which gives a physical quantity that describes how an electric field affects and is affected by a medium.
  • An example basic permittivity equation is:
  • D electrical flux
  • ⁇ is the dielectric constant of a vacuum
  • E is an electrical field (e.g., the voltage setup between plates or electrodes divided by distance, or V/m)
  • P is polarization.
  • Polarization P can be further described mathematically as:
  • ⁇ ⁇ is relative permittivity (e.g., the dielectric constant of water, ice, dirt or anything else that could be on an exterior surface of a window such as a windshield).
  • ⁇ relative permittivity
  • the permittivity of glass is approximately 8
  • the permittivity of water is approximately 85.
  • Fig. 1 (a) is a block diagram of example components of a moisture (e.g., rain) sensor according to an example embodiment of this invention.
  • Power supply 10 is connected to readout electronics 12 which may include one or more of hardware, firmware, and/or software.
  • the sensor includes one or more capacitors so as to make up a capacitive sensor 5 in certain example embodiments. While different types of capacitors may be used, capacitors each having a pair of approximately coplanar electrodes arranged in a fractal pattern may be used in the sensor in certain example embodiments of this invention. In certain example embodiments, a fractal pattern may be divided into a capacitive array.
  • Data from and/or related to the sensing capacitor(s) of the capacitive sensor 5 is received and read by readout electronics 12 which may be made up of one or more of hardware, firmware and/or software. Readout electronics 12 pick up electrical noise and convert the same to digital signal(s). This digital signal(s) is passed to computing module 14 (which may be made up of one or more of hardware, firmware and/or software) which determines what action the wipers should take. For example, the wipers might initiate a single wipe, low-speed wipes, high-speed wipes, etc., based on the data analyzed from and/or related to the capacitive sensor.
  • the wipers also may be caused to turn off, slow/increase the speed at which they are wiping, etc., based on the data analyzed from and/or related to the capacitive sensor.
  • Wiper control system motor 16 receives instructions from computing module 14 and directs wipers 18 to take the appropriate action.
  • the capacitive sensor 5 interfaces with a Local Interconnect Bus (LIN bus) of a vehicle.
  • LIN bus typically is a serial bus to which slave devices in an automobile are connected.
  • a LIN bus typically executes a handshake(s) with slave devices to ensure that they are, for example, connected and functional. Additionally, a LIN bus may provide other information to slave devices, such as, for example, the current time.
  • the capacitive sensor 5 includes a plurality of capacitors in the form of any suitable array.
  • FIG. 1 (b) is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle window including a moisture sensor according to an example embodiment of this invention.
  • a windshield of the vehicle includes inner glass substrate 1 and outer glass substrate 2 that are laminated together via a polymer-inclusive interlayer 3 of a material such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or the like.
  • An optional low-e (low emissivity) coating 4 may be provided on the inner surface of the exterior glass substrate 2 (or even on the surface of substrate 1) in certain example embodiments of this invention.
  • a low-E coating 4 typically includes at least one thin IR reflecting layer of a material such as silver, gold or the like sandwiched between at least first and second dielectric layers of material such as silicon nitride, tin oxide, zinc oxide, or the like.
  • Example low-E coatings 4 for purposes of example and without limitation, are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,686,050, 6,723,21 1 , 6,782,71 8, 6,749,941 , 6,730,352, 6,802,943, 4,782,216, 3,682,528, and 6,936,347, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
  • Fig. 1 (b) illustrates an example capacitor of the capacitive sensor. While the capacitive sensor of Fig.
  • the example capacitor (C 1 , C2, C3 or C4) of the capacitive sensor shown in Fig. 1 (b) includes a pair of spaced apart coplanar or substantially coplanar capacitor electrodes 7 and 8.
  • the electrodes 7 and 8 are of a conductive material that may be printed or otherwise formed on the window.
  • the capacitor electrodes 7 and 8 of the sensing capacitor may be made of or include silver, ITO (indium tin oxide), or other suitable conductive material.
  • the capacitor shown in Fig. 1 (b) is affected by a rain droplet on the exterior surface of the window because electric field Es of the capacitor extends to or beyond the exterior surface of the window as shown in Fig. 1 (b) and thus can interact with the rain droplet or other material on the window's exterior surface. Signals received from and/or relating to the sensing capacitor(s) and analysis thereof is described herein.
  • an opaque insulating layer e.g., black frit or enamel, or the like
  • the opaque layer 9 is only provided on a small portion of the window, including in the area where the capacitive array of the rain sensor's array of capacitors is located.
  • the rain sensor's capacitive array and thus the opaque layer 9 may be located on a vehicle windshield in an area proximate the rear-view mirror mounting bracket.
  • Fig. 2A is a top or plan view illustrating an example capacitive sensor array including four capacitors CI , C2, C3 and C4. Each of these capacitors CI , C2, C3 and C4 includes first and second spaced apart coplanar capacitor electrodes 7 and 8 as shown in Fig.
  • each capacitor C 1 -C4 may be made of conductive silver frit or the like as shown in Fig. 2A. Moreover, in certain example embodiments, there may be a gap 22 of from about 0.2 to 1.5 mm, more preferably from about 0.3 to 1.0 mm (e.g., 0.6 mm), between the coplanar capacitor electrodes 7 and 8 of a capacitor (CI, C2, C3 and/or C4) as shown in Fig. 2A. In the Fig. 2A embodiment, the capacitors C1 -C4 are covered with an insulating black frit layer 9 which is the same as the opaque layer 9 discussed above with respect to Fig.
  • each of the capacitors C1 -C4 of the capacitive sensor is formed using fractal geometry.
  • each of the coplanar electrodes 7 and 8 of each capacitor C 1-C4 is formed with a fractal geometry.
  • Fractal design patterns allow, for example, a high capacitance to be realized in a small area, and are therefore desirable over other geometries in certain example rain sensor applications.
  • Fractal geometry may be grouped into (a) random fractals, which may be called chaotic or Brownian fractals and include a random noise component, and (b) deterministic or exact fractals.
  • fractal capacitors may be constructed through recursive or iterative means. In other words, fractals are often composed of or include many copies of themselves at different scales.
  • each electrode 7, 8 of a given capacitor e.g., CI , C2, C3 or C4
  • CI , C2, C3 or C4 has a meandering shape in the fractal geometry, but stays substantially parallel to the other electrode (the other of 7, 8) of the capacitor throughout the meandering length of the capacitor.
  • each capacitor e.g., C I
  • the fractal pattern of Fig. 2A is a Hilbert fractal pattern.
  • the electrodes 7, 8 of the capacitors C 1-C4 in the Fig. 2A embodiment form a Hilbert fractal pattern, for purposes of example only and without limitation.
  • the capacitors shown in Fig. 2A are shaped in a third-order Hilbert fractal manner.
  • Hilbert fractals are continuous space-filling fractals, with fractal dimensions of two. This means that higher-order fractals will become more square-like.
  • a Hilbert fractal can be formed by using the following L-system:
  • all sensing capacitors of the sensing array may be identical or substantially identical in shape.
  • each of the capacitors C1-C4 in the sensor array may be electrically floating (this may be called a virtual ground in certain example instances) so as to not have a fixed common ground such as a fixed zero volts, and/or spatially separated or the like which may be useful with respect to the correlation functions. Additionally, the lack of a common ground means that the capacitive array will not be subject to adverse effects from interference such as, for example, EMI interference thereby reducing the potential for false wipes, false detections, and the like.
  • the fractal design for capacitors C1 -C4 may be used in any of the embodiments of Figs. 1 (a)- 1 (f).
  • Fig. 1 (c) is a cross sectional view of another example embodiment of this invention, which may use the system of Figs. 1(a) and one or more of the embodiments of Figs. 2- 12.
  • the vehicle window e.g., backlite
  • the electrodes 7, 8 of the capacitor are provided on, directly or indirectly, the interior major surface of the glass sheet 10.
  • the capacitor e.g., C I
  • Fig. 1 (c) is designed such that it is affected by a rain droplet (or other material) on the exterior surface of the window because the electric field Es of the capacitor extends to or beyond the exterior surface of the window as shown in Fig.
  • Fig. 1 (d) is a cross sectional view of another example embodiment of this invention, which may use the system of Figs. 1 (a) and one or more of the embodiments of Figs. 2- 12. In the Fig.
  • the vehicle window e.g., laminated windshield
  • the vehicle window includes glass sheets 1 and 2 laminated together via polymer based interlayer 3, and optionally includes a low-E coating 4 on either substrate 1 or substrate 2.
  • the Fig. 1 (d) embodiment differs from the Fig. 1 (b) embodiment in that the electrodes 7, 8 of the capacitor are provided on the major surface of glass substrate 1 that is furthest from the vehicle interior.
  • the capacitor electrodes 7, 8 may contact the polymer interlayer 3 in this embodiment, in certain example instances.
  • the capacitor e.g., C I , C2, C3 or C4 shown in Fig.
  • each of the capacitors CI -C4 of the sensor array is formed in a manner similar to that shown for the capacitor of Fig. 1 (d).
  • Opaque layer 9 may also be provided in the Fig. 1 (d) embodiment if desired, over a portion of the window so as to shield the capacitor electrodes from a vehicle passenger's view. In the embodiment shown in fig.
  • the electrodes 7 and 8 may be formed of a conductive silver frit or ITO printed or patterned directly on and contacting the surface of substrate 1 .
  • this invention is not so limited, and the electrodes 7 and 8 of one or more capacitors of the sensor may instead be formed and patterned from a metallic conductive IR reflecting layer (e.g., silver based layer) of a low-E coating 4 that is supported by the window.
  • Fig. 1 (e) is a cross sectional view of another example embodiment of this invention, which may use the system of Figs. 1 (a) and one or more of the embodiments of Figs. 2-12.
  • the vehicle window e.g., laminated windshield
  • the vehicle window includes glass sheets 1 and 2 laminated together via polymer based interlayer 3, and optionally includes a low-E coating 4 on either substrate 1 or substrate 2.
  • the Fig. 1 (e) embodiment differs from the Fig. 1 (b) embodiment in that the electrodes 7, 8 of the capacitor (e.g., C I , C2, C3 or C4) are provided on the major surface of the exterior glass substrate 2 that is closest to the vehicle interior.
  • the capacitor electrodes 7, 8 may contact the polymer interlayer 3 in this embodiment, in certain example instances.
  • the capacitor e.g., C I, C2, C3 or C4 shown in Fig. 1 (e) is designed such that it is affected by a rain droplet (or other material) on the exterior surface of the window because the electric fie ld Es of the capacitor extends to or beyond the exterior surface of the window as shown in Fig. 1 (e) and thus can interact with the rain droplet or other material on the window's exterior surface.
  • Each of the capacitors C 1 -C4 of the sensor array is formed in a manner similar to that shown for the capacitor of Fig. 1 (e).
  • Opaque layer 9 may also be provided in the Fig. 1 (e) embodiment if desired, over a portion of the window so as to shield the capacitor electrodes from the view of a vehicle passengers(s).
  • Fig. 1 (f) is a cross sectional view of another example embodiment of this invention, which may use the system of Figs. 1 (a) and one or more of the embodiments of Figs. 2- 12.
  • the vehicle window e.g., laminated windshield
  • the vehicle window includes glass sheets 1 and 2 laminated together via polymer based interlayer 3, and optionally includes a low-E coating 4 on either substrate 1 or substrate 2.
  • the Fig. 1 (f) embodiment differs from the Fig. 1 (b) embodiment in that the electrodes 7, 8 of the capacitor (e.g., C I , C2, C3 or C4) are provided on the major surface of the interior glass substrate 1 that is closest to the vehicle interior, via support member 12.
  • the support member 12, located between the glass substrate 1 and the electrodes 7, 8, may be made of glass, silicon or the like.
  • the capacitor e.g., CI , C2, C3 or C4
  • Fig. 1 (e) is designed such that it is affected by a rain droplet (or other material) on the exterior surface of the window because the electric field Es of the capacitor extends to or beyond the exterior surface of the window as shown in Fig. 1 (f) and thus can interact with the rain droplet or other material on the window's exterior surface.
  • Each of the capacitors C 1 -C4 of the sensor array is formed in a manner similar to that shown for the capacitor of Fig. 1 (f).
  • Opaque layer 9 may also be provide in the Fig. 1 (f) embodiment if desired, over a portion of the window so as to shield the capacitor electrodes 7, 8 from the view of a vehicle passengers(s).
  • FIG. 2B is a plan view of an example pattern for a quadrant capacitive array of fractal shaped capacitors C 1 -C4 for the capacitive sensor according to another example embodiment of this invention.
  • the four capacitors shown in Fig. 2B are similar to those of Fig. 2A, except for the precise shapes thereof.
  • the Fig. 2B capacitors may be used in any of the embodiments of Figs. l (a)-(f).
  • the superimposed dashed lines show the divisions into four distinct capacitors C 1 -C4.
  • the outer line width may be about 2mm, and the inner line width about 1mm, in certain example embodiments.
  • Fig. 3 is an enlarged picture of another exemplary quadrant capacitive array of fractal shaped capacitors C1-C4 for the capacitive sensor according to another example embodiment of this invention.
  • the four capacitors shown in Fig. 3 are similar to those of Figs. 2A and 2B, except for the precise shapes thereof.
  • the Fig. 3 fractal capacitors may be used in any of the embodiments of Figs. l (a)-(f).
  • the superimposed lines show example division between capacitors C1 -C4 in Fig. 3. It will be appreciated that some example embodiments may have capacitive arrays with as few as two capacitors. However, it is preferable to have at least four capacitors in certain example embodiments to pick up and derive nuances in perturbations.
  • fractal geometry for the sensing capacitors C 1 -C4 can be advantageous in reducing false readings due to EMI interference in certain example embodiments of this invention.
  • fractals at high iterations help reduce EMI interference issues, because the Faraday cage or quasi-Faraday cage of the fractal at high iterations reduces EMI coupling thereby reducing adverse effects of EMI interference.
  • Fractals at high iterations form quasi-Faraday cages.
  • the readout electronics look at the interaction of rain and/or other perturbations on the window.
  • this process may be accomplished by sequentially charging capacitors, reading their data, quantizing that data, and/or erasing the charges.
  • a write pulse Clkwr is input to the gate of transistor Q7, which functions like a resistor or switch, charging one or more of the capacitors C1 -C4 of the sensor capacitance C s .
  • Fig. 6 includes certain signals used in the Fig. 4 circuit in the write cycle.
  • Transistor Ql is in a saturated mode, since its gate and drain are connected, so that Ql is on.
  • Q4, Q5 and Q6 are turned off, and Q2 is on during the write mode.
  • Transistors Q3 and Q4 are optional.
  • Figs. 4-5 illustrate switches for selectively coupling the various capacitors C 1 -C4 to the rest of the circuit.
  • the circuit may read out signals from all of the capacitors C 1 -C4 simultaneously, or alternatively may only read out signals from one capacitor at a time selected from C 1 -C4, or as a further alternative may read out signals from a combination of some but not all of capacitors C 1-C4 at a given point in time.
  • the 4 circuit is sigma-delta modulated by sigma-delta modulator 60.
  • the modulator 60 make take the form of a hardware circuit, firmware, and/or software in different example embodiments of this invention.
  • Clock pulses 62 from a clock are input to the modulator 60, which trigger the latch of a quantizer of the modulator 60.
  • the modulated signals 64 are forwarded to an optional digital filter 66 (e.g., lowpass filter or the like).
  • Digital filter 66 processes the sigma-delta modulator digital output 64, which is a stream of 0s and I s. The data is then scaled appropriately using calibration coefficient(s).
  • the circuit may read out signals from all of the capacitors C 1 -C4 simultaneously via multiplexer, or alternatively may only read out signals from one capacitor at a time selected from C l - C4, or as a further alternative may read out signals from a combination of some but not all of capacitors C 1 -C4 at a given point in time.
  • An example non-limiting switching circuit for use in the position of the multiplexer shown in Fig. 26, for selectively coupling the read-out electronics to one or more of capacitors C 1 -C4 as needed or as desired, in discussed below in connection with Fig. 31.
  • the digital output 64 is then filtered 66 as explained above, and so forth.
  • the sigma-delta modulation is advantageous in that it provides oversampling and allows noise such as EMI to be treated and its adverse effects reduced.
  • the noise is spread by the sigma-delta modulation out over the frequency band so that the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio can be improved.
  • Fig. 30 illustrates another example of a sigma-delta modulation according to an example of this invention.
  • the sigma-delta modulator of Fig. 30 receives an analog input from the Fig. 4, 5 sensing circuit that reaches first adder or summer 70.
  • the Fig. 30 sigma-delta modulator scheme is the same as that of Fig, 29 discussed above, except that a second adder or summer 70' and a second integrator 72' are provided in the modulator of the Fig. 30 embodiment.
  • the adverse effect of Aq is eliminated or reduced by using the floating or virtual ground VG (electrode 7 is floating).
  • the external body (E B ) does not adversely affect summation of charge because adding the charges (+q" and -q") of the electrodes 7 and 8 when the external body is present gives zero or substantially zero. False readings due to EMI interference can also be reduced by using this floating feature.
  • the floating nature may allow the absolute values of the charges q at capacitor electrodes 7 and 8 to be the same or substantially the same even when the external body is present since the electrode 7 is floating and is not fixed at ground.
  • the rain sensor comprises at least one sensing capacitor (C I , C2, C3 and/or C4) that is sensitive to moisture on an external surface of a window, the sensing capacitor including a first capacitor electrode (8) that receives a charging signal and a second capacitor electrode (7) spaced apart from the first capacitor electrode (8); and wherein the second capacitor electrode (7) is floating so that the sensing capacitor is isolated from ground.
  • Fig. 6 is an exemplary timing diagram of signals applied to or read out from the Fig. 4-5 circuit during the write and erase modes/cycles.
  • the capacitors (C 1 -C4) are sequentially charged, read, quantized, and erased.
  • Fig. 6 shows a clock write (Clkw r ) and erase (ClkEr) pulse for each capacitor C I -C4, in sequence. Then, voltages are quantized and output.
  • Variable output voltage Vol - Vo4 correspond to capacitors C 1 -C4 respectively, and thus Cj nt .
  • the output signals Vol -Vo4 in Fig. 6 are taken at V out (or Vo) in Figs. 4-5.
  • Fig. 6 is taken at V out (or Vo) in Figs. 4-5.
  • a drop of water on the exterior surface of a windshield will affect the magnitude of the output signal(s) V out (or Vo).
  • a water drop over the area of a given capacitor e.g., C I
  • the level of the output signal(s) V out (or Vo) for that capacitor in the "read" area of the signal to be higher compared to a situation where no such drop was present.
  • the exact magnitude or level depends on the size of the water drop. With increasing water amounts, the magnitude of the signal at the "read" area gets higher because the dielectric constant of water is higher than that of glass and/or air and this causes the capacitance to increase.
  • the output from the Fig. 4-5 circuit ranges from 0000 to 1 1 1 1 in certain example embodiments, using binary digital data.
  • a single bit turned on can initiate a single wipe in certain example instances. In the case when all bits are off (0000) or all bits are on (1 1 1 1), then no wipes may be initiated in certain example instances, because likely there is nothing on the windshield, the car is completely submerged, etc., since all capacitors in the array would be reading the same which is not consistent with rain falling on a window.
  • the most probable events where wipers will be needed are those in the range of 0001 to 1 1 10 (i.e., when the output from all capacitors in the array is not the same).
  • correlation functions auto and/or cross correlation functions
  • integral can be rewritten in other forms, such as, for example, as a summation.
  • the correlations between two drops over a large time period may be computed according to the following formula:
  • R b (r, , /; r 2 , t 2 ) - J b r x , /, + t)b ⁇ r 2 , t 2 + t)dt
  • correlation matrices may be symmetrical in certain example instances.
  • rain tends to fall down from the sky and move up along a windshield, it may be sufficient to compare only capacitors that are disposed vertically relative to one another in cross-correlation, while ignoring horizontally adjacent capacitors.
  • one check of the autocorrelation data in step S806 may be to determine whether the autocorrelated data from one or more of the capacitor(s) (C I , C2, C3 and/or C4; or via mimicking Cj nt ) comprises negative values. For instance, when the autocorrelated data has negative value(s), then the system or method may indicate that it is not raining, may park the wipers, and/or may not actuate windshield wipers (see step S808).
  • This check is for determining, for example, whether a detected disturbance is actually rain.
  • Fig. 10 is a graph plotting example experimentally-obtained maximum values of non-normalized autocorrelations for different disturbances.
  • any signal with negative autocorrelation values is considered a "no-rain” event. It will be appreciated that some example embodiments may consider negative autocorrelation values. Other example embodiments may take other measures to eliminate or reduce false detections due to external interferences by, for example, comparing gradients (e.g., any curve lower or less than the no-disturbance curve/plot of Fig. 10 may be considered a "no-rain” event), shielding capacitors, etc.
  • a third example check of the autocorrelation data is to determine whether there is a match or substantial match between an autocorrelation curve (e.g., signal footprint) associated with the autocorrelated data and one or more autocorrelation curve (e.g., signal footprint) associated with the autocorrelated data and one or more autocorrelation curve (e.g., signal footprint) associated with the autocorrelated data and one or more autocorrelation curve (e.g., signal footprint) associated with the autocorrelated data and one or more autocorrelation curve (e.g., signal footprint) associated with the autocorrelated data and one or more autocorrelation curve (e.g., signal footprint) associated with the autocorrelated data and one or more autocorrelation curve (e.g., signal footprint) associated with the autocorrelated data and one or more autocorrelation curve (e.g., signal footprint) associated with the autocorrelated data and one or more autocorrelation curve (e.g., signal footprint) associated with the autocorrelated data and one or more autocorrelation curve (e.g., signal footprint
  • the shape of the autocorrelation curve resulting from the data output from the Fig. 4-5 circuit may be used to reduce false wipes as a third condition.
  • a normalized autocorrelation curve of a non-disturbed signal may be used as a reference.
  • the normalized autocorrelation of each signal captured from the Fig. 4-5 circuit is compared to the reference to identify the closest fingerprint.
  • the more water present in the sensing area the larger the difference between the reference signal and the observed/detected signal.
  • correlation snapshots can be compared to reference snapshots of well-known events.
  • correlation snapshots preferably are normalized, though the invention is not so limited.
  • Correlation snapshots preferably plot r-values versus quantums of time over a discrete time interval.
  • Figs. 1 1 A-l ID provide sample experimentally-obtained correlation snapshots. These correlation snapshots, or fingerprints/footprints of an event, can be stored as reference footprints/fingerprints or correlation curves. Observed/detected correlation snapshots (e.g., autocorrelation curves) can be compared to these reference footprints or fingerprints to determine the type of event occurring. For instance, Fig. 1 1 A is an experimentally-obtained autocorrelation snapshot indicative of heavy rain. Fig. 1 I B is an experimentally-obtained autocorrelation snapshot indicative of a light mist. Fig. 1 1 C is an experimentally-obtained autocorrelation snapshot indicative of CB radio interference. Fig.
  • step S806 it is determined whether each of the three conditions set forth in the bottom portion of the S804 box is met. In particular, it is determined in S806 whether each of the following is met: (a) the autocorrelated data has no negative values; (b) a gradient of an autocorrelation curve associated with said autocorrelated data is greater than a predetermined value such as one; and (c) the shape of the autocorrelation curve associated with the autocorrelated data from the Fig. 4-5 circuit is different than a predetermined autocorrelation curve associated with non-disturbed autocorrelation data.
  • step S808 the vehicle wiper(s) are parked (if they were moving) or are kept off, and begins initialization S800 again. However, if all of these requirements are met in S806, then the process moves to S810 and the vehicle's wipers (e.g., windshield wipers) are activated at their lowest speed.
  • vehicle's wipers e.g., windshield wipers
  • Fig. 13 illustrates an example of autocorrelation.
  • the values from (or relating to) sensing capacitor CI are, at sequential times -t2, -tl , tO, tl , t2 and t3 are 0, 0, 1 , 1 , 0 and 0, respectively.
  • Autocorrelation for time 0 (aco) is determined by multiplying the values relating to C I in a non-offset manner, and then adding or summing the results. It can be seen in Fig. 13 that aco is equal to 2 in this instance.
  • an entry in the graph at time 0 is made for an autocorrelation value of 2.
  • the autocorrelation graph at the bottom of Fig. 13 is similar, but simpler, that the autocorrelation graph in Fig. 10 and the
  • autocorrelation values may be obtained for Fig. 10 in a like manner.
  • autocorrelation is performed using the capacitance values relating to C 1 for the next point in time to obtain autocorrelation value acl .
  • This next autocorrelation value (acl) is obtained by shifting the bottom row sequence of values for C I relative to the top row as shown in Fig. 13, and then multiplying the values in the rows which line up with each other and summing the results.
  • Fig. 13 illustrates that acl is equal to 1 for time 1.
  • this autocorrelation value of 1 for time tl may be entered in the graph at the bottom of Fig. 13 and a line is drawn between the two entered data points for purposes of example and understanding.
  • Fig. 12A is an exemplary correlation matrix showing light rain.
  • the correlations between CI and C I , C2 and C2, C3 and C3, and C4 and C4 (these are autocorrelations) over a given time period are high, while the rest of the correlations (the cross-correlations) are low.
  • a matrix of this sort would indicate a light rain
  • Fig. 12B is an exemplary correlation matrix showing heavy rain.
  • the autocorrelations are the correlations between C I and C I , C2 and C2, C3 and C3, and C4 and C4
  • cross- correlations between different capacitors also are generally high (the correlations in Fig. 12B going diagonally from the upper-left to the bottom-right are the
  • step S812 cross-correlations are computed (correlations between data relating to different capacitors), and the two sides of the cross-correlation curve are used to determine a symmetry level L. If the symmetry level is lower than a predefined threshold t m j n , step S814 directs the system to step S816 where wipers are activated at the lowest speed, and the system is returned to initialization step S800. If the symmetry level is greater than t m j n but less than an arbitrary value t, step S818 directs the system to step S820 where wipers are activated at a faster or medium speed, and the system is returned to initialization step S800.
  • step S822 if the symmetry level is above a predefined level t max , step S822 directs the system to step S824 where wipers are activated at the highest speed, and the system is returned to initialization step S800.
  • t max a predefined level
  • step S822 directs the system to step S824 where wipers are activated at the highest speed, and the system is returned to initialization step S800.
  • Figs. 14-24 illustrate examples of cross-correlation performed according to certain example embodiments of this invention.
  • Fig. 14 sets forth cross-correlation data in certain example instances
  • Figs. 15-24 illustrate cross-correlation graphs of certain of the data from Fig. 14 where rain is detected.
  • each lag on the horizontal axis is one microsecond ( 1 us) for purposes of example, and sampling was performed every one microsecond.
  • time 0 (lag 0)
  • Figs. 15-24 are cross- correlation plots relating to these signals. It is helpful to look for symmetry between the plots on the left and right hand sides of each of Figs. 15-24 (one side of zero is compared to the other side of zero). Generally speaking, if there is symmetry about the zero lag axis, there is not much cross-correlation which indicates that the detected rain is not very hard. However, if there is asymmetry about the zero lag axis, then this means more cross-correlation and indicates that the rain is hard or harder. For example, note the asymmetry in Figs.
  • a moisture sensor e.g., rain sensor
  • All capacitors, or a plurality of capacitors, in the sensing array may be identical or substantially identical in shape in certain example embodiments.
  • the system may compare Cl -relates values with C2 related values, and/or other capacitor related values.
  • the system may also compare C I -related values with itself (autocorrelation), and may also compare autocorrelation for C I with autocorrelation for C2 and/or other sensing capacitor(s).
  • Figs. 4-5 illustrate switches for selectively coupling the various capacitors C 1 -C4 to the rest of the circuit
  • Fig. 26 illustrates a multiplexer in this respect.
  • the circuits shown in Figs. 4-5 and/or 26 may read out signals from all of the capacitors C 1 -C4 simultaneously, or alternatively may only read out signals from one capacitor at a time selected from C 1 -C4, or as a further alternative may read out signals from a combination of some but not all of capacitors C1 -C4 at a given point in time.
  • the Fig. 31 switching circuit, or the like may or may not be used instead of the switches shown in Figs. 4-5 and/or the multiplexer shown in Fig. 26.
  • Fig. 31 illustrates an example switching circuit for selectively coupling or switching between different sensing capacitors C1 -C4 or different combinations thereof, in order to change the sensing field being analyzed and/or change the feature being searched for.
  • the Fig. 31 switching circuit allows the sensing field(s) and/or system to be selectively reconfigurable in certain example embodiments of this invention.
  • the switching circuit may selectively switch between: (a) capacitor(s) (e.g., CI) for detecting rain on an exterior surface of the window, and (b) capacitor(s) (e.g., one or more of C2, C3 and/or C4) for detecting one or more of ice on an exterior surface of the window, mist on an exterior surface of the window, and/or moisture on an interior surface of the window.
  • capacitor(s) e.g., CI
  • capacitor(s) e.g., one or more of C2, C3 and/or C4
  • the read-out circuit(s) may read out signals from all of the capacitors C 1 -C4 simultaneously, or alternatively may only read out signals from one capacitor at a time selected from C1 -C4, or as a further alternative may read out signals from a combination of some but not all of capacitors C1 -C4 at a given point in time; the switching circuit of Fig. 31 permits each of these possibilities to be realized and selectively caused as desired.
  • the switching circuit of Fig. 31 may be advantageous in that it may permit the system to be selectively adjusted, via the sensing field, in order to focus on different types of elements (e.g., rain, ice, mist, etc.) at different points in time.
  • Capacitors C 1 -C4 may or may not have the same fractal pattern or geometry, and may or may not be of different shapes and/or sizes in different instances.
  • the switching circuit of Fig. 31 includes a power source connection at RFC, control connections at CTRL1 and CTRL2, inverters IV1 and IV2, AND gate G, and switches SWl , SW2, SW3, SW4, SW5, SW6, SW7 and SW8.
  • the switches SW 1 -SW8 may be microelectromechanical (MEM) switches where application of voltage to the MEM causes the switch to be actuated, or any other sort of suitable switch in different instances.
  • each capacitor has two switches associated therewith.
  • sensing capacitor C I (and/or Band 1 if the sensing device is an antenna instead of a capacitor) has switches SWl and SW2 associated therewith
  • sensing capacitor C2 (and/or Band 4 if the sensing device is an antenna instead of a capacitor) has switches SW3 and SW4 associated therewith
  • sensing capacitor C3 (and/or Band 4 if the sensing device is an antenna instead of a capacitor) has switches SW5 and SW6 associated therewith
  • sensing capacitor C4 (and/or Band 4 if the sensing device is an antenna instead of a capacitor) has switches SW7 and SW8 associated therewith.
  • switches SW2, SW4, SW6 and SW7 are illustrated in the closed position
  • switches SWl , SW3, SW5 and SW8 are illustrated in the open position.
  • Switches SW2, SW4, SW6 and SW8 are provided for selectively coupling the capacitors C I -C4 (and/or Bands 1 -4) to ground GND.
  • a given capacitor is coupled to the read-out circuitry (e.g., C4 is coupled to the read-out circuitry in Fig. 31 because switch SW7 is closed)
  • that capacitor is decoupled from ground GND by opening its ground switch (e.g., ground switch SW8 is open in Fig. 31).
  • a given capacitor(s) is not coupled to read-out circuitry (e.g., capacitors CI , C2 and C3 are not coupled to readout circuitry in Fig.
  • ground switches SW2, SW4 and SW6 are closed in order to ground C I , C2 and C3, respectively, in Fig. 31.
  • Grounding of capacitors not currently being read out is advantageous in that it permits noise and/or other problematic signals from interfering with the read-out circuitry or the overall switching circuit.
  • capacitor CI designed (e.g., shaped) and positioned for sensing rain on an exterior surface of the window (e.g., windshield)
  • capacitor C2 is designed and positioned for sensing ice on an exterior surface of the window
  • capacitor C3 is designed and positioned for sensing mist or fog on an exterior surface of the window
  • capacitor C4 is designed and positioned for sensing condensation/moisture on an interior surface of the window (e.g., if C4 detects such condensation and/or moisture on the interior surface, then a defroster may be turned on automatically or otherwise in order to remedy the same).
  • each of the fractal capacitive sensors C1-C4 may have a different fractal pattern and/or shape, and/or a different orientation/direction.
  • the switching circuit in order to focus the read-out circuitry on detecting rain on an exterior surface of the window, can couple capacitor C 1 to the read-out circuitry and isolate capacitors C2-C4 from the read-out circuitry; this can be done by sending control signals CTRL1 and CTRL2 which cause switches SW1 , SW4, SW6 and SW8 to close and switches SW2, SW3, SW5 and SW7 to open.
  • the switching circuit in order to focus the read-out circuitry on detecting condensation and/or moisture on an interior surface of the window, can couple capacitor C4 to the read-out circuitry and isolate capacitors C1 -C3 from the read-out circuitry; this can be done by sending control signals CTRL1 and CTRL2 which cause switches SW2, SW4, SW6 and SW7 to close and switches SW1, SW3, SW5 and SW8 to open as shown in Fig. 31.
  • the switching circuit in order to focus the read-out circuitry on detecting mist and/or fog on an exterior surface of the window, can couple capacitor C3 to the read-out circuitry and isolate capacitors C 1 -C2 and C4 from the read-out circuitry; this can be done by sending control signals CTRL1 and CTRL2 which cause switches SW2, SW4, SW5 and SW8 to close and switches SW1 , SW3, SW6 and SW7 to open.
  • capacitors C 1 -C2 in order to focus the read-out circuitry on both detecting ice and rain on an exterior surface of the window, can couple capacitors C 1 -C2 to the read-out circuitry and isolate capacitors C3-C4 from the read-out circuitry; this can be done by sending control signals CTRL l and CTRL2 which cause switches SW l , SW3, SW6 and SW8 to close and switches SW2, SW4, SW5 and SW7 to open. It is also possible in certain example instances to couple all capacitors C 1-C4 to the read-out circuitry, in which case switches SW l , SW3, SW5 and SW7 would be closed and switches SW2, SW4, SW6 and SW8 would be opened.
  • capacitors C 1 -C4 in connection with the Fig. 31 embodiment may be replaced with antennas such as fractal based antennas having respective Bands (see Bands 1 -4 in Fig. 31 ).
  • the circuit of Fig. 31 would be able to selectively reconfigure fractal-based antennas of different bands in order to selectively change the band(s) being read out by the read-out circuitry.
  • the read-out circuitry may be used to detect and/or process incoming waves such as AM, FM, Bluetooth, GPS, VHF, and/or UHF signals.
  • certain example embodiments disclosed above relate to a fractal capacitor based rain sensor.
  • Such capacitors allow for higher capacitance per unit area by using lateral fringing fields.
  • the fringing fields emanating at the surface of the glass may be used to detect moisture, debris, and/or the like.
  • the amount of lateral fringing is proportional to the periphery, and thus the perimeter, of the structure.
  • such a fractal capacitor based rain sensor may be printed on glass using, for example, silver frit, which may be located on any one of surfaces 2, 3, and 4 of the windshield. Such arrangements are shown in, and described in connection with, Figs. l (b)-l (f).
  • the autocorrelation techniques described above help to overcome the first challenge, e.g., without the use of a hermetic seal.
  • the second and third challenges may be overcome by using gold-coated spring loaded pins.
  • this solution implies that such systems, if not properly mechanically designed, could be affected by vibrations at the contacts, e.g., creating minute changes in capacitance values while the vehicle is moving, for example. More generally, though, mechanically induced vibrations may, in turn, translate into capacitive noise that can affect the ultimate sensitivity of the rain sensor.
  • the senor may comprise an array of fringe effect capacitors, which may be screen printed, etched directly, or otherwise located, on a flexible PCB in accordance with certain example embodiments.
  • the flexible PCB may include the read electronics components.
  • the assembly may be glued, laminated directly, or otherwise located onto the windshield.
  • the flexible PCB and sensor array assembly may be located on surface 4, whereas in certain example embodiments, the flexible PCB and sensor array assembly may be located between surfaces 2 and 3.
  • the flexible PCB and sensor array assembly may comprise a multi-layer, distributed array of capacitors, stacked on top of each other, and electrically isolated and shielded from each other.
  • such an arrangement advantageously may be made compactly, as the length of the excitation and return lines to the capacitors may be reduced while all electronics required, in turn, may be embedded on the sensor.
  • the flexible PCB may be used to mechanically support and/or electronically connect electronic components using conductive pathways and/or traces, which may be etched from copper sheets laminated onto a non-conductive substrate.
  • a flexible PCB generally comprises a flexible polymer film laminated to a thin sheet of copper that is etched to produce a circuit pattern. Patterns may be created on one or both sides of the film, and interconnections may be achieved, e.g., via plated through-holes, providing enhanced adaptability between component parts.
  • a polymer overcoat may be added to insulate and/or environmentally seal the circuit.
  • a flexible polymer film that may be used in connection with the flexible PCBs of certain example embodiments is apton®.
  • Kapton® has a high heat resistance, is dimensionally stable, and has good dielectric strength and flexural capabilities. In general, these characteristics of the raw material help the flexible circuit maintain a high degree of durability and also help it to survive hostile environments.
  • the flexible PCBs of certain example embodiments may include any suitable polymer film.
  • the flexible PCBs of certain example embodiments also may combine several single and/or double-sided circuits with complex interconnections, shielding surface mounted devices in a multi-layer design.
  • Such multi-layer designs optionally may be combined with rigid circuit boards in certain example embodiments, e.g., to create a rigid/flexible circuit capable of supporting devices as, and when, needed.
  • Certain example embodiments may lead to one or more of the following and/or other advantages.
  • First it may be possible to more precisely place the complete sensor assembly on the windshield. That is, the flexural capacity of the polymer may allow the sensor pattern to conform to curvatures of the windshield, with reduced (e.g., free from) moving parts.
  • Second, laminating, gluing, or otherwise connecting the flexible PCB to the windshield may reduce the influence of interior water condensation (and/or other moisture or debris) on the "wet” capacitors.
  • Third, placing the "wet" and “dry” capacitors on separate layers and each facing away from each other allows the sensor to discriminate between outside and inside conditions. This may be used to take more appropriate actions, e.g., to cause wipes when water is detected on the exterior windshield by the "wet" capacitors whereas defogging may be caused when the "dry” capacitors read a threshold value.
  • the senor may comprise a plurality of modules, including a sigma-delta analog-to-digital channel converter, a microprocessor unit with a memory (e.g., SRAM and/or Flash), and a LIN transceiver.
  • a sigma-delta analog-to-digital channel converter e.g., SRAM and/or Flash
  • a LIN transceiver e.g., SRAM and/or Flash
  • Such components may function using a lower power and may be fitted with an independent battery and/or wireless transceiver.
  • the system may include a cradle or other suitable recharging means to allow recharging, e.g., from the car battery or other source.
  • Figs. 32-35 show example layers comprising a PCB in accordance with an example embodiment.
  • the PCB may be constructed from flex FR-4 or any suitable plastic, polyimide, polymer, etc., in certain non-limiting
  • Fig. 32 shows an example first outer layer of a sensor according to an example embodiment.
  • the first outer layer of Fig. 32 is designed to be located inside the car, on the side of the PCB closest to the driver.
  • Fig. 32 includes an inside or "dry" capacitor array 3202, which may be formed in accordance with a fractal pattern in certain example embodiments.
  • multiple dry capacitor arrays 3202 may be formed on the first outer layer of Fig. 32, and/or the PCB of Fig. 32 may be connected to one or more "slave" PCBs in certain example embodiments. In the latter case, the slave boards may be tethered or wirelessly connected to the mater board.
  • the dry capacitor array(s) 3202 may be used to determine the presence of EMI and/or humidity (e.g., within the unit and/or car), EMI may be detected, for example, when the same or similar patterns are detected by both the wet and dry capacitor arrays at the same time or within a short predetermined time interval (e.g., within a few milliseconds or seconds or, more particularly, within about 20-40 ms), the wet and dry capacitor arrays being located on differing layers, and opposing sides, of the PCB.
  • Connections 3204 are provided for a microprocessor (described in greater detail below).
  • Connections 3206 also are provided for a sigma- delta converter/filter as described above.
  • One or more inner layers may be provided in certain example embodiments so as to provide shielding between the wet and dry capacitor arrays. This arrangement advantageously reduces the problems associated with some fields emanating outwardly and some fields emanating inwardly, which might cause spurious detections, measure the humidity within the vehicle when attempting to detect moisture outside the vehicle, etc. Thus, the one or more inner layers of certain example embodiments may help decouple the wet and dry capacitor arrays.
  • Fig. 33 shows an example first inner layer of a sensor according to an example embodiment
  • Fig. 34 shows an example second inner layer of a sensor according to an example embodiment
  • the majority of the layer is metallic 3302 (e.g., copper) and is at voltage potential.
  • the metallic layer 3302 also makes it difficult for fields of the wet capacitor array to be coupled to the fields of the dry capacitor array, and vice versa.
  • a number of conduits or lines connect between layers and also provide power to the chips.
  • Digital and analog grounds 3304a, 3304b also are provided.
  • the first inner layer shown in Fig. 33 is closer to the first outer layer shown in Fig. 32, whereas the second inner layer shown in Fig. 34 is closer to the second outer layer shown in Fig. 35.
  • metallic 3402 e.g., copper
  • digital and analog grounds 3404a, 3404b also are provided.
  • the metallic, shielding portions are positioned on their respective layers so as to be at least adjacent to the wet and dry capacitor arrays, where the fields likely will be strongest.
  • Fig. 35 shows an example second outer layer of a sensor according to an example embodiment.
  • the second outer layer of Fig. 35 is designed to be located inside the car, on the side of the PCB furthest from the driver and closest to the glass.
  • Fig. 35 includes an outside or "wet" capacitor array 3502, which may be formed in accordance with a fractal pattern in certain example embodiments.
  • the outside capacitance can be measured in a differential mode using Cin+ and Cin-, as well as in a single-ended mode in certain example embodiments. This may help reduce the signal to noise ratio considerably.
  • an RMS resolution of the system is above 16 bits in certain example implementations.
  • the PCB is attached to surface 4 of the windshield using an adhesive.
  • an adhesive For example, a double-sided adhesive tape may be used to secure the second outer layer to surface 4 of the windshield.
  • the PCB may be located behind the black frit printed on the glass.
  • a double-sided adhesive tape advantageously may provide increased stability for the sensor (especially as compared to the pin design, which may allow for movement of the sensor and/or the individual pins directly and/or corrosion) while also substantially sealing it, reducing the chances of debris, moisture, and/or the like from coming into direct contact with the sensor and/or components thereof.
  • the glass and/or glass frit may be treated proximate to where the sensor is to be adhered, e.g., to facilitate the bonding process.
  • a silane-based precursor may be used to prepare the surface for adhesion.
  • an adhesive tape commercially available from 3M such as VHBTM Adhesive Transfer Tapes with Adhesive 100MP (including F9460PC, F9469PC, and F9473PC) may be used to secure the PCB to the windshield.
  • VHBTM Adhesive Transfer Tapes with Adhesive 100MP including F9460PC, F9469PC, and F9473PC
  • any suitable adhesive tape may be used in connection with certain example embodiments. An example of this arrangement is shown in Fig. 37(a).
  • the EM field lines for the outside capacitors in certain example embodiments probe only the outside of the car on the windshield surface and, on the inside, the outside capacitors' field lines are shunted via a "buried ground plane.” Accordingly, its field lines do not probe inside the car or measure humidity from inside.
  • Free propagating EM waves can affect both sets of capacitors, and the occurrence of this event is indicative of an EMI event like a lightning strike.
  • the inside array of capacitors also is able to pick up subtle changes in capacitance that relate to humidity level. It will be appreciated that the inclusion of a temperature sensor on the PCB set next to the inside capacitors enables the dew point to be accurately deduced.
  • Fig. 36 is a cross-sectional view of an example PCB cover 3602 according to an example embodiment.
  • the cover 3602 protects the PCB 3500, which is adhered to surface 4 of the inner glass substrate 1 of the windshield.
  • the cover 3602 is substantially M-shaped when viewed in cross-section.
  • the cover 3602 includes a plurality of legs. In the example shown in Fig. 36, three such legs 3602a-c are shown, with left and right legs 3602a, 3602b, and a center leg 3602c.
  • the left and right legs 3602a, 3602b are notched out so as to contact both surface 4 of the windshield and the PCB 1500.
  • Soft plastic pieces 3606a-c may be added to the cover 3602 at the notched out portions of the left and right legs 3602a, 3602b, as well as at surface of the center leg 3602c that comes into contact with the PCB 1500, so as to hold the PCB in place while reducing the chances of damaging it.
  • the portions of the left and right legs 3602a, 3602b that are not notched out may be adhered to surface 4 of the windshield using the adhesive tape 3604 that also serves to bond the PCB 1500 to surface 4 of the windshield.
  • beads 3608a-b or other suitable fastening mechanisms may be used to bond the portions of the left and right legs 3602a, 3602b that are not notched out to surface 4 of the windshield.
  • one or more ventilation slots 3602d or through-holes may be provided to the cover 3602 so as to allow the heat to dissipate.
  • the cover 3602 may substantially fully enclose the PCB 1500.
  • the rain sensor also may be supported by surface 2 as the example in Fig. 37(b) shows, surface 3 as the example in Fig. 37(c) shows, or in the polymer-inclusive layer between surfaces 2 and 3 as the example in Fig. 37(d) shows.
  • a flexible PCB may be assembled in accordance with the above-described techniques.
  • the flexible PCB or layers of the flexible PCB may be embedded in or formed from a polymer or acrylic (including, for example, PET).
  • connecting wires e.g., for power, transmission of data, etc.
  • the wires may be replaced by ITO or other suitable leads printed on the glass, thereby possibly providing a more transparent or cleaner arrangement. In either case, the "leads" may be connected to a bus.
  • the PCB may be located in an area generally not visible from the interior or exterior of the car.
  • the PCB may be located, for example, proximate to the rear view mirror.
  • the PCB may be further obscured from sight via a black protective coating, which may be printed on or formed around the PCB in the case that the windshield is not protected, or may be a black frit of the windshield itself.
  • a black protective coating may be printed on or formed around the PCB in the case that the windshield is not protected, or may be a black frit of the windshield itself.
  • a protective cover also may help to protect the PCB and/or its components from UV radiation.
  • the rain sensor and PCB may be sandwiched between surfaces 2 and 3 during lamination. Locating the rain sensor and PCB here also may help protect the rain sensor components from UV radiation by virtue of the material comprising the laminating layer (e.g., the PVB). An IR reflecting layer may still be coated on surface 3 of the windshield.
  • the rain sensor, flexible PCB, and leads all may be flexible. As above, this configuration advantageously may enable the rain sensor to conform to the shape of the windshield and also increase resiliency. Although slight deformation of the rain sensor, flexible PCB, leads, and/or components thereof may occur, e.g., by forces generated during lamination, heat, etc., baseline data may be collected after such processes (e.g., after lamination, etc.) so that the rain sensor algorithms are calibrated to take into account such changes. Also advantageous is the fact that the location and structure of the rain sensor, flexible PCB, and leads are unitized, thereby reducing the impact of shocks, vibrations, moisture, debris, etc.
  • Fig. 38 is an exemplary flowchart or state diagram showing how windshield wipers may be actuated in accordance with an example embodiment.
  • the system is started or initialized. If a communication to the LIN bus is already open, it is closed and/or reset.
  • the rain sensor including its capacitive arrays are calibrated or put into a diagnostic mode. This may enable baseline data to be gathered. If the calibration or diagnostic step fails in 3804, an error is generated in 3806 and the system is put into manual mode 3808. Alternatively, a user may initially put the system into manual mode 3808.
  • LIN communication is opened in 3810, Filtering and/or statistics are applied in 3812 to a first buffer, which is filled over a first sampling interval. For example, 50 data points may be gathered over a predetermined time interval.
  • a second buffer is filled with data from the first buffer in 3814. The second buffer may take only a subset of the data in the first buffer for analysis. For example, it may draw only the 44th through 48th data points.
  • the system determines if there has been a short rain event in 3816.
  • the determination of the existence of a perturbation e.g., moisture, debris, etc.
  • the determination of the existence of a perturbation may be determined using the techniques set forth above, including the matching of the signals from the capacitive arrays to predefined waveforms, performing auto- and/or cross-correlations, etc.
  • a wipe is performed in 3818.
  • the system may further classify the type of rain or moisture on the windshield and take further action appropriate for the type of rain.
  • a transform e.g., a Fast Fourier Transform or FFT
  • the rain is classified as being one of a fine rain (e.g., something more than a fine mist) 3824, a low amount of rain 382, a heavy rain 3828, or super- hydrophylic rain 3830 (e.g., which tends to overwhelm the windshield).
  • the wipers may be actuated or enabled in 3832 at a speed appropriate for the type of rain.
  • They optionally may be temporarily parked or disabled in 3822 (which also may performed if the data cannot be transformed in 3820, or if the transformed data does not match a known rain pattern.
  • the system may then return to 3812 to re-populate the first buffer, etc.
  • the system determines whether EMI has affected the capacitive array(s) in 3834. If not, the system determines whether a hand touching the windshield has affected the capacitive array(s) in 3836. If not, the system similarly determines whether a hand (or other living or non-living article) coming into proximity with the windshield has affected the capacitive array(s) in 3838. If so in any of 3834, 3836, and 3836, the system returns to 3814 to re-populate the second buffer.
  • a pulse sorter arranges the data from the first buffer in 3840. If the pulse-sorted data from 3840 fits into one bin as determined in step 3842 (e.g., there are no "edges" detected and thus the data is differentiable at all points), then the system determines whether the window is dry in 3844. If it is not, then there has been a transient change in capacitance 3848, which may be caused by, for example, a change in exposure to sun, wind, etc. In such a case, the system returns to 3812. If, however, the result of 3844 is different, the average baseline values for the capacitive arrays are updated in 3846, and the system returns to 3812. In this latter case, the system effectively may "learn” about the conditions and improve the accuracy of wipes.
  • the rain sensing code may perform an automatic normalization of the capacitance values. Over the course of day (even without water), the capacitance can change from about 0.6 pF to about 1 pF. This may be attributed to glass temperature changes. Certain prior art techniques simply try to subtract two signals, making the assumption that the difference does not vary with temperature. In fact, it has been determined that this is not correct.
  • the normalization procedure of certain example embodiments helps ensure that sensing parameters do not have to change. There is nothing to calibrate, as the value is normalized by the mean. Accordingly, each time the rain sensing code goes through the "dry mode" on the state diagram, the normalization process occurs.
  • the light sensors may be mounted to the flexible PCBs described above.
  • the connection of the light sensor to the flexible PCB may be accomplished using a flip-chip, wherein the light sensor is mounted to the back surface of the PCB (e.g., the surface of the PCB that faces away from the vehicle exterior).
  • flip-chip mounting is one type of mounting used for semiconductor devices, such as integrated circuit (IC) chips, which reduces the need for wire bonds.
  • IC integrated circuit
  • the final wafer processing step deposits solder bumps on chip pads, which connect directly to the associated external circuitry.
  • the processing of a flip-chip is similar to conventional IC fabrication. Near the end of the process of manufacturing a flip-chip, attachment pads are metalized to make them more suitable for soldering.
  • This metalizing typically includes several treatments.
  • a small solder dot is deposited on each of the pads.
  • the chips are cut out of the wafer, as conventional. Additional processing generally is not required, and generally there is no mechanical carrier at all.
  • an electrically-insulating adhesive is then used to provide a stronger mechanical connection, provide a heat bridge, and to ensure the solder joints are not stressed due to differential heating of the chip and the rest of the system.
  • the resulting completed assembly is much smaller than a traditional carrier-based system.
  • the chip sits on the circuit board, and is much smaller than the carrier both in area and height.
  • the light sensor of certain example embodiments "sees" through a small hole (e.g., a pinhole) or slit.
  • the small hole extends through a black frit or opaque layer (when such a layer is provided) and through the PCB.
  • a pinhole design allows the light sensor of certain example embodiments to "see” what is in the line of view. It also acts as a form of lens in and of itself. Thus, in certain example embodiments, the need for a lens may be reduced and sometimes even completely eliminated. This is a change from conventional light sensor designs, which typically require such lenses.
  • an opaque layer including only a small pinhole therein advantageously may shield and/or protect the non-light sensing components of the PCB, e.g., from UV, and/or effectively hide such components from a driver's field of vision.
  • a lens may be used in connection with the light sensor.
  • the lens may be a substantially flat, defractive lens.
  • Such a substantially flat, defractive lens may be located over the light sensor (or light sensing arrays of the light sensor described in greater detail below).
  • the light sensor of certain example embodiments may be able to detect the presence of light and/or the amount of lux. This may be possible over the U V, IR, and visible light spectra. As such, the light sensor of certain example embodiments may detect the presence and amount of lux UV, IR, and visible light within a line of sight from the vehicle. Optionally, the same and/or similar measurements may be taken from within the vehicle.
  • the internally oriented arrays of the light sensor of certain example embodiments may be used for baseline comparisons of changes in ambient light. For example, in certain example embodiments, the internally oriented arrays of the light sensor may be compared with the externally oriented arrays so as to determine when the vehicle is within a tunnel, for example. Similarly, at least some of the externally oriented arrays may be pointed towards the sky for baseline purposes (e.g., to determine whether the vehicle is under cloud cover).
  • Fig. 39 is an illustrative view of a light sensor flip-chip design 3900 in accordance with an example embodiment.
  • a first array 3902 is provided.
  • the first array 3902 includes bare silicon die 3902a in this photo-diode, and each silicon die is surrounded or covered by metal 3902b.
  • the metal 3902b may be used to generate baseline data in certain example embodiments.
  • This first array 3902 may be multiplexed so as to "see” light in a broadband of from about 300nm to about 1 l OOnm (and therefore including UV, visible and IR light), with responsivity peaking at about 650 nm, on a first channel, as well as on a third channel “seeing” light from about 400 nm to about 550 nm and peaking at about 500 nm (and thus "seeing” visible light).
  • a second array 3904 may "see” light on a second channel, ranging from about 500 nm to about 1 100 nm and peaking at about 800 nm (and thus "seeing” IR light).
  • a lens may be provided.
  • the lens may be a defractive index lens.
  • the light sensor of certain example embodiments may have a frontal field of view of from about 50-70°, more preferably from about 55-65°, and still more preferably of about 60°, the angles being on either side of normal or being total visible angles.
  • a plurality of legs 3908a-f are provided. Each of the legs 3908a-f has a solder connection pin 3910a-f respectively associated therewith.
  • the legs 3908a-f may be made of ceramic or glass, and the solder connection pins 3910a-f may include metal.
  • the pins 3910a-f may correspond to voltage or power supply, address, ground supply, clock, interrupt, and data pins. Of course, it is possible to use other pins alone or in combination with such arrangements.
  • An interrupt function optionally may facilitate the capture of only large changes so as to help reduce the wasting of memory.
  • Fig. 40 is a cross-sectional view of a light sensor supported by an inner surface of an inner glass substrate according to an example embodiment of this invention. Similar to the example embodiment shown in Fig. 37(a), in Fig. 40, a flexible PCB 3500 is connected to an opaque layer 9 via an adhesive 3604. The opaque layer is formed on an interior surface (e.g., a surface closest to the vehicle interior) of an inner glass substrate 1.
  • the inner glass substrate 1 and the outer glass substrate 2 are laminated together via a polymer interlayer 3 (e.g., of PVB, EVA, etc.).
  • a low-E coating 4 optionally may be applied to one or more of the interior surfaces of the substrates 1 , 2.
  • LS-Th-Br-Cont is a light sensor threshold brightness control, which may be expressed in lux.
  • a typical value for LS-Th-Br-Cont has been determined to be about 2,500 lux.
  • H denotes a high level lux value, which has been determined to be about 4,000 lux or higher.
  • L denotes a low level lux value, which has been determined to be about 1 ,000 lux or lower.
  • Hysteris_Off has been determined to be about 5,000 lux. It is added to LS-Th-Br- Cont to determine when to toggle to another state. Thus, if the signals pulled from the light sensor (e.g., in the buffer) pass from L to H through the sum of Hysteris Off and LS-Th-Br-Cont, and the persistence delay condition is met, then the state may be changed.
  • This example technique may be used with a single channel.
  • Fig. 42 shows example capacitive array circuitry according to an example embodiment.
  • excitations 4202 are filtered by an EMI filter 4204
  • Excitations signals EXC A and EXC B are processed by the capacitors in the capacitive array 4208.
  • a multiplexer 4216 multiplexes the signals from the capacitive array 4208, capacitive digital-to-analog converters 4210, positive and negative voltage ins 4212a-b, and temperature sensor 4214.
  • the multiplexed signal from multiplexer 4216 is fed into a 24-bit converter 4220, along with a clock signal generated by clock generator 4218 and a reference voltage 4212c.
  • This signal is digitally filtered using a digital filter 4222 and fed into an I 2 C link 4224.
  • Output from the light sensor 4226 and humidity sensor 4228 also are fed into the I 2 C link 4224.
  • the I 2 C link 4224 is connected to an I 2 C port 4232 of the processor 4230.
  • Each of the light sensing code 4238, humidity sensing code 4240, and the rain sensor code 4242 are connected to first UART and JTAG ports 4234 and 4236 of the processor 4230.
  • the codes may be implemented as programmed logic circuitry (e.g., any suitable combination of hardware, software, firmware, and/or the like), and/or may be tangibly stored as instructions on a computer-readable storage medium.
  • the first JTAG port 4236 also is connected to one or more memory locations.
  • the memory locations shown in the Fig. 42 example are SRAM and flash memory locations 4244a and 4244b.
  • the processor 4230 also includes a GPID port 4246 and a second UART port 4248.
  • fractal is not limited to a perfect fractal pattern, and instead also covers quasi-fractals such as the polygonal elements and geometric patterns having self-affinity such as those discussed for example in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,809,692, 6,937, 191 , and/or 7,01 ,868 which are all incorporated herein by reference.
  • capacitors Cl -Cn (where n is two, four, ten or any other suitable number) are preferred as the sensing devices in certain example embodiments of this invention, it is possible to use other types of sensing devices instead of or in addition to the capacitors in certain example instances.
  • changes in field strength as low as 10 nV/cm can be detected at the receiving electrodes using a multi-channel on-chip 24 bit resolution sigma-delta converter. Sensing areas up to (1500 square mm) three times larger than current glass-based optical sensors also may be achieved in certain example embodiments.
  • the flexible PCB may be made of a material that possesses high heat resistance, dimensional stability, dielectric strength, and flexural capability suitable for automotive environments.
  • the flexible PCB may also combine the sensor pattern's double-sized circuits with complex interconnections, shielding, and surface- mounted devices in a multi-layer design. This new configuration of the EFS allows for a system that has increased accuracy in the placement of the overall sensor on the windshield.
  • the flexural capability of the polymer allows the sensor pattern to conform to the curvature of the windshield with no moving parts and removes the need for hermetic sealing.
  • the inventors of the instant application have recognized that the example moisture and/or light sensing techniques described herein may in addition or in the alternative be applied to refrigerator/freezer or other merchandiser systems.
  • the example moisture and/or light sensing techniques described herein may be used in connection with a deicer/defogger to reduce the likelihood of condensation forming in a refrigerator/freezer merchandiser.
  • sensors of conventional control systems are attached to the merchandiser at a relatively large distance from the glass door and the
  • refrigerated/frozen display area e.g., on an exterior wall of the merchandiser, on a wall adjacent to the merchandiser, etc.
  • refrigerated/frozen display area e.g., on an exterior wall of the merchandiser, on a wall adjacent to the merchandiser, etc.
  • placement of conventional sensors at relatively long distances from the glass door limits the effectiveness of the sensor to accurately measure ambient conditions adjacent to the glass door.
  • the duty cycle determined by the controller may not be adequate to clear the glass door because insufficient heat may be supplied by the resistive coating. Insufficient heat applied to the glass door can cause poor dissipation of condensation and fog. Similarly, inaccurate
  • Certain example embodiments relate to an active, intelligent defogging system for a refrigerator/freezer merchandiser that heats up a glass surface to reduce (and sometimes even eliminate) condensation on the glass surface.
  • certain example embodiments provide for fast clearing time for fogged glass doors (e.g., related to water condensation on the inner-cold surface), and certain example embodiments advantageously improve energy efficiency.
  • certain example embodiments relate to a water-sensing-feedback technique that initiates a fast surface heating process for a refrigerator/freezer door upon the detection of the presence of moisture using a multi-functional sensor affixed to the glass surface.
  • the sensor may be the same as or similar to a capacitive array rain and light sensor described herein.
  • Certain example embodiments may incorporate a sensor connected to a power supply. Once pulsing is initiated (e.g., once triggered by an electromechanical, magnetic, or other switch or device), the resulting heating of the conductive coating may result in an increase in the coating resistance that would be sensed by the power supply as a change in the circuit load.
  • Fig. 44 is an illustrative flowchart illustrating how a moisture sensor may be used in connection with a refrigerator/freezer merchandiser according to an example embodiment. When a refrigerator/freezer door is opened in step S4402, water vapor condensation may form on an inner surface of the inner glass substrate in step S4404. The door is then closed in step S4406.
  • Certain example embodiments may function in one of two modes, e.g., as shown in the Fig. 44 example flowchart.
  • a determination is made in step S4410 as to whether moisture is detected.
  • heating is initiated in step S4412.
  • the type of heating may be a conventional type of heating in certain example embodiments, e.g., wherein an electrical current is passed to a conductive layer. However, in certain example embodiments, pulsed heating may be applied.
  • a determination is made in step S4414 as to whether there is moisture. If there is any moisture detected, the flow returns to step S4412 for additional heating. If there is no more moisture detected, the heating stops.
  • the TCC may be a layer of or including ITO, AZO, Ag, fluorine-doped tin oxide, and/or a layer stack with combinations thereof.
  • ITO ITO/Ag/ITO stack may be used in certain example embodiments.
  • the fast deieing time for solid ice demonstrates that the example arrangements described herein are suitable for merchandisers and the perhaps more harsh environments that many vehicle windshields, mirrors, commercial or residential windows, and/or the like may encounter.
  • the example detection and pulsed heating techniques described herein may be used in connection with other applications including, for example, vehicle windshields, mirrors, commercial or residential windows, and/or the like.
  • Example pulsed heating techniques are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 7,518,093, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
  • the TCC may be disposed in a pattern including lines and/or a grid.
  • Fig. 48 illustrates that the conductive grid G formed by the interspersed conductors (or electrodes) 481 1 and 4812 is formed on the interior surface of a glass substrate in the door.
  • the Fig. 48 example includes comb- shaped conductors 481 1 and 4812, which include conductive bus bars 481 l a and 4812a, respectively.
  • the comb-shaped conductors 481 1 and 4812 further include conductive comb teeth 481 l b and 4812b, respectively, which extend across a viewing area of the window from the bus bars.
  • the conductors (or electrodes) 481 1 and 4812 may be provided directly on and contacting the surface of the glass substrate 4502. From AC power source 4815, AC tuned to an ice removal frequency is caused to run through the electrode(s) 481 1 and/or 4812. In accordance with the laws of physics (e.g., Maxwell's Equations), the passing of the AC through the conductors 481 1, 4812 causes electromagnetic fields to be generated.
  • an AC frequency from the power source 4815 tuned to ice removal is from about 5-40 kHz, more preferably from about 10-25 kHz, and most preferably from about 10-20 kHz. It has surprisingly been found that the use of AC at this frequency causes generation of electromagnetic energy that is most efficiently absorbed by ice on the exterior surface of the door, thereby resulting in the most efficient ice removal.
  • a sine wave and/or square wave type of AC may be used in different example embodiments.
  • a pulsing technique used may be the so called chirping mode whereby a sinusoidal wave is modulated by square pulses.
  • application of such AC at about 300-500 V is particularly effective at ice removal.
  • the pattern or grid may be formed by first depositing a continuous conductive layer of Ag, Cr, Au, ITO, or the like on the glass substrate. Layer stacks of these and/or other materials also may be used (e.g., an ITO/Ag/ITO layer stack may be used). The conductive layer can then be laser scribed into the two conductors (e.g., at the peripheral edges of the substrate) with a spatial frequency such that line widths (e.g., the width of comb teeth) may be no larger than about 200 ⁇ , more preferably no larger than about 100 ⁇ , in certain example embodiments.
  • line widths e.g., the width of comb teeth
  • Bayesian inferences may be made as to the various excitations in order to help predict the likelihood of a current or future excitations and, thus, to help improve the quality of the sensing.
  • the source of a disturbance may be of any number of possible origins including, for example, water (e.g., as in film- wise or drop-wise condensation), human or other touch, visible and IR light, EMI, etc. These disturbances affect the capacitive sensor field (EFS) and/or light detector's incoming flux.
  • EFS capacitive sensor field
  • M model with their respective parameterization.
  • M represents a model as well as its parameterization
  • I is the background information and any underlying information about data retrieval and applicability of the model
  • D is data (experimental and/or numerical) that may be used to improve the knowledge of the suitability of the model M.
  • the algorithm may begin with an a priori probability of M based on the background information or evidence I given to it at the outset. It may then set out to re-compute this probability as new evidence "D" streams in from the sensor.
  • the algorithm may perform computations to determine which model M best represents the disturbances being sensed. Example computations follow in the description below.
  • One advantage of using a probabilistic approach is that the sensors of certain example embodiments can make the best of whatever information of the outside world that it senses. For instance, the data stream that it registers (e.g., frame- to-frame) allows it to make very fast decisions about which model best characterizes the situation.
  • the data stream that it registers e.g., frame- to-frame
  • Detectors measuring or sensing the disturbances in the electric field may be arranged in the glass door of a refrigerator/freezer unit, in the windshield, or elsewhere in other applications.
  • the source creates disturbances in the electric field, which are quasi-stationary.
  • the measured value denoted by the i th detector is d,. is the value that the i th detector would theoretically measure if the source were characterized correctly by the parameters of model m.
  • ⁇ dj> dj true + ej meas , where di true is the true unknown value of the mean capacitance and light intensity measurement and e,' is the measured error.
  • the noise may be assumed normal in certain example embodiments, although other distributions can be used in other example
  • ⁇ z,> z, true + ej mod , where ej mod is the modeled error.
  • Fig. 50 is an illustrative flowchart illustrating how Bayesian techniques may be used to improve the quality of detections according to an example
  • step S5002 parameterized models (M) for disturbances are provided.
  • the disturbances may be, for example, formation of ice or condensation, human touch, EMI, etc. These models may be fingerprinted, e.g., as discussed above.
  • background information concerning the model (I) is provided.
  • the prior probability or prior distribution of the model (M) based on the background information (I) is calculated, e.g., according to P(M
  • Data (D) is collected from the sensors in step S5006. This may be accomplished using the capacitive moisture sensors and/or light sensors described above, e.g., to sense disturbances in the electric field for a given frame or area of interest (for instance, on the refrigerator/freezer door, windshield, etc.).
  • the disturbances may be simplified or represented one or more point source disturbances having a position and intensity.
  • the probability of the model (M) given the data (D) and the background information (1) may be computed. This calculation may be facilitated by recognizing that the data (D) is sometimes proportional to the product of prior probability distribution and the maximum likelihood distribution.
  • D,I) may be calculated as P(M 1 1) P(D
  • the computation may be repeated as more and more data (D) streams in.
  • the background information (I) may be updated based on the recently received data (D).
  • a model may be accepted or rejected based on the probability calculation and, for example, whether the probability meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold value. For instance, a model may be accepted once its likelihood is greater than or equal to 90%, more preferably greater than or equal to 95%, and sometimes even greater than or equal to 99%.
  • an appropriate action may be triggered. For instance, a vehicle's windshield wipers may be actuated or defroster activated, a merchandiser's door may be actively heated (e.g., using the pulsed heating techniques described above), etc.
  • no action may be taken. For instance, a vehicle's windshield wipers may continue to function or not function if the windshield is touched or comes into contact with dirt or debris, a merchandiser's door may not be heated in the presence of EMI, etc.
  • capacitive arrays as disclosed herein may be used as proximity sensors, e.g., to determine when people are nearby the products, when they approach products, when the place their hands on merchandiser door handles or the like, etc.
  • the example Bayesian analysis techniques disclosed herein essentially offer a learning system that serves as a rough proximity sensor, triggers a few pulses as a person's hand approaches a door and/or touches a handle, and then continues to pulse as the door is opened, thereby removing beaded water, condensation, and/or the like more efficiently than otherwise might be possible (e.g., in connection with active approaches, approaches that rely on mechanical open/close switches, etc.).
  • This approach is at least partially enabled by using Bayesian techniques to differentiate situations where a person is merely walking by a suitably configured merchanizers, from situations where a person is approaching and likely to open the door.
  • This differentiation can be used to start heating (e.g., via pulsing at one or more appropriate frequencies) at a time sufficiently early to make sure that too much heat is not being introduced into the merchandiser, while still ensuring that the door remains hot enough to ensure that condensation will not be formed if/when the door is opened. In so doing, condensation does not have a chance to form.
  • the learning system also over time reduces the likelihood of "false positives," which might correspond, for example, to the system thinking that the door might be opened and triggering the heating unnecessarily, thereby consuming power and introducing heat into the cooled merchandiser.
  • capacitive array "fingerprints” are developed for a person or persons walking by a merchandiser, a person or persons approaching a merchandiser, a person moving his/her hand towards a door, a person placing his/her hand on a door or handle of the door to open it, etc.
  • This information may be supplied as background information to the Bayesian system. Further data may be gathered, contrasting this a priori data with actual usage patterns of real consumers. For example, thus, the model may be refined over time as the system observes and thus gathers data concerning consumers walking by, approaching, and interacting with doors to merchandisers.
  • At least one processor may be configured to execute instructions corresponding to the example method steps described above.
  • such instructions may be provided in a program stored on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium for subsequent execution.
  • seals do not mean that the seals are located at the absolute periphery or edge of the unit, but instead mean that the seal is at least partially located at or near (e.g., within about two inches) an edge of at least one substrate of the unit.
  • edge as used herein is not limited to the absolute edge of a glass substrate but also may include an area at or near (e.g., within about two inches) of an absolute edge of the substrate(s).
  • a method of removing condensation from a refrigerator/freezer door including at least one glass substrate is provided.
  • the door is connected to a heating system operable in at least first and second modes.
  • the heating system When the heating system is operating in the first mode, the door is heated while condensation is detected as being present thereon, as determined via a moisture detector.
  • the heating system When the heating system is operating in the second mode: the door is heated when the door is determined to be open, and the heating is continued until either the door is determined to be closed, or a thermal runaway is detected, whichever comes first.
  • the heating applied in the first and second modes may be pulsed heating using sine and/or square waves.
  • current may be passed to a continuous or patterned conductive coating disposed, directly or indirectly, on the at least one substrate of the door, in connection with said heating.
  • electromagnetic fields may be caused to propagate through the at least one substrate of the door so as to become absorbed by condensation in order to facilitate its removal by passing AC from an AC power source through the conductive coating.
  • the current may be AC provided at a frequency tuned to a type of moisture to be removed.
  • the type of moisture may be ice and/or frost, and the frequency may be from about 5-40 kHz.
  • the door may include first and second glass substrates.
  • the moisture detector may be disposed between the first and second substrates.
  • the first and second substrates may be laminated together.
  • the first and second substrates may be substantially parallel and spaced apart from one another.
  • a refrigerator/freezer merchandiser comprises at least first and second substantially parallel glass substrates.
  • a switch is configured to provide a signal indicative of whether the door is open or closed.
  • At least one moisture detector is configured to detect the presence of condensation on the door.
  • a heating system is configured to apply heat to the door upon instructions from a controller thereof, the controller being configured to:
  • the heating system operates in a first mode, wherein the heating system is caused to heat the door while condensation is detected as being present thereon, as determined via the at least one moisture detector; and operating in a second mode, wherein the heating system is caused to heat the door when the switch indicates that the door is open and while the controller does not detect a thermal runaway.
  • the first and second substrates may be laminated together, and/or the first and second substrates may be spaced apart from one another in an insulating glass unit configuration.
  • the at least one moisture detector may be interposed between the first and second substrates.
  • first and second moisture detectors may be interposed between the first and second substrates along a diagonal of the door, each said moisture detector being responsible for detecting condensation within a corresponding zone and for reporting the presence of condensation to the controller to cause heat to be applied to the corresponding zone, as appropriate.
  • a continuous or patterned conductive coating may be supported by the first and/or second substrate, and an AC power source may be configured to pass current to the conductive coating in heating the door.
  • the AC power source may be controllable to generate a pulsed signal.
  • the pulsed signal may be generatable at a frequency selected to cause electromagnetic fields to propagate through the glass substrate(s) supporting the conductive coating and to become absorbed by condensation on the door.
  • the conductive coating may include at least one layer comprising ITO.
  • the conductive coating may comprise a layer comprising Ag sandwiched between layers comprising ITO.
  • the at least one moisture detector may comprise: a sensing circuit comprising at least one sensing capacitor that is sensitive to condensation on an external surface of a door; an adder receiving, directly or indirectly, an analog output signal from the sensing circuit and determining a difference between the analog output signal from the sensing circuit and a feedback signal; a quantizer including a comparator downstream of the adder that outputs a bitstream based at least on whether a received signal level is higher or lower than a predetermined threshold; a lowpass digital filter downstream of the quantizer for lowpass filtering the bitstream so as to output a filtered digital signal; and a correlation engine that performs correlation on the filtered digital signal in order to determine whether condensation is present on the external surface of the door.
  • At least one processor may be configured to: receive data relating to at least two capacitors supported by the first and/or second substrate of the door; auto-correlate the data relating to each capacitor to obtain auto-correlated data, wherein the autocorrelation is used for finding repeating or substantially repeating patterns in a signal; and determine, based at least on said auto-correlated data, whether condensation is present on an exterior surface of the door.
  • the at least one moisture detector may comprise: a sensing circuit comprising at least a first sensing capacitor supported by the first and/or second substrate, the first sensing capacitor being sensitive to condensation on an external surface of the door; with the first sensing capacitor having first and second spaced apart capacitor electrodes that are substantially coplanar, at least part of the first sensing capacitor having a fractal geometry, and the at least one moisture detector including a plurality of sensing capacitors that have fractal geometries, the plurality of sensing capacitors being arranged in an array around a centrally located contact pad.
  • At least one processor may be configured to: receive a signal relating to at least one sensing capacitor, and process the signal to obtain a signal footprint; and compare the signal footprint with one or more predetermined signal footprints stored in a memory to determine whether a detected material on the external surface of the door is condensation or some other material.
  • the at least one processor may be further configured to determine a type of condensation based on the comparison.
  • a refrigerator/freezer merchandiser comprises at least first and second substantially parallel glass substrates.
  • a continuous or patterned conductive coating is supported by the first and/or second substrate.
  • At least one moisture detector is configured to detect the presence and type of condensation on the door, if any.
  • a controller is configured to cause an AC power source to generate a pulsed AC signal to be generated and passed to the conductive coating at one or more frequencies selected in dependence on the type of moisture present.

Abstract

L'invention concerne un procédé d'élimination de la condensation sur une porte de réfrigérateur/congélateur comprenant au moins un substrat en verre (4502, 4504), la porte étant raccordée à un système de chauffage présentant au moins deux modes de fonctionnement. Le procédé comprend : dans le premier mode de fonctionnement (S4410) du système de chauffage, chauffer la porte lorsque et tant qu'il est détecté que de la condensation est présente sur celle-ci, ceci étant déterminé au moyen d'un détecteur d'humidité (4508) ; et dans le second mode de fonctionnement (S4416) du système de chauffage, chauffer la porte lorsqu'il est déterminé que celle-ci est ouverte, et continuer à chauffer la porte jusqu'à ce qu'il soit déterminé qu'elle est fermée ou jusqu'à ce qu'un emballement thermique (S4420) soit détecté, celle de ces éventualités qui se produit en premier prévalant.
EP13742545.0A 2012-07-06 2013-07-01 Procede pour l'elimination de la condensation sur une porte de refrigerateur/congelateur Active EP2872013B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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US13/543,426 US10173579B2 (en) 2006-01-10 2012-07-06 Multi-mode moisture sensor and/or defogger, and related methods
PCT/US2013/048917 WO2014008183A1 (fr) 2012-07-06 2013-07-01 Procédé d'élimination de la condensation sur une porte de réfrigérateur/congélateur

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