US 11,752,531 B2
Sensor system having transparent window contaminant removal using vibration
Frederick Michael McBride, Belfast (GB); and Timothy Harrison, Belfast (GB)
Assigned to JOHNSON CONTROLS TYCO IP HOLDINGS LLP, Milwaukee, WI (US)
Filed by Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings, LLP, Milwaukee, WI (US)
Filed on May 12, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/743,004.
Application 17/743,004 is a continuation of application No. 16/252,287, filed on Jan. 18, 2019, granted, now 11,358,184.
Prior Publication US 2022/0266318 A1, Aug. 25, 2022
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. B08B 7/02 (2006.01); B08B 11/04 (2006.01); G01N 21/94 (2006.01); G06T 7/00 (2017.01); H04N 17/00 (2006.01); H04N 23/51 (2023.01); H04N 23/695 (2023.01)
CPC B08B 7/028 (2013.01) [B08B 11/04 (2013.01); G01N 21/94 (2013.01); G06T 7/0002 (2013.01); H04N 17/002 (2013.01); H04N 23/51 (2023.01); H04N 23/695 (2023.01); G06T 2207/30168 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A system comprising:
a contaminant build-up detection sensor configured to generate an output signal indicative of a contaminant build-up on a transparent window;
a vibration device in communication with the transparent window; and
a controller configured to:
detect one of a plurality of different contaminant materials built up on the transparent window responsive to the output signal that is generated by the contaminant build-up detection sensor and based on a reflectivity of the transparent window or an ambient light level through the transparent window;
select one of a plurality of different types of vibrations responsive to a detected one of the plurality of different contaminant materials; and
control the vibration device to produce a first sonic movement responsive to a selected one of the plurality of different types of vibrations that is selected by the controller, wherein the transparent window is movably responsive to the first sonic movement with a second sonic movement.