A height sensor comprises a pair of light-emitting elements disposed at positions spaced at different distances from a surface desired to be measured, the elements alternately emitting light rays, and a light-receiving element for receiving a light ray generated from each light-emitting element and reflected by the measured surface, the element producing a signal corresponding to the quantity of light received. The signal outputted from the light-receiving element is logarithmically converted by a logarithmic converter circuit. The output thereof thus has its direct current components removed by a filter. The value, covering from one peak to another peak, of the remaining alternating current components is equal to the value obtained by subtracting a logarithmically converted value of the signal outputted from the light-receiving element when causing one light-emitting element to give forth a light ray, from a logarithmically converted value of the signal outputted from the light-receiving element when causing the other light-emitting element to give forth a light ray. By rectifying this filter output, it is possible to detect the height up to the measured surface without being influenced by dirt on the measured surface upon the output of the light-receiving element.
A height sensor for determining the height from a surface to be measured on the basis of an optical path length from a light-emitting element to the surface to be measured includes: a first light-emitting element and a second light-emitting element disposed at positions spaced apart from the surface to be measured; a mirror for reflecting at least one of a beam of light emitted from the first light-emitting element and a beam of light emitted from the second light-emitting element; and a light-receiving element for receiving the beams emitted by the first and second light-emitting elements and reflected by the surface to be measured and for outputting a signal corresponding to a quantity of light received. The mirror is arranged to cause respective optical paths of the beams emitted from the first and second light-emitting elements to be brought into close proximity to each other. Another mirror is provided for producing an optical path difference between the respective optical path lengths from the first and second light-emitting elements to the surface to be measured.
A method and device for measuring a distance to an object with light determines the distance by measuring the relative intensity of light reflected from the object and traveling over two or more paths of differing optical length. Light is emitted by one or more light sources; reflected from a surface of the object; and the reflected light is detected by one or more light detectors. The light detector(s) generate signals based on the intensity of reflected light detected and the signals are utilized to calculate the distance from the device to the object.
A vehicle leveling system including at least one level sensor, a controller and an output. The sensor measures how level the vehicle is relative to horizontal. Optionally, it does so dynamically, as the vehicle moves across a potential parking area. The controller analyzes the sensor measurements, and informs the operator via the output whether the vehicle is level in a given direction, whether the vehicle is leveling, whether the vehicle can be leveled at a given location, and/or the "best" leveling that the system is capable of at a location. The system also may automatically level the vehicle relative to the ground for the operator. In one embodiment, the leveling system communicates with an existing vehicle electronic height control system. The leveling system overrides or controls the normal operation of this system, and uses it to level the vehicle, for example, by adjusting the vehicle suspension.
A method and device for measuring a distance to an object with light determines the distance by measuring the relative intensity of light reflected from the object and traveling over two or more paths of differing optical length or reflected from the object and traveling over two or more paths through the use of the offset angle effect. Light is emitted by one or more light sources; reflected from a surface of the object; and the reflected light is detected by one or more light detectors. The light detector(s) generate signals based on the intensity of reflected light detected and the signals are utilized to calculate the distance from the device to the object.
A vehicle leveling system including at least one level sensor, a controller and an output. The sensor measures how level the vehicle is relative to horizontal. Optionally, it does so dynamically, as the vehicle moves across a potential parking area. The controller analyzes the sensor measurements, and informs the operator via the output whether the vehicle is level in a given direction, whether the vehicle is leveling, whether the vehicle can be leveled at a given location, and/or the "best" leveling that the system is capable of at a location. The system also may automatically level the vehicle relative to the ground for the operator. In one embodiment, the leveling system communicates with an existing vehicle electronic height control system. The leveling system overrides or controls the normal operation of this system, and uses it to level the vehicle, for example, by adjusting the vehicle suspension.
