Windshield monitoring system

摘要

The present invention relates to a windshield monitoring system. The system comprises a laminated windshield 14 having an infrared reflective (IRR) layer 18. The system also comprises an infrared light source arranged to direct a beam of light 32 into the windshield 14 at an incidence angle θi arranged to subject the beam of light 32 to total internal reflection at a windshield to air interface to propagate the beam of light across the windshield 14 towards an opposing edge thereof, and arranged to refract light away from the windshield 14 at a windshield to contaminant interface. The infrared light 32 is also arranged to reflect off the infrared reflective layer 18. The system also comprises an infrared light detector 34 arranged to detect that the light beam has been refracted 38 away from the windshield 14.