Optical end-point detector for a hygrometer

摘要

The invention is a new intelligent means of condensation detection on a condensation surface (3). An imaging system (1) and imaging analysis system will replace the current optical system consisting of a transmitter and a detector. The image system is mounted in the sensor sample cavity (21) such that it can view the condensation surface. The imaging system establishes a base image from the condensation surface that has been heated above the surrounding dew point as to ensure that there is no condensation present on the condensation surface. As the condensation surface begins to cool, the software interrogates the images of it and detects the presence of condensation as a change from the reference image. Data produced by the imaging system would be used in a real time control loop to seek out the dew point and reach steady state conditions.