Patent ID: 7629801
Filing Date: 2009-12-08
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A wet/dry sensing system for use in detecting a surface condition of a roadway surface, comprising: at least one driven electrode having a first surface substantially coplanar with the roadway surface and in communication with a roadway surface material; at least one grounded electrode adjacent to the driven electrode and having a second surface substantially coplanar with the roadway surface and in communication with the roadway surface material, wherein when the electrodes are driven by a sinusoidal signal between 10 KHz and 100 MHz either DC (Direct Current) or AC (Alternating Current) coupled between the electrodes, the driven signal is attenuated by any conductance of the roadway surface material between the at least one driven electrode and the at least one grounded electrode; a temperature sensor having at least a portion substantially adjacent to the roadway surface and configured to provide temperature data corresponding to a temperature of the roadway surface material; and a data processor coupled to the temperature sensor and one of the grounded electrode and the driven electrode, the data processor configured to use the attenuated signal and the temperature data for use in determining at least one of a presence of moisture on the roadway surface, a freezing point of moisture on the roadway surface, and the presence of ice on the roadway surface.