Radiant heating system with an infrared sensor for temperature feedback control

Abstract

The radiant heating system includes a radiant heating zone, a first radiant heating component on a first side of the radiant heating zone, and a second radiant heating component on a second side of the radiant heating zone opposite the first side. A radiant heating method is also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to radiant heating systems, and more particularly to radiant heating systems that include infrared sensors for providing temperature feedback from a target located in a radiant heating zone. Such radiant heating systems have particularly advantageous applications in the field of motor vehicles. Background Art

[0002] Radiant heating is a technique for providing heat through infrared (IR) radiation. Radiant heating techniques have begun to be effectively implemented in motor vehicles.

[0003] A radiant heating panel is most efficient and effective when its surface is perpendicular to the surface of the target to be heated. As the angle between the radiant heating panel and the surface of the target to be heated becomes increasingly farther from zero degrees, the heating efficiency is adversely affected.

[0004] The radiant heating panel is powered by the vehicle to create and maintain comfort in cold conditions. The temperature of the skin or the clothing covering the skin should be maintained within a certain range to obtain optimal comfort. Therefore, it is necessary to first heat the coldest areas and regulate the thermal effects generated by IR radiation to maintain comfort during operation and save energy.

[0005] The present invention relates to a new and improved radiant heating system that utilizes one or more IR sensors to determine the presence of a target surface to be heated in a radiant heating zone and directly measure the temperature of the target surface to be heated to provide precise heating control for greater comfort.

[0006] Advantageously, such a system not only increases the comfort of the user, but it also allows deactivation of radiant heating elements that ineffectively heat the occupants of the motor vehicle, thus saving energy. Advantageously, the system also allows first targeting the coldest parts of the occupants to effectively use energy to provide a quick warming effect or feeling for the occupants on cold winter days and nights. Therefore, the radiant heating system of the present invention represents a significant advancement in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In accordance with the objects and benefits described herein, a new and improved radiant heating system is provided. The radiant heating system includes a radiant heating zone, a first radiant heating component on a first side of the radiant heating zone, and a second radiant heating component passing through the radiant heating zone from the first side. This means that certain portions of the radiant heating zone are located between the first radiant heating component and the second radiant heating component.

[0008] The first radiant heating component may include a radiant heat source and a first IR sensor component. The second radiant heating component may include a second IR sensor component. In other embodiments, the second radiant heating component may be an IR mirror element for reflecting IR radiation. In another alternative embodiment, the second radiant heating component may be a second radiant heat source and a second IR sensor component.

[0009] The first radiant heat source may be a first radiant heating plate, and the second radiant heat source may be a second radiant heating plate.

[0010] In other possible embodiments, the first radiant heat source may be a first group of multiple radiant heating plates, and the second radiant heat source may be a second group of multiple radiant heating plates. Additionally, in some of many possible embodiments of the radiant heating system, the first IR sensor component may include a first group of multiple IR sensors. Further, one IR sensor of the multiple IR sensors may be disposed on each of the first group of multiple radiant heating plates.

[0011] Additionally, in some of many possible embodiments of the radiant heating system, the second IR sensor component may include a second group of multiple IR sensors. One IR sensor of the second group of multiple IR sensors may be disposed on each of the second group of multiple radiant heating plates.

[0012] In other possible embodiments of the radiant heating system, the first radiant heating component may include at least one near-infrared emitter, and the second radiant heating component may further include at least one near-infrared sensor. In other possible embodiments of the radiant heating system, the first radiant heating component may include a first ambient lighting source, and the second radiant heating component may further include a first ambient lighting sensor. In some of many possible embodiments, the first radiant heating component may further include a second ambient lighting sensor, and the second radiant heating component may include a second ambient lighting source.

[0013] The radiant heating system may further include a controller configured to control the operation of the first radiant heating component and the second radiant heating component. The controller may further be configured to respond to detecting a target to be heated in the radiant heating zone. The radiant heating zone may include, for example, the footwell of a motor vehicle.

[0014] According to another aspect, a radiant heating method is provided. The method includes the steps of: providing a first radiant heating component adjacent to a radiant heating zone, providing a second radiant heating component that passes through the radiant heating zone from the first radiant heating component, detecting the presence of a target to be heated in the radiant heating zone, and directing radiant heat toward the target.

[0015] The method may further include the step of using an IR sensor to detect the presence of a target in the radiant heating zone. These IR sensors may also be used to monitor the heating and thus the comfort level of the skin or clothing of an occupant in the radiant heating zone.

[0016] The method may also include the step of using a near-infrared emitter and a cooperating near-infrared sensor to detect the presence of a target in the radiant heating zone. In other possible embodiments, the method may include using an ambient lighting source and a cooperating ambient lighting sensor to detect the presence of a target in the radiant heating zone.

[0017] In substantially any possible embodiment, the method may further include the steps of configuring a controller to control a first radiant heating component and a second radiant heating component in response to detecting the presence of a target in the radiant heating zone and the heat level of the target in that zone.

[0018] In the following description, several preferred embodiments of a radiant heating system and related heating methods are shown and described. It should be recognized that the radiant heating and related methods can have other different embodiments, and several details thereof can be modified in various obvious aspects, all of which do not depart from the systems and methods set forth and described in the following claims. Therefore, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive in nature. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The drawings incorporated herein and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of a radiant heating system and related heating methods and, together with the specification, are used to explain certain principles thereof.

[0020] Figure 1a is a schematic view of a first embodiment of a radiant heating system, showing the operation of the radiant heating system when no target is located in the radiant heating zone;

[0021] Figure 1b is similar to Figure 1a but shows the operation of the radiant heating system when a target is located in the radiant heating zone;

[0022] Figure 1c is a schematic block diagram showing the control architecture of the radiant heating system embodiment shown in Figures 1a-1b ;

[0023] Figure 1d is a schematic block diagram of a controller of the radiant heating system;

[0024] Figure 2a is a schematic view of a second embodiment of a radiant heating system, showing the operation of the radiant heating system when no target is located in the radiant heating zone;

[0025] Figure 2b is similar to Figure 2a the view, but shows the operation of the radiant heating system when the target is in the radiant heating zone;

[0026] Figure 2c shows Figures 2a-2b a schematic block diagram of the control architecture of the radiant heating system embodiment shown in

[0027] Figure 3a is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of the radiant heating system, showing the operation of the radiant heating system when no target is in the radiant heating zone;

[0028] Figure 3b is similar to Figure 3a the view, but shows the operation of the radiant heating system when the target is in the radiant heating zone;

[0029] Figure 3c shows Figures 3a-3b a schematic block diagram of the control architecture of the radiant heating system embodiment shown in

[0030] Figure 4a is a schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of the radiant heating system, showing the operation of the radiant heating system when no target is in the radiant heating zone;

[0031] Figure 4b is similar to Figure 4a the view, but shows the operation of the radiant heating system when the target is in the radiant heating zone;

[0032] Figure 4c shows Figures 4a-4b a schematic block diagram of the control architecture of the radiant heating system embodiment shown in

[0033] Figure 5a is a schematic diagram of a fifth embodiment of the radiant heating system, showing the operation of the radiant heating system when no target is in the radiant heating zone;

[0034] Figure 5b is similar to Figure 5a the view, but shows the operation of the radiant heating system when the target is in the radiant heating zone;

[0035] Figure 5c shows Figures 5a-5b a schematic block diagram of the control architecture of the radiant heating system embodiment shown in

[0036] Figure 6a is a schematic diagram of a sixth embodiment of the radiant heating system, showing the operation of the radiant heating system when no target is in the radiant heating zone;

[0037] Figure 6b is similar to Figure 6a a view, but shows the operation of the radiant heating system when the target is in the radiant heating zone;

[0038] Figure 6c shows Figures 6a-6b a schematic block diagram of the control architecture of the radiant heating system embodiment shown in

[0039] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention of a radiant heating system and a heating method, examples of which are shown in the drawings. Detailed Description

[0040] Now refer to Figures 1a-1d , which shows a first embodiment of a radiant heating system 10. The radiant heating system 10 includes a radiant heating zone 12. A first radiant heating member, generally designated by reference numeral 14, is disposed adjacent to or on the first side of the radiant heating zone 12, and a second radiant heating member, generally designated by reference numeral 16, is disposed to pass through the radiant heating zone from the first side. In the embodiment shown, the first radiant heating member 14 is opposite the second radiant heating member 16.

[0041] More specifically, the first radiant heating member 14 includes a radiant heat source in the form of a radiant heating plate 18 and a first IR sensor member 20. The second radiant heating member 16 includes a second IR sensor member 22.

[0042] As further shown in Figure 1c , the radiant heating system 10 includes a control architecture 24, which includes a controller 26 connected to the radiant heating plate 18, the first IR sensor member 20, and the second IR sensor member 22.

[0043] The controller 26 may include a computing device, such as a dedicated microprocessor or an electronic control unit (ECU) operating according to instructions from appropriate control software. Thus, as shown in Figure 1d , the controller 26 may include one or more processors 28, one or more memories 30, and one or more network interfaces 32, all of which communicate with each other via a communication bus 34.

[0044] As further shown in Figure 1d , the controller may further include a human-machine interface 36, a global positioning system (GPS) / geolocator component 38, a display device 40 (such as a multifunctional display with touchscreen capabilities), and even a voice processor 42. The human-machine interface 36 or the touchscreen display device 40 allows an operator to provide manual input and programming to control the operation of the radiant heating system 10 and the controller 26. The voice processor 42 (if present) may provide voice command functionality.

[0045] The radiant heating panel 18 can be enabled and controlled by occupant input at the human-machine interface 36 or the display device 40, by voice commands via the voice processor 42, or by automatic control by the controller 26. The first IR sensor component 20 integrated into the radiant heating panel 18 detects the temperature of the distal or wall 44 (note the detection cone 46). When there is no object or target in the radiant heating zone as Figure 1a shown, the second IR sensor component 22 detects the temperature of the radiant heating panel 18 (note the detection cone 48).

[0046] This current temperature data is provided to the controller 26 by the first IR sensor component 20 and the second IR sensor component 22. In response to the temperature data indicating no target in the radiant heating zone 12, the controller 26 is configured to deactivate the radiant heating panel 18 and save energy.

[0047] Figure 1b A radiant heating system is shown when there is one or more target objects in the radiant heating zone 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the radiant heating zone 12 is a footwell space, and the two target objects are the legs L of a motor vehicle occupant. When the radiant heating panel 18 is enabled when there are legs L or other targets in the radiant heating zone 12, both the first IR sensor component 20 and the second IR sensor component 22 detect the temperature of the clothing covering the legs and / or the skin temperature. It is noted that the legs L at least partially block the second IR sensor 22 from detecting the temperature of the radiant heating panel 18. When this temperature data is provided to the controller 26 by the first IR sensor component 20 and the second IR sensor component 22, the controller 26 identifies that there is a target in the radiant heating zone 12. Therefore, the controller 26 is configured to keep the radiant heating panel 18 in an enabled state to provide IR radiation to heat the legs L until the occupant provides a deactivation signal via the human-machine interface 36, the display device 40, or the voice processor 42, or until the temperature data provided by the first IR sensor component 20 and the second IR sensor component 22 indicates that the legs L or the target is at a desired temperature, at which time the controller is configured to operate the radiant heating panel 18 to maintain the desired temperature to make the occupant sitting in the radiant heating zone 12 comfortable.

[0048] Figure 2a and 2b Another possible embodiment of the radiant heating system 50 is shown. The first radiant heating component of this second embodiment of the radiant heating system 50 is the same as the first radiant heating component 14 of the first radiant heating system 10, and is thus identified with the same reference numeral. Thus, as shown, the first radiant heating component 14 of the radiant heating system 50 includes a radiant heating panel 18 and a first IR sensor component 20.

[0049] The second radiant heating component of the radiant heating system 50 simply includes an IR mirror element 52 that is configured to reflect infrared radiation from the radiant heating panel 18 toward the radiant heating element through the radiant heating zone 12.

[0050] As Figure 2a shown, when the radiant heating panel 18 is enabled by occupant input or automatic control, the first IR sensor component 20 detects IR radiation from the radiant heating panel 18 that is reflected by the IR mirror element 52 on the far side wall 44 of the radiant heating zone 12. This temperature data is provided by the first IR sensor component 20 to the controller 26, which identifies that there is no target in the radiant heating zone 12. In this case, the controller 26 is configured to deactivate the radiant heating panel 18 to conserve energy.

[0051] Conversely, as Figure 2b shown, when there is a target (such as a leg L) in the radiant heating zone 12, the infrared radiation emitted by the radiant heating panel 18 is blocked from reaching the IR mirror reflection element 52 and then is reflected back to the first IR sensor 20. This temperature data is provided by the first IR sensor 20 to the controller 26 so that the controller can identify the presence of the target. Thus, in this case, the controller 26 is configured to keep the radiant heating panel 18 in an enabled state until the radiant heating panel is manually deactivated or deactivated by temperature feedback control (as described above with respect to Figures 1a-1d the first embodiment of the radiant heating system 10 shown in Figure 2c FIG. 14 shows a control architecture 54 for the radiant heating system 50, where the controller 26 is operably connected to the radiant heating panel 18 and the IR sensor component 20.

[0052] Figures 3a-3c FIG. 15 shows another possible embodiment of the radiant heating system 60. In this embodiment, the first radiant heating component 14 is the same as the first radiant heating component of the embodiment of FIG. 1 and includes the first radiant heating panel 18 and the first IR sensor component 20. The second radiant heating component 62 includes a second radiant heating panel 64 and a second IR sensor component 66. Figure 3c FIG. 16 shows a control architecture 68 for the radiant heating system 60. As shown, the controller 26 is operably connected to the first radiant heating panel 18, the second radiant heating panel 62, the first IR sensor component 20, and the second IR sensor component 66.

[0053] Figure 3aShows the operation of the radiant heating system 60 when there is no target in the radiant heating zone 12. More specifically, when the first and second radiant heating plates 18, 62 are initially enabled by an occupant input or automatic control, the first IR sensor component 20 detects the temperature of the second radiant heating plate 62, while the second IR sensor component 64 detects the temperature of the first radiant heating plate 18. This data input to the controller 26 by the first and second IR sensor components 20, 64 indicates that there is no object or target in the radiant heating zone 12, and thus, the controller 26 is configured to deactivate the first and second radiant heating plates 18, 62 to save energy.

[0054] Conversely, when there is a target (such as a leg L) in the radiant heating zone 12 (see Figure 3b ), the two IR sensor components 20, 64 are blocked from detecting the temperature of the opposite radiant heating plates 18, 62. Instead, the two IR sensor components 20, 64 detect the relatively cold temperature of the skin or clothing on the leg L. When this temperature data from the IR sensor components 20, 64 is provided to the controller 26, the presence of the target is identified and the controller 26 is configured to keep the first and second radiant heating plates 18, 62 enabled until manually deactivated by the operator or automatically deactivated by the controller to maintain the desired comfort level or target temperature detected or monitored by the IR sensor components 20, 64.

[0055] Figures 4a-4c Shows another possible embodiment of the radiant heating system 80. As shown, the radiant heating system 80 includes a first radiant heating component 82 and a second radiant heating component 84 on opposite sides of the radiant heating zone 86.

[0056] More specifically, the first radiant heating component includes a first set of a plurality of radiant heating plates 88 and a first plurality or first set of IR sensors 90, while the second radiant heating component 84 includes a second set of a plurality of radiant heating plates 92 and a second plurality or second set of IR sensors 94.

[0057] Figure 4c Shows a control architecture 96 for the radiant heating system 80, where the controller 26 is connected to the first set of a plurality of radiant heating plates 88, the second set of a plurality of radiant heating plates 92, the first set of a plurality of IR sensors 90, and the second set of a plurality of IR sensors 94.

[0058] As Figure 4aAs shown, when the first set of multiple radiant heating plates 88 and the second set of multiple radiant heating plates 92 are enabled by occupant input or automatic control, the first set of IR sensors 90 detects the temperature of the second set of multiple radiant heating plates 92, and the second set of multiple IR sensors 94 detects the temperature of the first set of multiple radiant heating plates 88. When this temperature data is provided to the controller 26 by the first and second sets of IR sensors 90, 94, a situation where there is no object or no target is identified, and the controller deactivates the first and second sets of multiple radiant heating plates 88, 92 to save energy.

[0059] Conversely, as Figure 4b shown, when there is a target (such as a leg L) in the radiant heating zone 86, the leg blocks the first set of multiple IR sensors 90 and the second set of multiple IR sensors 94 from detecting the respective temperatures of the opposing first set of multiple radiant heating plates 88 and the second set of multiple radiant heating plates 92. Instead, the first and second sets of multiple IR sensors 90, 94 detect the temperature of the relatively cold skin or the clothing surrounding the leg L. When this temperature data is provided to the controller 26, a situation where an object or target is present is identified, and the controller keeps the first and second sets of multiple radiant heating plates 88, 92 enabled until manually deactivated by the operator or automatically deactivated by the controller to maintain the skin or clothing temperature at a desired temperature continuously detected and monitored by the first and second sets of multiple IR sensors 90, 94.

[0060] Figures 5a-5c Another possible embodiment of the radiant heating system 100 is shown. The radiant heating system 100 includes a first radiant heating component 102 and a second radiant heating component 104 on opposite sides of the radiant heating zone 106.

[0061] The first radiant heating component 102 includes a first set of multiple radiant heating plates 108, a first set of multiple IR sensors 110, and a plurality of near-infrared sensors 112. The second radiant heating component 104 includes a second set of multiple radiant heating plates 114, a second set of multiple IR sensors 116, and a plurality of near-infrared emitters 118. Figure 5c A control architecture 120 for the radiant heating system 100 is shown in

[0062] When the radiant heating system 100 is enabled via occupant input or automatic control, the near-infrared emitters 118 are powered on and the near-infrared radiation from those emitters is directed towards the near-infrared sensors 112 at the opposite side of the radiant heating zone 106. The detection of the near-infrared radiation by the near-infrared sensor 110 is recognized by the controller 26 as indicating that there is no object or target in the radiant heating zone 106. Accordingly, the controller 26 does not enable the first and second sets of multiple radiant heating plates 108, 114 to conserve energy. See Figure 5a .

[0063] Conversely, as Figure 5b shown, when there is a target (such as a leg L) in the radiant heating zone 106, when the radiant heating system 100 is enabled, the near-infrared radiation emitted by the near-infrared emitters 118 does not reach one or more of the near-infrared sensors 112, which is a situation indicating that there is an object or target in the radiant heating zone 106. Accordingly, when such data from the near-infrared sensors 112 is provided to the controller 26, the controller enables the first and second sets of multiple radiant heating plates 108, 114 to provide heat to the leg L. The first and second sets of multiple radiant heating plates 108, 114 remain in the enabled state until deactivated by occupant input or other control (such as automatic control) to maintain the skin or the clothing around the leg L at a desired temperature continuously or intermittently monitored by the first and second sets of multiple IR sensors 110, 116.

[0064] Figures 6a-6c Another possible embodiment of a radiant heating system 130 is shown, which includes a first radiant heating component 132 and a second radiant heating component 134 on opposite sides of a radiant heating zone 136. In the illustrated embodiment, the first radiant heating component 132 includes a first set of multiple radiant heating plates 138, a first set of multiple IR sensors 140, and a first set of multiple ambient lighting sensors 142. The second radiant heating component 134 includes a second set of multiple radiant heating plates 144, a second set of multiple IR sensors 146, and a second set of multiple ambient lighting filter / screen sensors 148.

[0065] As Figure 6a and 6b further shown, the first radiant heating component 132 may also include a first ambient light source, such as a light-emitting diode (LED) 150, while the second radiant heating component 134 may include a second ambient light source, such as an LED 152.

[0066] Figure 6cShows a control architecture 154 for a radiant heating system 130. As shown, the controller 26 is connected to a first set of multiple radiant heating panels 138, a second set of multiple radiant heating panels 144, a first set of IR sensors, a second set of IR sensors 146, two ambient lighting sources 150, 152, and two sets of ambient lighting sensors 142, 148.

[0067] As Figure 6a shown, the ambient lighting from the first ambient lighting source 150 is directed through the radiant heating zone 136 towards the second set of multiple ambient lighting sensors 148, while the ambient lighting from the second ambient lighting source 152 is directed through the radiant heating zone towards the first set of multiple ambient lighting sensors 142. When the two ambient lighting sources 150, 152 are enabled and there is no target in the radiant heating zone 136, the first and second sets of multiple ambient lighting sensors 142, 148 detect the ambient lighting, which provides a data signal to the controller 26 indicating that there is no object or target in the radiant heating zone 136. Accordingly, the controller 26 is configured to keep the first and second sets of multiple radiant heating panels 138 and 144 in a deactivated state to conserve energy. It should be understood that the ambient lighting sensors 142, 148 can be filtered or shielded to increase their ability to detect light from the ambient lighting sources 150, 152 and distinguish that light from other light sources.

[0068] If ambient lighting is not used and the first and second ambient lighting sources 150, 152 are deactivated, detection of the presence of an object is still possible. More specifically, the first and second sets of multiple radiant heating panels 138 and 144 are enabled by occupant input or automatically controlled. In the absence of an object in the radiant heating zone 136, the second set of multiple IR sensors 146 detect the temperature of the first set of multiple radiant heating panels 138, while the first set of multiple IR sensors 140 detect the temperature of the second set of multiple radiant heating panels 144. In this case, the temperature data signals provided to the controller 26 by the first set of multiple IR sensors 140 and the second set of multiple IR sensors 146 indicate that there is no target present in the radiant heating zone 136. Accordingly, the controller 26 is configured to deactivate the first and second sets of multiple radiant heating panels 138 and 144 to conserve energy.

[0069] Conversely, in the presence of a target (such as a leg L) in the radiant heating zone 136, the light from the ambient lighting sources 150, 152 is blocked from reaching one or more of the first and second sets of multiple ambient lighting sensors 142, 148. When the first and second sets of multiple ambient lighting sensors 142, 148 provide such data to the controller 26, the controller 26 identifies the data as a signal indicating the presence of a target, and the controller is configured to enable the first and second sets of multiple radiant heating panels 138, 144. See Figure 6b .

[0070] When the radiant heating system 130 is enabled and the ambient lighting sources 150, 152 are not enabled, the presence of the leg L in the radiant heating zone 136 will block one or more of the first set of multiple IR sensors 140 from detecting the temperature of the second set of multiple opposing heating plates 144 or block one or more of the second set of multiple IR sensors 146 from detecting the temperature of one or more of the first set of multiple radiant heating plates 138. When such data is provided to the controller 26 by the first and second sets of multiple IR sensors 140, 146, it indicates the presence of a target in the radiant heating zone 136. In such a case, the controller 26 is configured to keep the first and second sets of multiple radiant heating plates 138, 144 enabled until an occupant input deactivates those heating plates or the controller receives other control signals.

[0071] Consistent with the above description, a radiant heating method is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a first radiant heating component 14 on a first side of a radiant heating zone 12, providing a second radiant heating component 16 on a second side of the radiant heating zone, detecting the presence of a target (e.g., leg L) to be heated in the radiant heating zone, and directing radiant heat toward the target.

[0072] The method may further include the step of using IR sensors 20, 22 to detect the presence of a target in the radiant heating zone 12. In some embodiments, the method may include using a near-infrared emitter 118 and a cooperating near-IR sensor 112 to detect the presence of a target in the radiant heating zone 106. In other embodiments, the method may include using ambient light sources 150, 152 and cooperating ambient lighting filter / shield sensors 142, 148 to detect the presence of a target in the radiant heating zone 136.

[0073] The method may also include configuring the controller 26 to control the first radiant heating component 14 and the second radiant heating component 16 in response to detecting the presence of a target in the radiant heating zone 12 and / or in response to the current heat level of the target in the radiant heating zone as detected by the first and second IR sensors 20, 22.

[0074] In summary, the various embodiments of the radiant heating systems 10, 50, 60, 80, 100, 130 disclosed in the present invention provide many benefits and advantages. The use of IR sensors in combination with radiant heating panels allows anyone to monitor the presence of a target in the radiant heating zone. This allows the radiant heating panel to be automatically deactivated when no target for heating is present, thus saving energy. At the same time, multiple IR sensors allow the temperature of the target (e.g., skin or clothing) to be monitored, allowing the radiant heating systems 10, 50, 60, 80, 100, 130 to maintain the target at a desired temperature for optimal comfort. In cases where the radiant heating systems 80, 100, 130 include multiple radiant heating panels 88, 92 / 108, 114 / 138, 144 and multiple IR sensors 90, 94 / 110, 116 / 140, 146, it is feasible to monitor the exact position of the target in the radiant heating zones 86, 106, 136. This allows for intelligent control, and the controller 26 can be configured to only enable those radiant heating panels in the optimal positions that most effectively heat the target. This allows for energy savings and improved heating effectiveness. Such radiant heating systems 10, 50, 60, 80, 100, 130 also allow the coldest areas of the target to be heated first in order to provide rapid heating efficiency to make the occupant comfortable and satisfied. Advantageously, the IR sensors 20, 22, 64, 90, 94, 110, 116, 140, 146 also allow for effective heat regulation while optimizing comfort and maximizing energy savings.

[0075] The use of multiple IR sensors or an array of such sensors further allows the controller 26 to monitor the movement of the target in the radiant heating zone and adjust the operation of the individual radiant heating panels by enabling, disabling, or changing the intensity to quickly establish and effectively maintain the desired comfort temperature.

[0076] Although not described above, it should be understood that the radiant heating system may include other data inputs and utilize additional data for more efficient and effective operation. For example, ambient temperature data from an ambient temperature sensor can be provided to the controller 26 to assist in calculating the target temperature for comfort. As another example, a solar load sensor can be used to measure the incoming solar load. The controller 26 can utilize this data to determine if the solar energy is affecting the near-infrared or infrared temperature sensors and causing false readings. Additionally, the controller 26 can be configured or calibrated to use the solar load sensor data to adjust the temperature or energy readings and increase the accuracy of the radiant heating system for increased occupant comfort.

[0077] It should be further understood that although the radiant heating zone in the illustrated embodiment is a footwell, other areas are feasible. For example, the radiant heating zone can be defined between the center console and the door, between the floor and the headliner, or at other locations within the motor vehicle.

[0078] The foregoing has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. Obvious modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the scope to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

Claims

1. A radiation heating system, comprising: A radiation heating zone; A first radiation heating component on a first side of the radiation heating zone; and A second radiation heating component passing through the radiation heating zone from the first side; Wherein the first radiation heating component further includes a first atmosphere illumination light source, and the second radiation heating component further includes a second atmosphere illumination sensor; The first radiation heating component further includes a first atmosphere illumination sensor, and the second radiation heating component further includes a second atmosphere illumination light source, and the second atmosphere illumination light source is guided to pass through the radiation heating zone toward the first atmosphere illumination sensor; Further comprising a controller configured to control the operations of the first radiation heating component and the second radiation heating component, and the controller is configured to keep the first radiation heating component and the second radiation heating component in a deactivated state to save energy when the first atmosphere illumination light source reaches the second atmosphere illumination sensor and the second atmosphere illumination light source reaches the first atmosphere illumination sensor.

2. The radiation heating system according to claim 1, wherein the first radiation heating component includes a first radiation heat source and a first IR sensor component.

3. The radiation heating system according to claim 2, wherein the second radiation heating component includes a second IR sensor component.

4. The radiation heating system according to claim 2, wherein the second radiation heating component is a second radiation heat source and a second IR sensor component.

5. The radiation heating system according to claim 4, wherein the first radiation heat source is a first radiation heating plate, and the second radiation heat source is a second radiation heating plate.

6. The radiation heating system according to claim 4, wherein the first radiation heat source is a first group of multiple radiation heating plates, and the second radiation heat source is a second group of multiple radiation heating plates.

7. The radiation heating system according to claim 6, wherein the first IR sensor component includes a first group of multiple IR sensors, and one IR sensor in the first group of multiple IR sensors is disposed on each of the first group of multiple radiation heating plates.

8. The radiation heating system according to claim 7, wherein the second IR sensor component includes a second group of multiple IR sensors, and one IR sensor in the second group of multiple IR sensors is disposed on each of the second group of multiple radiation heating plates.

9. The radiation heating system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to respond to detecting a target to be heated in the radiation heating zone.

10. The radiation heating system according to claim 9, wherein the radiation heating zone is a footrest space of a motor vehicle.

11. A radiation heating method, comprising: Providing a first radiation heating component adjacent to a radiation heating zone; Providing a second radiation heating component passing through the radiation heating zone from the first radiation heating component; Detecting the presence of a target to be heated in the radiation heating zone; and Directing radiant heat toward the target; including using an ambient lighting source and a co-operating ambient lighting sensor to detect the presence of the target in the radiant heating zone; wherein the first radiant heating component further includes a first ambient lighting source, and the second radiant heating component further includes a second ambient lighting sensor; the first radiant heating component further includes a first ambient lighting sensor, and the second radiant heating component further includes a second ambient lighting source, the second ambient lighting source being directed towards the first ambient lighting sensor through the radiant heating zone; further including a controller configured to control the operation of the first radiant heating component and the second radiant heating component, the controller being configured to maintain the first radiant heating component and the second radiant heating component in a deactivated state to save energy when the first ambient lighting source reaches the second ambient lighting sensor and the second ambient lighting source reaches the first ambient lighting sensor.

12. The method according to claim 11, including using an IR sensor to detect the presence of the target in the radiant heating zone.

13. The method according to claim 11, including using a near-infrared emitter and a co-operating near-infrared sensor to detect the presence of the target in the radiant heating zone.

14. The method according to claim 11, including configuring the controller to control the first radiant heating component and the second radiant heating component in response to detecting the presence of the target in the radiant heating zone and the current heat level of the target in the radiant heating zone.

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