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{{Short description|Device for detecting obstruction of a light beam}}
⚫ {{For|the song|Electric Eye (song)}}
{{Other uses}}
{{Unreferenced stub|auto=yes|date=December 2009}}
]
'''Electric eye''' is a somewhat dated term used to describe an opto-electronic means of sensing something, most commonly a ] of some type. An example is the ] system used on ]s that use a light transmitter and receiver at the bottom of the door to prevent closing if there is any obstruction in the way that breaks the light beam.
An '''electric eye''' is a ] used for detecting obstruction of a light beam. An example is the ] system used on ]s that use a light transmitter and receiver at the bottom of the door to prevent closing if there is any obstruction in the way that breaks the light beam. The device does not provide an image; only the presence of light is detectable. Visible light may be used, but ] radiation conceals the operation of the device and typically is used in modern systems. Originally, systems used lamps powered by ] or the power line ] frequency, but modern photodetector systems use an infrared ] modulated at a few kilohertz, which allows the detector to reject ] and improves the range, sensitivity, and security of the device.

In the frequently played "Proper Modulation" ] from the ], Stern's father, a ], describes "the electric eye" as "a green type of... tube." He is apparently describing a "]" (used as a recording level indicator on some tape recorders), rather than an electric eye.


==Examples== ==Examples==
'''Highway vehicle counter''' '''Highway vehicle counter'''
* In the 1930s a primitive electric eye vehicle counter was introduced in the US using two IR lamps set apart so that only cars and not pedestrians would be counted. <ref> </ref> * In the 1930s, an electric eye vehicle counter was introduced in the US using two IR lamps set apart so that only cars and pedestrians would be counted.<ref></ref>
'''First compact commercial unit''' '''First compact commercial unit'''
* Also, a compact type of electric eye was offered in 1931 that was enclosed in a small steel case and much easier to install compared to older models. <ref> </ref> * A compact type of electric eye was offered in 1931 that was enclosed in a small steel case and much easier to install compared to older models.<ref></ref>
'''Automatic wrapping wachines''' '''Automatic wrapping machines'''
* In the 1930s an electric eye apparatus was developed to help a wrapping machine, wrap 82 boxes a minute. <ref> </ref> * In the 1930s, an electric eye apparatus was developed to help a wrapping machine wrap 72 boxes a minute.<ref></ref>
'''Automatic door opener''' '''Automatic door opener'''
* In 1931 General Electric tested the first automatic door openers now popular in hospitals. They called their electric eye, the ''Magic Eye''. <ref> </ref> * In 1931, General Electric tested the first automatic door openers now popular in hospitals. They called their electric eye the ''Magic Eye''.<ref></ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://305garagedoors.com/service/garage-door-automatic-opener-repair/|title=Garage Door Automatic Opener Repair}}</ref>
'''Business alarm system'''

* In 1931, an electric eye that used invisible UV wavelength was offered to businesses in need of a 24-hour alarm system.<ref></ref> A system of this type is demonstrated in the first scene of the 1932 film '']''.

'''Automatic cameras'''
{{Empty section|date=July 2010}}
* In 1936, Dr. ] and Dr. Gustav Bucky received a patent for a design which applied the electric eye to a camera. The camera was capable of automatically determining the proper aperture and exposure.<ref> ] Vol. 180 #6, September 10, 2011, p. 32.</ref>


==See also== ==See also==
* ]
* ] * ]

* ]
==References==
==Reference and Notes==
{{Reflist}} {{Reflist}}


==External links==
{{wiktionary}}
* Popular Mechanics, April 1931


⚫ {{DEFAULTSORT:Electric Eye}}
] ]
]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Electric Eye}}


{{Technology-stub}}

]

Latest revision as of 23:07, 12 September 2024

Device for detecting obstruction of a light beam For other uses, see Electric eye (disambiguation).
Electric eye for a garage door opener

An electric eye is a photodetector used for detecting obstruction of a light beam. An example is the door safety system used on garage door openers that use a light transmitter and receiver at the bottom of the door to prevent closing if there is any obstruction in the way that breaks the light beam. The device does not provide an image; only the presence of light is detectable. Visible light may be used, but infrared radiation conceals the operation of the device and typically is used in modern systems. Originally, systems used lamps powered by direct current or the power line alternating current frequency, but modern photodetector systems use an infrared light-emitting diode modulated at a few kilohertz, which allows the detector to reject stray light and improves the range, sensitivity, and security of the device.

Examples

Highway vehicle counter

  • In the 1930s, an electric eye vehicle counter was introduced in the US using two IR lamps set apart so that only cars and pedestrians would be counted.

First compact commercial unit

  • A compact type of electric eye was offered in 1931 that was enclosed in a small steel case and much easier to install compared to older models.

Automatic wrapping machines

  • In the 1930s, an electric eye apparatus was developed to help a wrapping machine wrap 72 boxes a minute.

Automatic door opener

  • In 1931, General Electric tested the first automatic door openers now popular in hospitals. They called their electric eye the Magic Eye.

Business alarm system

  • In 1931, an electric eye that used invisible UV wavelength was offered to businesses in need of a 24-hour alarm system. A system of this type is demonstrated in the first scene of the 1932 film Jewel Robbery.

Automatic cameras

  • In 1936, Dr. Albert Einstein and Dr. Gustav Bucky received a patent for a design which applied the electric eye to a camera. The camera was capable of automatically determining the proper aperture and exposure.

See also

References

  1. "Autos Are Counted By Electric Eye", January 1937, Popular Science
  2. "Electric Eye And Relay Set Combined In Cabinet", March 1931, Popular Mechanics
  3. "Electric Eye is Robot Guard For Wrapping Machine", February 1931, Popular Mechanics
  4. "Door That Opens Itself Is Boon To Waitresses", February 1931, Popular Mechanics
  5. "Garage Door Automatic Opener Repair".
  6. "UV Ray Electric Eye Alarm, February 1931
  7. Einstein invents automatic camera Science News Vol. 180 #6, September 10, 2011, p. 32.

External links

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