A method of improving the measurement accuracy of a digital ice rate sensor by providing an enhanced surface finish on a magnetostrictive oscillator detector probe by measuring the surface roughness of the detector probe, comparing the measured value to a critical value, and authorizing the probe for use in the digital ice rate sensor if surface roughness is within the critical value. Surface roughness may be measured optically or with a surface profilometer. Remedial steps taken if surface roughness is not within the critical value include reworking the probe surface finish and investigating the manufacturing process.

Apparatus and associated methods relate to differentiating ice accretion caused by different supercooled water droplets on an airfoil of an aircraft. A sensor having a sensing surface region is mounted at a mounting location of the airfoil such that the sensing surface region is flush with a surrounding adjacent surface of the airfoil. Water particles of sizes less than or equal to a predetermined threshold do not impinge the sensor surface region at the mounting location when the aircraft is in flight. A sensor driver provides an excitation signal to the sensor. A signal detector detects a sensor signal responsive to the provided excitation signal. The sensor signal is indicative of water particles exceeding the predetermined threshold impinging the sensing surface region. In some embodiments, the sensing surface region is mechanically coupled to a resonant cavity. In other embodiments, the sensor is a surface resistance sensor configured to sense surface resistance.

A road condition monitoring system capable of measuring the radiance reflected by an area of interest or the thermal radiance emitted by an area of interest in wavelengths range containing a crossover point between the curves representing the absorption of electromagnetic radiation by ice and water. A detector configured to measure the radiance in a first band having wavelengths in a spectral band on a first side of the crossover point and output a first band signal, and measure the radiance in a second band having wavelengths in a spectral band on a second opposing side of the crossover point and output a second band signal. A data processing unit configured to determine the ratio of the first band signal to the second band signal and compare the ratio to predetermined critical ratios to output a determination signal indicating the presence of water or various types of ice.

A Light Detecting and Ranging (LIDAR) based system detecting and quantifying ice accretions and shedding on an aircraft. This system can be used to detect ice, operate ice protection systems, and satisfy aircraft icing certification requirements. This system can also be used to determine the shape, thickness, type, and location of the ice accretions.

A Light Detecting and Ranging (LIDAR) based system detecting and quantifying ice accretions and shedding on an aircraft. This system can be used to detect ice, operate ice protection systems, and satisfy aircraft icing certification requirements. This system can also be used to determine the shape, thickness, type, and location of the ice accretions.

Embodiments include a system providing sensor feedback for property condition monitoring, including: a plurality of sensors disposed in a roof structure of a property; the plurality of sensors providing output indicative of ice formation associated with the roof structure; a hub device that receives output from the plurality of sensors, the hub device detecting at least one sensor output indicative of ice formation and providing a notification regarding the ice formation; a computing device of an insurance carrier that receives the notification, the computing device updating a status of the property in an insurance carrier database in response to the notification; and a communication link between the plurality of sensors, the hub device and the computing device of an insurance carrier. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Embodiments include a system providing sensor feedback for property condition monitoring, including: a plurality of sensors disposed in a roof structure of a property; the plurality of sensors providing output indicative of ice formation associated with the roof structure; a hub device that receives output from the plurality of sensors, the hub device detecting at least one sensor output indicative of ice formation and providing a notification regarding the ice formation; a computing device of an insurance carrier that receives the notification, the computing device updating a status of the property in an insurance carrier database in response to the notification; and a communication link between the plurality of sensors, the hub device and the computing device of an insurance carrier. Other aspects are described and claimed.

A detection device includes: a light source that emits, toward an object, light of a first wavelength band, and light of a second wavelength band that is less readily absorbed by water than the light of the first wavelength band; a polarization splitter that splits at least one of S-polarized light and P-polarized light from light that has been reflected or scattered at the object; a photoreceptor that receives light reflected or scattered at the object via the polarization splitter; and a control unit that determines a state of the object from information based on light received by the photoreceptor. The light emitted by the light source is random polarized light where the ratio of P-polarized light and S-polarized light is generally uniform.

A detection device includes: a light source that emits, toward an object, light of a first wavelength band, and light of a second wavelength band that is less readily absorbed by water than the light of the first wavelength band; a polarization splitter that splits at least one of S-polarized light and P-polarized light from light that has been reflected or scattered at the object; a photoreceptor that receives light reflected or scattered at the object via the polarization splitter; and a control unit that determines a state of the object from information based on light received by the photoreceptor. The light emitted by the light source is random polarized light where the ratio of P-polarized light and S-polarized light is generally uniform.

Embodiments include a system providing sensor feedback for property condition monitoring, including: a plurality of sensors disposed in a roof structure of a property; the plurality of sensors providing output indicative of ice formation associated with the roof structure; a hub device that receives output from the plurality of sensors, the hub device detecting at least one sensor output indicative of ice formation and providing a notification regarding the ice formation; a computing device of an insurance carrier that receives the notification, the computing device updating a status of the property in an insurance carrier database in response to the notification; and a communication link between the plurality of sensors, the hub device and the computing device of an insurance carrier. Other aspects are described and claimed.