Method and apparatus for calibration of comfort control IR sensor

A comfort control system for supplying regulated air to the passenger compartment of an automotive vehicle having temperature sensor calibration comprising:

• a sensor package including an IR sensor responsive to thermal radiation levels in the compartment relative to the sensor temperature, a thermistor responsive to the temperature of the sensor package, and a heater for heating the package, the IR sensor being subject to change in efficiency;
• a controller including a microprocessor coupled to the sensor package for regulating the temperature, mode and air speed of air entering the passenger compartment;
• a circuit including the microprocessor combining outputs of the IR sensor and the thermistor to produce a thermal value representing the interior vehicle temperature;
• and
• the controller including
• means for turning on the heater for a given time when the thermopile temperature is equal to the interior radiant temperature,
• means for storing a calibration value which compensates for IR sensor changes, and
• means for adjusting the calibration value to neutralize any apparent change of the thermal value upon heating.