Abstract: A system for automatically controlling the wiping of automotive windscreens is disclosed. The wiping is conducted at a rate corresponding to the amount of water determined to be on the windscreen at each wiping cycle.

Abstract: A moisture sensor device for a vehicle windshield consists of a housing having a front portion composed of transparent material forming a window with an inner surface formed in a stepwise shape with two planar surfaces oblique to the outer front surface and an outer surface of which is adapted to be optically coupled to an inner surface of the windshield. An internal body portion fits within the housing and has a stepwise shaped outer surface fitting to the inside surface of the window, and includes a radiant energy emitter and a radiant energy detector positioned at oblique surfaces complementary to those of the window. Radiant energy passes from the emitter to the detector through the window and windscreen optically coupled thereto in an optical path that includes internal reflections at an outer surface of the windshield and at a planer side surface of the window. A circuit board alongside the internal body includes circuitry for operating the sensor device.