Abstract: Provided are embodiments for a system having an avionics system that is configured to dynamically communicate one or more configurable parameters of a wiper and wash system based at least in part on a selected mode, and an avionics bus that is configured to communicate dynamic parameters from the avionics system. The system also includes a wash system having a fluid reservoir and fluid level sensor, and a wiper system including a control unit (ECU) that is configured to operate the system based at least in part on the one or more configurable parameters, wherein the wiper system is coupled to the wash system and supplies the wash fluid to the wiper system. Also provided are embodiments of a method for performing dynamic control of the aircraft windscreen wiper and wash system configuration parameters.

Abstract: When a power failure does not occur, power supply to a first terminal of a wiper motor is performed by a first battery, and power supply to a second terminal of the wiper motor is performed by a second battery. When a power failure occurs in one of the first battery or the second battery, power supply to the wiper motor is performed by the other battery that is not in power failure.

Abstract: A windshield wiper assembly for a dual sweep angle and indexable wiper system is provided. The system includes a wiper motor and a wiper arm for sweeping a surface of a windshield coupled to a first eccentric, the first eccentric comprising a primary eccentric and an indexable eccentric plate, wherein the indexable eccentric plate determines an eccentric offset of the wiper arm coupled to the first eccentric. The system further includes an output wiper shaft coupled to the wiper arm, a second eccentric coupled to a cam shaft, and a link coupled to the first eccentric and the second eccentric, the link having a first effective link arm length between the first eccentric and the second eccentric for driving the first eccentric to operate the wiper arm when operated in a first direction.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for operating a wiper system of a sensor enclosure. The wiper system can be configured to receive a camera operating information from one or more cameras. The one or more cameras can be determined to be in an exposure mode based on the camera operating information. A first speed of one or more wipers can be adjusted such that the one or more wipers are not in field of views of the one or more cameras while the one or more cameras are in the exposure mode.

Abstract: A precipitation index estimation apparatus includes an operation mode data collection unit and an estimation processing unit. The data collection unit is configured to collect operation mode data indicating an operation mode of a windshield wiper, acquired in one or more vehicles positioned in a predetermined area within a predetermined period. The estimation processing unit is configured to estimate a precipitation index indicating an intensity of precipitation in the predetermined area within the predetermined period, based on a proportion of each of a plurality of kinds of operation modes, which is derived from the collected operation mode data.

Abstract: An atmospheric precipitation rate computation system, comprising an electronic digital image/video capture apparatus to capture digital images/videos of an environment in which an atmospheric precipitation is taking place; an electronic digital image processing apparatus connected to the electronic digital image/video capture apparatus to receive therefrom and process captured digital images/videos to compute atmospheric precipitation rates of atmospheric precipitations which are taking place in the environments shown in the received digital images/videos; and an electronic display device connected to the electronic digital image processing apparatus to receive therefrom and display the computed atmospheric precipitation rate.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured to perform a method for generating warning polygons for weather events in a geographic region. The method includes receiving measurement data from one or more sensors, identifying at least one location from the measurement data, identifying a map tile within a predetermined distance to the at least one location, defining an index including the map tile in response to identification that the map tile is within the predetermined distance to the at least one location, calculating a confidence level for the map tile accessed from the index, comparing the confidence level for the map tile to a threshold confidence level, clustering the map tile in a map tile cluster in response to the confidence level exceeding the threshold level, and calculating a polygon based on the map tile cluster such that the polygon intersects the geographic region.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present technology may provide methods and apparatus for a capacitive sensor configured to detect rain. The capacitive sensor may be integrated within an interior surface of a laminated glass structure comprising an adhesive interlayer disposed between two glass layers. The capacitive sensor electrodes may be arranged in a variety of configurations between the two glass layers. The capacitive sensor may be used with a printed circuit board that is configured to electrically couple to the capacitive sensor electrodes.

Abstract: A system includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to predict a path of a liquid droplet on a surface, and then, actuate one or more vehicle components based on the path.

Abstract: Controlling a vehicle includes determining that an occupancy status of the vehicle is unoccupied, estimating a remaining unoccupied time, and controlling a climate-control system according to climate-control parameters based on at least the occupancy status and the remaining unoccupied time. A climate-control parameter is a value or set of values for an attribute or attributes of vehicle climate control, such as a power status for the climate-control system as a whole, a target temperature for a passenger cabin, power statuses corresponding to individual climate zones of the passenger cabin, and target temperatures for the individual climate zones.

Abstract: An electronic control device for use in a motor vehicle includes an electronic housing for accommodating an electronics system that includes a circuit board, and a resistance sensor for detecting water that has penetrated into the electronic housing. The resistance sensor includes at least two sensor electrodes, each of which is present, at least in one section, in an uninsulated state with respect to the interior of the electronic housing, and a control unit that is configured to detect and evaluate a measured resistance value between the two sensor electrodes. The control unit is further configured to output a trigger signal when the detected measured resistance value or its deviation from a normal value meets a trigger criterion that is characteristic of a contact closure between the two sensor electrodes that is caused by the presence of water in the electronic housing.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for operating a wiper system of a sensor enclosure. The wiper system can be configured to receive a camera operating information from one or more cameras. The one or more cameras can be determined to be in an exposure mode based on the camera operating information. A first speed of one or more wipers can be adjusted such that the one or more wipers are not in field of views of the one or more cameras while the one or more cameras are in the exposure mode.

Abstract: There is provided a sensor mounting structure, the structure including (i) a sensor device that detects at least information in front of a vehicle, (ii) a support member that houses part of the sensor device and is attached to a base member provided on an inner surface of a front windshield glass, and (iii) a display device that displays at least an image of what is in back of the vehicle, the display device being attached such that its angle is adjustable, to a lower end portion of an arm member having upper end portion that is attached to the support member. A space is formed between an outer surface of the part of the sensor device housed in the support member and an inner surface of the support member.

Abstract: A radar camera of a signalized traffic control system determines rain intensity, compares it to a threshold, then adjusts traffic signal operation. Rain intensity of a level relative to the threshold causes the traffic control system to operate in a rain intensity mode. The rain intensity mode has the system hold a call to a traffic light controller during the time when rain intensity is above the threshold. The traffic control system includes a radar camera, traffic controller, a computer with memory, and program instructions. A manner of operation includes sampling camera radar, counting the number of raindrops and raindrop size within a predetermined range, determining rain intensity using the measured raindrop parameters/characteristics, comparing the determined rain intensity with a rain intensity threshold, and operating the traffic controller accordingly while the rain intensity is above the threshold.

Abstract: A work vehicle collective switch apparatus includes: a switch operation unit including a plurality of switches; a network side signal output unit that outputs a switch state signal to an in-vehicle network side connected to the collective switch apparatus; a drive signal output unit that outputs a drive signal to a direct-coupled device connected to the collective switch apparatus, and a control unit that outputs a command signal corresponding to switch operation on a basis of switch assignment information that assigns in advance as to whether the drive signal is to be output from the drive signal output unit or the switch state signal is to be output from the network side signal output unit in accordance with switch operation of any of the plurality of switches.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control unit for a windscreen wiper system for a rail vehicle, comprising an operating function interface, a sensor interface, a control device, a control output, and a supply voltage terminal. The operating function interface is configured to receive an information via an operating mode of the windshield wiper system. The sensor interface is configured to receive at least one analog and/or digital sensor signal. Utilizing the information, the control device is configured to provide at least one control signal for the windshield wiper system via the operating mode and/or the sensor signal. The control output is configured to emit the at least one control signal. The supply voltage terminal is configured to provide an applied voltage, interfaces, and devices of the control unit, in particular to the control device.

Abstract: In certain example embodiments, moisture sensors, defoggers, etc., and/or related methods, are provided. More particularly, certain example embodiments relate to moisture sensors and/or defoggers that may be used in various applications such as, for example, refrigerator/freezer merchandisers, vehicle windows, building windows, etc. When condensation or moisture is detected, an appropriate action may be taken (e.g., actuating windshield wipers, turning on a defroster, triggering the heating of a merchandiser door or window, etc.). Bayesian approaches optionally may be implemented in certain example embodiments in an attempt to improve moisture detection accuracy. For instance, models of various types of disturbances may be developed and, based on live data and a priori information known about the model, a probability of the model being accurate is calculated. If a threshold value is met, the model may be considered a match and, optionally, a corresponding appropriate action may be taken.

Abstract: A system for clearing precipitation from a window comprises one or more transducers (1-8) fixed to the window. The transducers are driven by a generator (13) to produce surface acoustic waves that propagate through the window. The window may be a laminated window such as a windscreen (10) for a vehicle. A sensing system (122) may be used for detecting the presence of precipitation to actuate the clearing system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety controller for an actuating drive (2.1, 2.2, 2.3) for controlling a gas flow or a liquid flow in an open-loop or closed-loop manner by means of a flap (3.1, 3.2, 3.3) or a valve, in particular in the field of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, fire-protection systems, and/or room protection systems. A safety circuit (9.1, 9.2, 9.3) is implemented to ensure the energy supply in a safety operating mode if an electricity supply circuit (8.1, 8.2, 8.3) drops off or is lost. A control value output circuit (1.1, 1.2, 1.3) detects status signals, in particular signals of a sensor (11.1, 11.2, 11.3), and/or status parameters of a system and/or a specifiable setting of an adjustment device that can be actuated manually. The safety control value is set to one of at least two different control values (SW1, SW2, . . . ) depending on the status signals so that the safety position of the flap is determined adaptively.

Abstract: A system for detecting noise generated by a windshield wiper on a vehicle including a cabin is provided. The system includes a detector for detecting noise generated by the windshield wiper. A processor is provided for generating a signal based on the noise detected by the detector. A controller may also receive the signal and regulate the operation of the windshield wiper, including by adaptive control based on a vehicle operator's desired setting of a speed of the wiper in an intermittent mode of operation. The signal may also be used to notify a service provider of the need for servicing the windshield wiper. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a windshield wiper device (100) comprising a driving means (110) and a control unit (130) for the driving means (110). An operating characteristic map (140) is provided, in which a maximum torque to be output by the driving means (110) and a minimum rotational speed of the driving means (110) are stored.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for controlling a sensorless, brushless DC motor that is controlled via a bridge circuit preferably using pulse width modulation (PWM) having precommutation. According to the invention, in the braking operation each commutation interval is divided into two phases. A drive phase, lasting from the start of the commutation interval up to zero crossing in which the motor is controlled with the normal PWM, and a braking phase, lasting from zero crossing up to the next commutation time in which at least two motor phases are short-circuited and/or in which the PWM is operated with recovered energy. The efficiency of the control circuit is as low as possible so as to ensure that the braking energy is consumed in the control circuit.

Abstract: A bicycle component operating device includes a touch sensor and a controller. The controller is configured to control a bicycle component based on a control signal from the touch sensor. The touch sensor is separate from the bicycle component and is configured to provide the control signal to the controller based on a touching characteristic in which a user performs a subsequent touching of the touch sensor after performing an initial touching of the touch sensor such that the initial touching does not cause the controller to control the bicycle component.

Abstract: A vehicle heating and air conditioning system basically includes an interior/exterior air introducing structure, a heating device, a driving end time acquiring section and an interior/exterior air switching control section. The interior/exterior air introducing structure switches the flow of cabin intake air between an interior air recirculation mode and an exterior air introducing mode. The heating device heats the cabin intake air being introduced by the interior/exterior air introducing structure. The driving end time acquiring section estimates a driving end time corresponding to a point in time at which driving of a vehicle is predicted to end. The interior/exterior air switching control section switches the interior/exterior air introducing structure from the exterior air introducing mode to the interior air recirculation mode during a period of time from a prescribed point in time until the driving end time to restrict windshield fogging while in the interior air recirculation mode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for actuating a wiper system. The device comprises a drive unit (2) for driving at least one wiper arm (4), and a control unit (6), wherein the control unit (6) is designed to set a wiping frequency of the wiper arm (4) as a function of a load variable which is dependent on the torque which is to be applied by the drive unit (2) during a wiping operation.

Abstract: In certain example embodiments, moisture sensors, defoggers, etc., and/or related methods, are provided. More particularly, certain example embodiments relate to moisture sensors and/or defoggers that may be used in various applications such as, for example, refrigerator/freezer merchandisers, vehicle windows, building windows, etc. When condensation or moisture is detected, an appropriate action may be taken (e.g., actuating windshield wipers, turning on a defroster, triggering the heating of a merchandiser door or window, etc.). Bayesian approaches optionally may be implemented in certain example embodiments in an attempt to improve moisture detection accuracy. For instance, models of various types of disturbances may be developed and, based on live data and a priori information known about the model, a probability of the model being accurate is calculated. If a threshold value is met, the model may be considered a match and, optionally, a corresponding appropriate action may be taken.

Abstract: In a method for detecting rain on a windshield, whose degree of wetting is determined with at least one sensor value, it is provided that the sensor value is determined piezoelectrically, wherein vibrations on the windshield are detected, which change depending on the degree of wetting or raindrops hitting the windshield. As a result, the entire windshield serves as a detection surface, thereby yielding a high accuracy.

Abstract: A method for cleaning and drying a transparent pane is described. The method uses a hydrophobic coating in order to wipe off the residual moisture, wherein the quantity of water on the outside of the pane is measured after the vehicle engine has been switched off and, in the event of a constant or decreasing quantity of water, at least one wiping operation is carried out after a waiting time of at least 1 minute. A device for cleaning and drying the transparent pane is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling asymmetrical coasting of an endodontic reciprocating motor includes a controller operatively connected to the endodontic motor. The controller may include a processing unit that is configured to direct the rotation of the endodontic motor in the forward direction for a coast time and configured to direct the rotation of the endodontic motor in the reverse direction for a coast time. The forward coast time is separately calculated from the reverse coast time. A method for asymmetrically coasting a reciprocating endodontic motor includes rotating an endodontic motor in a forward direction and calculating a forward coast time for the forward direction and coasting the endodontic motor in the forward direction for the calculated forward coast time. After coasting the endodontic motor in the forward direction, the endodontic motor is rotated in a reverse direction. The reverse coast time is different than the forward coast time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control device (160) for a drive unit (120) of a vehicle windshield wiper system (100) comprising at least one wiper arm (140). The control device (160) is designed to determine a load quantity (L) of the drive unit (120) and to set the wiping frequency (WH) of the wiper arm (140) on the basis of the ratio of the load quantity (L) to at least one load threshold value (LS). Furthermore, the control device (160) is designed to set the wiping frequency (WH) depending on the current speed (v) of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method to avoid a single point of failure in a system that includes at least two monitoring devices, at least two power supplies and a switching device coupled between the monitoring devices and the power supplies. The method includes performing a test that can determine if two monitoring devices are receiving power from the power supply, generating an error code and varying a position of one or more switches in a switching device based on the error code.

Abstract: A method of controlling a brushless motor that includes exciting a winding of the motor in advance of predetermined rotor positions by an advance period. The length of the advance period is defined by a waveform that varies periodically with time. Additionally, a control system that implements the method, and a motor system that incorporates the control system.

Abstract: An electric motor and a control unit are juxtaposed in a speed reduction gear box. A terminal block is provided at an outer circumference of a flange proximate to a control unit of the electric motor. Terminal block surfaces of the terminal block are provided so that a plane direction faces a direction vertical to a shaft line of the electric motor. A motor side connecting terminal is held on the terminal block surface. The unit side connecting terminals provided at a position proximate to the electric motor of the control unit are arranged so as to overlap with the motor side connecting terminal on the terminal block surface to couple by a coupling portion (fixing screw).

Abstract: Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided for defining travel paths in parking areas. In one embodiment, travel paths in parking areas can be defined by connecting street networking connection points within the parking areas. In another embodiment, such defined travel paths can be merged with actual paths traveled by vehicles in the parking areas.

Abstract: A wiper system is provided and may include a wiper that operates between a parked state and a use state, a motor associated with the wiper that selectively moves the wiper between the parked state and the use state, and a switch that generates a signal identifying whether the wiper is in the parked state or the use state. The wiper system may also include a controller in communication with the switch. The controller may include a second-order filter and a comparator, whereby the controller passes the signal through the second-order filter and the comparator to differentiate between the parked state and the use state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a windscreen wiping device for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one wiper, a wiper drive (1), an electronic control device (2) that controls the wiper drive (1), a first signal transmitter for capturing the angular position of the wiper, and a first control line (7) that can emit an angle position signal captured by the first signal transmitter to the control device (2). According to the invention, a second signal transmitter for capturing the angular displacement of the wiper is provided. A second control line (8) that can emit an angle modification signal captured by the second signal transmitter to the control device (2) is provided. Said claimed windscreen wiper device has the advantage that it has a permanent self-locking device for at least one wiper.

Abstract: During rain, including a light source (5) for radiating light such that the light is transmitted through a vehicle window (2), a light receiving element (6) for sensing an optical signal when the light radiated from the light source (5) is reflected from the raindrop fallen on the vehicle window (2) and performing a photoelectric transduction, and a receiver (9) for receiving the photoelectrically transduced signal from the light receiving element (6) and judging the level of rainfall. The light source (5) and the light receiving element (6) are inclined with respect to the surface of the vehicle window (2) such that the light of the light source (5) directly reflected from the vehicle window (2) exits to the outside of the light receiving element (6) and the light reflected from a raindrop (8) on the vehicle window (2) is received by the light receiving element (6) to operate a vehicle wiper.

Abstract: A wiper is pivotably supported and is swung by a drive force of an electric motor. When a command, which commands execution of one of high and low speed modes, is entered through a wiper switch in the middle of operation of the wiper in another one of the high and low speed modes, a control unit controls an electric motor such that a moving speed of the wiper, which is preset for the another one of the high and low speed modes, is changed to the moving speed of the wiper, which is preset for the one of the high and low speed modes, during a time period of executing a predetermined number of swings of the wiper between an upper return position and a lower return position upon entering of the command through the wiper switch means.

Abstract: An output shaft of a wiper motor is connected to a wiper to transmit a rotational force of the wiper motor to the wiper to reciprocally swing the wiper between an upper return position and a lower return position in response to forward and backward rotations of the output shaft upon energization of the wiper motor. When the wiper is stopped at the lower return position, the control unit executes a stop position holding control operation in such a manner that the control unit controls a rotational direction of the wiper motor to apply a rotational force to the wiper in a downward direction and controls the rotational force of the wiper motor based on a speed of the vehicle to substantially maintain the wiper at the lower return position.

Abstract: A windshield wiper control unit that controls a windshield wiper based on the position of an operation member, includes: an electric value detection unit that detects an electric value that continuously changes based on the position of the operation member; a setting unit that sets a reference electric value range that is a portion of a variation range of the electric value; a determination unit that determines whether the electric value detected by the electric value detection unit falls within the reference electric value range; and a position determination unit that determines the position of the operation member based on the reference electric value range. When the detected electric value falls outside the reference electric value range, the reference electric value range is updated in such a manner that the electric value, which falls outside the pre-update reference electric value range, falls within the post-update reference electric value range.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods of controlling a motor, such as a servo motor. One method can include monitoring a current temperature of the motor and a power stage of the motor substantially continuously and substantially in real-time. This method can include determining optimum settings for a first time interval to remove power and the second time interval to provide power in order to deliver maximum output while remaining below the maximum rated temperature of the motor. One method can include pulsing power to the motor for a second time interval after a first time interval has elapsed and tailoring pulse shapes of the power provided to the motor for the second time interval. One method can include calculating a maximum phase current based on the rotor shaft torque for each real-time speed of the motor that correlates to the maximum allowable current draw from the power supply.

Abstract: A wiper apparatus includes: a wiper blade driven by a first motor; and a wiper blade driven by a second motor. The motors are drive-controlled by control microcomputers, respectively. The control microcomputers are connected to each other through a communication line. While exchanging position information of the wiper blades through the communication line, the control microcomputers synchronously drive the motors on the basis of a position relationship between both of the wiper blades. When an abnormality occurs in a communication state of an in-vehicle LAN, a setting state of a wiper switch is grasped through a switch signal line directly connected to the wiper switch, and wipers are prevented from being stopped when such communication abnormality occurs.

Abstract: A wiper controller which detects the raindrops adhered onto the windshield glass G of the vehicle to control the wiper based on the detected result is provided with a wiped water measurement unit for calculating an amount of water wiped by the wiper, a wiper operation time counter for counting the actual wiper operation time based on the ON/OFF signal of the wiper motor for driving the wiper, a delay time calculation unit which obtains the wiper operation delay time by comparing the actual wiper operation time with the reference wiper operation time, and an operation change determination unit for determining with respect to the need for changing the wiper operation based on the wiper operation delay time and the amount of water wiped by the wiper. The change in the rainfall state is derived from the wiper operation delay time and the amount of water wiped by the wiper to appropriately control the wiper in response to the change in the rainfall state.

Abstract: A wiper apparatus includes: a wiper switch; an operation state detection device; a control device having an output section and an input section; a wiper motor; and a power supply. The wiper motor and the control device are connected by a single signal line; the operation state detection device and the input section are connected to the signal line; and the control device performs input of the wiper operating signal from the signal line when a predetermined period of time has elapsed from a point in time when an output of a wiper driving signal from the output section has stopped.

Abstract: A wiper control circuit is provided for invalidating the state of a wiper operation switch to suppress unnecessary operations of a wiper in an automotive vehicle upon starting an engine using a remote control engine starter. The wiper control circuit is configured to suppress generation of a sneak current and thereby reduce the likelihood that an erroneous operation instruction is received.

Abstract: A wiper controlling apparatus capable of discriminating between a signal change at the time of a wiper blade passage and that at the time of a raindrop impact so as to allow a wiper control promptly responding to the change in the condition of the sensing surface is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the angular position [STP_POS] of a stopless rotatably movable member [1] of a stepper motor, the said movable member [1] being designed to interact with at least one fixed member [2] whose state is capable of being modified during the rotation of the movable member [1] according to parameters [CAM_POS] previously defined according to the angular position [STP_POS] of the movable member [1]. The method comprises a step of testing the correspondence [18] of the state of the fixed member [2] with the parameters [CAM_POS] of the predefined modifications, in a mode in which the position of the motor [STP_POS] is considered to be defined.

Abstract: In a low speed wiping mode, reciprocal wiping movement of a wiper is executed at a first wiping speed without spraying the washer fluid from washer nozzles. In a high speed wiping mode, reciprocal wiping movement of the wiper is executed at a second wiping speed that is higher than the first wiping speed without spraying the washer fluid from the washer nozzles. In a wash and wipe mode, washer fluid is sprayed from the washer nozzles over the windshield, and reciprocal wiping movement of the wiper is executed a plurality of times. A wiping speed of the wiper in the wash and wipe mode in at least one of a running state and a stopped state of the vehicle is set to be lower than the first wiping speed of the wiper that is set for the low speed wiping mode.

Abstract: A wiper is continuously reciprocally swung between an upper return position and a lower return position by controlling an electric motor when an operational command for executing a continuous operational mode is entered by a user through a wiper switch. The wiper is reciprocally swung after stopping of the wiper for a predetermined time period at a predetermined position, which is located on an outer side of the lower return position that is opposite from the upper return position in a swing direction of the wiper and at which an influence of a wind pressure applied to the wiper is smaller in comparison to the lower return position, by controlling the electric motor when an operational command for executing an intermittent operational mode is entered through the entering means.

Abstract: A method for determining an amount of moisture on a surface of a substrate includes a step of transmitting a transmitter signal to generate a wave. The transmitter signal has a first phase. The wave is propagated to vibrate the surface. Vibrations in the surface are detected and converted into a receiver signal. The receiver signal has a second phase different than the first phase. The method includes the step of sensing the temperature of the substrate. The amount of moisture on the surface is computed based on a phase shift between the transmitter signal and the receiver signal that has been compensated to account for surface temperature.