Abstract: A neural network provides automatic control of a windshield wiper. A rain sensor generates sensing signals indicating a rain pattern, and the neural network generates wiping demand signals indicating a wiping action desired by the driver. A training unit uses manually generated wiping supervision signals to create weight factors for the neural network.

Abstract: A method of automatically controlling the operating speed of a vehicular windshield wiping system based on an average rate of change in the value of a sensor signal indicative of the moisture on the windshield. The wiping system includes a motor for driving at least one wiper blade at a high speed and a low speed, and a sensor mounted to the windshield for monitoring a portion of the windshield wiped by the at least one wiper blade. The method includes determining an average rate of change in the sensor signal value over a predetermined period of time and operating the wiper system with the motor at the high speed based on the average rate of change in the sensor signal value. In one embodiment, the method includes wiper system is operated with the motor at the high speed based on the frequency with which the average rate of change in the sensor signal value drops below a first predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A rain detector in which the level of a sensor signal (15) which is emitted by a sensor (14) or the level of a sensor signal (17) which is processed by a signal processing unit (16) is set at a predetermined resting level (44) by a control unit (19, 30). This use of a predetermined reference level makes possible an automatic calibration of the rain detector which takes into consideration all tolerances for electrical and optical components, their age-related drift, and tolerances during the installation of the rain detector.

Abstract: An automatically controlled cleaning device (14) for removing visibility-impairing foreign matter, e.g. rain, snow or mud, from the surface of a window such as a motor vehicle windscreen (8). The device uses a sensor such as an ultrasonic transducer (12a, 12b) in which the frequency (f) and the spacing (d) between the transmitter (12a) and the receiver (12b) enable the presence of foreign matter to be detected simply by measuring the phase difference between the transmitted signal and the received signal. This device may be used in automatic wiper systems or the like.

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 computer-aided self-learning intermittent windshield wiper controller is characterized that the time interval between the first sweeping cycle initiated by the switch of the wiper and the second sweeping cycle will be memorized and set as the time interval of following intermittent sweeping cycles. When the rain becomes heavier or slighter, the driver may intuitively turn the switch and further causing the microcomputer-controlled processing circuit to memorize the new time interval between the last sweeping cycle and the previous sweeping cycle. This new time interval shall then be set for following intermittent sweeping cycles.

Abstract: An optical detection system for detecting rain or other water droplets on the outer surface of a window and fog on the inner surface with a single photo-detector. The invention measures the accumulation of water droplets on the window by light refraction of a first light beam with droplets to redirect a first light beam to the photo-detector. A masking device prevents light from reaching the photo-detector directly without refraction. As a result the rain measurement output signal of the photo-detector increases with an increasing accumulation of water droplets on the window. The fog accumulation is measured by a second light beam reflected off the inner surface of the window to the photo-detector so that the output signal of the photo-detector decreases with increasing amounts of fog since fog scatters the light to reduce the amount of light reflected to the photo-detector.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a windshield wiping system, including a motor and windshield wipers, by detecting when a wiper passes over the portion of the windshield monitored by an optoelectronic sensor for the last time during a complete wipe cycle. In addition to the sensor, the apparatus includes a switch arrangement for activating the windshield wiping system and a circuit for processing the sensor output. The apparatus also includes a switching contact device associated with the motor for detecting the resting position of the windshield wipers.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for controlling a drive mechanism (70), e.g. for windshield wipers (5, 6), wiping/washing systems, sliding roofs and tops of motor vehicles dependent on how moist or dirty the windshield is on the outside. With help of a sensor (3) and a special computation circuit, the degree and type of moisture or dirt can be ascertained. Depending on whether or not there is only a fine mist or a heavy thundershower, the appropriate circuits on the windshield wipers (5, 6), sliding roofs or tops are automatically actuated. If dirt is detected on the windshield (2), then a wiping/washing system is switched on. Sudden splashes on the windshield, which appear just before the last wiping action of a wiper (5, 6) is completed, are definitely detected and lead to a new wiping action.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a windshield wiping system, based on a connection threshold defined for starting operation of the windshield wiping system, a disconnection threshold defined for ceasing operation of the windshield wiping system in an intermittent mode of operation, and a disconnection threshold defined for ceasing operation of the windshield wiping system in a continuous mode of operation. The apparatus includes a sensor apparatus and a circuit arrangement. The sensor apparatus which generates a signal the value of which varies based on the degree of liquid or dirt on the windshield. The sensor signal is then processed by a microprocessor. The thresholds are defined based on the sensor signal.

Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicular windshield wiping system, the wiping system being controlled in response to recognition of a particular rain pattern, and being capable of distinguishing between the presence of moisture and dirt on the windshield. The wiping system is also controlled according to a plurality of operating thresholds established to ensure smooth operation of the wiping system during varying conditions, and is controlled according an amplification autoranging strategy to ensure the wiping system functions properly independent of certain conditions, such as the type of windshield on the vehicle. The wiping system includes at least one wiper blade, and a sensor mounted to the windshield for monitoring a portion of the windshield. The sensor generates a signal having a value which varies as both moisture and dirt collect on the monitored portion.

Abstract: In a vehicle window wiper system having an electric drive motor with high, low and common brushes, electric motor energizing apparatus and forward and reverse motor operation, an auto-resetting current limiting device provides non-sacrificial protection to motor windings and associated circuitry during the various modes of motor operation.

Abstract: The method of operating a windshield wiper intermittently requires an apparatus including a rain sensor (12), which generates a signal (S) depending on an amount of rain on the windshield, and a signal processing device (13), e.g.a microprocessor with internal A/D and D/A converters, connected to the sensor (12) to receive the signal (S) and, a control unit connected to the signal processing device (13), and, advantageously, a device for measuring a wiping process duration (T) and inputting the duration to the microprocessor and a drive for the windshield wiper connected to the signal processing device (13). According to the method, the windshield wiper is operated by the signal processing device at least partially according to the signals (S) from the sensor so that the time interval (I) between successive current wiping processes, depends, in part, on a duration (T.sub.-1, T.sub.-2, . . . T.sub.-n) of at least one past wiping process (W.sub.-1, W.sub.-2, . . . W.sub.

Abstract: A motor vehicle glass wiper system includes first and second motor assemblies and respective first and second wiper blades. Each motor assembly is effective to move its respective wiper blade through a wipe pattern that is bounded by an outboard direction reversing position and an inboard direction reversing position. The wipe patterns of the first and second wiper blades overlap to establish an interference zone of potential wiper blade contact which is adjacent both inboard direction reversing positions and bounded thereby. A wiper motor control monitors a respective key position sensor for each wiper blade. The control energizes each one of the wiper motors to move its respective wiper blade to the inboard direction reversing position and back to the outboard direction reversing position each time the key position sensor of the other one of the wiper blades indicates a transition out of the interference zone thereby inhibiting interference between the wiper blades.

Abstract: A wiper controller comprises a power source, a wiper drive mechanism, a power storage device having one potential detecting point, a charge circuit connected between the storage device and the power source, for charging the storage device. A discharge circuit is provided in parallel with the storage device for discharging the storage device. A drive control device controls the wiper through the drive mechanism. Either the charge circuit or the discharge circuit includes a switch for disconnecting that circuit. The other circuit includes a resistor for determining a corresponding charge or discharge time and for respectively charging or discharging the storage device. The present wiper controller further includes a switch control device for controlling the switch. The drive control device allows the wiper to reciprocate, when the potential at the detecting point reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: A combination manual and automatic vehicle windshield wiper control system is provided which integrates a windshield moisture-sensing based wiper control system into an existing design of original equipment wiper system with minimum impact on manufacture and retrofit by using the existing vehicle wiring harness and existing connectors. The invention provides easy integration of a moisture-sensitive wiper control system into a class of vehicles in a manner which does not interfere with the operation of the standard or pulse-wipe systems already existing in the manual mode even if the moisture-sensitive system should fail for any reason. The moisture-sensing mode of operation replaces the delay or pulse mode.

Abstract: A device is provided for controlling a windscreen wiping system, which mainly comprises a control stage, a clock generator unit comprising a switch and a clock-pulse generator, an I/V converter, a phase-selective rectifier and an amplifier with a low-pass filter as well as an optoelectronic apparatus having a plurality of beam transmitters, a beam guide element and a plurality of beam receivers. Such a device is intended to solve the technical problem of effecting automatic adjustment of the control system even under very widely varying measuring conditions determined in particular by the various damping factors of different types of windscreen.

Abstract: A windshield wiper control apparatus compensates for small-diameter raindrops such as a drizzle and raindrops splashed over by a preceding vehicle which may worsen the visibility of a driver even though the level of precipitation is not much and accumulatively calculates the amount of raindrops just after the wiping action of a wiper blade, thereby causing an optimized automatic wiping action to be realized. In addition, a windshield wiper control apparatus effects an automatic wiper operation without modifications and additional use of new operating switches by only adding a new control device between the conventional windshield apparatus not having any automatic wiper operation and the wiper blade driver.

Abstract: A window wiper system for an automotive vehicle provides multiplex encoding of a control switch signal and an additional wiper control signal in a two-channel multiplex control signal and decoding of the multiplex control signal by the wiper mechanism for control of wiper operation. The multiplex control signal is a cyclical waveform containing alternating cycles of different first and second periods wherein the duty cycle of the first period cycles is determined by the additional wiper control signal and the duty cycle of the second period cycles is determined by the control switch. The additional wiper control signal may be derived from a rain sensor, an intermittent delay control resistor or any other device on the passenger side of the vehicle firewall which generates a signal controlling wiper operation.

Abstract: Windshield wiper systems are commonly used on vehicles that must operate out-of-doors. In systems employing two or more wiper elements, each operating from an individual wiper motor, some mechanism must be employed to prevent out-of-sync operation from causing the wiper elements to collide if they operate in an overlap area. The instant wiper system includes first and second electric motors each drivingly connected to a respective windshield wiper element. Switching devices selectively controllably provide electrical power to the motors in response to receiving respective motor control signals. Synchronizing devices provide first and second synchronizing signals in response to the respective wiper elements being positioned at corresponding predetermined cycle start locations. A logic circuit controllably produces the motor control signals in response to receiving the respective synchronizing signals.

Abstract: A vehicle windshield wiper control system has an electrically driven wiper motor, a wiper control switch coupled to the motor and having a delay position wherein the motor operates intermittently, a vehicle speed sensor, and a control unit coupled to the control switch, the motor, and to the speed sensor. The control operation of the motor, the control unit periodically executes a method or algorithm which causes the system to vary the dwell time between motor operations as a function of sensed vehicle speed, and optionally as a function of an operator adjustable dwell time control.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manually controlling a windscreen wiper drive motor in a motor vehicle in several speed steps, by which the drive motor can also be automatically switched from a manually switched-on speed step into a lower speed step when the speed passes through a predetermined threshold value of the motor vehicle travelling speed from a higher travelling speed. The apparatus and method provide automatic switching of the drive motor from each manually switched-on speed step into a lower speed step when the speed passes through the threshold value, cancellation of the current automatic switching until the speed again passes through the threshold value from a higher travelling speed when the control switch has been operated below the threshold value of the travelling speed and after the drive motor has been automatically switched into a lower speed step, and switching-on of each speed step of the drive motor selected by this operation of the control switch.

Abstract: A method for controlling a windshield wiper, particularly on a motor vehicle, in which a rain sensor is located on the windshield to be wiped in the region of the windshield wiper and gives off a sensor signal as a function of the amount of wetness. The rate of change of the sensor signal after the windshield wiper has passed the sensor is determined and used in order to control the frequency of wiping.

Abstract: A raindrop detector comprises a vibration detection unit, a signal converter unit for converting the electrical signal output from the vibration detection unit into a data signal, a memory for storing data of the data signal converted by the signal converter unit and for outputting a signal to a wiper motor, and a cancel circuit for cancelling the data. According to this invention, it is possible to improve the control accuracy of the wiper motor because the distance to send the data signals to the memory from the signal converter unit shortens and the data signal is independent of radio interference.

Abstract: A wiper apparatus comprises a wiper motor, a wiper switch, a moisture sensor for sensing presence of moisture, a vibration sensor for sensing a vibration caused by raindrops and a controller for actuating the wiper motor in accordance with output signals from the moisture sensor and the vibration sensor. The apparatus is free from the malfunction and works automatically by sensing even a drizzling rain.

Abstract: A windshield wiper control apparatus compensates for small-diameter raindrops such as a drizzle and raindrops splashed over by a preceding vehicle which may worsen the visibility of a driver even though the level of precipitation is not much and accumulatively calculates the amount of raindrops just after the wiping action of a wiper blade, thereby causing an optimized automatic wiping action to be realized. In addition, a windshield wiper control apparatus effects an automatic wiper operation without modifications and additional use of new operating switches by only adding a new control device between the conventional windshield apparatus not having any automatic wiper operation and the wiper blade driver.

Abstract: A headlamp cleaner which is provided with a control system for actuating a wiper motor of a wiper apparatus to wipe a windshield when a predetermined time elapses after the ON-operation of a headlamp cleaner switch. This control system also actuates said wiper motor for a predetermined time after the OFF-operation of said headlamp cleaner switch in order to wipe detergent liquid sprayed on said headlamp which also sticks on the windshield surface.

Abstract: A control circuit for a windshield wiper motor is disclosed in which the wiper motor is made automatically responsive to the presence of moisture droplets on the windshield causing the wiper blades to sweep back and forth at a rate dependent upon the level of precipitation encountered. By using a set of sample-and-hold circuits, bandpass filtering and a differential amplifier under microprocessor control, disturbances to the system due to changes in ambient light are linearly rejected and the system becomes immune to such disturbances. The system utilizes an intentional-retrigger algorithm enabling the system to detect water droplets that miss the sensor yet fall within the area of the windshield which is swept by the wiper blades. The system automatically adapts to windshields of differing transmittance and is not falsely set into action by electromagnetic disturbances.

Abstract: A wiper control device comprising a wiper driving motor, a wiper switch having a continuous mode, a stop mode position, and an intermittent mode position, a predetermined position stop switch for detecting whether a wiper is placed in a predetermined standby position or not, the stop switch is placed in a detection state when the wiper is moved to the predetermined standby position, a driving circuit for holding an operation thereof for each period until the predetermined position stop switch is placed in the detection state, a main semiconductor switching element for switching the wiper driving motor, the switching element being inserted in a powering path provided for the driving circuit when the wiper switch is set in the intermittent mode position, an interval control circuit for periodically starting an operation of the driving circuit, an auxiliary semiconductor switching element for turning on to short-circuit both terminals of the wiper driving motor when the operation of the driving circuit is suspen

Abstract: A device for rain-induced switching on and off of an electric windshield wiper motor (10) in vehicles, is provided with a sensor (18) responding to moisture on the windshield and a control unit (16) for controlling an electric switch (11) for the switching on and off of the windshield wiper motor (10) as a function of the sensor signal. The control unit (17) is constructed in such a way that it detects the rate of variation of the sensor signal and only generates a switch-on signal when there is an increase in amplitude of the sensor signal above a predetermined amplitude magnitude in order to ensure the prompt switching off of the windshield wiper motor (10) when the rain ceases regardless of the formation of streaks on the windshield.

Abstract: A control for a moisture sensing assembly, adapted for mounting on the inner surface of a vehicle window or windshield to control vehicle accessories such as windshield wipers, maximizes the window area being sensed in relationship to the size of the assembly and provides immunity to interference from environmental influences. In the preferred embodiment, moisture on the outer window surface is detected by first and second moisture sensors each including infrared energy radiating diodes and radiant energy detectors which detect and process radiant energy to produce a moisture signal that is a function of the moisture on the window. A synchronizing circuit intermittently actuates the radiating diode for the two sensors individually and alternatingly at equally-spaced intervals.

Abstract: A wiper controller, responsive to any of a plurality of wash and wipe conditions, causes a short circuit protection circuit to inhibit control if the wiper motor becomes shorted. Hysteresis is employed for comparator operation of an intermittent wipe circuit that enables suitable short circuit protection.

Abstract: An electric windshield wiping apparatus, in which a unit for electrically changing the performance of the reverse rotation of wiper motor is selectively connected between the wiper control mechanism and wiper motor so that in the non-used state, the wiper is stored either at the lower turning position or a yet lower concealed position.

Abstract: An adaptive moisture sensor system includes a moisture sensor unit having a moisture sensor, which produces a moisture signal, a reference signal generating circuit and a comparator circuit for comparing the moisture signal with the reference signal and for producing an indication to the vehicle's wiper control of the relationship between the signals. The reference signal generating circuit indicates a fast positive signal processing circuit for rapidly processing changes in the moisture signal representing decreasing moisture and a slow signal processing circuit to process changes of the moisture signal in both directions at a slow rate. The fast positive signal processing circuit is only enabled during rain conditions due to a contaminant film on the sensed window.

Abstract: A moisture sensor for sensing ambient moisture in the vicinity of a window having a window wiper. The sensor comprises a plurality of spaced apart conductive strips having an exposed surface. The electrical resistance between adjacent strips is dependent on the ambient moisture. The sensor also includes means for repetitively removing the moisture from the exposed surface and in the region between the strips. The conductive strips are located at a position other than in the area of sweep of the window wiper on the window and at least one of the removing means and the plurality of conductive strips is coupled to the window wiper, whereby the at least one of the removing means and the plurality of conductive strips is actuated by the window wiper and operates in synchronism therewith.

Abstract: A wiper system for motor vehicles. The wiper system has a switching circuit which derives from a timing signal, time-dependent switching and controlling signals provided by an oscillator that determines for example the duration of the intervals in an intermittent mode of operation or the reference time span for implementing anti-blocking protection of the wiper motor. The timing frequency of this oscillator is kept constant during the intervals in the intermittent mode of operation, otherwise it varies depending on the battery voltage when the wiper motor is operating. The intervals are thus maintained with precision, whereas the reference time span is adapted to the wiping time that changes as a function of the battery voltage when the motor is operating, thus ensuring optimal anti-blocking protection.

Abstract: A wiper control system includes a rear wiper control circuit associated with a front wiper control circuit. The wiper drive signals generated in the front wiper control circuit are fed to the rear wiper control circuit. The rear wiper control circuit derives a rear wiper drive timing on the basis of the occurrences of the front wiper drive signals. The rear wiper driving frequency is generally lower than that of the front wiper driving frequency. The lower rate of the rear wiper driving frequency relative to the front wiper driving frequency is preferably variable depending upon the vehicle driving condition.

Abstract: The specification discloses a modulated optical moisture sensor control circuit for a vehicle windshield wiper. The control system includes a first detector providing a signal indicative of moisture on the windshield and a second detector providing a reference signal indicative of system variables, such as ambient light. The control system includes improved circuitry for separating the steady-state portion of each detector signal due to ambient light from the modulated infrared IR signal. The system further includes a sensitivity adjustment accessible by the vehicle operator to alter the sensitivity of the circuit to at least one of the two variable detector signals. Additionally, the control system cooperates with a conventional off/intermittent/on wiper switch so that the wiper is responsive to the moisture sensor only when the conventional switch is in the intermittent position and a second manually actuated switch indicates preferred operation in the moisture sensor mode.

Abstract: A window wiper control for a motor vehicle in which a relay has an armature connected in series with a motor, an electric power source and a pulse switch through a normally closed contact and further connected in series with the motor, a park switch and source of electric power through a normally open contact. The park switch is responsive to the wiper mechanism to open when the wiper is in a park position and close throughout the rest of the wipe pattern. An electrically controlled switch is connected in series with the relay activating coil and electric power source with a base connected to a capacitor connected to be charged quickly through the park switch and discharged slowly through a resistance.

Abstract: This invention relates to a switch for energizing an electric motor of a wiper system from a voltage source, which motor has a switching member to be changed over in several modes of continuous operation as well as in a mode of intermittment operation. The switching member has two bridging contacts of which the first one co-operates with stationary contacts on a first contact path and the second one with stationary contacts on a second contact path. Thereby in at least one switching position a further mode of operation of the wiper system may be switched on via the second bridging contact and the stationary contacts of the associated second contact path in addition to intermittent operation. The switch has thus a high operational reliability, because there is little risk for a simultaneous failure of a stationary contact associated to the same mode of operation on both contact paths.

Abstract: A pair of outer conducting members on the outside of a windshield are separated by a long common insulating border defining a border resistance in parallel with a first capacitance. Each of the outer conducting members is capacitively coupled through a layer of the windshield to an inner conducting member to form coupling capacitances in series with the combination of the border resistance and first capacitance. The preceding elements form a timing circuit for an oscillator, the timing circuit having an equivalent capacitance varying with the border resistance. When water droplets bridge the border of the outer conducting members, the border resistance decreases from infinity to change the equivalent capacitance of the timing circuit and thus the frequency of the oscillator circuit; and this change is detected to modify wiper operation.

Abstract: A detection device comprising a detection wall member for sensing a predetermined existence of an object adjacent to the device, detection electrode member including a detection electrode and a ground electrode which are disposed in the detection wall member, oscillation circuit member including a resonance circuit associated with a capacitance between the detection and ground electrodes, and detection circuit member for detecting change of oscillation of the oscillation circuit member by change of the capacitance between the electrodes so that the predetermined existence of the object adjacent to the detection wall member is detected by the device.

Abstract: A control device for a car wiper apparatus is disclosed, in which the wiper apparatus is driven in forward or reverse directions by the function of an electronic circuit. The control electronic circuit is so configured as to minimize the number of connection brushes for controlling the forward and reverse operations of the wiper motor which reciprocates the wiper blade. The reduced number of the connection brushes, which are arranged in the wiper motor, realizes a compact shape of the wiper motor as a whole. The electronic circuit functions to drive the wiper motor in forward and reverse directions within a predetermined angle thereby to rotate the crank arm connected with the wiper motor and the wiper blade with a small predetermined angle for reciprocal wiping operating, thus making it possible to mount the wiper apparatus in the small internal space of the car.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a windshield wiper in accordance with the amount of rain falling on the windshield. The apparatus includes a rain sensor for detecting an amount of rain positioned thereon, a comparator for comparing the output of the rain sensor with one of first and second signals representing predetermined amounts of drops of water and producing a second output signal, a memory for memorizing the second output signal, an exchanger for exchanging one of the first and second signals for the other one, and an actuator for actuating the wiper at one of high and low wiping speeds. Further, the comparator produces an output according to whether the detected amount of rain is equal to or greater than one of the first and second predetermined amounts of drops of water.

Abstract: An intermittent drive controller for a windshield wiper having a drive circuit for driving a wiper motor, a drive command circuit connected to the drive circuit by way of a semiconductor device, and a braking circuit related to the above circuits. When a wiper switch is operated, the wiper motor is driven, thereby starting the wiping movement of the wiper. When the wiper motor pauses, the motor switch outputs a pause signal, thereby instantly stopping the wiper motor. On the other hand, after a certain period of time has passed, a new drive command signal is supplied from the drive command circuit to the drive circuit, thereby driving the wiper motor again, thus effecting the intermittent drive control. This arrangement employs no electromagnetic relays so that it is free from noise which may generate when the wipe motor starts or stops and from malfunctions due to imperfect contact, thus improving the durability.

Abstract: A wiper control system having a timing circuit for operating the wiper a predetermined time after the operation of the liquid spray pump commences operation and continues a predetermined time after the liquid spray pump stops. The system operates the wiper at high speed in the washer mode and in one embodiment changes to high speed and in another embodiment changes to low speed upon operation of the wiper to the off mode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for controlling a wiper which detects the amount of rain positioned on a rain sensor regardless of the wiping speed of wipers and which smoothly moves the wipers at different wiping speeds in accordance with the detected amount of rain. The apparatus for controlling the wiper includes the rain sensor, a first comparator, an actuator, a second comparator, a timer, a memory and a changing device. The rain sensor is located on an exterior surface of a front windshield of a vehicle and detects the amount of rain which is positioned on the rain sensor. The wiper wipes off an exterior surface of the front windshield and moves from and returns to an initial position.

Abstract: A drive circuit is provided for a bidirectional DC inductive motor, as may be used for automotive window wipers and the like. Four power MOSFETS are connected in an H-bridge configuration with the motor and a DC source. A pair of input terminals receives respective direction-controlling logic signals. Respective intermediate switching circuits are connected between each input terminal and the high-side and low-side power MOSFETS connected to the same motor terminal for controlling those two power MOSFETS in a complementary manner. A braking signal may also be applied to the input terminals. A third terminal receives a pulse-width modulated control signal and extends it, via appropriate circuitry, to an appropriate one of the low-side power MOSFETS for speed regulation. The values of certain components of the drive circuitry are selected to minimize cross-conduction between certain power MOSFETS and to optimally accommodate the inductive effects of the motor and leads.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an automatic wiper control circuit for operating window wipers automatically when moisture is sensed. The control circuit additionally provides for increasing the speed of a dual speed wiper motor when a high level of moisture is detected. The system comprises a moisture sensor which senses moisture thereon. A circuit associated with the moisture sensor converts the moisture level to DC voltage. At a preselected level of this DC voltage the wiper motor operates in one of its two different speeds. A lack of a predetermined amount of moisture terminates the wiper motor operation. If the control circuit terminates the wiper motor action during wiper sweep, the normal homing circuit of the wiper motor continues to operate the motor until the wiper blade or blades reach the wiper blade home position. Sequential illumination of a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDS) occur during a wiping cycle when the circuit is operating normally.

Abstract: A wiper speed control system for an automotive wiper controls the operational speed of a wiper in accordance with rain conditions. The control system includes a rain sensor detecting rain conditions to produce an analog signal having an amplitude depending upon the detected rain conditions. The analog sensor signal is converted into a digital pulse signal by a converter for application to a digital circuit system. A control signal is produced by digitally processing the pulse signal. The control signal is applied to a wiper driver circuit to adjust the operational speed or timing in accordance with the control signal.