Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a window assembly adapted to be installed within the front opening of the vehicle frame. The window assembly includes an inner transparent sheet, an outer transparent sheet, and an interlayer of polymer disposed between the inner transparent sheet and the outer transparent sheet. The interlayer is configured wherein a first portion of the interlayer has a first variable thickness profile and wherein a second portion of the interlayer has a second variable thickness profile, with the first portion of the interlayer distinct from the second portion of the interlayer. The system also includes a front-facing camera positioned within the vehicle for receiving light transmissions from an object located outside the vehicle through the first portion. The system may also include a head up display—associated with the second portion of the interlayer.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a window assembly adapted to be installed within the front opening of the vehicle frame. The window assembly includes an inner transparent sheet, an outer transparent sheet, and an interlayer of polymer disposed between the inner transparent sheet and the outer transparent sheet. The interlayer is configured wherein a first portion of the interlayer has a first variable thickness profile and wherein a second portion of the interlayer has a second variable thickness profile, with the first portion of the interlayer distinct from the second portion of the interlayer. The system also includes a front-facing camera positioned within the vehicle for receiving light transmissions from an object located outside the vehicle through the first portion. The system may also include a head up display—associated with the second portion of the interlayer.

Abstract: A method for determining a rate of rain falling on a surface. As rain falls and strikes the surface, vibrations are generated on the surface. The vibrations are sensed and a vibration signal is generated, the vibration signal being proportional to the vibrations of the surface. The vibration signal includes peaks. The peaks of the vibration signal are determined. The time intervals between the peaks are then determined. Using the time intervals, a number n1 of timer intervals that occur between a first time and a second time are counted. A number n2 of time intervals that occur between the second time and a third time are also counted. The rain rate ? is then determined using an equation that is derived from a point process equation and utilizes n1 and n2.

Abstract: A sensing device includes a piezoelectric vibration sensor mounted to a surface for producing an analog signal proportional to raindrops striking the surface, an amplifier, an analog-to-digital converter, and a processor for calculating the rain rate based on an exponential probability density function of a first order point process.