Abstract: An optoelectronic sensor device for detecting precipitation on an outer surface of a transparent pane. The sensor device includes a beam guide attached to an inner surface of the pane and a circuit board offset from the inner pane surface. A beam transmitter is arranged on the circuit board to transmit, along a transmission beam path, a light beam toward the pane via the beam guide. A beam receiver is arranged on the circuit board to receive, along a reception beam path, a light beam reflected from the outer surface of the pane via the beam guide. A circuit substrate, electrically connected to the circuit board, is arranged parallel to the pane between the pane and the circuit board. An installation space separates the circuit substrate from the inner pane surface. A heating device is arranged on the circuit substrate in an area lying outside of the beam paths.

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: An apparatus and method for use with a vehicular windshield wiping system, the apparatus recognizing various rain patterns and accordingly controlling the wiping system. The wiping system includes at least one windshield wiper, and the apparatus includes a sensor mounted to the windshield for monitoring a portion of the windshield wiped by the wiper during each wipe cycle. The sensor generates a signal having a value which varies as a coating collects on the monitored portion.

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: 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: Apparatus is provided for controlling a windscreen wiping system. The apparatus includes a circuit arrangement which includes a microcontroller, 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 characteristic. The apparatus also includes an optoelectronic apparatus having IR beam transmitters for transmitting useful signals in clocked form and IR beam receivers for receiving the transmitted useful signals. The IR beams which are transmitted are influenced between the IR beam transmitters and the IR beam receivers by a liquid or solid coating on the screen, such that the signals received by IR beam receivers are varied in dependence upon the coating present on the screen. The amplifier filters out the interference quantities of the ambient light to obtain a processed useful signal.

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.