Abstract: A method of keeping a viewing area through a transparent element (10) of an optical monitoring device (100) clear, comprising the steps of: Forming a closed film (50) of a liquid on the transparent element (10); Coupling ultrasonic waves (64) into the transparent element (10), wherein loosening of contaminations (70) and/or adhesions to the transparent element (10) is promoted by the ultrasonic waves (64) coupled into the liquid film (50) and/or the transparent element (10).

Abstract: An optical monitoring system serves to monitor surroundings, having a monitoring apparatus, the visual or scanning field of which is captured by a lens, and a protection panel (112) which protects the lens from precipitation and covers at least the visual or scanning field of the monitoring apparatus. In order to avoid the signal quality of the monitoring apparatus being impaired by precipitation on the protection panel, it is proposed that the protection panel (12; 112; 218; 318) is acoustically coupled to at least one ultrasonic transducer (10). The optical monitoring system can be included into the control system of a vehicle for autonomous driving, wherein, overall, it is possible to obtain increased safety of the control system.

Abstract: A device (1) for eliminating deposits and/or precipitation on a substrate (10, 110) comprises at least one transducer (20, 120) captively connected to the substrate (10, 110) by a connection layer (30), wherein the connection layer (30) is arranged between the substrate (10, 110) and the transducer (20, 120). The invention provides for the connection layer (30) to comprise a connection material (31) and a filling material (32). Furthermore, an optical system for environment monitoring comprising an optical monitoring device comprising a lens and/or an observation window and the above device is provided, wherein the lens or the observation window is formed by the substrate.

Abstract: An optical monitoring system serves to monitor surroundings, having a monitoring apparatus, the visual or scanning field of which is captured by a lens, and a protection panel (112) which protects the lens from precipitation and covers at least the visual or scanning field of the monitoring apparatus. In order to avoid the signal quality of the monitoring apparatus being impaired by precipitation on the protection panel, it is proposed that the protection panel (12; 112; 218; 318) is acoustically coupled to at least one ultrasonic transducer (10). The optical monitoring system can be included into the control system of a vehicle for autonomous driving, wherein, overall, it is possible to obtain increased safety of the control system.