Abstract: A raindrop detection apparatus has an amplifier circuit, including a plurality of resistors and resistor selection switches. The control circuit performs the first adjustment to an output of the amplifier circuit, roughly adjusting the output to a target value. The first adjustment is made by selecting one of or a combination of resistors. The control circuit then performs the second adjustment to the output, closely adjusting the output to the target value. The second adjustment is made by adjusting a driving instruction signal, which actually adjusts a light emitting device driving current. These adjustments are performed after an IG switch and an AUTO mode switch of a wiper switch are turned on.

Abstract: The system of the present invention is configured to detect moisture on a surface and includes a sensor that may be divided into a plurality of subwindows. At least one of the subwindows has a sensitivity that is independently variable. The system may further include an optical system operative to direct light rays from at least a portion of the surface onto the sensor, and a processing system in communication with the sensor and operative to independently adjust the sensitivity of the at least one subwindow and to analyze data from the sensor to detect moisture. The processing system may control the windshield wipers based upon a number of subwindows in which moisture is detected.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wiper system (10) using two wipers (12, 14) and two wiper motors (26, 28), which drive the wipers (12, 14) and of which at least one first wiper motor (26) forms a sub-assembly with an electronic control unit (34). It is proposed to design the second wiper motor (28) as rotary motor having only one sensory system (36) for detecting the absolute and relative rotational position of its driven shaft (32), which generates corresponding signals for the control unit (34) of the first wiper motor (26), and the first wiper motor (26), in the rotational speed and the rotational position of its driven shaft (32), is regulated by the control unit (34) as a function of the rotational position and the rotational speed of the driven shaft (32) of the second wiper motor (28).

Abstract: A housing for a TV camera has an automatic wiping mode for automatically driving a wiper, which is provided at a front window of the housing, at predetermined time intervals. The execution of the automatic wiping mode while the TV camera is unused prevents a large amount of snow and frost, etc. from adhering to the front window. The wiper and two nozzles of a window-washing device for jetting a washing liquid are provided on the front window of the housing in a pan/tilt head. If the pan/tilt head is set to the automatic wiping mode, the wiper and the window-washing device automatically operate at predetermined time intervals. This prevents the snow and the frost from adhering to the front window while the pan/tilt head is not operated, e.g., at night. Thus, the shooting can be begun quickly when the need arises.

Abstract: A control device for the drive motor of a windscreen wiper device in a vehicle, especially a motor vehicle, comprising a control switch which can be activated by means of a manually actuated wiper switch and which automatically controls the drive motor in a switching stage of said wiper switch according to a rain sensor signal corresponding to a characteristic curve. The operating data for the drive motor varies according to the external effects of lighting, temperature, or speed parameters.

Abstract: A wiper control device in which an abnormal condition of a FET is detected by distinguishing an action of an overheat-cutting protective function normally difficult to be detected with measuring the drain voltage of the FET and by which the control of the pertinent FET is restrained upon the detection of abnormality so as to prevent a short circuit in the wiper control device from occurring. When an FETB (Qb) is set on, whether or not a drain voltage Vd is lower than Vpe ({fraction (l/2)}VG) is judged (step S5), and if lower, it is judged that the drain and ground is short-circuited, that is, an overheat-cutting protective function is acted, and “1” is added to the number of times of short circuit detection Perror (step S7). It is judged whether or not the added value of the number of times of short circuit detection Perror reaches a reference value (step S11).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motor and especially to a technique for maintaining constant power consumption in preheating a compressor motor in an air conditioner. An object thereof is to permit constant preheating of the motor irrespective of variations in receiving voltage. To accomplish this object, switching control of an inverter (15) that applies a three-phase current to a motor (30) is performed by a control circuit (20) in accordance with a duty based on detected values of voltage (Vm) and current (Im). This duty decreases with increasing receiving voltage.

Abstract: A raindrop sensor detects an amount of raindrops landed on a window glass and outputs a measurement signal to a microcomputer. The microcomputer calculates an average amount of raindrops by averaging a predetermined number of the latest measurements. The microcomputer calculates an interval time for the wiper based on the calculated average amount of raindrops. At this time, when the calculated average amount of raindrops deviates from a predetermined reference value, the microcomputer calculates the average amount of raindrops using a smaller number of the latest measurements.

Abstract: A method and assembly for sensing moisture on the exterior surface of a sheet of glass (14) comprising the steps of emitting light rays from an illuminator (12) on an illuminator axis (I) intersecting the glass (14) at an illuminator angle of incidence I&thgr; to reflect the light rays on a reflection axis (R) at an angle (R&thgr;) of reflection to the glass (14) and capturing on an imaging axis (C) the reflected light rays including reflections of moisture (19) on the exterior surface of the glass (14). The method is characterized by isolating the reflection of moisture (19) from the direct reflection of the illuminator (12) to prevent the capture of the direct reflection of the illuminator (12). This can be accomplished by offsetting the imaging axis (C) from the reflection axis (R), or by stopping the direct reflection of the illuminator (12) from being captured, as with a beam stop (24).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for detecting objects (3) on a windshield (2). The method comprises the following steps: Placing an optical sensor array (4) on the inner side of a section of the windshield (2), said array having a plurality of individual pixels and being focused on the outer side (7) of the windshield (2); determining the local frequency spectrum S(f) of the intensity fluctuations of pixels of the sensor array (4), said pixels being combined in one or more blocks, and afterwards; evaluating the local frequency spectrum, whereby the detected local frequency spectrum S(f) is compared to one or more reference frequency distributions, and whereby a control signal for triggering one or more actuators is generated when the determined local frequency spectrum S(f) sufficiently conforms to a reference frequency distribution. The device comprises a detecting unit (4) connected to a data processing unit (5).

Abstract: An intermittent driving apparatus for a rotary window cleaner comprises a first wiper (2) which is connected to a rotating shaft (10) of a first motor (8) and is rotatably disposed on a front window (1), a second wiper (3) which is connected to a rotating shaft (11) of a second motor (9) and is rotatably disposed on a front window (1) adjacently to the first wiper (2), and an electronic control circuit having brush boards (18, 20) of two motors connected to each other so that the second motor (9) is rotated at a predetermined time after the first motor (8) is rotated. The electronic control circuit includes a signal generating circuit (30) for repeatedly sending signals to the brush board (18) of the first motor (8) at fixed time intervals, and a brake mechanism for stopping the two wipers at the start position for a predetermined time every one rotation.

Abstract: A control device for the driving motor (10) of a windshield system. A manually operated wiper switch (18) is provided for selecting an operating mode, in at least one of which the wiper speed is automatically controlled by a characteristic curve and the signal from a rain sensor (13). To modify the characteristic curve based on the use of the system by an individual driver, the manually operated wiper switch (18) conveys control commands to an adaptation algorithm control in a control circuit (16). The control circuit (16), in response to switching out of the automatic mode, generates a new characteristic curve at a modified operating point, with the new characteristic curve incorporating the modified operating point. When the switching stage which is dependent on the quantity of rain is again activated, the diving motor (11) is controlled according to the new characteristic curve.

Abstract: A wiper control apparatus includes a combination switch 2, a wiper motor 2, an autostop (AS) switch 8, a first semiconductor switch element 4 for on/off controlling energization of the wiper motor, and a controller for supplying an ON/OFF control signal to the first semiconductor switch element. While the wiper operates in the operation mode set by the combination switch, if the level of the signal produced from said AS switch does not vary for a longer period than a prescribed abnormality detecting period owing to occurrence of abnormality of said wiper motor, said controller forcibly turns off said first semiconductor switch element. In this configuration, a wiper control apparatus can be provided which is compact, reliable and surely operable using a semiconductor switch and a controller digital controlled.

Abstract: A system and method for using a relatively high voltage power source on a locomotive to power a windshield wiper system that is capable of operating at variable and interval delay speeds comprising a first DC electric motor, a second DC electric motor, a controller operatively connected for enabling operation thereof, and a convertor power supply connected to the relatively high voltage power source where the convertor has a dynamic response characteristic emulating the electric power characteristics of a conventional vehicle battery whereby the convertor can be rated for supplying nominal motor current but can supply relatively high currents to the first DC motor to allow the motor to overcome stalled conditions

Abstract: A windshield wiping device, in particular for cleaning a windshield of the motor vehicle, includes at least one wiper and a control device. The at least one wiper is driven by an electrical drive motor and displaceable between two end positions. The control device processes a current wiper position and switching signals of a manually operated switching element via input variables. The control device controls a supply voltage of the electrical drive motor and a wiper velocity via an output variable. The at least one wiper moves from end position to end position. In a first switch position of the switching element, the at least one wiper has a first velocity. In a second switch position of the switching element, the at least one wiper has a second velocity, which is greater than the first velocity. The at least one wiper in the second switch position moves at the first velocity each time it is in the vicinity of an upper and lower end position.

Abstract: A windshield wiper drive device for driving a windshield wiper (11) in an alternating motion in a range of motion (17) between two turning point positions (A, C) includes a motor (1) for moving the windshield wiper (11), a detector (6) for detecting a time at which the windshield wiper (11) moves past a given position (A, C) in the range of motion (17), a control circuit (8) for reversing the direction of motion of the motor (1) at each turning point position (B, D), and an incremental transducer for detecting the distance traveled by the windshield wiper (11) from the given position (A, C). The control circuit (8) reverses the direction of motion of the motor (1) as soon as it is detected that the windshield wiper (11) has traveled a defined distance.

Abstract: An electrical connection between a potentiometer, an actuating motor and control electronics for controlling an actuating element has heretofore been composed of electrical cables, so that a large number of contact points were necessary overall, whereby however, each additional contact point increased the risk of a fault and made the assembly process more expensive. In order to reduce the number of contact points, the base substrate of the potentiometer and the contact board of the motor are in the form of an integral board, and at least some of the electrical connections comprise conductor tracks embedded in the substrate. Electrical components, such as a motor inductor for radio interference suppression, may also be mounted on the board.

Abstract: In one form, the present invention provides an apparatus for controlling a windshield wiper system of a motor vehicle in combination with the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle has a steering wheel. The apparatus includes a first actuation device coupled to the windshield wiper system. The first actuation device controls continuous operation of the windshield wiper system at a selected speed. The second actuation device is coupled to the windshield wiper system and is operative to temporarily increase the selected speed selected by the first actuation device. The second actuation device includes a button for attachment to the steering wheel.

Abstract: A vehicular rain sensor system for detecting precipitation on an exterior surface of a window includes an illumination sensor that is decoupled from the window. The illumination sensor is preferably an imaging array sensor which communicates a signal to a control which further determines whether rain is present on the window. The control includes an edge detection function for detecting edges of precipitation droplets on the window in response to the light values sensed by the sensor and activating the windshield wipers of the vehicle when the sum of the light values exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The rain sensor system may further include a polarizing filter and an illumination source, such that the rain sensor system not only prevents false signals of rain when only fog is present on an interior surface of the window, but also actually detects fog particles on an interior surface of the window.

Abstract: A wiper control device suitable used for controlling the wiper apparatus possible to solve a difference in the wiping range caused by the difference in the operation speed (inertial force) of the wiper blade by using the wiper linkage provided with an eccentric mechanism and changing the rotational direction of a wiper motor according to the operation speed, the wiper control device is provided with a wiper switch, the wiper motor, a position switch, a controller and a motor driving circuit, and the controller executes control to change the rotational direction of the wiper motor at the time when the wiper blade arrives in the upper or lower turning position in response to switching operation of the wiper mode.

Abstract: An improved method of detecting the presence of an obstacle in the path of a motor-driven panel by computing the slope of a measured motor speed signal in a way that cancels the effect of periodic undulation of the speed signal, and comparing the computed slope to a slope threshold that is selected as a function of the average motor speed. A position sensor produces a series of pulses corresponding to panel movement, and a microprocessor-based controller stores an array of speed-related samples corresponding to the time periods between successively produced sensor pulses. The average speed is computed at two different points in the array, and the slope of the stored speed samples is determined according to a difference between the computed average speeds.

Abstract: Operation of a windshield wiper system for cleaning a windshield of a motor vehicle includes driving at least one wiper by an electric drive motor so that the at least one wiper shifted between two terminal positions, processing by a control unit as the input variable the output signals of a rain quantity and the switching signals of a manually controllable switch means, and processing as the output variable a supply voltage of the electric drive motor so as to control the wiper speed, operating the at least one wiper (8) with variable intermittent interval times and at variable wiper speeds, as a function of a rain quantity detected by the rain sensor (12), so that precisely one wiper speed and precisely one intermittent interval time are associated with each measured rain quantity, and moving the at least one wiper (8) in an intermittent mode with a lower speed than in a continuous mode.

Abstract: A drive device for a part of a vehicle that can be adjusted between terminal positions, in particular the roof panel of a vehicle roof, having an electric motor that is connected to a pinion via a first step-down gear. A switch device that controls the electric motor for stopping the electric motor in at least one predetermined position of the adjustable part, and a second step-down gear that moves a switch body. A magnetic-field-sensitive sensor, controllable by the switch body, for controlling the switch device. A conductor track board inside a housing and extending with an extension over the path of motion of the switch element. The magnetic-field-sensitive sensor is disposed at a radial distance from the circular path of motion of the switch body and bridges the distance between the magnetic-field-sensitive sensor and the path of motion of the switch body by means of magnetic flux guide bodies.

Abstract: A wiper blade wipes over a predetermined range of a front windshield in response to rotation of a wiper motor in a forward and reverse directions. The wiper blade operates in a wiping range between a predetermined upper reversing position and a predetermined lower reversing position. An upper pre-reversing position is defined inside of the upper reversing position, and a lower pre-reversing position is defined inside of the lower reversing position. A rotation sensor produces pulse signals in response to the rotation of the wiper motor. A CPU counts the pulse signals produced from the rotation sensor when a position detection sensor detects an arrival of the wiper blade at the pre-reversing position. The CPU produces a control signal to a drive circuit and reverses the direction of the drive current of the wiper motor to reverse the rotation of the wiper motor, when the pulse count value reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: Windshield wiping systems commonly include a parking control, which delivers power to a wiping motor, while waiting for the wipers to reach a parked position. When the wipers park, the parking control terminates power to the motor. The invention repeatedly exercises the parking control, in order to obtain intermittent wiper operation. That is, the invention allows parking to occur, and then waits for a short time. Next, the invention withdraws a wiper from parked status, and then allows the parking system to park again, and so on.

Abstract: A windshield washer control system for use on a vehicle is herein disclosed. The windshield washer control system for use on a vehicle having an occupant compartment with a windshield and a windshield wiper device. The wiper device is movable across a predetermined area of the windshield and the windshield washer device includes a sprayer and a sprayer nozzle. The windshield washer device is comprised of a windshield transparency detection system and a controller unit. The controller unit includes three operating modes. The first operating mode is defined by the windshield washer device being manually operable. The second operating mode is defined by the windshield washer device operating by cycle, wherein the windshield washer device is controlled to spray after a predetermined number of wiper cycles. The third operating mode is defined by the windshield washer device being automatically operable by using the windshield transparency detection system.

Abstract: A system and a method for controlling the operation of a vehicle window wiper device as a function of the quantity of liquid present on the window are described. The wiper device comprises an electric drive motor connected to at least one wiper blade arm provided with a wiper blade. The control system comprises: a first sensor adapted to provide a first output signal corresponding to a first quantity dependent on the instantaneous friction between the wiper blade and the vehicle window; a second sensor adapted to provide a second output signal corresponding to a second quantity correlated to the aerodynamic load acting on the wiper blade; and a processing and control unit coupled to both sensors to receive at its input the first and the second signal).

Abstract: A system and method for use in synchronizing a vehicle wiper to an onboard audio signal. The method typically includes detecting a tempo of the audio signal and moving the wiper based on the detected tempo of the audio signal. Typically, the wiper motion is controlled by a wiper control configured to adjust the speed and/or delay of the wiper, such that the wiper is synchronized with the detected tempo of the audio signal.

Abstract: A device (10) for operating a windshield wiper (12) is proposed, with a moisture sensor (22) for detecting the wetness of a window that in addition to detecting rain and droplets also detects fog and drizzle. The measured values (Us) of the moisture sensor (22) are allocated incremental values (Ink) by the control unit (16). The difference between two successive incremental values (Ink) is to be added, with a sign (+ or −), in the memory (28) to a sum (&Sgr;) of differences formed previously in the same way, and when a threshold (S) is reached by the sum (&Sgr;) stored in the memory (28), the control unit (16) trips a wiper operating mode.

Abstract: An optically operated automatic control system for a vehicle's windshield wipers can automatically activate the windshield wipers or a water dispenser filled with cleansing agent in response to the amount of rain cast on a windshield or the level of dirtiness of the same. Thus, a clear vision is constantly kept through a windshield glass for the driver of a vehicle to see. The automatic control system is mainly equipped with a photography device at a proper position adjacent the windshield to take the vision in front of a vehicle via the windshield. Afterwards, a series of calculations via a number of preset mathematical equations are conducted so as to get the wiper control system or the water dispenser to automatically operate accordingly. Thus, the windshield glass of a vehicle can always be kept clear and clean for a driver in driving to see through any time.

Abstract: In a wiper apparatus for carrying out wiping motion with use of rotational drive of a motor, reverse rotation due to the application of external force on the wiper blade is positively detected. In response to the detection result, the motion of the motor and the wiper blade is controlled. The detection of the reverse rotation is carried our such that two kinds of periodic signals are generated depending on the rotation direction of the drive shaft, and the phase relationship between the periodic signals are arranged to differ depending on the rotation direction, and then the rotation direction is detected from the phase relationship. The wiper apparatus may be an opposing type wiper apparatus having a pair of wiper blades, and control operation of the wiper blades may be arranged such that the position taken by the wiper blade is detected by counting a number of pulses which are generated in association with the rotation of the drive shaft of the motor.

Abstract: A regulated windshield wiper device (10), in particular for motor vehicles, is proposed, which predetermines a corrected guidance variable (F) by determining a correction variable (K) so that the regulating deviation of the control circuit becomes approximately zero. In order to regulate the position (X) of at least one wiper (16) that oscillates between two end positions (18.1, 18.2, 18.3), the windshield wiper device (10) includes an electronically reversible drive motor (14) and a regulating unit (12), which compares a regulation variable (R) to a guidance variable (F) and regulates the motor (14) by means of a control variable (S), wherein the deviation between the guidance variable (F) and the regulation variable (R) and/or other parameters, e.g. the control variable (S) or variables derived from the regulation variable (R), is used to calculate a correction variable (K) with which the guidance variable (F) can be corrected.

Abstract: A synchronization system according to the present invention includes a signal generator that provides a "RUN" signal simultaneously to two or more windshield wiper motors in response to simultaneous receipt of position signals generated by the motors. Each motor generates a position signal when the windshield wiper controlled by the motor is at a predetermined position. A gate circuit monitors the output of each motor to determine whether the motor is in the predetermined position. The gate circuit provides a trigger signal to the signal generator of the present invention only when each motor outputs a position signal. The trigger signal causes the signal generator to produce a subsequent "RUN" signal initiating another wipe cycle. Accordingly, the motors begin each cycle in synchronization.

Abstract: An intelligent wiper system and method for wiping a windshield is disclosed having a microprocessor which controls the operation of a motor and which is capable of setting a baseline delay time using one or more wipe times, with the baseline delay time generally corresponding to a time interval between consecutive wipes of at least one wiper blade. The system and method automatically adjusts the baseline delay time in response to the second wipe time if the second wipe time is not substantially the same as a function of the first wipe time, wherein the function includes a predetermined constant which is at least one hundred percent of a first wipe time. An upper baseline wipe time threshold and a lower baseline wipe time threshold may be established such that the delay time is not adjusted if a current wipe time falls between such thresholds.

Abstract: A moisture sensor for detecting moisture on the surface of a transparent material. The moisture sensor includes one or more emitters for producing moisture sensing signals which are influenced by moisture on the transparent material, and one or more detectors for receiving the moisture sensing signals and producing a detector output signal. The moisture sensor further includes a pre-demodulation gain and filtering circuit having high order filtering for removing most of the unwanted ambient light noise and EMI interference from the detector output signal for the accurate detection of moisture in the presence of noise.

Abstract: A control device operates a window wiper in a motor vehicle, and includes a switching device for the selection of several wiping functions, a sensor device for determining a wetting degree of a window, and an electronic analyzing system. The window wiper is capable of being operated, depending on the wiping function selected by the user, in a continuous wiping operation and/or in a single wiping operation. The electronic analyzing system, during a first wiping function, analyzes the determined wetting degree of the window and, depending on the determined wetting degree of the window, in a continuous wiping operation, sets a wiping frequency and/or, in a single wiping operation, activates a wiping cycle for the window wiper.

Abstract: Proposed is a control device (50) for a windshield wiper that serves in actuating a further window wiper. The control device (50), having an inventive embodiment, includes a control (18), whose signal output (20) provides first control signals (42) for actuating the windshield wiper, preferably a front windshield wiper (26) of a motor vehicle, and whose further signal output (22) provides further control signals (42) for actuating a further windshield wiper, preferably a rear window wiper (30).

Abstract: A window wiper motor system for an automotive vehicle includes an incremental wiper position detection device. A window wiper feedback pattern is disposed on a stationary circuit board mounted within a gear enclosure with its electronic components facing inwardly toward a main gear. A low profile, flip chip integrated circuit attachment to the printed circuit board is also provided.

Abstract: An electric motor drive for an automotive operating element for moving between at least two end positions. A range about at least one selected position of the operating element is established. The drive automatically moves the operating element into the selected position when the automotive operating element has reached the established range.

Abstract: A control system for automatically detecting moisture on the windshield of a vehicle. The automatic moisture detecting system includes an optical system for imaging a portion of the windshield on to an image array sensor, such as a CMOS active pixel sensor. The voltages of each of the pixels which represents the illumination level is converted to a corresponding gray scale value by an analog digital converter. The gray scale values corresponding to the image are stored in memory. The spatial frequency composition of the gray scale values are analyzed to determine the amount of rain present. In order to provide a control signal to control the operation of the windshield wipers of the vehicle as a function of the amount of moisture present. The system is also adapted to detect the level of fog both on the interior of the windshield as well as the exterior of the windshield.

Abstract: A windshield wiping device includes a control amplifier 5 for controlling a wiper motor 7 in accordance with a driver's operation of a wiper switch 3. When a vehicle is energized, the control amplifier 5 once outputs a working inhibition signal to a working inhibition relay 15 in order to stop the operation of the wiper. Thus, it is possible to avoid the wiper's working against the driver's will immediately after a key switch has been switched on. When the vehicle begins to travel or the position of the wiper switch 3 is changed by the driver, then the wiper is activated in accordance with the position of the wiper switch 3.

Abstract: The use of a Gray code ganged wiper switch and an electronic circuit controlling the washer-pump motor and wiper motor allow the use of a minimal number of wires in the overall interval wiper system than found in conventional systems. Circuit redundancy and Gray coding method provides several added reliability features at a low manufacturing cost. The system further provides a resistorless control of the several power output functions of the system.

Abstract: A device which determines a condition of at least one wiper blade of a motor-vehicle windshield wiper. The device includes a rain sensor controlling the motor-vehicle windshield wiper and being utilized for determining the condition of the wiper blade. The device also includes an evaluation circuit receiving data from the rain sensor. The evaluation circuit evaluates wear and tear of a rubber wiper element of the wiper blade based on one of a slow and continuous change of the data and a quick and continuous change of the data provided by the rain sensor.

Abstract: A wiper system and method for use in a wiper system on a vehicle, such as an automobile, a truck, an agricultural vehicle, and the like is shown having a wiper motor having a drive shaft which is driven at a substantially linear rate. A first gear is cooperatively coupled to the output shaft and driven thereby at the linear rate. A second gear is coupled to the first gear and it is driven in response to the movement of the drive shaft. The second gear is operatively coupled to a third gear which drives a crank which is coupled to a plurality of wiper blades via suitable linkage. The system and method are have at least one gear which is non-symmetrical about its axis which enables or cause the crank to be driven at a non-linear rate relative to the rate of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A control device associated with a wiper motor for motor vehicles, in particular a rear window wiper motor the control device permitting a rapid final test of the motor with virtually no delay. For this purpose, a certain test signal is fed to a control unit via a signal input in response to which test signal the control unit electrically charges the motor for a test mode over an extended period.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting moisture on the windscreen of a motor vehicle has an illumination source and a light sensor mounted within the motor vehicle. The light sensor detects light rays from the light source reflected off the windscreen via a diffusion surface within the motor vehicle. Based upon the sensed reflected light, an image processor in communication with the light sensor creates an image of a portion of the windscreen that the processor analyzes to determine the moisture condition of the windscreen.A method for controlling the operation of the windscreen wiper system monitors light reflected from a portion of a windscreen and creates an image of the moisture condition of the windscreen based on the reflected light. The image is analyzed to determine the configuration of light intensities in predetermined zones. From the light intensity configuration, the moisture condition of the windscreen is determined.

Abstract: Windshield wiper mechanism and method for precisely placing a wiper in each reversing position during wiper operation. The local wetness conditions on the windshield after deactivating the motor are taken into account from braking until reaching the reversing positions. The mechanism also includes a pulse generator for generating pulses as a function of the wiper movement, with these pulses being supplied to a controller via a signal input in order to control the motor. The pulses characterizing deceleration of the wiper from the time the motor is deactivated prior to a reversing position until it comes to a standstill are counted by a counter. The controller emits a switching signal for deactivating the motor and/or for reversing its direction of rotation prior to reaching the next reversing position or parking position as a function of the counted deceleration pulses.

Abstract: A device for operating a windshield wiper with an automatic wiper control. The wiping operation is optimally adapted to the wetting conditions of a windshield as soon as the automatic wiper control is turned on. This is achieved by a control stage which, during the switching on, triggers at least one initial wiping action when responding to an activation signal emitted by an input stage. Following the initial wiping action, the wiping operation takes place on the basis of the wetting conditions detected by the sensor unit.

Abstract: A direct drive type rear wiper in which normal and reverse rotation of a motor causes reciprocating wiping operation of a wiper blade of a vehicle such as an automobile, comprising a motor 1 which rotates in normal and reverse directions, a worm wheel 2 which rotates being interlocked with the motor 1, a relay plate 3 which rotates being interlocked with the worm wheel 2, four contacts S1-S4 provided facing the relay plate 3, and a control circuit 4 for switching direction of electric current for the motor 1. In particular, when the motor 1 is to be stopped at a turning position in reciprocating wiping operation of the wiper blade, electric braking is made to act directly on the motor 1 according to contacting condition between the relay plate 3 and the first and second contacts S1, S2.

Abstract: A wiper control device includes a wiper switch having a variable resistor which is switched to the respective resistance value corresponding to the respective operation mode of the wiper apparatus. An interface circuit is provided with a reference resistor and a capacitor. A microcomputer is provided with a reference charging port for changing the capacitor through the reference resistor, a detective charging port for changing the same capacitor through the variable resistor switched into various resistance values corresponding to the respective operation modes and a reading port for reading as to whether the capacitor is changed up to a predetermined potential level. The microcomputer determines the selected operation mode on the basis of a relative value calculated from the time required for charging the capacitor through the reference resistor by the reference charging port and the time required for charging the capacitor through the variable resistor of the wiper switch by the detective charging port.