Windscreen sensing and wiper control system
US6020704A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 2, 1997 |
| Grant date | Feb 1, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 2, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60S1/0833
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
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. The sensed moisture condition parameters are compared to a threshold array and a signal based upon this comparison is communicated the wiper, defogger, or headlight control system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.