US20010038335A1 - Process and device for operating a rain sensor - Google Patents
Process and device for operating a rain sensor Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20010038335A1 US20010038335A1 US09/380,924 US38092499A US2001038335A1 US 20010038335 A1 US20010038335 A1 US 20010038335A1 US 38092499 A US38092499 A US 38092499A US 2001038335 A1 US2001038335 A1 US 2001038335A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- sensor
- signal
- sensor signal
- control signal
- controller
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 6
- 238000011156 evaluation Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 34
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000009736 wetting Methods 0.000 abstract description 5
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 9
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000001960 triggered effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000003990 capacitor Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000005693 optoelectronics Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000003321 amplification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003199 nucleic acid amplification method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000630 rising effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60S—SERVICING, CLEANING, REPAIRING, SUPPORTING, LIFTING, OR MANOEUVRING OF VEHICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60S1/00—Cleaning of vehicles
- B60S1/02—Cleaning windscreens, windows or optical devices
- B60S1/04—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers
- B60S1/06—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers characterised by the drive
- B60S1/08—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers characterised by the drive electrically driven
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60S—SERVICING, CLEANING, REPAIRING, SUPPORTING, LIFTING, OR MANOEUVRING OF VEHICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60S1/00—Cleaning of vehicles
- B60S1/02—Cleaning windscreens, windows or optical devices
- B60S1/04—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers
- B60S1/06—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers characterised by the drive
- B60S1/08—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers characterised by the drive electrically driven
- B60S1/0818—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers characterised by the drive electrically driven including control systems responsive to external conditions, e.g. by detection of moisture, dirt or the like
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60S—SERVICING, CLEANING, REPAIRING, SUPPORTING, LIFTING, OR MANOEUVRING OF VEHICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60S1/00—Cleaning of vehicles
- B60S1/02—Cleaning windscreens, windows or optical devices
- B60S1/04—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers
- B60S1/06—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers characterised by the drive
- B60S1/08—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers characterised by the drive electrically driven
- B60S1/0818—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers characterised by the drive electrically driven including control systems responsive to external conditions, e.g. by detection of moisture, dirt or the like
- B60S1/0822—Wipers or the like, e.g. scrapers characterised by the drive electrically driven including control systems responsive to external conditions, e.g. by detection of moisture, dirt or the like characterized by the arrangement or type of detection means
- B60S1/0833—Optical rain sensor
Definitions
- the invention is based on an apparatus and a method for operating a rain sensor as generically defined by the preamble to the main claim.
- a regulator is also provided that regulates the sensor signal, which corresponds to a clean window, to a predetermined resting level.
- the controller outputs a control signal to the control arrangement of the transmitter for the sake of slowly regulating the transmission power to a predetermined resting level.
- the controller outputs a control signal to the signal processor for slowly regulating the gain of the sensor signal to be amplified.
- a disadvantage is that the controller regulates the sensor signal corresponding to a clean, dry window to the resting level, preferably at the outset, and that over the further course of sensor operation the control signal of the controller is allowed to vary in comparison with the sensor signal only extremely slowly, so that changes in the sensor signal will not be cancelled out. That is, the regulator essentially performs a (one-time) calibration of the rain sensor.
- the apparatus according to the invention having the characteristics of the body of the main claim has the advantage that a controller regulates a rain sensor as a function of the degree of wetting of a window, and that the sensor signal and in addition the control signal of the controller are delivered to an evaluation arrangement for evaluation.
- the control signal and the working range can be tracked directly and quickly as a function of the sensor signal, without the sensor signal being cancelled out.
- the working range of the sensor signal can therefore be selected to be smaller, so that for a suitable gain the resolution becomes greater.
- the evaluation arrangement or microcontroller is there for part of a central electronic system of a motor vehicle.
- microcontroller requires only low power and a low clock speed, because as a “listener”, it merely evaluates signals.
- controller regulates the working range of the transmitter continuously or in stages and is embodied in a space-saving way as an ASIC (application-specific IC).
- ASIC application-specific IC
- the separate transmission of the sensor signal and the control signal to the microcontroller is especially advantageous. As a result, a wide dynamic scope of the microcontroller input and high resolution are obtained.
- a further advantage is the use of a differential amplifier to evaluate the sensor signal. This sets a differential working range, so that slight signal changes can be evaluated with high resolution in the evaluation arrangement.
- FIG. 1 shows a schematic circuit diagram of a control circuit of a rain sensor
- FIG. 2 shows a circuit for evaluating control signals and sensor signals
- FIG. 3 shows an alternative exemplary embodiment of a circuit diagram of a control circuit.
- FIG. 1 shows a rain sensor 10 , which has at least one transmitter 12 and one receiver 14 and is operated in a control circuit with a controller 16 .
- the rain sensor detects the wetting of a motor vehicle window 11 , for instance, by moisture and is disposed in the wiping area of a windshield wiper (not shown).
- the rain sensor 10 functions on an optoelectronic principle. However, some other sensor principle is equally suitable. For instance, acoustic, capacitive and resistive rain sensors are known. The acoustic rain sensor converts sound waves into a corresponding electrical output signal; the resistive rain sensor varies its conductance, and the capacitive rain sensor varies its capacitance upon the occurrence of moisture or dirt on the window.
- the optoelectronic rain sensor 10 used here includes a light-emitting transmitter 12 , whose light is coupled into the window 11 , passed through the window 11 , and out-coupled at a certain point of the window 11 to a light-detecting receiver 14 .
- the receiver 14 converts the detected light quantity into a sensor signal 18 , which is delivered to a signal processor 20 .
- the signal processor 20 is embodied as an operational amplifier. The use of other current-voltage converters is also possible, however.
- the signal processor 20 is located in the rain sensor 10 , but may also be disposed outside the rain sensor 10 .
- the processed sensor signal 22 ( 22 . 1 ) is delivered on the one hand to the analog controller 16 of the control circuit, which regulates the transmitter current 27 of the transmitter 12 as a function of the sensor signal 22 .
- the controller 16 outputs a control signal 28 ( 28 . 1 ), with which a capacitor is charged, whose capacitor voltage acts as a control voltage for a voltage-controlled current source 26 .
- a comparator is integrated with the controller 16 and compares the level of the sensor signal 22 with limit values of a predetermined working range. As a function of the outcome of the comparison, the control signal 28 is increased, decreased, or kept constant.
- the controller 16 of the control circuit is also disposed in a space-saving manner as an ASIC in a housing of the rain sensor 10 , which housing is mounted on the window 11 of the motor vehicle.
- the sensor signal 22 ( 22 . 2 ) is delivered on the other hand to a circuit according to FIG. 2 for evaluation; this circuit includes, among other elements, a differential amplifier 30 , an analog/digital converter 32 , and an evaluation arrangement 34 .
- control signal 28 ( 28 . 2 ) of the controller 16 is also delivered to the evaluation arrangement 34 , via a second A/D converter 36 .
- the A/D converters 32 , 36 are typically integrated with the microcontroller. In the case of analog evaluation, the A/D converters 32 , 26 can be dispensed with.
- a downstream apparatus such as a wiper motor 42 of a motor vehicle windshield wiper system, is triggered automatically as a function of the wetting of the window.
- the evaluation circuit of FIG. 2 is part of a central electronic system of the motor vehicle, but it can also be disposed on the wiper motor 42 or in the rain sensor housing.
- the receiver 14 outputs a sensor signal 18 to the signal processor 20 , and this signal is amplified there in such a way that the maximum value for the sensor signal 22 is at 5 volts, for instance. The amplification is effected linearly.
- the controller 16 the range between 4 and 5 volts is specified as the working range for the sensor signal 22 .
- the signal 22 delivered to the controller 16 is compared by the comparator with the two limit values of the working range.
- the control signal 28 by way of which the transmitter power is triggered, remains unchanged.
- the input voltage of the voltage-controlled current source 26 is defined by the control signal 28 .
- the current 27 generated by the current source 26 and hence also the transmitter power of the transmitter 12 , are specified as a function of the control signal 28 .
- the controller 16 If the sensor signal 22 is below the lower limit value, then the controller 16 outputs a rising control signal 28 , and thus also an increase in current 27 , until the sensor signal 18 , 22 output by the receiver 14 is again within the working range of the comparator.
- the controller 26 reduces the control signal 28 and thus also the current 27 and the transmission power.
- the control signal 28 is reduced until such time as the sensor signal 22 is again within the working range.
- sensor signals 22 ( 22 . 2 ) and control signals 28 ( 28 . 2 ) are also delivered to the evaluation arrangement 34 .
- the linearly amplified sensor signal 22 is delivered to the differential amplifier 30 , which extends the working range.
- the maximum sensor signal 22 is applied to the maximum input of the microcontroller. For an 8-bit microcontroller and a maximum sensor signal of approximately 5 volts, one bit corresponds to approximately 20 millivolts. Because on account of the defined working range of the controller 16 only high levels of the sensor signal 22 are evaluated, very good resolution is obtained.
- the evaluation arrangement 34 evaluates only the sensor signal 22 for the wetting of a window by rain, moisture, ice or dirt and by means of output signals 40 triggers a windshield wiper system with a wiper motor 42 . Thresholds are stored in memory for this purpose in the evaluation arrangement 34 . When a first threshold is reached by the sensor signal 22 , one wiper mode (intermittent or constant operation) is typically tripped.
- the evaluation arrangement 34 detects the change in the control signal 28 and then evaluates only the control signal 28 with a view to triggering the wiper motor 42 . The sensor signals 22 are not taken into account then. Once the control signal 28 reaches a further threshold, stored in the evaluation arrangement 34 , a wiper mode is tripped.
- the control signal 28 remains constant. This is detected by the evaluation arrangement 34 , and after that only the sensor signal 22 , instead of the control signal 28 , is taken into account for the evaluation.
- FIG. 3 shows an alternative exemplary embodiment of the control circuit, in which the controller 16 acts on the signal processor 20 of the sensor signal 18 .
- the amplified sensor signal 22 is regulated into the working range.
- the transmission power of the transmitter 12 is thus set to be constant, and near a maximum value, by the current source 26 .
- the evaluation of the sensor signal 22 ( 22 . 2 ) and the control signal 28 ( 28 . 2 ) is done analogously to the evaluation described above.
- a digital controller 16 which outputs control signals 28 to the voltage-controlled current source 26 as a function of digital sensor signals 22 .
- the regulation takes place here via a resistor circuit in the controller 16 , so that discrete control signals 28 allow regulation of the transmitter power of the transmitter 12 in stages.
- the A/D converters 32 / 36 in the evaluation arrangement of FIG. 2 are omitted.
Abstract
An apparatus and a method for operating a rain sensor (10) that outputs a sensor signal (18, 22) as a function of the wetting of a window (11) are proposed, having a controller (16) which as a function of the sensor signal (18, 22) outputs a control signal (28) to the rain sensor (10) for regulating the sensor signal (18, 22); for signal evaluation, the sensor signal (18, 22) and in addition the control signal (28) are used for tripping switching events of a device.
Description
- The invention is based on an apparatus and a method for operating a rain sensor as generically defined by the preamble to the main claim.
- From German published, nonexamined Patent Application DE-OS 41 12 847, an apparatus for operating a rain sensor is already known having a transmitter which is triggered by a preceding control arrangement, a receiver which outputs a sensor signal to a signal processor, and an evaluator, which outputs a switching signal for turning a windshield wiper on as a function of the sensor signal.
- A regulator is also provided that regulates the sensor signal, which corresponds to a clean window, to a predetermined resting level. To that end, the controller outputs a control signal to the control arrangement of the transmitter for the sake of slowly regulating the transmission power to a predetermined resting level. Alternatively, the controller outputs a control signal to the signal processor for slowly regulating the gain of the sensor signal to be amplified. With the regulator, production variations among individual components of the rain sensor as well as tolerances in rain sensor installation can be compensated for over a wide range.
- A disadvantage is that the controller regulates the sensor signal corresponding to a clean, dry window to the resting level, preferably at the outset, and that over the further course of sensor operation the control signal of the controller is allowed to vary in comparison with the sensor signal only extremely slowly, so that changes in the sensor signal will not be cancelled out. That is, the regulator essentially performs a (one-time) calibration of the rain sensor.
- This then means that the evaluation of the sensor signal takes place essentially in the working range that has been set. This has the disadvantage that at small sensor signals, any change in the sensor signal has poorer resolution than an equally major relative change in large sensor signals.
- The apparatus according to the invention having the characteristics of the body of the main claim has the advantage that a controller regulates a rain sensor as a function of the degree of wetting of a window, and that the sensor signal and in addition the control signal of the controller are delivered to an evaluation arrangement for evaluation. In this way, the control signal and the working range can be tracked directly and quickly as a function of the sensor signal, without the sensor signal being cancelled out. The working range of the sensor signal can therefore be selected to be smaller, so that for a suitable gain the resolution becomes greater.
- With the provisions recited in the dependent claims, advantageous refinements of and improvements to the characteristics recited in the main claim are obtained. One particular advantage is the spatial separation of the evaluation arrangement from the control circuit for the rain sensor, which is made possible by the fact that the regulation is performed by an electronic regulator, so that a microcontroller is used only for the evaluation.
- As a further advantage, the evaluation arrangement or microcontroller is there for part of a central electronic system of a motor vehicle.
- It is also advantageous that the microcontroller requires only low power and a low clock speed, because as a “listener”, it merely evaluates signals.
- Another advantage is that the controller regulates the working range of the transmitter continuously or in stages and is embodied in a space-saving way as an ASIC (application-specific IC).
- The separate transmission of the sensor signal and the control signal to the microcontroller is especially advantageous. As a result, a wide dynamic scope of the microcontroller input and high resolution are obtained. A further advantage is the use of a differential amplifier to evaluate the sensor signal. This sets a differential working range, so that slight signal changes can be evaluated with high resolution in the evaluation arrangement.
- Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing and described in further detail in the ensuing description.
- FIG. 1 shows a schematic circuit diagram of a control circuit of a rain sensor;
- FIG. 2 shows a circuit for evaluating control signals and sensor signals; and
- FIG. 3 shows an alternative exemplary embodiment of a circuit diagram of a control circuit.
- FIG. 1 shows a
rain sensor 10, which has at least onetransmitter 12 and onereceiver 14 and is operated in a control circuit with acontroller 16. The rain sensor detects the wetting of amotor vehicle window 11, for instance, by moisture and is disposed in the wiping area of a windshield wiper (not shown). - The
rain sensor 10 functions on an optoelectronic principle. However, some other sensor principle is equally suitable. For instance, acoustic, capacitive and resistive rain sensors are known. The acoustic rain sensor converts sound waves into a corresponding electrical output signal; the resistive rain sensor varies its conductance, and the capacitive rain sensor varies its capacitance upon the occurrence of moisture or dirt on the window. - The
optoelectronic rain sensor 10 used here includes a light-emittingtransmitter 12, whose light is coupled into thewindow 11, passed through thewindow 11, and out-coupled at a certain point of thewindow 11 to a light-detectingreceiver 14. Thereceiver 14 converts the detected light quantity into asensor signal 18, which is delivered to asignal processor 20. Thesignal processor 20 is embodied as an operational amplifier. The use of other current-voltage converters is also possible, however. Thesignal processor 20 is located in therain sensor 10, but may also be disposed outside therain sensor 10. - The processed sensor signal22 (22.1) is delivered on the one hand to the
analog controller 16 of the control circuit, which regulates thetransmitter current 27 of thetransmitter 12 as a function of thesensor signal 22. To that end, thecontroller 16 outputs a control signal 28 (28.1), with which a capacitor is charged, whose capacitor voltage acts as a control voltage for a voltage-controlledcurrent source 26. A comparator is integrated with thecontroller 16 and compares the level of thesensor signal 22 with limit values of a predetermined working range. As a function of the outcome of the comparison, thecontrol signal 28 is increased, decreased, or kept constant. Thecontroller 16 of the control circuit is also disposed in a space-saving manner as an ASIC in a housing of therain sensor 10, which housing is mounted on thewindow 11 of the motor vehicle. - The sensor signal22 (22.2) is delivered on the other hand to a circuit according to FIG. 2 for evaluation; this circuit includes, among other elements, a
differential amplifier 30, an analog/digital converter 32, and anevaluation arrangement 34. - According to the invention, the control signal28 (28.2) of the
controller 16 is also delivered to theevaluation arrangement 34, via a second A/D converter 36. - If a microcontroller is used for evaluating the
signals D converters D converters - Via an
output signal 40 of theevaluation arrangement 34, a downstream apparatus, such as awiper motor 42 of a motor vehicle windshield wiper system, is triggered automatically as a function of the wetting of the window. - The evaluation circuit of FIG. 2 is part of a central electronic system of the motor vehicle, but it can also be disposed on the
wiper motor 42 or in the rain sensor housing. - The mode of operation of the apparatus of the invention as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will now be described in further detail.
- First, the control circuit should be explained. The
receiver 14 outputs asensor signal 18 to thesignal processor 20, and this signal is amplified there in such a way that the maximum value for thesensor signal 22 is at 5 volts, for instance. The amplification is effected linearly. In thecontroller 16, the range between 4 and 5 volts is specified as the working range for thesensor signal 22. Thesignal 22 delivered to thecontroller 16 is compared by the comparator with the two limit values of the working range. - If the
sensor signal 22 is between the two limit values, then thecontrol signal 28, by way of which the transmitter power is triggered, remains unchanged. As already described at the outset, the input voltage of the voltage-controlledcurrent source 26 is defined by thecontrol signal 28. Thus the current 27 generated by thecurrent source 26, and hence also the transmitter power of thetransmitter 12, are specified as a function of thecontrol signal 28. - If the
sensor signal 22 is below the lower limit value, then thecontroller 16 outputs a risingcontrol signal 28, and thus also an increase in current 27, until thesensor signal receiver 14 is again within the working range of the comparator. - In the opposite case, if the
sensor signal 22 exceeds the upper limit value, thecontroller 26 reduces thecontrol signal 28 and thus also the current 27 and the transmission power. Thecontrol signal 28 is reduced until such time as thesensor signal 22 is again within the working range. - Independently of the mode of operation of the control circuit of FIG. 1, sensor signals22 (22.2) and control signals 28 (28.2) are also delivered to the
evaluation arrangement 34. The linearly amplifiedsensor signal 22 is delivered to thedifferential amplifier 30, which extends the working range. Themaximum sensor signal 22 is applied to the maximum input of the microcontroller. For an 8-bit microcontroller and a maximum sensor signal of approximately 5 volts, one bit corresponds to approximately 20 millivolts. Because on account of the defined working range of thecontroller 16 only high levels of thesensor signal 22 are evaluated, very good resolution is obtained. - The evaluation of the sensor signals22 and
control signals 28 in theevaluation arrangement 34 or microcontroller is now done as follows: - As long as the
control signal 28 remains constant, theevaluation arrangement 34 evaluates only thesensor signal 22 for the wetting of a window by rain, moisture, ice or dirt and by means of output signals 40 triggers a windshield wiper system with awiper motor 42. Thresholds are stored in memory for this purpose in theevaluation arrangement 34. When a first threshold is reached by thesensor signal 22, one wiper mode (intermittent or constant operation) is typically tripped. - If the
sensor signal 22 moves out of the working range, this requires correction of the transmitter power of thetransmitter 12 by increasing or decreasing thecontrol signal 28, which is done by thecontroller 16. Theevaluation arrangement 34 detects the change in thecontrol signal 28 and then evaluates only thecontrol signal 28 with a view to triggering thewiper motor 42. The sensor signals 22 are not taken into account then. Once thecontrol signal 28 reaches a further threshold, stored in theevaluation arrangement 34, a wiper mode is tripped. - As soon as the
sensor signal 22 is again within the working range, thecontrol signal 28 remains constant. This is detected by theevaluation arrangement 34, and after that only thesensor signal 22, instead of thecontrol signal 28, is taken into account for the evaluation. - FIG. 3 shows an alternative exemplary embodiment of the control circuit, in which the
controller 16 acts on thesignal processor 20 of thesensor signal 18. By varying the gain for thesensor signal 18 in thesignal processor 20, the amplifiedsensor signal 22 is regulated into the working range. The transmission power of thetransmitter 12 is thus set to be constant, and near a maximum value, by thecurrent source 26. The evaluation of the sensor signal 22 (22.2) and the control signal 28 (28.2) is done analogously to the evaluation described above. - In a modification of the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1 through 3, a
digital controller 16 is used, which outputs control signals 28 to the voltage-controlledcurrent source 26 as a function of digital sensor signals 22. The regulation takes place here via a resistor circuit in thecontroller 16, so that discrete control signals 28 allow regulation of the transmitter power of thetransmitter 12 in stages. The A/D converters 32/36 in the evaluation arrangement of FIG. 2 are omitted.
Claims (10)
1. An apparatus for operating a rain sensor (10) which is used for automatic triggering of a device, in particular a windshield wiper for motor vehicles, having a transmitter (12), a receiver (14) whose sensor signal (18) is delivered to a signal processor (20) and to an evaluation arrangement (34) downstream thereof, and a controller (16), which as a function of the sensor signal (18, 22) outputs a control signal (28) to the rain sensor (10) for regulating the sensor signal (18, 22), characterized in that in addition to the sensor signal (18, 22), the control signal (28) is also delivered to the evaluation arrangement (34) for tripping switching events of the device.
2. The apparatus of , characterized in that the evaluation arrangement (34) is disposed spatially remotely from the rain sensor (10) and/or the controller (16), and preferably forms part of a central electronic system of a motor vehicle.
claim 1
3. The apparatus of , characterized in that the controller (16) regulates the transmission power of the transmitter (12) continuously or in stages, in particular upon attainment of limit values for the working range of the rain sensor.
claim 1
4. The apparatus of , characterized in that the controller (16) is constructed as an ASIC (application-specific IC).
claim 1
5. The apparatus of , characterized in that it has a differential amplifier 30 for amplifying the sensor signal 22.
claim 1
6. The apparatus of , characterized in that the control signals 28 or sensor signals 18, 22 delivered to the evaluation arrangement 34 are analog or digital.
claim 1
7. The apparatus of , characterized in that it is intended for use for triggering a wiper motor (42) of a windshield wiper system.
claim 1
8. A method for operating a rain sensor (10) which is used for automatic triggering of a device, in particular a windshield wiper for motor vehicles, having a transmitter (12), a receiver (14) whose sensor signal (18) is delivered to a signal processor (20) and to an evaluation arrangement (34) downstream thereof, and a controller (16), which as a function of the sensor signal (18, 22) outputs a control signal (28) to the rain sensor (10) for regulating the sensor signal (18, 22), characterized in that in addition to the sensor signal (18, 22), the control signal (28) is also delivered to the evaluation arrangement (34) for tripping switching events of the device.
9. The method of , characterized in that the evaluation arrangement (34) evaluates the control signal (28) and/or the sensor signal (18, 22).
claim 8
10. The method of , characterized in that the evaluation arrangement (34) evaluates the sensor signal (18, 22) if the control signal (28) is constant, and if the control signal (28) is varying, it evaluates the control signal (28) independently of the sensor signal (18, 22) for tripping switching events of the device.
claim 8
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE19729103A DE19729103A1 (en) | 1997-07-08 | 1997-07-08 | Device and method for operating a rain sensor |
DE19729103.1 | 1997-07-08 | ||
DE19729103 | 1997-07-08 | ||
PCT/DE1998/001701 WO1999002379A1 (en) | 1997-07-08 | 1998-06-20 | Process and device for operating a rain sensor |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20010038335A1 true US20010038335A1 (en) | 2001-11-08 |
US6329923B2 US6329923B2 (en) | 2001-12-11 |
Family
ID=7834990
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/380,924 Expired - Fee Related US6329923B2 (en) | 1997-07-08 | 1998-06-20 | Process and device for operating a rain sensor |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6329923B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP0994796B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP4181299B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR100578706B1 (en) |
DE (2) | DE19729103A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1999002379A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6936985B2 (en) | 2003-07-21 | 2005-08-30 | Agc America, Inc. | Sensing device for determining a rain rate |
US20110138567A1 (en) * | 2009-12-10 | 2011-06-16 | David Pearson | Rain detector |
US9915090B2 (en) * | 2016-01-27 | 2018-03-13 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Systems and methods for vehicle interior protection from precipitation |
Families Citing this family (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8860443B1 (en) * | 2000-02-22 | 2014-10-14 | Harvest Tec, Inc. | Device to measure the moisture of hay in a round baler |
FR2810605B1 (en) * | 2000-06-22 | 2002-09-20 | Valeo Systemes Dessuyage | AUTOMATIC CONTROL EQUIPMENT FOR CLEANING A PLATE SURFACE HAVING VARIOUS DIRT CONDITIONS, AND IMPLEMENTATION METHOD |
DE10100732A1 (en) * | 2001-01-10 | 2002-07-11 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | Device for automatically cleaning windows |
DE10117397A1 (en) * | 2001-04-06 | 2002-10-10 | Valeo Auto Electric Gmbh | Sensor for the detection of dirt and / or moisture on the outside of a pane |
US6892580B2 (en) | 2003-07-21 | 2005-05-17 | Agc America, Inc. | Method for determining a rate of rain |
US7561055B2 (en) * | 2006-01-10 | 2009-07-14 | Guardian Industries Corp. | Rain sensor with capacitive-inclusive circuit |
US9371032B2 (en) | 2006-01-10 | 2016-06-21 | Guardian Industries Corp. | Moisture sensor and/or defogger with Bayesian improvements, and related methods |
US8283876B2 (en) * | 2009-09-17 | 2012-10-09 | Dialog Semiconductor Gmbh | Circuit for driving an infrared transmitter LED with temperature compensation |
US8097853B2 (en) * | 2009-11-17 | 2012-01-17 | Dialog Semiconductor Gmbh | Infrared photocurrent front-end ADC for rain-sensing system with ambient light compensation |
US9888973B2 (en) | 2010-03-31 | 2018-02-13 | St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc. | Intuitive user interface control for remote catheter navigation and 3D mapping and visualization systems |
KR20120018266A (en) | 2010-08-20 | 2012-03-02 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Method and apparatus for controlling power amplifier consumption power of base station in wireless communication system using orthogonal frequency division multiple access |
Family Cites Families (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4916374A (en) * | 1989-02-28 | 1990-04-10 | Donnelly Corporation | Continuously adaptive moisture sensor system for wiper control |
US5059877A (en) * | 1989-12-22 | 1991-10-22 | Libbey-Owens-Ford Co. | Rain responsive windshield wiper control |
DE4011510C1 (en) * | 1990-04-10 | 1991-07-04 | Robert Bosch Gmbh, 7000 Stuttgart, De | |
DE4036407C2 (en) * | 1990-11-15 | 1994-06-01 | Telefunken Microelectron | Sensor system |
DE4112847A1 (en) * | 1991-04-19 | 1992-10-22 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | DEVICE FOR OPERATING A RAIN DETECTOR |
DE69406048T2 (en) * | 1993-05-24 | 1998-04-23 | Asulab Sa | Ultrasonic detection device, in particular for an automatically controlled wind protection cleaning system |
DE9309837U1 (en) * | 1993-07-02 | 1993-09-02 | Reime Gerd | Arrangement for measuring or detecting the wetting of a wall or plate which is permeable to a specific radiation |
DE4417436C2 (en) * | 1994-05-18 | 1997-08-21 | Vdo Schindling | Method and arrangement for controlling a windshield wiper, in particular for a motor vehicle |
DE29508838U1 (en) * | 1995-05-27 | 1996-09-26 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | Device for operating a wiper |
DE19643465C2 (en) * | 1996-10-22 | 1999-08-05 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | Control device for an optical sensor, in particular a rain sensor |
-
1997
- 1997-07-08 DE DE19729103A patent/DE19729103A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
1998
- 1998-06-20 EP EP98936241A patent/EP0994796B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1998-06-20 JP JP2000501929A patent/JP4181299B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1998-06-20 DE DE59807568T patent/DE59807568D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1998-06-20 WO PCT/DE1998/001701 patent/WO1999002379A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1998-06-20 US US09/380,924 patent/US6329923B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1998-06-20 KR KR1019997009173A patent/KR100578706B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6936985B2 (en) | 2003-07-21 | 2005-08-30 | Agc America, Inc. | Sensing device for determining a rain rate |
US20110138567A1 (en) * | 2009-12-10 | 2011-06-16 | David Pearson | Rain detector |
US8576083B2 (en) * | 2009-12-10 | 2013-11-05 | Enterprise Electronics, Llc | Rain detector |
US9915090B2 (en) * | 2016-01-27 | 2018-03-13 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Systems and methods for vehicle interior protection from precipitation |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE19729103A1 (en) | 1999-01-14 |
KR100578706B1 (en) | 2006-05-12 |
EP0994796A1 (en) | 2000-04-26 |
DE59807568D1 (en) | 2003-04-24 |
JP2001509451A (en) | 2001-07-24 |
US6329923B2 (en) | 2001-12-11 |
KR20010006095A (en) | 2001-01-26 |
JP4181299B2 (en) | 2008-11-12 |
WO1999002379A1 (en) | 1999-01-21 |
EP0994796B1 (en) | 2003-03-19 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6329923B2 (en) | Process and device for operating a rain sensor | |
US6331819B1 (en) | Device and method for operating a rain detector | |
US5436541A (en) | Rain detector | |
US5276389A (en) | Method of controlling a windshield wiper system | |
US4916374A (en) | Continuously adaptive moisture sensor system for wiper control | |
US5568027A (en) | Smooth rain-responsive wiper control | |
US5140233A (en) | Control of windshield wiper by integration and differentiation of sensor signal | |
EP0656694A3 (en) | Equalizer with line length detection | |
US6513383B1 (en) | Acceleration sensor and acceleration detection system | |
US5726547A (en) | Windshield wiper arrangement including wiper control system | |
US6262407B1 (en) | Moisture sensor with automatic emitter intensity control | |
US6714876B2 (en) | Control system | |
US6373147B1 (en) | Control apparatus of occupant protection device | |
US5847654A (en) | Device for operating a windshield wiper | |
EP1031815A4 (en) | Angle speed sensor | |
US5237249A (en) | Apparatus for controlling a windscreen wiping system | |
US6002229A (en) | Device for operating a windshield wiper | |
JPH07315174A (en) | Method and device for controlling wiper | |
JP3367369B2 (en) | Radar equipment | |
JP3095869B2 (en) | Vehicle safety device control system with failure diagnosis function | |
KR940003778A (en) | Automatic adjustment of headlight light quantity and control method of automobile | |
KR19980030061A (en) | Electronically controlled steering system with fast response and stable operation in emergencies | |
JP2000247205A (en) | Control system for occupant crash protection device | |
JP2000255375A (en) | Control system for occupant crash protection device | |
JPH0777405A (en) | Photoelectric object sensor |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH, GERMANY Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:HOG, NORBERT;REEL/FRAME:010361/0007 Effective date: 19990512 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
REMI | Maintenance fee reminder mailed | ||
LAPS | Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees | ||
STCH | Information on status: patent discontinuation |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362 |
|
FP | Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee |
Effective date: 20131211 |