Multi-function sensor system for detecting rainfall and for recording the surroundings of vehicles
First Claim
1. A sensor system for detecting particles on a vehicle windscreen, comprising an optical sensor (3), wherein the sensor (3) is based on light transit time, receives light signals (S) that are emitted by an emitter element and that are at least partially reflected, wherein the emitter element and the sensor (3) are located and aligned on the exterior of the vehicle, on or in the vicinity of a tailgate, hatchback or trunk lid (2) of the vehicle (1) in such a way that particles on the tailgate, hatchback or trunk lid (2) can be detected by means of the sensor (3) by sensing the part of light signals (S) emitted by the emitter element that is backscattered by the particles.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A sensor system and method for detecting particles, in particular dirt particles or water droplets on a vehicle windscreen, comprising an optical sensor (3). The sensor (3) operates on the basis of light transit time and receives light signals (S) that are emitted by an emitter element and that are at least partially reflected, wherein the emitter element and the sensor (3) are located and aligned on the exterior of the vehicle, on or in the vicinity of a tailgate, hatchback or trunk lid (2) of said vehicle (1) in such a way that particles on the tailgate, hatchback or trunk lid (2) can be detected by means of the sensor (3) by sensing the part of light signals (S) emitted by the emitter element that is backscattered by the particles.
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Citations
17 Claims
- 1. A sensor system for detecting particles on a vehicle windscreen, comprising an optical sensor (3), wherein the sensor (3) is based on light transit time, receives light signals (S) that are emitted by an emitter element and that are at least partially reflected, wherein the emitter element and the sensor (3) are located and aligned on the exterior of the vehicle, on or in the vicinity of a tailgate, hatchback or trunk lid (2) of the vehicle (1) in such a way that particles on the tailgate, hatchback or trunk lid (2) can be detected by means of the sensor (3) by sensing the part of light signals (S) emitted by the emitter element that is backscattered by the particles.
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11. A method for operating an optical sensor for detecting particles and for sensing the surroundings of a vehicle, wherein the optical sensor (3) is based on light transit time, receives light signals (S) that are emitted by an emitter element and that are at least partially reflected, wherein the emitter element and the sensor (3) are located and aligned on the exterior of the vehicle, on or in the vicinity of a tailgate, hatchback or trunk lid (2) of the vehicle (1) in such a way that particles on the tailgate, hatchback or trunk lid (2) can be detected by means of the sensor (3) by sensing the part of light signals (S) emitted by the emitter element that is backscattered by the particles, said method:
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detecting particles on the tailgate, hatchback or trunk lid (2) and in addition at least one of; monitoring the pivoting range of the tailgate, hatchback or trunk lid (2) with regard to an obstacle, and, for avoiding a collision of the tailgate, hatchback or trunk lid (2) with the obstacle, automatically limiting the pivoting range of the tailgate, hatchback or trunk lid (2) or automatically stopping the pivoting movement during opening or during closing of the tailgate, hatchback or trunk lid (2), if the obstacle is detected in the pivoting range of the tailgate, hatchback or trunk lid (2); and monitoring the region behind the vehicle (1) for an obstacle by means of the sensor (3), wherein the distance to the obstacle is determined when parking the vehicle (1). - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification