Wiper system and method

Abstract

In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method causes data processing hardware to perform operations including adjustment from an ON state to an OFF state based on a power mode of a vehicle, and stores a current operating mode of a wiper system of the vehicle based on the current operating mode including an active state. Operating further includes operating the wiper system in an inactive state and generating a notification to a user of the vehicle based on the stored current operating mode including an active state and in response to an adjustment of a power mode of the vehicle from an OFF state to an ON state. Further, the operation includes operating the wiper system in an active state based on the stored current mode of operation being the active state and in response to elapse of a threshold period of time after generating the notification to the vehicle user.

Description

[0001] introduction

[0002] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the present disclosure. The work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this section and insofar as it may not qualify as prior art at the time of filing, is neither explicitly nor implicitly admitted as prior art to the present disclosure. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to a wiper system for a vehicle. Background Art

[0004] A wiper system typically includes a pair of front wiper blades associated with the vehicle's windshield and, depending on the specific type of vehicle, a rear wiper blade associated with the vehicle's rear window. The front and rear wiper blades typically include a rubber strip that interacts with the windshield in the case of front wiper blades or the rear window in the case of rear wiper blades. The rubber strip is supported by an arm that can be moved relative to the windshield or rear window by a motor to selectively sweep the rubber strip across the windshield and rear window. As the rubber strip sweeps across the windshield and rear window, it removes precipitation such as rain, snow, and ice, as well as dirt, leaves, and other debris from the windshield and rear window, thereby improving visibility for vehicle occupants.

[0005] Conventional wiper systems can be controlled by a vehicle occupant via a stalk with a series of controls. The stalk can extend from the vehicle's steering column to provide easy and quick access to the wiper system's controls. The controls can allow the occupant to move the wiper system from a rest state to an actuated state, and further can allow the occupant to control the speed at which the front and rear wipers sweep across the windshield and rear window, respectively. Additionally, most modern vehicles allow the occupant to operate the wiper system in an automatic mode, which relies on one or more sensors to detect whether the wiper system should be moved from a rest state to an actuated state, and if so, how fast the wipers should sweep across the windshield and rear window. The one or more sensors can sense the amount of precipitation on the windshield and rear window and can control the wipers accordingly.

[0006] While conventional wiper systems adequately clear precipitation and debris from a vehicle's windshield and rear window, and further provide occupants with the ability to control the operation of the wiper system, conventional wiper systems are often inadvertently activated in dry conditions. For example, a occupant may utilize the wiper system in rainy conditions, but may forget to turn it off once the rain has stopped or when exiting the vehicle. In such cases, the front and / or rear wipers may sweep over a dry surface, causing undesirable noise and potentially damaging the rubber strips associated with the front or rear wipers. Furthermore, if a occupant forgets to turn off the wiper system when exiting the vehicle in winter conditions and snow and ice accumulate on the windshield, the front and / or rear wipers may sweep over a snowy and icy surface that may include jagged and sharp ice fragments, potentially also causing damage to the rubber strips associated with the front or rear wipers. Therefore, there is a need to mitigate inadvertent use of the wiper system when the wiper system is not needed or when operation of the wiper system may cause damage to one or more of the front and rear wipers. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a computer-implemented method. When the method is executed on data processing hardware, the method causes the data processing hardware to perform operations. The operations include storing a current operating mode of the wiper system based on an adjustment of a power mode of the vehicle from an ON state to an OFF state, and based on a current operating mode of the wiper system of the vehicle including an activation state. In addition, the operations include: based on the stored current operating mode including the activation state, and in response to the adjustment of the power mode of the vehicle from the OFF state to the ON state, operating the wiper system in an inactive state and generating a notification to a vehicle occupant. The operations also include: based on the stored current operating mode being the activation state, and in response to a threshold time period passing after the notification is generated to the vehicle occupant, operating the wiper system in the activation state.

[0008] Implementations of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, the notification includes a visual notification at a display of the vehicle. In some further examples, the visual notification includes a countdown timer generated based on a threshold time period.

[0009] In some embodiments, the method includes operating the wiper system in the active state based on the stored current operating mode being the active state, before a threshold time period has elapsed, and in response to a mode selector of the vehicle being adjusted from the park mode to the propel mode.

[0010] In some aspects, the method includes operating the wiper system in the active state based on a stored current operating mode being the active state, before a threshold time period has elapsed, and in response to user input. In some further aspects, the user input includes input at a wiper mode selector. In some other aspects, the user input includes confirmation of a notification.

[0011] In some examples, the method includes generating a notification to an occupant of the vehicle in response to determining that the occupant is present in the vehicle based on the adjustment of the power mode of the vehicle from the OFF state to the ON state during the remote start operation.

[0012] In some embodiments, the wiper system includes front wipers.

[0013] In some aspects, the wiper system includes a rear wiper.

[0014] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a wiper system configured to execute a computer-implemented method on data processing hardware, the method causing the data processing hardware to perform operations. The operations include storing a current operating mode of the wiper system based on an adjustment of a power mode of a vehicle from an ON state to an OFF state, and based on a current operating mode of the wiper system of the vehicle including an activation state. Furthermore, the operations include: operating the wiper system in an inactive state and generating a notification to a vehicle occupant based on the stored current operating mode including the activation state and in response to the adjustment of the power mode of the vehicle from the OFF state to the ON state. The operations also include: operating the wiper system in an active state based on the stored current operating mode being the activation state and in response to a threshold time period elapsing after the notification to the vehicle occupant is generated.

[0015] Implementations of this aspect of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, the wiper system operates in the active state based on the stored current operating mode being the active state and in response to the vehicle's mode selector being adjusted from the park mode to the propel mode before a threshold time period has elapsed.

[0016] In some embodiments, in response to the user input, the wiper system is activated based on a stored current operating mode and operates in the activated state before a threshold time period has elapsed. In some further embodiments, the user input includes an input at a wiper mode selector. In some other further embodiments, the user input includes confirmation of a notification.

[0017] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure provides a vehicle. The vehicle includes a wiper system configured to execute a computer-implemented method on data processing hardware, the method causing the data processing hardware to perform an operation. The operation includes storing a current operating mode of the wiper system based on an adjustment of a power mode of the vehicle from an ON state to an OFF state, and based on a current operating mode of the wiper system of the vehicle including an activation state. In addition, the operation includes: based on the stored current operating mode including the activation state, and in response to the adjustment of the power mode of the vehicle from the OFF state to the ON state, operating the wiper system in an inactive state and generating a notification to a vehicle occupant. The operation also includes: based on the stored current operating mode being the activation state, and in response to a threshold time period passing after the notification is generated to the vehicle occupant, operating the wiper system in the activation state.

[0018] Implementations of this aspect of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, the wiper system operates in the active state based on the stored current operating mode being the active state and in response to the vehicle's mode selector being adjusted from the park mode to the propel mode before a threshold time period has elapsed.

[0019] In some embodiments, in response to the user input, the wiper system is activated based on a stored current operating mode and operates in the activated state before a threshold time period has elapsed. In some further embodiments, the user input includes an input at a wiper mode selector. In some other further embodiments, the user input includes confirmation of a notification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 1 is a side view of a vehicle including a wiper system according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top view of a vehicle is shown, wherein a wiper system includes windshield wipers disposed at a front windshield of the vehicle and a rear wiper associated with a rear window of the vehicle.

[0023] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the interior of a vehicle is shown, including user controls and a display for the wiper system.

[0024] Figure 4 is a display notification that the wiper system is activated.

[0025] Figure 5 It is a detailed description Figure 1 Flowchart of the operation of the wiper system.

[0026] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that the example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and example configurations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0028] The terms used herein are only used to describe the purpose of specific exemplary configurations and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a" and "the" may also be intended to include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprise," "include," and "have" are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, parts, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be interpreted as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the particular order discussed or shown, unless specifically identified as an execution order. Additional or alternative steps may be adopted.

[0029] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged to," "connected to," "attached to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, directly engaged, connected, attached to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or there may be intervening elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0030] The terms "first", "second", "third" etc. may be used in this article to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts. These elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms can only be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or part from another region, layer or part. Unless the context clearly indicates, terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms do not imply an order or sequence. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the example configurations, the first element, component, region, layer or part discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer or part.

[0031] In this application, including the definitions below, the term "module" may be replaced with the term "circuit". The term "module" may refer to, be part of, or include: an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field-programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; a memory (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by the processor; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system on a chip.

[0032] The term "code" as used above may include software, firmware and / or microcode, and may refer to programs, routines, functions, classes and / or objects. The term "shared processor" includes a single processor that executes some or all code from multiple modules. The term "group processor" includes a processor that, in combination with additional processors, executes some or all code from one or more modules. The term "shared memory" encompasses a single memory that stores some or all code from multiple modules. The term "group memory" includes memory that, in combination with additional memory, stores some or all code from one or more modules. The term "memory" may be a subset of the term "computer-readable medium". The term "computer-readable medium" does not include transient electrical and electromagnetic signals propagated through the medium, and therefore may be considered to be tangible and non-transitory memory. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory memory include tangible computer-readable media, including non-volatile memory, magnetic memory, and optical memory.

[0033] The apparatus and methods described herein may be implemented in part or in whole by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer programs include processor-executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium. The computer programs may also include and / or rely on stored data.

[0034] A software application (i.e., a software resource) may refer to computer software that enables a computing device to perform tasks. In some examples, a software application may be referred to as an "application," "app," or "program." Example applications include, but are not limited to, system diagnostic applications, system management applications, system maintenance applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, messaging applications, media streaming applications, social networking applications, and gaming applications.

[0035] Non-transitory memory can be a physical device used to temporarily or permanently store programs (e.g., sequences of instructions) or data (e.g., program state information) for use by a computing device. Non-transitory memory can be volatile and / or non-volatile addressable semiconductor memory. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, flash memory and read-only memory (ROM) / programmable read-only memory (PROM) / erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) / electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (e.g., commonly used for firmware, such as bootloaders). Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), phase change memory (PCM), and disk or tape.

[0036] These computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor and may be implemented in high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming languages ​​and / or assembly / machine languages. As used herein, the terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" refer to any computer program product, non-transitory computer-readable medium, apparatus, and / or device (e.g., a disk, optical disk, memory, programmable logic device (PLD)) for providing machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including machine-readable media that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal. The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0037] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein can be implemented in digital electronic and / or optical circuitry, integrated circuits, specially designed ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various implementations can include implementation in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system comprising at least one programmable processor, which can be special purpose or general purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from and send data and instructions to a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device.

[0038] The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors (also referred to as data processing hardware) that execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating outputs. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by dedicated logic circuits (e.g., FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays) or ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits)). As an example, processors suitable for executing computer programs include both general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, as well as any one or more processors of any type of digital computer. Typically, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The basic elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include one or more mass storage devices (e.g., magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks) for storing data, or be operably coupled to receive data from it or transmit data to it or both. However, a computer need not have such a device. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of nonvolatile memory, media, and storage devices, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

[0039] To provide for interaction with a user, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented on a computer having a display device (e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube), an LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, or a touch screen) for displaying information to the user and, optionally, a keyboard and pointing device (e.g., a mouse or trackball) through which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices may also be used to provide for interaction with the user; for example, the feedback provided to the user may be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user may be received in any form, including sound, voice, or tactile input. Additionally, a computer may interact with a user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a device used by the user; for example, by sending a web page to a web browser on a user's client device in response to a request received from the web browser.

[0040] refer to Figures 1 to 3, a vehicle 10 includes a wiper system 100 having a plurality of wipers, the wipers including a pair of front wipers 12 disposed at a front windshield 14 of the vehicle 10 and a rear wiper 16 disposed at a rear window 18 of the vehicle. For purposes of illustration, the vehicle 10 includes a total of three (3) wipers. However, depending on the particular configuration of the vehicle 10, the vehicle 10 may include fewer or more wipers. For example, a sedan may include only two (2) wipers associated with the windshield, while a sport utility vehicle (SUV) may include three (3) wipers; two (2) associated with the windshield and one (1) associated with the rear window of the SUV. The windshield wipers 12, 16 are based on the wiper control system 200 ( Figure 4 ) is activated by input from a user or vehicle occupant at the user controller 20. Figure 3 As shown, user controls 20 for a wiper control system 200 are disposed on a steering column 22 of an interior cabin 24 of the vehicle 10. Although the user controls 20 are shown as stalks in the illustrations, the user controls may be configured differently depending on the particular interior design of the vehicle 10 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, the interior cabin 24 includes a display screen 26, such as a digital display, located on a center stack 28 of the vehicle 10 between a driver's seat 30 and a passenger seat 32.

[0041] In operation, an occupant positions the user control 20 from an inactive state to one of a plurality of active states to control the function of the front wipers 12 and / or the rear wipers 16 depending on driving conditions. For example, an occupant may activate one or more of the wipers 12, 16 to an active state during rainy or snowy conditions. Movement of the wipers 12, 16 from the inactive state to the active state may be accomplished by twisting a knob on the user control 20, sliding a button on the user control 20, moving the user control 20 upward or downward, or any other type of manipulation required for a particular user control 20 to activate one or more of the wipers 12, 16. When the wiper system 100 is in the inactive state, the wipers 12, 16 are inactive and remain in a stationary position that does not obstruct the occupant's view through the front windshield 14 or rear window 18. When the wiper system 100 is in the active state, the wipers 12, 16 actively function by sweeping across the front windshield 14, rear window 18, or both, depending on the particular activation state. There are multiple activation states that allow the occupant to activate the front wipers 12, the rear wipers 16, or both simultaneously, and further control the frequency and speed of wiper operation. As an example, one activation state may intermittently cause the wipers 12 to sweep across the front windshield 14 every ten (10) seconds. A different activation state may cause the front wipers 12 to sweep across the windshield every five (5) seconds. Even different activation states may cause the front wipers 12 to sweep across the windshield 14 continuously at a low speed, while another activation state may cause the front wipers 12 to sweep across the windshield 14 rapidly and continuously. Regardless of the particular activation state of the wiper system 100, it should be noted that each activation state commands one or both wipers 12, 16 to move at a calibrated frequency and calibrated speed, thereby controlling the frequency and speed of the wipers 12, 16 across the windshield 14 and rear window 18, respectively.

[0042] User control 20 can be positioned so that one or both of wipers 12 and 16 are active regardless of whether vehicle 10 is in the ON or OFF state. For example, an occupant can apply an upward force on user control 20 to move at least one of wipers 12 and 16 to the active state. When vehicle 10 is in the ON state, this will cause at least one of wipers 12 and 16 to sweep across windshield 14 or rear window 18 according to the specific command provided to user control 20. If vehicle 10 is in the OFF state, moving user control 20 to a position that will cause one or both of wipers 12 and 16 to move to the active state will not cause either wiper 12 or 16 to move. However, in this example, if user control 20 is in the upward position and vehicle 10 is moved to the ON state, once vehicle 10 is started, one or both of wipers 12 and 16 will move across windshield 14 and rear window 18, respectively. In doing so, wipers 12 and 16 may move across dry surfaces, causing unnecessary wear on wipers 12 and 16.

[0043] Now refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the wiper control system 200 is shown to include processing hardware 202 and memory hardware 204 in communication with the display screen 26, and one or more wiper motors 206 associated with the front wiper 12 and the rear wiper 16, respectively. As will be described, the memory hardware 204 stores instructions that, when executed by the processing hardware 202, cause the processing hardware 202 to execute Figure 5. The processing hardware 202 and the memory hardware 204 may be incorporated into a stand-alone controller or, alternatively, may be incorporated into a vehicle controller, such as a body control module (BCM) (not shown). The wiper control system 200 communicates with the wiper system 100 and provides a notification to the occupants upon vehicle startup (i.e., when the vehicle 10 is turned to the ON state), such as a visual notification 36 on the display 26, that the wiper system 100 has remained in the active state when the vehicle 10 was previously placed in the OFF state. If the vehicle 10 is turned from the OFF state to the ON state, the wiper control system 200 does not activate the wipers 12, 16 via the wiper motor 206 even if the user control 20 is in the activated position. In this case, deactivation of the wiper motor 206 is performed in conjunction with the visual notification 36 on the display 26. Thus, the wipers 12, 16 will not sweep across the windshield 14 or rear window 18, respectively, while the wiper control system 200 is activated, even if the user control 20 is in a position that would cause movement of one or both of the wipers 12, 16. While the notification described herein includes a visual indication, it is understood that the notification may be of any kind, such as audible, tactile, or visual, as non-exhaustive examples, that performs the function of notifying the occupant that the wiper system 100 has remained activated during a key start-stop cycle without departing from the context of the present disclosure.

[0044] To provide an enhanced level of detail, an example scenario will now be provided to illustrate the method and operation of wiper control system 200. In this example, an occupant is operating vehicle 10 during a rainstorm and positions user control 20 to activate wiper system 100 in one of multiple available activation states. Consequently, wipers 12 and 16 function by sweeping across windshield 14 and / or rear window 18 to intermittently clear rainwater. When the occupant completes their drive, they park vehicle 10, turn off vehicle 10, and exit vehicle 10. At this point, the occupant does not adjust user control 20, and therefore, wiper system 100 user control 20 remains in the activated position, such that if vehicle 10 were in the ON state, one or both wipers 12 and 16 would be active. In this example, when vehicle 10 is placed in the OFF state, wipers 12 and 16 are in a static position between sweeps, rendering both wipers 12 and 16 invisible and unable to provide a visual indication that wiper system 100 is still activated.

[0045] When the occupant subsequently starts the vehicle 10 such that the vehicle 10 is in the ON state, the memory hardware 204 retains the previous state of the wipers 12, 16 (i.e., in the activated state based on the position of the user control 20). However, upon activation, a visual notification 36 will appear on the display screen 26, which is visually accessible to the occupant and will inform the occupant that the user control 20 is still activated. In doing so, the wiper control system 200 informs the occupant that the wipers 12, 16—when activated based on the position of the user control 20 and / or the last state of the wipers 12, 16 during the previous drive—may no longer be needed to protect the wipers 12, 16 by preventing unintentional operation of the wipers 12, 16 when not needed (i.e., during dry conditions).

[0046] Visual notification 36 indicates that the windshield wiper system is active. As previously described, the suspension of windshield wiper 12, 16 functionality is combined with visual notification 36 by maintaining wiper motor 206 in an OFF or stationary state via wiper control system 200. This suspension of functionality inhibits windshield wipers 12, 16 from sweeping for a calibrated amount of time, even while wiper system 100 is active. Included in visual notification 36 is a countdown timer 40 that begins counting down from the calibrated amount of time the wipers 12, 16 are suspended. This countdown begins once vehicle 10 moves from the OFF state to the ON state, and the amount of time remaining in the countdown is displayed by countdown timer 40 in visual notification 36.

[0047] During this calibrated amount of time, the occupant receives a visual indication via visual notification 36 that the wiper system 100 is in the activated state, allocating time for the occupant to decide what action to take with the wiper system 100. The occupant may decide to do nothing and wait for the countdown timer 40 to expire. Upon expiration of the countdown timer 40, the visual notification 36 will disappear, and the wipers 12, 16 will function again according to the particular activation state of the wiper system 100. Alternatively, the occupant may decide to adjust the state of the wiper system 100 via user controls 20 before the countdown timer 40 expires. If the state of the wiper system 100 changes before the countdown timer 40 expires, whether to a different activated state or an inactivated state, the countdown timer 40 is canceled, the visual notification 36 disappears, and the function of the wipers 12, 16 is no longer suspended, allowing the wipers 12, 16 to function according to the current state of the wiper system 100. Alternatively and optionally, the visual notification 36 may provide the occupant with a resume button 42. If the display screen 26 provides touchscreen capability, the occupant can select the resume button 42 by pressing the resume button 42 on the visual notification 36, or by pressing a separate button for controlling the resume button 42 of the visual notification 36 located at another location within the interior cabin 24 accessible to the occupant. Once the resume button 42 is selected, the countdown timer 40 is canceled, the visual notification 36 disappears, and the function of the wipers 12, 16 is no longer suspended, allowing the wipers 12, 16 to function according to the current state of the wiper system 100. Furthermore, before the countdown timer 40 expires, the countdown timer 40 can be canceled by shifting the vehicle 10 out of park. Once the vehicle 10 is moved out of park, the countdown timer 40 is canceled, the visual notification 36 disappears, and the function of the wipers 12, 16 is no longer suspended, allowing the wipers 12, 16 to function according to the current state of the wiper system 100.

[0048] As an option, the visual notification 36 may also provide a clear button 44 that clears the visual notification 36 from the display screen 26 while maintaining the functionality of the wipers 12, 16 suspended until the wipers 12, 16 have been disabled for a calibrated amount of time, until the vehicle 10 is transitioned out of the park state, or until the state of the wiper system 100 is changed at the user controls 20. If the visual notification 36 is on a display screen 26 that provides touchscreen capability, the clear button 44 may be selected by pressing the button 44 on the display screen 26, while if the visual notification 36 is on a display screen 26 that does not provide touchscreen capability, the clear button 44 may be selected by pressing a separate button for controlling the clear button 44 of the visual notification 36 that is located at a different location in the interior cabin 24 that is accessible to the occupant.

[0049] Continuing with the above example, the occupant may decide that the wiper system 100 should be inactive when the weather no longer requires activation of the wiper system 100. The calibrated amount of time before the wipers 12, 16 become active allows the occupant to manipulate the user controls 20 and place the wiper system 100 in the inactive state. In doing so, the wipers 12, 16 will not sweep across a dry windshield or rear window, which could create unpleasant noise, reduce the life of the wipers 12, 16, and leave debris on the windshield 14 or rear window 18. The occupant may then resume driving with the wiper system 100 inactive, as the function of the wipers 12, 16 is deemed unnecessary due to the dry weather.

[0050] When the vehicle 10 is changed from the OFF state to the ON state or the accessory state, the wiper control system 200 is applied. The wiper system 100 is capable of operating in both states, which means that if the occupant does not turn the vehicle 10 to the ON state but instead turns it to the accessory state, the occupant will still be presented with the same visual notification 36 as described above and the functional suspension of the wipers 12, 16, and their state will be subject to the same conditional requirements.

[0051] The wiper control system 200 may be provided with options that vary between different vehicles or user preferences, such as the restore button 42 and clear button 44 described above as options. In other examples, the wiper control system 200 may be completely disabled via a feature selection option in the vehicle 10. Many vehicles offer occupants a range of feature selection options to customize the vehicle to their preferences, such as the option to control the radio's tone, change the interior lighting color, control automatic high-beam headlights, and many other options. Included in this list of options may be the option to enable or disable the wiper control system 200. If desired, the occupant may completely disable the wiper control system 200, eliminating its activation in the vehicle 10. Another option may be to include the specific activation status of the wiper system 100 in the visual notification 36. In other words, the visual notification 36 may include whether the front wiper 12, the rear wiper 16, or both wipers 12, 16 are activated, as well as the speed and length of the pauses between wipers 12, 16.

[0052] Alternatively, if sufficient time has not passed between key start-stop cycles, the wiper control system 200 may not function. For example, if the wiper system 100 is active and the occupant changes the state of the vehicle 10 to the OFF state and then turns the vehicle 10 to the ON state within five (5) seconds, the wiper control system 200 is not necessary because the occupant has not had enough time to forget the state of the wiper system 100. Additionally, sufficient time has not passed for weather conditions to change significantly or for the vehicle 10 to dry, meaning that a temporary suspension of functionality of the wipers 12, 16 is not necessary.

[0053] The wiper control system 200 can also be designed to function during a remote start of the vehicle 10 if the wiper system 100 was active at the end of the previous key start-stop cycle. However, during a remote start, the countdown timer 40 will not begin until an occupant is detected in the vehicle 10. The occupant's presence can be detected once the occupant presses the ignition button after entering the vehicle 10 during a remote start scenario. Once the ignition button is pressed, the visual notification 36 will appear and the countdown timer 40 will begin in the same manner as described in the above example.

[0054] Special References Figure 5 , provides an example flow chart detailing the operation of the wiper control system 200. At 300, the system 200 determines whether the vehicle 10 has changed from the OFF state to the ON state or the accessory (ACC) state. If so, at 302, the system 200 determines whether the front wiper 12 or the rear wiper 16 is in an active state. If neither of the wipers 12 or 16 is in an active state at 302, then at 304, the system 200 determines that a delay in activating the wiper motor 206 is unnecessary and that the visual notification 36 on the display screen 26 is unnecessary. The system 200 then returns to 300 to continuously check for changes in the state of the vehicle 10.

[0055] If the front wiper 12 or the rear wiper 16 is active at 302 , the system 200 determines at 306 whether the front wiper 12 or the rear wiper 16 was active at the end of the last key start-stop cycle (i.e., when the vehicle 10 last changed from the ON or ACC state to the OFF state). The previous state of the wiper system 100 can be determined by receiving information from the memory hardware 204 at 308 regarding the state of the wiper system 100 when the vehicle 10 last operated in the ON state. If either wiper 12 or 16 is not active at 306 , the system 200 returns to 304 . If the wipers 12 or 16 were active at the end of the last key start-stop cycle at 306 , the system 200 then determines at 310 whether the vehicle 10 is in park. If not, the system 200 resets the wiper delay timer at 312 , resumes wiper operation, and cancels the visual notification 36 at 304 . If the vehicle 10 is in the parked state at 310, the system 200 determines at 314 whether the state of the wiper system 100 has changed. If not, the system 200 returns to 312. If so, the system 200 determines at 316 whether the wiper delay timer is less than the time calibration. If not, the system 200 returns to 312. If so, the system 200 displays the visual notification 36 on the display screen 26 at 318, disables the operation of the wipers 12, 16 at 320, and increments the wiper delay timer at 322. Finally, the system 200 returns to 310 to continuously determine the state of the vehicle 10 (i.e., whether the vehicle 10 is in the parked state).

[0056] A number of embodiments have been described. However, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

[0057] The foregoing description is provided for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but are interchangeable where applicable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. They may also vary in many ways. Such variations should not be considered as departing from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method, when executed on data processing hardware, causing the data processing hardware to perform operations comprising: storing a current operating mode of the wiper system based on the adjustment of the power mode of the vehicle from the ON state to the OFF state, and based on the current operating mode of the wiper system of the vehicle including an activated state; operating the wiper system in an inactive state and generating a notification to a vehicle occupant based on the stored current operating mode including the active state and in response to adjustment of a power mode of the vehicle from an OFF state to an ON state; as well as Based on the stored current operating mode being the active state, and in response to a threshold period of time elapsing after the notification is generated to the vehicle occupant, operating the wiper system in the active state.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The notification includes a visual notification at a display of the vehicle, the visual notification including a countdown timer generated based on the threshold time period.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein The wiper system is operated in the active state based on the stored current operating mode being the active state, before the threshold time period elapses, and in response to a mode selector of the vehicle being adjusted from a park mode to a propel mode.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein Based on the stored current operating mode being the activated state, before the threshold time period elapses, and in response to user input, operating the wiper system in the activated state, the user input comprising at least one from the selected group: (i) input at a wiper mode selector, and (ii) confirmation of the notification.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein The notification is generated to an occupant of the vehicle in response to determining that an occupant is present in the vehicle based on adjustment of the power mode of the vehicle from the OFF state to the ON state during a remote start operation.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein The wiper system includes a front wiper.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein The wiper system includes a rear wiper.

8. A wiper system configured to execute a computer-implemented method on data processing hardware, the method causing the data processing hardware to perform operations comprising: storing a current operating mode of the wiper system based on the adjustment of the power mode of the vehicle from the ON state to the OFF state, and based on the current operating mode of the wiper system of the vehicle including an activated state; operating the wiper system in an inactive state and generating a notification to a vehicle occupant based on the stored current operating mode including the active state and in response to adjustment of a power mode of the vehicle from an OFF state to an ON state; as well as The wiper system is operated in the activated state based on the stored current operating mode being the activated state, and in response to at least one selected from the group consisting of: (i) a threshold time period elapses after a notification is generated to a vehicle occupant, and (ii) a mode selector of the vehicle is adjusted from a park mode to a propel mode before the threshold time period elapses.

9. The wiper system according to claim 8, wherein: In response to user input, the wiper system is in the activated state based on the stored current operating mode and operating in the activated state before the threshold time period elapses, the user input comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of: (i) input at a wiper mode selector and (ii) confirmation of the notification.

10. A vehicle comprising: A wiper system configured to perform a computer-implemented method on data processing hardware, the method causing the data processing hardware to perform operations comprising: storing a current operating mode of the wiper system based on the adjustment of the power mode of the vehicle from the ON state to the OFF state, and based on the current operating mode of the wiper system of the vehicle including an activated state; Based on the stored current operating mode including the activation state, and in response to adjustment of the power mode of the vehicle from the OFF state to the ON state, operating the wiper system in the inactive state and generating a notification to a vehicle occupant; and The wiper system is operated in the activated state based on the stored current operating mode being the activated state, and in response to at least one selected from the group consisting of: (i) a threshold time period elapses after a notification is generated to a vehicle occupant, and (ii) a mode selector of the vehicle is adjusted from a park mode to a propel mode before the threshold time period elapses.

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