DATA-IMPLEMENTED METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATING MODE OF A WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM, WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM AND VEHICLE

Abstract

A computer-implemented method which, when executed on data processing hardware (202), causes the data processing hardware (202) to perform operations which include: based on the setting of a vehicle's (10) power operating mode from an ON state to an OFF state and based on a current operating mode of a windscreen wiper system (100) of the vehicle (10) which includes an active state, storing the current operating mode of the windscreen wiper system (100); characterized by the fact that The operations also include: based on the stored current operating mode, which includes the active state, and in response to the setting of the vehicle's power operating mode (10) from the OFF state to the ON state, operating the windscreen wiper system (100) in an inactive state and generating a notification for a vehicle occupant (10); and based on the stored current operating mode, which is the active state, and in response to the expiry of a threshold period after generating the notification for the vehicle occupant (10) operating the windscreen wiper system (100) in the active state.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a windscreen wiper system of a vehicle and in particular to a computer-implemented method for controlling a windscreen wiper system according to the preamble of claim 1, as well as to a windscreen wiper system according to the preamble of claim 8 and to a vehicle configured to execute a computer-implemented method according to the preamble of claim 10.

[0002] A generic subject matter according to the preamble of independent claims is essentially derived from DE 10 2009 015 654 A1. Further prior art is also derived from CN 1 04 192 052 A.

[0003] Windscreen wiper systems typically include a pair of front wiper blades assigned to a vehicle's windscreen and, depending on the specific vehicle type, a rear wiper blade assigned to the vehicle's rear window. The front and rear wiper blades generally contain a rubber strip that interacts with the windscreen in the case of the front wiper blades or the rear window in the case of the rear wiper blade. The rubber strip is supported by an arm that is movable relative to the windscreen or rear window by a motor to selectively wipe the rubber strip across the windscreen or rear window. As the rubber strip wipes across the windscreen or rear window, it removes both precipitation, such as...Rain, snow and ice, as well as dirt, leaves and other deposits from the windshield and rear window, thereby improving visibility for the vehicle occupant.

[0004] Conventional windshield wiper systems can be operated by a vehicle occupant via a lever with a series of controls. The lever may extend from the vehicle's steering column to provide easy and quick access to the wiper system's controls. These controls may allow the occupant to move the wiper system from a resting to an activated state and may also allow the occupant to control the speed at which the front and rear wipers move across the windshield and rear window, respectively.Furthermore, most modern vehicles allow the occupant to operate the windshield wiper system in an automatic mode, which relies on one or more sensors to detect whether the wiper system should be activated from its standby state and, if so, how fast the wipers should move across the windshield and rear window. The one or more sensors can also detect the amount of precipitation on the windshield and rear window and control the wipers accordingly.

[0005] While conventional windshield wiper systems adequately remove precipitation and dirt from the vehicle's windshield and rear window, and also allow an occupant to control their operation, conventional wiper systems are often unintentionally left in the active position in dry conditions. For example, an occupant might use the wiper system in the rain but forget to turn it off when the rain stops or when exiting the vehicle. In such circumstances, the front and / or rear wiper may be wiping across a dry surface, causing unwanted noise and potentially damaging the rubber blades associated with the wipers.If an occupant forgets to switch off the windshield wiper system when leaving the vehicle in winter conditions, and snow and ice continue to accumulate on the windshield, the front and / or rear wipers may be wiping over a snowy and icy surface that may contain jagged and sharp pieces of ice, which could also potentially cause damage to the rubber strip associated with the front or rear wiper.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need to mitigate the unintentional use of a windscreen wiper system in circumstances where the windscreen wiper system is unnecessary or where the operation of the windscreen wiper system may cause damage to one or more of the front windscreen wipers and the rear windscreen wiper.

[0007] The invention is therefore based on the objective of meeting this need. SUMMARY

[0008] This problem is solved according to the invention by a computer-implemented method characterized by the features of claim 1.

[0009] When the procedure is executed on data processing hardware, it causes the data processing hardware to perform operations. These operations include saving the current operating mode of the windshield wiper system based on the vehicle's power mode being set from an ON state to an OFF state and based on the current operating mode of the vehicle's windshield wiper system, which contains an active state. Furthermore, based on the saved current operating mode, which contains the active state, and in response to the vehicle's power mode being set from the OFF state to the ON state, the operations include operating the windshield wiper system in an inactive state and generating a notification for a vehicle occupant.The operations also include, based on the stored current operating mode, which is the active state, and in response to the expiry of a threshold period after generating the notification for the vehicle occupant, operating the windshield wiper system in the active state.

[0010] The implementations of the invention may include one or more of the following optional features. According to some examples, the notification includes a visual notification on a display in the vehicle. According to some other examples, the visual notification includes a countdown timer that is generated based on the threshold period.

[0011] According to some implementations, the procedure, based on the stored current operating mode which is the active state, includes operating the windshield wiper system in the active state before the threshold period expires and in response to the vehicle's operating mode selector being set from a park mode to a drive mode.

[0012] According to some aspects, the procedure, based on the stored current operating mode, which is the active state, involves operating the windshield wiper system in the active state before the threshold period expires and in response to user input. According to some other aspects, the user input includes an input at a windshield wiper operating mode selector. According to some still other aspects, the user input includes an acknowledgment of the notification.

[0013] According to some examples, the procedure based on setting the vehicle's power operating mode from the OFF state to the ON state during a remote start operation includes generating the notification for the vehicle occupant in response to the determination of the occupant's presence in the vehicle.

[0014] According to some implementations, the windshield wiper system includes a front windshield wiper.

[0015] According to some aspects, the windshield wiper system includes a rear windshield wiper.

[0016] Furthermore, the problem underlying the invention is solved by a windshield wiper system characterized by the features of claim 8. The windshield wiper system is configured to execute a computer-implemented method on data processing hardware that causes the data processing hardware to perform operations. These operations include, based on the setting of a vehicle's power operating mode from an ON state to an OFF state and based on a current operating mode of the vehicle's windshield wiper system that contains an active state, storing the current operating mode of the windshield wiper system.Furthermore, based on the stored current operating mode, which contains the active state, and in response to the vehicle's power mode being switched from the OFF state to the ON state, the operations include operating the windshield wiper system in an inactive state and generating a notification for a vehicle occupant. The operations also include, based on the stored current operating mode, which is the active state, and in response to the expiration of a threshold period after the notification for the vehicle occupant has been generated, operating the windshield wiper system in the active state.

[0017] The implementations of this aspect of the invention may include one or more of the following optional features. According to some examples, the windshield wiper system operates in the active state based on the stored current operating mode, which is the active state, and in response to the vehicle's operating mode selector being set from a park mode to a drive mode before the threshold period has elapsed.

[0018] According to some implementations, the windshield wiper system operates in response to user input based on the stored current operating mode, which is the active state, and remains in that active state before the threshold period expires. According to some other implementations, the user input includes input at a windshield wiper operating mode selector. According to some still other implementations, the user input includes confirmation of the notification.

[0019] Furthermore, the problem underlying the invention is solved by a vehicle characterized by the features of claim 10. The vehicle includes a windshield wiper system configured to execute a computer-implemented method on data processing hardware, which causes the data processing hardware to perform operations. These operations include, based on setting a power operating mode of the vehicle from an ON state to an OFF state and based on a current operating mode of the vehicle's windshield wiper system that includes an active state, saving the current operating mode of the windshield wiper system.Furthermore, based on the stored current operating mode, which contains the active state, and in response to the vehicle's power mode being switched from the OFF state to the ON state, the operations include operating the windshield wiper system in an inactive state and generating a notification for a vehicle occupant. The operations also include, based on the stored current operating mode, which is the active state, and in response to the expiration of a threshold period after the notification for the vehicle occupant has been generated, operating the windshield wiper system in the active state.

[0020] The implementations of this aspect of the invention may include one or more of the following optional features. According to some examples, the windshield wiper system operates in the active state based on the stored current operating mode, which is the active state, and in response to the vehicle's operating mode selector being set from a park mode to a drive mode before the threshold period has elapsed.

[0021] According to some implementations, the windshield wiper system operates in response to user input based on the stored current operating mode, which is the active state, and remains in that active state before the threshold period expires. According to some other implementations, the user input includes input at a windshield wiper operating mode selector. According to some still other implementations, the user input includes confirmation of the notification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The drawings described here serve only to illustrate selected configurations; they show: Fig. 1 a side view of a vehicle incorporating a windscreen wiper system according to the principles of the present invention; Fig. 2 a top view of the in Fig. 1 Vehicle shown, wherein the windscreen wiper system comprises windscreen wipers arranged on a front windscreen of the vehicle and a rear window wiper assigned to a rear window of the vehicle; Fig. 3 a perspective view of an interior of the in Fig. 1 of the vehicle shown, which includes a user control for the windshield wiper system and a display; Fig. 4. A displayed notification from the windshield wiper system that is in an active state; and Fig. 5 a flowchart that describes the operation of the windshield wiper system according to Fig. 1 describes in detail.

[0023] The corresponding reference symbols in all drawings indicate the corresponding parts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In the Fig. Figures 1-3 describe a vehicle 10 comprising a windshield wiper system 100 with multiple windshield wipers, including a pair of front windshield wipers 12 arranged on a front windshield 14 of the vehicle 10, and a rear windshield wiper 16 arranged on a rear window 18 of the vehicle. For illustration purposes, the vehicle 10 contains a total of three (3) windshield wipers. However, the vehicle 10 could contain fewer or more windshield wipers depending on its specific configuration. For example, a sedan might contain only two (2) windshield wipers assigned to a windshield, whereas an SUV might contain three (3) windshield wipers, with two (2) assigned to a windshield and one (1) assigned to a rear window of the SUV.The windshield wipers 12, 16 operate based on an input from a user or vehicle occupant at a user control 20 of a windshield wiper control system 200 (. Fig. 4). As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the user control 20 for the windshield wiper control system 200 is located on a steering column 22 of an interior 24 of the vehicle 10. While the user control 20 is depicted as a lever in the illustration, its configuration may vary depending on the specific design of the vehicle 10's interior. Additionally, the interior 24 includes a display screen 26, such as a digital display, located on a center console 28 of the vehicle 10 between a driver's seat 30 and a passenger seat 32.

[0025] In operation, an occupant positions the user control 20 from an inactive state to one of several active states to control the function of the front windshield wipers 12 and / or the rear windshield wiper 16 depending on the driving conditions. For example, an occupant can activate one or more of the windshield wipers 12, 16 in rain or snow. Moving the windshield wipers 12, 16 from the resting state to an active state can be accomplished by turning a knob on the user control 20, by sliding a knob on the user control 20, by moving the user control 20 up or down, or by any other type of operation required by the specific user control 20 to activate one or more of the windshield wipers 12, 16.When the windshield wiper system 100 is inactive, the windshield wipers 12 and 16 do not operate and remain in a resting position that does not obstruct the occupant's view through the windshield 14 or the rear window 18. When the windshield wiper system 100 is active, the windshield wipers 12 and 16 operate actively, depending on the specific active state, by wiping either the windshield 14, the rear window 18, or both. The multiple active states are provided to allow the occupant to activate either the windshield wipers 12, the rear window wipers 16, or both simultaneously, and to control the frequency and speed of the wiper operation. For example, an active state might cause the windshield wipers 12 to wipe the windshield 14 intermittently every ten (10) seconds.Another active state can cause the front wipers 12 to wipe across the windshield every five (5) seconds. Yet another active state can cause the front wipers 12 to wipe continuously across the windshield 14 at a slow speed, while a further active state can cause the front wipers 12 to wipe continuously across the windshield 14 at a fast speed. Notwithstanding the specific active state of the wiper system 100, it should be noted that each active state commands one or both wipers 12, 16 to move at a calibrated frequency and speed, thereby controlling how often and at what speed the wipers 12, 16 cross the windshield 14 and the rear window 18, respectively.

[0026] The user control 20 can be positioned so that one or both of the windshield wipers 12, 16 are in an active state, regardless of whether the vehicle 10 is in an ON or OFF state. For example, an occupant can exert an upward force on the user control 20 to activate at least one of the windshield wipers 12, 16. If the vehicle 10 is in the ON state, this causes the at least one windshield wiper 12, 16 to wipe the windshield 14 or the rear window 18, depending on the specific command provided to the user control 20. If the vehicle 10 is in the OFF state, moving the user control 20 to a position that would activate one or both of the windshield wipers 12, 16 will not cause either wiper to move.However, if the user control 20 is in the upward position as in this example and the vehicle 10 is switched to the ON state, one or both of the windshield wipers 12, 16 will move across the windshield 14 or the rear window 18 as soon as the vehicle 10 is activated. In doing so, the windshield wipers 12, 16 may cross a dry surface and thus cause unnecessary wear on the wiper 12, 16.

[0027] In the Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows that the windshield wiper control system 200 includes a processing hardware 202 and a memory hardware 204, which are connected to the display screen 26 and one or more windshield wiper motors 206, which are assigned to the front windshield wipers 12 and the rear windshield wiper 16, respectively. As described, the memory hardware 204 stores instructions which, when executed by the processing hardware 202, cause the processing hardware 202 to execute the following instructions: Fig. to perform the functions set forth in section 5. The processing hardware 202 and the memory hardware 204 may be contained in a standalone controller or, alternatively, may be contained in a vehicle controller, such as a (not shown) body control module (BCM). The windshield wiper control system 200 communicates with the windshield wiper system 100 and, when the vehicle 10 is started (i.e., when the vehicle 10 is switched to the ON state), provides the occupant with a notification, such as a visual cue 36, on the display screen 26, indicating that the windshield wiper system 100 has been kept in an active state since the vehicle 10 was previously switched to the OFF state.The windshield wiper control system 200 does not activate the windshield wipers 12, 16 via the windshield wiper motors 206 if the vehicle 10 is switched from the OFF state to the ON state, even if the user control 20 is in an active position. In this case, the deactivation of the windshield wiper motors 206 is carried out together with the visual indication 36 on the display screen 26. Accordingly, the windshield wipers 12, 16 do not wipe the windshield 14 or the rear window 18, respectively, while the windshield wiper control system 200 is active, even if the user control 20 is in a position that would otherwise cause movement of one or both of the windshield wipers 12, 16. While the notification described here includes a visual indication, it can be recognized that the notification is one of a variety, such as...acoustic, haptic or visual, as non-exhaustive examples, which performs the function of informing the occupant that the windscreen wiper system 100 has been kept in an active state over the key cycles, without deviating from the context of this invention.

[0028] To illustrate the procedure and operations of the windshield wiper control system 200 in more detail, an example case is now provided. According to this example, the occupant operates the vehicle 10 during a rainstorm, positioning the user control 20 to activate the windshield wiper system 100 in one of several available active states. As a result, the windshield wipers 12 and 16 operate by wiping across the windshield 14 and / or the rear window 18 to intermittently remove the rain from the driver's view. When the occupant has finished driving, they put the vehicle 10 into the park position, switch it off, and exit the vehicle 10.At this point, the occupant has not set the user control 20, and the user control 20 of the windshield wiper system 100 remains in an active position, so that if the vehicle 10 were in an ON state, one or both of the windshield wipers 12, 16 would be active. According to this example, when the vehicle 10 was switched to the OFF state, the windshield wipers 12, 16 were in the rest position between wiper cycles, so that both windshield wipers 12, 16 are hidden from view and provide no visual indication that the windshield wiper system 100 is still active.

[0029] If the occupant subsequently activates vehicle 10, so that vehicle 10 is in the ON state, the memory hardware 204 retains the previous state of the windshield wipers 12, 16 (i.e., in the active state based on the position of the user control 20). However, upon activation, the visual indicator 36 appears on the display screen 26, visible to the user, and notifies the user that the user control 20 is still active. In an effort to protect the windscreen wipers 12, 16 by preventing unintentional operation of the windscreen wipers 12, 16 when it is not required (i.e., in dry conditions), the windscreen wiper control system 200 notifies the occupants that the windscreen wipers 12, 16 – while they are active based on the position of the user control 20 and / or the last state of the windscreen wipers 12, 16 during the previous journey – are no longer needed.

[0030] Visual cue 36 indicates that the windshield wiper system is in an active state. Visual cue 36 is combined with a functional interruption of the windshield wipers 12, 16 by the wiper control system 200, which maintains the wiper motors 206 in an OFF or idle state, as previously described. This functional interruption disables the wiping of the windshield wipers 12, 16 for a calibrated period, even if the wiper system 100 is in an active state. Visual cue 36 includes a countdown timer 40, which begins counting down from the calibrated period during which the wiper function 12, 16 is interrupted.This countdown begins as soon as vehicle 10 is switched from the OFF state to the ON state, with the remaining time of the countdown being displayed by the countdown timer 40 in the visual cue 36.

[0031] During this calibrated period, the occupant receives a visual indication via visual cue 36 that the windshield wiper system 100 is active, thus granting the occupant time to decide what action to take regarding the windshield wiper system 100. The occupant can choose to do nothing and wait until the countdown timer 40 expires. After the countdown timer 40 expires, visual cue 36 disappears, and the windshield wipers 12, 16 resume operation in accordance with the specific active state of the windshield wiper system 100. Alternatively, the occupant can choose to adjust the state of the windshield wiper system 100 via user control 20 before the countdown timer 40 expires.If the state of the windshield wiper system 100 is changed before the countdown timer 40 expires, whether the state is changed to another active state or the inactive state, the countdown timer 40 is canceled, the visual indicator 36 disappears, and the function of the windshield wipers 12 and 16 is no longer interrupted, thus allowing the windshield wipers 12 and 16 to operate in accordance with the current state of the windshield wiper system 100. Alternatively and optionally, the visual indicator 36 can provide the occupant with a resume button 42.The resume button 42 can be selected by the occupant either by pressing the resume button 42 on the visual cue 36, if the display screen 26 provides touchscreen capabilities, or by pressing a separate button located in another location accessible to the occupant within the interior 24, which controls the resume button 42 of the visual cue 36. Once the resume button 42 is selected, the countdown timer 40 is canceled, the visual cue 36 disappears, and the function of the windshield wipers 12, 16 is no longer interrupted, thus allowing the windshield wipers 12, 16 to operate in accordance with the current state of the windshield wiper system 100. Furthermore, the countdown timer 40 can be canceled by shifting the vehicle 10 out of park before the countdown timer 40 expires.As soon as the vehicle 10 has been switched out of park mode, the countdown timer 40 is canceled, the visual indicator 36 disappears, and the function of the windscreen wipers 12, 16 is no longer interrupted, thus enabling the windscreen wipers 12, 16 to operate in accordance with the current state of the windscreen wiper system 100.

[0032] As an option, the visual cue 36 can also offer a delete button 44, which deletes the appearance of the visual cue 36 on the display device 26, while maintaining the interruption of the function of the windscreen wipers 12, 16 until the calibrated period in which the windscreen wipers 12, 16 are deactivated expires, until the vehicle 10 is switched out of park or until the state of the windscreen wiper system 100 is changed at the user control 20.If the visual cue 36 is located on a display screen 26 that offers touchscreen capabilities, the delete key 44 can be selected by pressing the key 44 on the display screen 26, whereas if the visual cue 36 is located on a display screen 26 that does not offer touchscreen capabilities, the delete key 44 can be selected by pressing a separate key located elsewhere in the interior 24 accessible to the occupant, which controls the delete key 44 of the visual cue 36.

[0033] Furthermore, as described in the example above, the occupant may decide that the windshield wiper system 100 should be inactive because the weather no longer requires it to be active. The calibrated period before the windshield wipers 12, 16 operate allows the user to activate the user control 20 and put the windshield wiper system 100 into the inactive state. In this state, the windshield wipers 12, 16 will not wipe a dry windshield or rear window, which can produce an unpleasant noise, reduce the lifespan of the wipers 12, 16, and smear dirt on the windshield 14 or rear window 18. The occupant can then begin driving with the windshield wiper system 100 inactive, as the function of the wipers 12, 16 is deemed unnecessary due to the dry weather.

[0034] The windshield wiper control system 200 is used when the vehicle 10 changes from the OFF state to an ON state or to an accessory state. The windshield wiper system 100 can operate in both states, meaning that if the occupant switches the vehicle 10 not to the ON state but rather to the accessory state, the occupant will still be presented with the same visual cue 36, with the windshield wiper 12, 16 malfunction status, as described above, remaining subject to the same conditional requirements.

[0035] The windshield wiper control system 200 can be offered with varying options that may differ between different vehicles or user preferences, such as the resume button 42 and the delete button 44, which were described above as options. According to other examples, the windshield wiper control system 200 can be completely deactivated via a feature selection option in the vehicle 10. Many vehicles offer the occupant a range of feature selection options to customize the vehicle to their preferences, such as an option to control the radio sound, an option to change the interior lighting color, an option to control the automatic high-beam headlights, and many other options. This list of options may include an option to activate or deactivate the windshield wiper control system 200.If desired, the occupant can completely deactivate the windshield wiper control system 200, thus eliminating its activation in the vehicle 10. Another option is to include the specific active state of the windshield wiper system 100 in the visual cue 36. In other words, the visual cue 36 can indicate whether the front windshield wipers 12, the rear windshield wiper 16, or both windshield wipers 12 and 16 are active, as well as the speed and duration of any interruption of the windshield wipers 12 and 16.

[0036] Optionally, the windshield wiper control system 200 may not operate if insufficient time elapses between key cycles. For example, if the windshield wiper system 100 is in an active state, the occupant changes the vehicle 10's state to the OFF state, and then switches the vehicle 10 to the ON state within five (5) seconds, the windshield wiper control system 200 is not required because insufficient time has elapsed for the occupant to forget the state of the windshield wiper system 100. Furthermore, insufficient time has elapsed for the weather conditions to change significantly or for the vehicle 10 to dry, meaning that the temporary shutdown of the windshield wipers 12, 16 is unnecessary.

[0037] The windshield wiper control system 200 can also be designed to operate during remote starts of the vehicle 10 if the windshield wiper system 100 was in an active state at the end of the previous key cycle. However, during remote starts, the countdown timer 40 does not start until the presence of an occupant in the vehicle 10 is detected. The occupant's presence can be detected as soon as the occupant presses an ignition button after entering the vehicle 10 during a remote start scenario. Once the ignition button has been pressed, the visual cue 36 appears, and the countdown timer 40 starts in the same manner as described in the example above.

[0038] Especially in Fig.Figure 5 provides an exemplary flowchart that describes in detail the operation of the windshield wiper control system 200. At 300, system 200 determines whether the vehicle 10 has been switched from an OFF state to an ON state or to an accessory state (ACC). If so, system 200 determines at 302 whether the front windshield wiper 12 or the rear windshield wiper 16 is in an active state. If neither windshield wiper 12, 16 is in an active state at 302, system 200 determines that a delay in activating the windshield wiper motors 206 is unnecessary, and a visual indicator 36 on the display screen 26 is unnecessary at 304. System 200 then returns to 300 to continuously monitor for any changes in the vehicle 10's state.

[0039] If, at 302, the front windshield wiper 12 or the rear windshield wiper 16 is in an active state, the system 200 determines at 306 whether the front windshield wiper 12 or the rear windshield wiper 16 was in an active state at the end of the last key cycle (i.e., when the vehicle 10 was last switched from the ON or ACC state to the OFF state). The previous state of the windshield wiper system 100 can be determined at 308 by receiving information from the memory hardware 204 regarding the state of the windshield wiper system 100 when the vehicle 10 was last operated in the ON state. If, at 306, neither windshield wiper 12 nor 16 was in an active state, the system 200 returns to 304. If, at 306, one of the two windscreen wipers 12, 16 was in the active state at the end of the last key cycle, then the system 200 at 310 determines whether the vehicle 10 is in parked condition.If not, at 312, system 200 resets the windshield wiper delay timer, resuming windshield wiper operation at 304 and canceling visual indicator 36. If the vehicle is in park at 310, system 200 determines at 314 whether the state of the windshield wiper system 100 has changed. If not, system 200 returns to 312. If so, system 200 determines at 316 whether the windshield wiper delay timer is less than the time calibration. If not, system 200 returns to 312. If so, system 200 displays visual indicator 36 on display screen 26 at 318, deactivating windshield wiper operation at 320 and incrementing the windshield wiper delay timer at 322. Finally, the system returns to 310 (200) to continuously determine the state of vehicle 10 (i.e., whether vehicle 10 is in the parked state).

Claims

[1] Computer-implemented method which, when executed on data processing hardware (202), causes the data processing hardware (202) to perform operations which include: based on the setting of a vehicle's (10) power operating mode from an ON state to an OFF state and based on a current operating mode of a windscreen wiper system (100) of the vehicle (10) which includes an active state, storing the current operating mode of the windscreen wiper system (100); characterized by , that The operations also include: based on the stored current operating mode, which includes the active state, and in response to the setting of the vehicle's power operating mode (10) from the OFF state to the ON state, operating the windscreen wiper system (100) in an inactive state and generating a notification for a vehicle occupant (10); and based on the stored current operating mode, which is the active state, and in response to the expiry of a threshold period after generating the notification for the vehicle occupant (10) operating the windscreen wiper system (100) in the active state. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the notification comprises a visual notification on a display (26) of the vehicle (10), wherein the visual notification comprises a countdown timer which is generated based on the threshold period. [3] Method according to claim 1, wherein, based on the stored current operating mode, which is the active state, before the expiry of the threshold period and in response to the fact that an operating mode selector of the vehicle (10) is set from a parking mode to a driving mode, the windscreen wiper system (100) is operated in the active state. [4] Method according to claim 1, wherein, based on the stored current operating mode which is the active state, before the expiry of the threshold period and in response to a user input, the windshield wiper system (100) is operated in the active state, wherein the user input comprises at least one selected from a group which includes (i) an input on a windshield wiper operating mode selector and (ii) an acknowledgment of the notification. [5] Method according to claim 1, wherein, based on the setting of the power operating mode of the vehicle (10) from the OFF state to the ON state during a remote start operation, the notification for the occupant of the vehicle (10) is generated in response to the determination of the presence of the occupant in the vehicle (10). [6] Method according to claim 1, wherein the windscreen wiper system (100) comprises a windscreen wiper (12). [7] Method according to claim 1, wherein the windscreen wiper system (100) comprises a rear windscreen wiper (26). [8] Windscreen wiper system (100) configured to execute a computer-implemented procedure on a data processing hardware (202) that causes the data processing hardware (202) to perform operations that include: based on the setting of a vehicle's (10) power operating mode from an ON state to an OFF state and based on a current operating mode of a windscreen wiper system (100) of the vehicle (10) which includes an active state, storing the current operating mode of the windscreen wiper system (100); characterized by , that The operations also include: based on the stored current operating mode, which includes the active state, and in response to the setting of the vehicle's power operating mode (10) from the OFF state to the ON state, operating the windshield wiper system (100) in an inactive state and generating a notification for a vehicle occupant (10); and based on the stored current operating mode, which is the active state, and in response to at least one selected from a group comprising (i) the expiry of a threshold period after the generation of the notification for the occupant of the vehicle (10) and (ii) an operating mode selector of the vehicle (10) which is set from a parking mode to a driving mode before the expiry of the threshold period, operating the windscreen wiper system (100) in the active state. [9] Windscreen wiper system (100) according to claim 8, wherein the windscreen wiper system (100) operates in response to a user input based on the stored current operating mode which is in the active state and before the expiry of the threshold period in the active state, wherein the user input comprises at least one selected from the group which includes (i) an input on a windscreen wiper operating mode selector and (ii) an acknowledgment of the notification. [10] Vehicle (10) comprising: a windshield wiper system (100) configured to execute a computer-implemented procedure on a data processing hardware (202) that causes the data processing hardware (202) to perform operations that include: based on the setting of a vehicle's (10) power operating mode from an ON state to an OFF state and based on a current operating mode of a windscreen wiper system (100) of the vehicle (10) which includes an active state, storing the current operating mode of the windscreen wiper system (100); characterized by , that the windscreen wiper system (100) in response to a user input based on the stored current operating mode which is in the active state, and operates in the active state before the expiry of a threshold period, wherein the user input includes at least one selected from a group which includes (i) an input on a windscreen wiper operating mode selector and (ii) an acknowledgment of a notification, the operations further include: based on the stored current operating mode, which includes the active state, and in response to the setting of the vehicle's power operating mode (10) from the OFF state to the ON state, operating the windshield wiper system (100) in an inactive state and generating a notification for a vehicle occupant (10); and based on the stored current operating mode, which is the active state, and in response to at least one selected from a group comprising (i) the expiry of the threshold period after the generation of the notification for the occupant of the vehicle (10) and (ii) an operating mode selector of the vehicle (10) which is set from a parking mode to a driving mode before the expiry of the threshold period, operating the windscreen wiper system (100) in the active state.

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