A LIDAR system includes at least one processor configured to control at least one light source for projecting light toward a field of view and receive from at least one first sensor first signals associated with light projected by the at least one light source and reflected from an object in the field of view, wherein the light impinging on the at least one first sensor is in a form of a light spot having an outer boundary. The processor may further be configured to receive from at least one second sensor second signals associated with light noise, wherein the at least one second sensor is located outside the outer boundary; determine, based on the second signals received from the at least one second sensor, an indicator of a magnitude of the light noise; and determine, based on the indicator the first signals received from the at least one first sensor and, a distance to the object.

A proximity switch and moisture sensing assembly includes a vehicle window and a proximity switch including a proximity sensor located on the window and providing an activation field. The proximity switch and moisture sensing assembly also includes control circuitry monitoring a signal responsive to the activation field, determining a switch activation based on the signal, and determining a moisture value based upon the signal. A conductive shield may be disposed between the proximity sensors and the outside environment to reduce the effects of moisture on the outer side of the window.

A proximity switch assembly with humidity sensing is provided that includes a proximity sensor providing an activation field and control circuitry monitoring a signal responsive to the activation field, determining a switch activation based on the signal, and determining a humidity value based on the signal.

A proximity switch and moisture sensing assembly includes a vehicle window and a proximity switch including a proximity sensor located on the window and providing an activation field. The proximity switch and moisture sensing assembly also includes control circuitry monitoring a signal responsive to the activation field, determining a switch activation based on the signal, and determining a moisture value based upon the signal. A conductive shield may be disposed between the proximity sensors and the outside environment to reduce the effects of moisture on the outer side of the window.

Vehicle apparatus includes a glass windshield and a wiper system. A wiper blade has a parking region on the windshield. A deicer selectably provides heat to the parking region. A windshield temperature sensor detects a temperature of the windshield at the parking region. A head-up display is mounted proximate the windshield to display a temperature indicator responsive to the detected temperature. An automatic control circuit is configured to automatically deactivate the deicer when detecting a deiced condition in response to the detected temperature. A manual control element is configured to manually activate and deactivate the deicer. Thus, excessive heating can be avoided based on feedback of the windshield temperature. In addition, the driver is reminded that the deicer is active in a way that simultaneously provides information enabling the driver to independently evaluate the vehicle conditions and to make informed decisions about when to intervene in the automatic operation.

A system for clearing precipitation from a window comprises one or more transducers (1-8) fixed to the window. The transducers are driven by a generator (13) to produce surface acoustic waves that propagate through the window. The window may be a laminated window such as a windscreen (10) for a vehicle. A sensing system (122) may be used for detecting the presence of precipitation to actuate the clearing system.

A system for clearing precipitation from a window comprises one or more transducers (1-8) fixed to the window. The transducers are driven by a generator (13) to produce surface acoustic waves that propagate through the window. The window may be a laminated window such as a windscreen (10) for a vehicle. A sensing system (122) may be used for detecting the presence of precipitation to actuate the clearing system.

A brushing system, including: a brush; and a hydraulic motor, for rotating the brush. The hydraulic motor is operable by pressurized water, and the pressurized water is administrable by outlets of the brush, thereby brushing of the brush is accompanied by the administrable water.

A vehicle configured to automatically clear snow from windows of the vehicle includes: a prime mover, a first window with a first vibration sensor, processor(s) configured to: control speed or load of the prime mover to increase vibration detected by the first vibration sensor, control the speed or the load of the prime mover, within certain predetermined limits, to maximize vibration detected by the first vibration sensor; accept a user prioritization of the windows; control speed or load of the prime mover based on the user prioritization.

A vehicle configured to automatically clear snow from windows of the vehicle includes: a prime mover, a first window with a first vibration sensor, processor(s) configured to: control speed or load of the prime mover to increase vibration detected by the first vibration sensor, control the speed or the load of the prime mover, within certain predetermined limits, to maximize vibration detected by the first vibration sensor; accept a user prioritization of the windows; control speed or load of the prime mover based on the user prioritization.