The present disclosure relates to apparatus for controlling operation of a vehicle system. The apparatus includes a processor operable in an automatic mode to output a control signal to automate operation of the vehicle system. The processor is configured to receive a measurement signal from a sensor associated with the vehicle system. The processor outputs the control signal in dependence on a comparison of the measurement signal to a control function. A user override of the automated operation of the vehicle system is detected and the processor re-calibrates the control function in dependence on the detected user override. The present disclosure also relates to a vehicle and to a method of controlling operation of a vehicle system.

A vehicle cleaning system is provided including a foreign object detection section configured to detect a foreign object present on a windshield, a foreign object removal device configured to clean the windshield to remove the foreign object, an actuation notification section configured to notify a user of actuation of the foreign object removal device, and a control section that, when the foreign object detection section has detected the foreign object, controls the actuation notification section so as to notify of actuation of the foreign object removal device before controlling the foreign object removal device so as to clean the windshield.

Methods, devices, and systems of a light imaging and ranging system are provided. In particular, the imaging and ranging system includes a LIDAR sensor and a low-profile optics assembly having a reflective element with a continuous and uninterrupted reflective surface surrounding a periphery of a LIDAR sensor in a light path of the LIDAR sensor. The reflective element is positioned at a distance offset from the periphery of the LIDAR sensor and directs light emitted by the LIDAR sensor to a second reflective element that is substantially similar in shape and size as the reflective element. The second reflective element is arranged above and opposite the reflective element directing the light emitted by the LIDAR sensor to a sensing environment outside the imaging and ranging system.

A cleaning target provided to a vehicle is automatically cleaned in an appropriate manner. A vehicle cleaning system includes a cleaning section configured to clean a cleaning target provided to a vehicle, and a control section configured to control cleaning of the cleaning target by the cleaning section according to at least one out of a travel situation of the vehicle, an environmental situation of the vehicle, or an indicator relating to adhesion of adhered material to the cleaning target of the vehicle.

A wiper covering system includes a wiper cover; and a drive mechanism connected to the wiper cover and including a link structure configured to move the wiper cover.

An electromagnetic wiper system for a windshield of a vehicle includes a linear actuator, a wiper-arrangement, and control circuitry. The linear actuator includes at least one guide rail having permanent magnets and an electromagnetic moving block. The electromagnetic moving block includes at least one perforation that surrounds the at least one guide rail and at least one electromagnetic coil that surrounds the at least one perforation. The wiper-arrangement includes a wiper arm and a wiper blade, wherein at least the wiper arm is coupled to the electromagnetic moving block. The control circuitry controls a linear motion of the electromagnetic moving block along the at least one guide rail to steer the wiper arm that is coupled to the electromagnetic moving block back and forth across a length of the windshield to the windshield, wherein the electromagnetic moving block induces minimal friction during the linear motion.

A wiper controlling method and apparatus are provided. The wiper controlling apparatus obtains an area of a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) control signal generated for driving a wiper motor while a wiper moves in a pre-defined section and controls a speed of the wiper based on a result of comparing the area with at least one pre-defined reference value.

A vehicular windshield wiper control system includes a camera disposed at a vehicle and viewing through a windshield of the vehicle and an electronic control unit (ECU). Electronic circuitry of the ECU includes an image processor. The system, based on processing of image data captured by the camera, is operable to determine presence of a substance at an outer surface of the windshield. The system includes a windshield wiper having a rubber wiping blade and a cleaning element. The system is operable to (i) cause the rubber wiping blade to engage the windshield and/or (ii) cause the cleaning element to engage the windshield. Responsive to determining presence of the substance, the system causes the cleaning element to engage the windshield. With the rubber wiping blade and/or cleaning element engaging the outer surface of the windshield, the system moves the rubber wiping blade and/or cleaning element along the windshield.

A processing apparatus includes a data collection unit and a correlation degree derivation unit. The data collection unit is configured to collect operation mode data indicating an operation mode of a windshield wiper, acquired in one or more vehicles. The correlation degree derivation unit is configured to derive a degree of correlation between the operation mode data and precipitation amount data.

A system includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to actuate a component upon determining that a hydrophobic coating of a surface is degraded based on a comparison of a characteristic of a liquid droplet with a threshold value.