Optical sensor

An optical sensor for motor vehicles, for detecting ambient parameters that affect vision, having at least one transmitter and at least one receiver for electromagnetic waves (light waves), in which a windshield is disposed in a measurement segment between the at least one transmitter and the at least one receiver and influences a wave propagation between the at least one transmitter and the at least one receiver in such a way that when a film develops on the windshield, and especially when wetting occurs from precipitation, an output signal generated by the receiver varies and serves to trigger a windshield wiper system, characterized in that at least one of the receivers (16, 20, 22) of the optical sensor (4) receives electromagnetic waves (light waves) of an ambient brightness of the motor vehicle and serves to trigger a light system of the motor vehicle, wherein at least one of said at least one receiver is an ambient light sensor (22), said ambient light sensor (22) sensing an opening angle of approximately 40°, with an opening direction obliquely upward in terms of the vehicle travel direction, and wherein at least one of said at least one receiver is a remote sensor (20), said remote sensor (20) sensing an acute opening angle, with an opening direction that is horizontal and in the vehicle travel direction.