Device and method for automatic defroster in cars

A method for achieving an automatic defroster function for a surface in a vehicle, said method comprising the steps of:

• detecting the presence of mist or ice on a surface of a vehicle;
• generating control signals on the basis of said detection for a number of functions in the vehicle for an optimum defroster function on the surface;
• and
• receiving these generated control signals, together with control signals from a temperature regulator in the vehicle for a number of functions in the vehicle;
• and
• controlling the same functions utilizing a selection of the control signals from the temperature regulator as the control signals for optimum defroster function, and, in the event of conflict between some of the control signals from the temperature regulator and corresponding control signals from the defroster function, control signals are selected that give the most demisting.

A method for achieving an automatic defroster function for a surface in a vehicle, said method comprising the steps of:

• analyzing at least one variable indicative of existing conditions of a vehicle, said at least one variable including at least one variable indicative of the presence of moisture collection on a surface of the vehicle and producing a defrost-control output variable for use in a defrosting procedure for the surface;
• ascertaining a desired passenger compartment temperature condition based on passenger comfort and producing a temperature-control output variable;
• and
• considering said defrost-control output variable and said temperature-control output variable, and based upon the consideration of both of the output variables, issuing a set of control parameters for an automatic climate control system of the vehicle.

A method for controlling a defrosting function of an automatic climate control system of a vehicle, said method comprising the steps of:

• based on sensed conditions, generating a set of control commands for configuring an automatic climate control system of a vehicle to induce a defrosting function at the vehicle;
• based on operator input designating a climate comfort setting, generating a set of control commands for configuring the automatic climate control system of the vehicle to establish the climate comfort conditions indicated by the operator;
• determining whether establishment of the operator prescribed climate comfort conditions will induce a defrosting function at the vehicle at least equal to that prescribed based on sensed conditions;
• and
• operating the automatic climate control system according to the determination in order to assure that satisfactory defrosting effect is achieved at the vehicle.