Abstract: A vehicle utilization system and method permitting use of vehicles having respective identification codes includes a key having a memory for storing enabling codes enabling use of the vehicles; and an enabling device, in each vehicle, permitting use of the vehicle by a user in possession of the key, if the enabling code stored in the key meets given conditions. The system also includes a programming device for generating the enabling codes as a function of the identification codes of the vehicles, and for storing the generated enabling codes in the key.

Abstract: A vehicle utilization system and method permitting use of vehicles having respective identification codes includes a key having a memory for storing enabling codes enabling use of the vehicles; and an enabling device, in each vehicle, permitting use of the vehicle by a user in possession of the key, if the enabling code stored in the key meets given conditions. The system also includes a programming device for generating the enabling codes as a function of the identification codes of the vehicles, and for storing the generated enabling codes in the key.

Abstract: A robotized gear change for motor vehicles, and in particular motor vehicles for disabled persons, configured for implementing a plurality of operating modes that can be selected by the driver via a manually operable hand or foot selection device, in which first operating modes associated with the automatic gear-change mode can be selected when the vehicle is stationary and a brake pedal is depressed, and in second operating modes corresponding to the level of performance of the engine, and hence the vehicle, can be selected by the driver when the vehicle is moving.

Abstract: A driver-aid method for shifting gears in an automatic transmission, wherein an automatic operating mode of the automatic transmission provides for shifting automatically by means of an optimization strategy based on information signals. Manual shifting of the gears of the vehicle by means of a control device is permitted even in automatic operating mode: a) if the shift requested manually by the driver is compatible with the set optimization strategy, a physical return is transmitted to the driver informing the driver of the compatibility of the shift requested; and b) if the shift requested manually by the driver is not compatible with the set optimization strategy, a physical return is transmitted to the driver informing the driver of the incompatibility of the shift requested.

Abstract: A robotized gear change for motor vehicles, and in particular motor vehicles for disabled persons, configured for implementing a plurality of operating modes that can be selected by the driver via a manually operable hand or foot selection device, in which first operating modes associated with the automatic gear-change mode can be selected when the vehicle is stationary and a brake pedal is depressed, and in second operating modes corresponding to the level of performance of the engine, and hence the vehicle, can be selected by the driver when the vehicle is moving.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for determining the position of one vehicle with respect to another vehicle, in which the position of one vehicle with respect to the others is determined using counter means and short-range radio systems that provide for exchange of electromagnetic signals between the vehicles when these are within a pre-set range of coverage, on the basis of the calculation of the distance between the vehicles and the measurement of the their displacements in successive time intervals made by means of odometers, compasses and inclinometers.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for determining the position of one vehicle with respect to another vehicle, in which the position of one vehicle with respect to the others is determined using counter means and short-range radio systems that provide for exchange of electromagnetic signals between the vehicles when these are within a pre-set range of coverage, on the basis of the calculation of the distance between the vehicles and the measurement of the their displacements in successive time intervals made by means of odometers, compasses and inclinometers.

Abstract: A vehicle utilization system permitting use of a vehicle (3) having a respective identification code (Cveh) includes a key (2) having a memory (5) for storing an enabling code (Cid) enabling use of the vehicle; and an enabling device (4) permitting use of the vehicle by a user in possession of the key, if the enabling code (Cid) stored in the key meets given conditions. The system also includes a programming device (12) for generating the enabling code (Cid) as a function of the identification code (Cveh) of the vehicle, and for storing the generated enabling code in the key (2).

Abstract: There is described a monitoring system (1) for monitoring traffic in a highway section, and including at least one detecting unit (2) installed in a sensor vehicle (3) circulating in the highway section to monitor traffic locally; and a remote central operating unit (4) communicating with the detecting unit (2) to receive local monitoring information. The detecting unit (2) includes a locating device (6) supplying information relative to the position of the relative sensor vehicle (3); a sensor device (5) supplying information relative to the position of objects and/or vehicles around the sensor vehicle (3); and a transmitting device (8) for transmitting the information supplied by the locating device (6) and sensor device (5). The remote central operating unit (4) includes a receiving device (9) for receiving the information transmitted by the detecting unit (2); and a processing unit (11, 12) for processing the information.

Abstract: A driver-aid method for shifting gears in an automatic transmission, wherein an automatic operating mode of the automatic transmission provides for shifting automatically by means of an optimization strategy based on information signals. Manual shifting of the gears of the vehicle by means of a control device is permitted even in automatic operating mode: a) if the shift requested manually by the driver is compatible with the set optimization strategy, a physical return is transmitted to the driver informing the driver of the compatibility of the shift requested; and b) if the shift requested manually by the driver is not compatible with the set optimization strategy, a physical return is transmitted to the driver informing the driver of the incompatibility of the shift requested.