Abstract: Methods and systems of validating a vehicle safety function. In one implementation, a plurality of vehicle safety function software programs are developed. A first one of the software programs is installed in a memory of a vehicle controller. The program is run on the controller without delivering at least one vehicle actuator output of the controller generated as a result of running the program. Activation data for the safety function is recorded and the steps of installing, running, and recording with a second one of the plurality of vehicle safety function software programs are repeated.

Abstract: Methods and systems of validating a vehicle safety function. In one implementation, a plurality of vehicle safety function software programs are developed. A first one of the software programs is installed in a memory of a vehicle controller. The program is run on the controller without delivering at least one vehicle actuator output of the controller generated as a result of running the program. Activation data for the safety function is recorded and the steps of installing, running, and recording with a second one of the plurality of vehicle safety function software programs are repeated.

Abstract: A collision warning system for a host vehicle includes a false warning reduction arrangement. A collision sensor senses a presence of a target object within a forward path of a vehicle and a navigation system senses the global position of the vehicle. The collision warning system receives the location information and the target object to provide a collision warning to a vehicle operator. To avoid false alerts, the collision warning system compares target object and location to target objects and locations stored in a false alert database. When the target object is provided in the database, a warning is delayed or suppressed. The collision warning system also senses driver reactions to a warning. When a warning results in no reaction by a vehicle operator, the warning is considered a false alert, and the target object and location are stored in the false alert database.

Abstract: A driver assistance method and system senses the presence of a trailer secured to a host vehicle and provides an indication thereof. When a yaw rate for the vehicle exceeds a predetermined value during turning of the host vehicle, the system determines the length of the trailer. To determine trailer length, reflection points from an output of a rear sensor unit are sensed to detect a side wall of the trailer. The farthest reflection point of the trailer is utilized to determine a longitudinal distance and a transverse distance of the trailer with respect to the reflection sensor. The longitudinal distance corresponds to a longitudinal axis of the host vehicle and the transverse axis is transverse to the longitudinal axis. The trailer length is estimated from the yaw rate that provides a trailer angle relative to the host vehicle, and the longitudinal and transverse distances.

Abstract: A collision warning system for a host vehicle includes a false warning reduction arrangement. A collision sensor senses a presence of a target object within a forward path of a vehicle and a navigation system senses the global position of the vehicle. The collision warning system receives the location information and the target object to provide a collision warning to a vehicle operator. To avoid false alerts, the collision warning system compares target object and location to target objects and locations stored in a false alert database. When the target object is provided in the database, a warning is delayed or suppressed. The collision warning system also senses driver reactions to a warning. When a warning results in no reaction by a vehicle operator, the warning is considered a false alert, and the target object and location are stored in the false alert database.

Abstract: A system for detecting objects in the blind spot of a host vehicle. When an object is detected in the blind spot of the host vehicle, the system analyzes other objects directly in front of or behind the detected object in the blind spot. If the other objects are moving, the system concludes that the object in the blind spot is also moving and, therefore, is a stagnating vehicle. If the other objects are not moving, the system concludes that the object in the blind spot is also a stationary object. The system generates a blind-spot-detection signal when it determines that a stagnating vehicle is located in the blind spot.

Abstract: A driver assistance system that includes a RADAR system, a video system, a brake control unit, and a controller, such as an engine control unit. The RADAR system is mounted on the front of the vehicle and is positioned to detect the location of various objects. The video system captures video images. The controller receives data from both the RADAR system and the video system and identifies objects and their locations based on both the RADAR and the video data. The controller then adjusts the operation of the engine and the vehicle brakes based on the identified objects and their locations. In some embodiments, the driver assistance system also includes a human-machine interface that notifies the driver when an object is identified and located.

Abstract: A method and a device are described for scanning the surrounding environment of a vehicle. When the vehicle falls below a first boundary speed a timer is triggered whose state is incremented until the vehicle exceeds a boundary speed, a check of the unobstructed view of the scanning device being carried out upon expiration of the time period recorded by the state of the timer and in which the state of the counter is incremented.

Abstract: A system for detecting objects in the blind spot of a host vehicle. When an object is detected in the blind spot of the host vehicle, the system analyzes other objects directly in front of or behind the detected object in the blind spot. If the other objects are moving, the system concludes that the object in the blind spot is also moving and, therefore, is a stagnating vehicle. If the other objects are not moving, the system concludes that the object in the blind spot is also a stationary object. The system generates a blind-spot-detection signal when it determines that a stagnating vehicle is located in the blind spot.

Abstract: A driver assistance system that includes a RADAR system, a video system, a brake control unit, and a controller, such as an engine control unit. The RADAR system is mounted on the front of the vehicle and is positioned to detect the location of various objects. The video system captures video images. The controller receives data from both the RADAR system and the video system and identifies objects and their locations based on both the RADAR and the video data. The controller then adjusts the operation of the engine and the vehicle brakes based on the identified objects and their locations. In some embodiments, the driver assistance system also includes a human-machine interface that notifies the driver when an object is identified and located.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a potential threat to a vehicle. The system generates a warning to a driver of the vehicle of the potential threat. The system includes an object detection device, a controller, and a human-machine interface (HMI). The object detection device is configured to detect objects next to the vehicle, approaching the vehicle from a side, and approaching the vehicle from behind. The controller receives an indication of a detected object from the object detection device, and determines a position, a speed, an acceleration, and a direction of travel of the detected object.

Abstract: A method and a device are described for scanning the surrounding environment of a vehicle. When the vehicle falls below a first boundary speed a timer is triggered whose state is incremented until the vehicle exceeds a boundary speed, a check of the unobstructed view of the scanning device being carried out upon expiration of the time period recorded by the state of the timer and in which the state of the counter is incremented.