Abstract: A method for predicting an impact condition between a host vehicle and an object detected in a path of travel of the host vehicle includes receiving measured parameters from the host vehicle and the object, and receiving a system sensitivity input from a driver of the host vehicle. A braking response of the driver of the host vehicle is estimated, based on the received system sensitivity input, and a projected travel range profile for both the host vehicle and the object is determined, based upon the measured parameters and the estimated braking response. The impact condition is established whenever a comparison of the projected travel range profile for the host vehicle and for the object establishes an intersection therebetween.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling a braking system of a vehicle that is moving toward an object. The apparatus includes a vehicle speed (VS) sensor, a steering direction (SD) sensor, at least one sensor configured to provide a distance to the object (DTO) and a processor in operable communication with the braking system and configured to receive the VS, the SD and DTO. The processor is further configured to determine a projected vehicle path (PVP) and a minimum stopping distance (MSD) for the vehicle based at least in part on the VS and the SD, determine whether the object is in the PVP and whether the DTO is less than or equal a threshold distance (TD), determine a required deceleration (RD) for the braking system to substantially reduce the vehicle speed if the object is in the PVP and the DTO is less than or equal the threshold distance (TD), and communicate the RD to the braking system.

Abstract: A method of predicting severity of a potential collision of first and second vehicles. The method includes determining that a probability of a potential collision of the vehicles is greater than a threshold value. Vehicle condition-defining signals are exchanged between the vehicles when the probability of the potential collision is greater than the threshold value including a first vehicle condition-defining signal developed on board the first vehicle and a second vehicle condition-defining signal developed onboard the second vehicle. The method further includes predicting onboard the first vehicle a severity of the potential collision for the first vehicle based upon input that includes the first vehicle condition-defining signal and the second vehicle condition-defining signal. A severity of the potential collision for the second vehicle is predicted onboard the second vehicle based upon the second vehicle condition-defining signal and the first vehicle condition-defining signal.

Abstract: An algorithm for use in a forward looking collision warning system employed in a vehicle. The collision warning system includes a radar device that generates track files of the range and speed of objects in the vehicle's path. The system also includes a collision warning processor running the algorithm that receives the track files and various input data to determine whether an alert of a potential collision should be issued, and if so, to what degree. The input data includes the speed and acceleration of the vehicle, whether the vehicle's brakes are being applied, collision warning sensitivity, driver distraction modifiers, road condition data, such as wiper speed and outside air temperature, etc. is provided. The processor calculates an alert level based on the various inputs, and outputs the alert level to a driver vehicle interface to notify the driver of the potential collision.

Abstract: An integrated vehicle communication system for a vehicle includes a telecommunication apparatus in communication with a vehicle data bus. A pre-impact system in also communication with the vehicle data bus, the pre-impact system further providing the telecommunication apparatus with a signal reflective of a determined imminent impact detected thereby. Upon receiving the signal reflective of the determined imminent impact, the telecommunication apparatus initiates a notification to a service provider if the telecommunication apparatus is not in communication with an impact detection system controller in the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for predicting an impact condition between a host vehicle and an object detected in a path of travel of the host vehicle includes receiving measured parameters from the host vehicle and the object, and receiving a system sensitivity input from a driver of the host vehicle. A braking response of the driver of the host vehicle is estimated, based on the received system sensitivity input, and a projected travel range profile for both the host vehicle and the object is determined, based upon the measured parameters and the estimated braking response. The impact condition is established whenever a comparison of the projected travel range profile for the host vehicle and for the object establishes an intersection therebetween.

Abstract: An integrated vehicle communication system for a vehicle includes a telecommunication apparatus in communication with a vehicle data bus. A pre-impact system in also communication with the vehicle data bus, the pre-impact system further providing the telecommunication apparatus with a signal reflective of a determined imminent impact detected thereby. Upon receiving the signal reflective of the determined imminent impact, the telecommunication apparatus initiates a notification to a service provider if the telecommunication apparatus is not in communication with an impact detection system controller in the vehicle.

Abstract: An algorithm for use in a forward looking collision warning system employed in a vehicle. The collision warning system includes a radar device that generates track files of the range and speed of objects in the vehicle's path. The system also includes a collision warning processor running the algorithm that receives the track files and various input data to determine whether an alert of a potential collision should be issued, and if so, to what degree. The input data includes the speed and acceleration of the vehicle, whether the vehicle's brakes are being applied, collision warning sensitivity, driver distraction modifiers, road condition data, such as wiper speed and outside air temperature, etc. is provided. The processor calculates an alert level based on the various inputs, and outputs the alert level to a driver vehicle interface to notify the driver of the potential collision.

Abstract: Identifying an object includes the steps of using a sensor onboard a subject vehicle to identify an imminent impact between the subject vehicle and an object, directing and transmitting an elicitation signal to the object from the subject vehicle, receiving onboard the subject vehicle a response signal from the object providing information that positively identifies the object, using the positive identification information to predict a severity level of the imminent collision, and selectively deploying at least one responsive device onboard the subject vehicle according to the predicted severity level. Also, a system for implementing the method is provided.

Abstract: A method of pre-crash prediction of the severity of an imminent crash of road vehicles is disclosed using a pre-crash sensor, a computer system coupled with pre-crash vehicle condition signal sources and a vehicle communication system onboard each of two vehicles involved in a crash. The method includes the steps of determining that a collision of the vehicles is imminent, exchanging vehicle crash-related information between the vehicles when an imminent collision is determined, computing crash-defining information onboard each vehicle and predicting onboard each vehicle the severity of the imminent collision whereby occupant protection devices of the vehicles may be deployed in accordance with the predicted severity.

Abstract: A method of pre-crash prediction of the severity of an imminent crash of road vehicles is disclosed using a pre-crash sensor, a computer system coupled with pre-crash vehicle condition signal sources and a vehicle communication system onboard each of two vehicles involved in a crash. The method includes the steps of determining that a collision of the vehicles is imminent, exchanging vehicle crash-related information between the vehicles when an imminent collision is determined, computing crash-defining information onboard each vehicle and predicting onboard each vehicle the severity of the imminent collision whereby occupant protection devices of the vehicles may be deployed in accordance with the predicted severity.

Abstract: Identifying an object includes the steps of using a sensor onboard a subject vehicle to identify an imminent impact between the subject vehicle and an object, directing and transmitting an elicitation signal to the object from the subject vehicle, receiving onboard the subject vehicle a response signal from the object providing information that positively identifies the object, using the positive identification information to predict a severity level of the imminent collision, and selectively deploying at least one responsive device onboard the subject vehicle according to the predicted severity level. Also, a system for implementing the method is provided.