Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing blind spot in obstacle detection as a vehicle moves in reverse relate to widening the transmission angle on two sets of ultrasonic transducers located at the rear of the vehicle. Signal transmission and reception of these two transducers are operated by a transducer control circuit that uses a channel switching means to permit only one transducer to be in a transmission mode and one transducer to be in a reception mode at any given moment. At the same time, the control circuit shuts off ringing signals remaining in a predetermined time frame to avoid signal cross talk from the transmitting transducer to the receiver transducer, which would trigger false alarms.

Abstract: A vehicular anti-theft system provides a control device as well as multiple cameras mounted inside or outside the vehicle to capture plural images of the vehicle status when an abnormal situation occurs. These captured images are further transmitted to the authorized driver's mobile phone. Therefore, upon receiving of the images, the authorized driver can see who is driving and tracks where the vehicle is. After the confirming that the vehicle was stolen, these images sent to the mobile phone can be further supplied to the police as the important evidence when searching for the lost vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle signal light assembly includes a casing to be securely mounted on a vehicle body, light bulbs received in the casing for lighting and heating effects, and at least one sensor received in the casing for obstacle detection. The light bulbs are able to melt snow accumulations on the sensor whereby the sensor is not detrimentally affected.

Abstract: An onboard monitoring device includes at least one image receiving device for receiving images coming from a rear of the vehicle, an image processing unit operateably connected to the at least one image receiving device to receive signals from the at least one image receiving device for analyzing the images so as to determine dimension change rate of the images based on velocities of the images, and a microprocessor operateably connected to the image processing unit so as to receive image signals from the image processing unit to determine locking status of the at least one vehicle door.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for object detection and ranging is disclosed. A returned signal is sequentially received by one of several sensors mounted on a host vehicle. Each one in turn initiates successive sampling to collect a series of returned signal values, which are then compared with corresponding threshold values previously saved in a memory device to determine whether any object is in the way of the vehicle backing up and also to estimate the relative distance from the object. The control circuit in accordance with the invention includes a processor, which together with a channel selector establishes a sequence of signal transmission and reception each time by one of several sensors. A sampled signal is first passed through and A/D converter to become digital, and then it is input to the processor for object detection and ranging computation.

Abstract: An auxiliary visual interface for a vehicle is disclosed, which is designed to expand the traffic view of the driver beyond the driver compartment. The visual interface consists of four video cameras respectively installed at four corners of the vehicle. Through two switching elements, video images from the front-end or rear-end video cameras are simultaneously brought onto two LCD displays arranged on the dash board to enable the driver to preview the traffic conditions around the corner before making the turn or backing out of an alley. The main controller can also be connected to a speed recorder, whereby the upper and lower speed limits are preset to control different display modes. The main controller can also be connected to a back-up detector to measure the relative distance of any object approaching from behind. The present invention promotes driving safety on the road.

Abstract: An ultrasonic detector installable on truck trailer is provided, consisting of a console unit installed in the driver compartment of the vehicle, and multiple ultrasonic detection units mounted on the rear section of the vehicle body. Each ultrasonic detection unit comprises four transceivers, a storage battery and a recharge circuit. Data communication between the ultrasonic detection units and the console unit is accomplished through a cable interface or RF interface. When an object is detected in the preset warning range, the alarm is initiated to warn the driver. A special connector is used to adapt the night light of the vehicle so as to be able to use the electricity of the night light to power the transceivers of the ultrasonic detection units.

Abstract: A multi-window vehicular monitoring system has a data collection assembly, a console unit and multiple video cameras. The data collection assembly uses RF signal transmission to send distance data, and the console unit is further connected to a monitor and several video cameras. The system employs an image overlay controller to correlate the distance data and images to produce single-channel or multiple-channel video signals. With a continuous display of video images from all angles and constantly updated distance data, the vehicle driver becomes more aware of conditions around the vehicle at any given time. Thus no blind spots exist for the driver around the vehicle. Using such a monitoring system, a driver's visibility and safety can be considerably enhanced under all driving conditions.

Abstract: A parking guidance system for large vehicles has a horizontal bar, a data collection assembly and a console unit. The horizontal bar is hollow and is mounted on the rear bumper, and houses the data collection assembly. The data collection assembly uses multiple ultrasonic transmitter and detector modules and an option vide camera module. A console unit mounted in a driver compartment receives data from the data collection assembly and processes the data to proved warnings to a user.

Abstract: A management method and system for a parking lot utilizes multiple parking space sensors to detect the using status of each parking space. A computer is provided to connect to all parking space sensors and controls a display board that is placed at the entrance of the parking lot to show which position is available. Thus, the display board provides the guiding function to the vehicle driver that enters the parking lot. Further, the guiding function is performed by multiple modules mounted on all paths in the parking lot to identify a proper direction so that an available position is easily found.

Abstract: A dialing device is used in company with a cell phone in a vehicle, wherein the driver writes down on a handwriting device a name or a number of a person to be telephoned. After a control unit identifies the written data, the control unit actuates a miniature projector to project an image on a windshield. Therefore, by directly reviewing the windshield, the car driver can easily check whether the name or the number to be dialed is correct without stopping looking at the road ahead.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor assembly for a vehicle reversing radar has an ultrasonic sensor (10) with two electric wires (12). A sleeve (20) is made of rubber material and has a chamber (22) receiving the sensor (10). A cone-shaped opening (24) is defined at a front end of the chamber (22). A guide wave cone (30) is provided at the center of the cone-shaped opening (24) and abuts the sensor (10). By using the sensor assembly, the vehicle reversing radar can have a high precision with a long detectable distance in a concentrated area.

Abstract: A retaining device for a vehicle radar sensor has a housing and fastener. The housing has a chamber to retain the vehicle radar sensor therein. The fastener has a first engagement member to secure with the housing and a second engagement member that allows the retaining device to be attached to one edge of a rear cover of the vehicle without needing to drill a hole in the rear bumper.

Abstract: A back-up detecting device with a distance reset capability has a controller with an intensity analysis program and a distance reset function. When an ultrasonic transceiver is installed underneath a vehicle chassis forward of the rear end, a distance correction called a distance pad is measured, calculated and stored in memory by the distance reset function. The distance pad is the distance between the ultrasonic detector and the rear end of the vehicle. When the distance reset capability is used to determine a distance pad for each ultrasonic transceiver, the back-up detecting device presents accurate distances to objects without regard to the structure of the vehicle body without having to alter system hardware or software. Thus the back-up detecting device is suitable for large vehicles of varied shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A driver information feedback and display system is disclosed. The architecture of the system includes a controller (30), a channel/window manager (10), and front and rear image capture units (11-13). The system can be further incorporated with a speed recorder (40), a backing sensor (50), or a GPS unit (60). When a vehicle enters an intersection from a narrow alley, the left and right image capture units (11,12) installed at the nose of the vehicle will be activated for scanning road conditions on the main road in both directions, thereby eliminating the need for the driver to strain to see the traffic situation or pulling out the car half way. The speed recorder (40) can be used for detection of low speed and activation of left and right image capture units (11, 12). The present system can effectively minimize the chance of vehicle collisions.

Abstract: A driver information feedback and display system is disclosed. The architecture of the system includes a controller (30), a channel/window manager (10), and front and rear image capture units (11-13). The system can be further incorporated with a speed recorder (40), a backing sensor (50), or a GPS unit (60). When a vehicle enters an intersection from a narrow alley, the left and right image capture units (11,12) installed at the nose of the vehicle will be activated for scanning road conditions on the main road in both directions, thereby eliminating the need for the driver to strain to see the traffic situation or pulling out the car half way. The speed recorder (40) can be used for detection of low speed and activation of left and right image capture units (11, 12). The present system can effectively minimize the chance of vehicle collisions.

Abstract: A light emitting device for indicating statuses of a vehicle to other vehicles, has an alarming light assembly that is controlled by a control unit, wherein the control unit detects the vehicle speed and where the vehicle has a brake action. Based on the detected vehicle speed, the control unit determines the color that the alarming light assembly emits to warn other drivers so that any possible collision is avoided. Further, if the vehicle breaks down, the alarming light assembly is formed as triangular frame and emits red light as a warning sign.

Abstract: A management method and system for a parking lot utilizes multiple parking space sensors to detect the using status of each parking space. A computer is provided to connect to all parking space sensors and controls a display board that is placed at the entrance of the parking lot to show which position is available. Thus, the display board provides the guiding function to the vehicle driver that enters the parking lot. Further, the guiding function is performed by multiple modules mounted on all paths in the parking lot to identify a proper direction so that an available position is easily found.

Abstract: An obstacle detection system that uses time-slicing function to control the synchronous operation of an array of sensors is provided. The system may include a large number of sensor devices installed around a vehicle operating synchronously, and a centralized synchronization and alarm control unit. Each sensor device has incorporated a microprocessor, and each sensor device includes an ultrasonic transducer and a microprocessor-based control unit, which is linked up with the synchronization and alarm control unit through the data bus. The sensor devices under the present invention are able to operate synchronously through the time-slicing function of the synchronization and alarm control unit, such that signals can be emitted and echoed signals can be received in an orderly manner with no risk of signal interference from adjoining sensor devices.

Abstract: The present invention is a safety back-up sensor, formed with a cylindrical jacket with two ends and a hollow core between the two ends to accommodate a rubber bushing and a signal sensor module. Multiple parallel longitudinal resilient tabs are formed on the cylindrical jacket. The resilient tab protrude from the exterior surface of the cylindrical jacket and have transverse teeth to prevent the sensor body from being dislodged. Longitudinal ribs are formed on alternate resilient tabs to prevent the sensor body from rotating. With these specially designed transverse teeth and ribs, the sensor is able to counter the external rotating and shifting forces present in various driving conditions and to firmly affix the sensor to the vehicle bumper.