Abstract: A vehicle location reminder system having a vehicle positioning system operable to provide an approximate location of a vehicle and record the approximate location of the vehicle. A status check system monitors use of the vehicle and sends a signal to the vehicle positioning system to record the approximate location of the vehicle when the vehicle is no longer in use. A memory system is connected to the status check system and the vehicle positioning system, the memory system being adapted to determine if the approximate location of the vehicle, when no longer in use, is in a familiar location. An alert system is connected to the memory system. The alert system prompts a vehicle user to record data on a mobile device pertaining to the approximate location of the vehicle when the location of the vehicle, when no longer in use, is not in a familiar location. A replay system is adapted to replay the recorded data.

Abstract: A cell phone based vehicle control system includes a vehicle having an electronic network for the vehicle's electrical devices. A data interface module is serially connected to a central processing module and the electronic network. A transceiver module is serially connected to the central processing module and the data interface module. A cellular telephone communicates wirelessly with the transceiver module. The central processing module includes at least one analog connection for use with non-electronic network equipped vehicles. The data interface module provides data translation between the vehicle's electronic network and the central processing module. The transceiver module and cellular telephone include compatible data encryption/decryption units. The transceiver module includes a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit capable of identifying the location of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle monitoring system includes a communication subsystem configured to provide two-way wireless communication, and a controller mounted in a vehicle and configured to receive data indicative of a location of the vehicle and to control the communication subsystem to transmit the data indicative of the vehicle location toward a remote communication center and receive operational information transmitted from the remote communication center. The controller receives a mode change command included in the operational information and in response changes operating mode between an authorization mode, in which the controller transmits an alert signal to the remote communication center, and a tracking mode, in which the controller transmits the data indicative of vehicle location continuously at predetermined intervals regardless of the authorization signal.

Abstract: A communication device is held in a controlled condition when the communication device is in a process of an emergency operation. The emergency operation of the communication device including a response operation in response to an incoming call that is transmitted from an emergency service center in exchange for an emergency signal from the communication device completes even when an external device provides a reset cause for the communication device in the process of the emergency operation due to provision of a control signal for controlling the controlled condition.

Abstract: A vehicle remote control system can have a transmitter transmitting a signal, a receiver receiving the signal, and a control device in communication with the receiver and controlling at least one operation of the vehicle. A selected operation may be executable by the signal. The vehicle remote control system includes a microphone that can determine an ambient noise volume and an ambient noise frequency in an area around the vehicle and is in communication with the control device. Furthermore, the vehicle remote control system includes a speaker that is able to generate an answer signal to confirm that the selected operation was executed. The speaker is in communication with the control device which generates an answer signal as a function of ambient noise volume and the ambient noise frequency in the area surrounding the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for an emergency call from a vehicle to an alarm centre, including receiving a wireless initiation signal from a portable alarm unit, evaluating the initiation signal, and sending, based on the result of the evaluation, a wireless alarm signal from a vehicle communication system arranged in the vehicle to the alarm centre. If the owner of the vehicle or some other person gets into an emergency, for instance is assaulted, in the immediate surroundings of the vehicle, it is thus possible to send an alarm signal to an alarm centre via the vehicle without first entering it. The personal safety for the individual is therefore increased. In addition, in the case of an assault, the perpetrator can be frightened away by sound and/or light signals emitted by the vehicle.

Abstract: The anti-theft device contains a control circuit housed in a casing. The control circuit contains a microprocessor, a memory, a detection unit, a radio unit, and a GPS unit, and is connected to a supersonic sensor, a microwave sensor, an air-pressure sensor, and one ore more image capturing elements. When the motor vehicle is broken in, the control circuit detects such an event by evaluating the multiple signals collected by the sensors, and by processing the images captured by the image capturing elements. The control circuit then dials a preset numbers and plays a pre-recorded voice message asking for help. In the mean time, the continuous images captured by the image capturing elements are delivered a predetermined mobile phone or a computer so that the owner of the motor vehicle or some other people could monitor what is happening at the scene.

Abstract: An electronic key system for a vehicle provides a warning corresponding to a traveling state if an occupant has dropped the electronic key while a vehicle is running. A control unit 14 of the vehicle outputs a request signal Sr to the electronic key 12 at transmission intervals T corresponding to the traveling state. An answer signal Sa caused by the request signal Sr from the electronic key 12 is detected. A warning lamp 68 is lit up at a point after the detection of the answer signal Sa stops. The transmission interval T of the request signal Sr is specified in a map 88 stored in the control unit 14, and is set short corresponding to the increase of the vehicle speed V, the acceleration/deceleration ‘a’, and the yaw rate Y.

Abstract: A method and a system for controlling communications between a vehicle telematics device and a call center. The method includes determining an emergency condition. A communications priority is determined. Information is selectively communicated between the vehicle telematics device and the call center based on the emergency condition and the communications priority. The system includes means for determining an emergency condition, and means for determining a communications priority. The system further includes means for selectively communicating information between the vehicle telematics device and the call center based on the emergency condition and the communications priority.

Abstract: A control system for improving the security level of a security device. A portable device is provided with a communication function and has a portable device ID code. A security controller includes a memory for recording a controller ID code. The security controller communicates with the portable device to determine whether the portable device ID code matches the controller ID code, and controls deactivation of security functions for a door lock driver and an engine controller based on the determination result. In response to a restriction request signal, the management apparatus transmits a function restriction signal to the security controller. The security controller prohibits or restricts control of the door lock driver or the engine controller when receiving the function restriction signal and communicating with the portable device.

Abstract: An anti-theft system for a vehicle includes an on-vehicle machine including reporting means configured to report by radio an illegal activity affecting the vehicle to a designated opponent to be reported to in a case where the illegal activity is detected; and an external facility, the external facility including obstruction radio wave detection means configured to detect a radio wave obstructing the radio-report by the reporting means; and illegal activity prevention means configured to prevent the illegal activity in a case where the radio wave is detected by the obstruction radio wave detection means.

Abstract: A security control system for improving security. The security control system includes a portable device, having a communication function and a portable device ID code. A security controller includes a memory for recording a controller ID code. The security controller communicates with the portable device and determines whether the portable device ID code matches the controller ID code. In accordance with the determination, the security controller selectively deactivates the security functions of a door lock driver and an engine controller. The security controller records and registers the portable device ID code as the controller ID code in the memory and transmits a registration signal containing the portable device ID code. A portable device management apparatus receives the registration signal from the security controller and manages the portable device based on the registration signal.

Abstract: A method for inventorying and monitoring an asset located in an vehicle asset management area. The method involves an inventorying of a presence of an asset within an vehicle asset management area based on a detection of a RFID tag associated with the asset within the vehicle asset management area, and a monitoring of the inventoried presence of the asset within the vehicle asset management area based on the RFID tag associated with the asset.

Abstract: A device to detect the presence of a living being in a motor vehicle includes a carbon dioxide sensor to measure a concentration value representing the carbon dioxide concentration in the motor vehicle, an analysis unit to compare the concentration value or a change value representing the change in the concentration value over time to a threshold, a transmitting device activated when the concentration value or the change value exceeds the threshold and emitting radiated signals by way of an antenna and a receiving device that activates an indicator device when these radiated signals are received by way of an additional antenna.

Abstract: An apparatus for managing a notification from an in-vehicle device to a person to be notified includes an information acquiring unit that acquires information on the person; and a means selecting unit that selects a notification means based on the information acquired. The information includes at least a relative position of the person with respect to a vehicle.

Abstract: A method for an emergency call from a vehicle to an alarm centre, including receiving a wireless initiation signal from a portable alarm unit, evaluating the initiation signal, and sending, based on the result of the evaluation, a wireless alarm signal from a vehicle communication system arranged in the vehicle to the alarm centre. If the owner of the vehicle or some other person gets into an emergency, for instance is assaulted, in the immediate surroundings of the vehicle, it is thus possible to send an alarm signal to an alarm centre via the vehicle without first entering it. The personal safety for the individual is therefore increased. In addition, in the case of an assault, the perpetrator can be frightened away by sound and/or light signals emitted by the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and system for locating a stolen vehicle includes the steps of receiving at least one stolen vehicle input associated with the stolen vehicle at a call center and assigning a first ping rate responsive to the input. An automated request is sent in accordance with the ping rate over a first predetermined time period from the call center to a telematics unit of the stolen vehicle using a wireless network.

Abstract: An anti-theft system for a vehicle includes an on-vehicle machine (10) including reporting means (28) configured to report by radio an illegal activity affecting the vehicle to a designated opponent to be reported to in a case where the illegal activity is detected; and an external facility (30), the external facility (30) including obstruction radio wave detection means (36) configured to detect a radio wave obstructing the radio-report by the reporting means; and illegal activity prevention means (38, 40, 42) configured to prevent the illegal activity in a case where the radio wave is detected by the obstruction radio wave detection means (36). Jamming the radio signal from the vehicle is detected and triggers taking a photograph of the vehicle and its surroundings.

Abstract: A proactive anti-theft system and method for a vehicle that contacts a call center and a 911 center. The call center communicates with the local police dispatch center and contacts the vehicle's owner to confirm theft or other incident involving the vehicle. The anti-theft system continues communication between the alarm system and the 911 center until the vehicle is located or the alarm system is deactivated. The call center provides the local police dispatch center with information on the vehicle. The location of the vehicle can be determined by the mobile phone transmissions sent by the alarm system. The system can also provide audio surveillance of the interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: A glass breakage detector (100) having an acoustic transducer (102) for sensing first acoustic waves (130) and for providing a first analog signal (110) representative of the received first acoustic waves (130), an analog to digital converter circuit (104) adapted to convert the first analog signal (110) to a digital signal (112), processing circuitry (106) adapted to process the digital signal (112) to determine if the received first acoustic waves (130) are a result of glass breakage and generate an alarm signal (116) when it is determined that the received first acoustic waves (130) are a result of glass breakage, and a memory circuit (108), wherein the processing circuitry (106) is adapted to cause the memory circuit (108) to store the digital signal (112) for subsequent retrieval and analysis.

Abstract: A combination vehicle alarm and locator device. The device includes a housing, a vehicle alarm activator positioned within the housing including a transmitter for activating an alarm system on a vehicle and an infrared transmitting device located in the housing for communicating with a Global Positioning Satellite system for determining a location of the device. A key ring selectively extends from a side of the housing. The vehicle alarm activator includes an alarm activation button extending from the housing for activating the vehicle alarm activator to transmit the infrared signal. The transmitter device includes a processor, a memory device for storing identification information concerning the device and an activation button for activating the processor to retrieve the identification information from the memory for transmission to the Global Positioning Satellite system.

Abstract: A vehicle tracking unit may include a vehicle position determining device, a wireless communications device, and a controller. The controller may cooperate with the vehicle position determining device and the wireless communications device to send vehicle position information to a user based upon receiving an activation signal via a communications network. Furthermore, the controller may selectively cause the vehicle tracking unit to be in a low power mode to conserve power. Also, the controller may cooperate with the wireless communications device to intermittently awaken the vehicle tracking unit from the low power mode to poll the communications network to thereby determine whether the activation signal has been directed to the vehicle tracking unit.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with an identification information memory in which identification information of the vehicle is memorized, and a transmitter for transmitting the identification information. A portable terminal is provided with a receiver for receiving the identification information transmitted from the transmitter, a registration information memory in which identification information of a ridable vehicle is memorized as registration information in advance, and a controller for executing authentication between the identification information and the registration information and executing a warning processing when a result of authentication shows inconsistency.

Abstract: A vehicle security monitoring device monitors sound or movement within a vehicle to determine an abnormal condition such as intrusion of a thief. Upon determination, the device transmits sound picked up within the vehicle to a portable monitor unit carried by the owner of the vehicle using a dedicated link without using any communications network. The transmitted sound allows the owner to distinguish between an actual intrusion and false alarm. Upon verification of an actual intrusion, the portable monitor unit allows the owner to send various instructions to prevent theft of any valuables in the vehicle or theft of the vehicle itself. The instructions may include playing of warning messages, activation of a siren and disabling of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for identifying a vehicle includes receiving a stolen vehicle input at a call center and receiving a confirmation input at a call center. A vehicle code display command is sent from the call center to a telematics unit of the stolen vehicle and a vehicle code of the stolen vehicle is displayed in the stolen vehicle.

Abstract: Each sensor is provided with an emitter and the vehicle is provided with a corresponding receiver adapted to receive signals emitted by each sensor. The receiver is provided with at least one antenna disposed such that it is not located substantially equidistantly from the sensors, the antennas being located on a same side of the vehicle. The location of the sensors is carried out by analyzing the power of the field received by the receiver of each antenna for each sensor, the field power received by one antenna being the greater, the nearer to the antenna is the sensor that emitted the corresponding signal.

Abstract: An airbag electrical control unit mounted in a vehicle includes a position detecting circuit that detects a current position of the vehicle; a computing circuit that computes impact that the vehicle undergoes using a signal from a sensor; and a notifying circuit that notifies a previously designated recipient of a notification data that includes the detected current information alone or both the detected current position and the computed impact. Here, a traveling mode that addresses a traveling-period trouble generated while the vehicle is traveling and a parking mode that addresses a parking-period trouble generated while the vehicle is being parked are switched into each other.

Abstract: A system comprising a housing, an electrical bus, a connector module for connecting the electrical bus to a power source, a battery module so as to provide power to the electrical bus when the power source is not supplying power to the electrical bus, a sensor module for monitoring temperature and utility power status with respect to the space and detecting an alarm condition, a user interface module for permitting a user to (i) store at least one telephone number, and (ii) store the current location of the system, and a cellular telephone module configured to (i) place a cellular telephone call to a stored telephone number when the alarm condition is detected by a sensor, and (ii) advise the call recipient of the current location of the system.

Abstract: There is provided a monitoring system for remotely monitoring an item or activity, the monitoring system including a recording device for recording a visual record of the item, a communicator for communicating the visual record, and a security device for controlling access to the monitoring system. Also provided is a method of remotely monitoring an item by recording a digital image of the item, communicating the digital image of the item through a communication system, and accessing the digital image using a secured access device.

Abstract: A wireless security system includes a control panel, a radio frequency receiver hardwired to the control panel, a plurality of wireless sensors having a standardized data output for communicating with the radio frequency receiver as well as a proximity reader. The apparatus also includes a transmitter hardwired to the proximity reader and the transmitter is configured to communicate with the receiver. The apparatus also includes a proximity device configured to cooperate with the proximity reader. A common communications protocol is utilized by both the proximity device and the wireless sensors. The invention also includes the method for controlling a security system which includes using a common communications protocol to communicate with both the proximity reader and the wireless sensors.

Abstract: To issue a warning against an improper (a lowered) air pressure in accordance with a vehicle state and driver's presence/absence, the warning system includes air pressure measuring means for measuring an air pressure of a tire of a vehicle; air pressure judging means for judging whether or not the air pressure is proper; warning issuing means for issuing, if a result of the judgment is negative, a warning; and driver on-board judging means for judging whether or not a driver is on board the vehicle; and driver detecting means for detecting whether or not the driver is in the proximity to the vehicle. If the results of the judgments by the air pressure judging means and the driver on-board judging means are negative and a result of the detection by the driver detecting means is positive, the warning issuing means issues the warning outside the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for rendering electronic keys left behind in a vehicle temporarily inactive. The apparatus comprises a vehicle security control module in wireless communication with the electronic keys, and having operatively coupled together a receiver, a processor, non-volatile memory and a short-range transmitter. When the module receives a valid lock command from any source it sends a short-range interrogation signal to keys within the vehicle. Left-behind keys respond and send their unique ID(s) to the module's receiver. The processor obtains the unique ID(s) from the receiver and sets one or more inhibit flags in memory or equivalent to identify those keys as left-behind keys. The processor thereafter ignores commands from such left-behind keys, thereby rendering them temporarily inoperative until a valid unlock command is received form another source, whereupon the processor clears the inhibit flags from memory and restores the left-behind keys to active status.

Abstract: A wireless communication and global location enabled intelligent health monitoring system comprising of a plurality of wireless medical sensor apparatus that include an active sensor, a transducer, a digital-to analog converter, a frequency synthesis, a plurality of bandpass filter, a plurality of linear power amplifier, a signal mixer, a packaged antenna, a thin-film battery, for measuring patient vital signs on different parts of patient body, and a main processing unit apparatus that contains a system software including intelligent controller which uses active, real-time monitoring method to measure and process vital signs and location information for providing alert on location and transmitting emergency request to remote patient monitoring station for immediate assistance. Intelligent controller and all application tasks of said system software are running under separate parallel execution threads.

Abstract: There is provided a monitoring system for remotely monitoring an item or activity, the monitoring system including a recording device for recording a visual record of the item, a communicator for communicating the visual record, and a security device for controlling access to the monitoring system. Also provided is a method of remotely monitoring an item by recording a digital image of the item, communicating the digital image of the item through a communication system, and accessing the digital image using a secured access device.

Abstract: A security system using a transmitting signal of a wireless communication terminal and a method using the same are disclosed. In order for security certification, a specific information and numerical information included in the signal transmitted for dialing from the wireless communication terminal are compared with the specific information and numerical information that have been stored in advance. The present invention provides convenience in security certification, and has an advantage in that double the security can be realized.

Abstract: A device stores a vehicle identification code that includes a character string of a plurality of digits. The device includes a writing request detection section that detects a request for writing the vehicle identification code. An encoding section compresses and encodes the vehicle identification code that corresponds to the detected writing request to generate a storage code. A storage code storing section stores the storage code. Therefore, the device efficiently stores the vehicle identification codes in a nonvolatile memory.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring and reporting the status of a mobile asset are described, where the mobile asset may be moved by a transport vehicle from a starting location to a destination location. The method includes providing destination information to a tracking device on the mobile asset, and setting a boundary about the destination location which is also referred to herein as a geoboundary. As the mobile asset moves from the starting location to the destination location, the current location of the mobile asset is determined, and a determination is made whether the current location is within the geoboundary. If the current location of the mobile asset is within the geoboundary, an arrival message is transmitted from the tracking device. Preferred embodiments of the invention include the step of transmitting a departure message from the tracking device if the current location of the mobile asset moves from within the geoboundary to outside the geoboundary.

Abstract: An antitheft device is provided, whereby a person who attempts to commit a theft of a vehicle can be captured, having an improved crime prevention performance to thefts of vehicles, electrical equipment mounted on vehicles, money and articles left inside vehicles and the like. The antitheft device includes an expansible body system to expand an expansible body for blocking the motion of an intruder in a prescribed space inside a vehicle, which emits a substance to be a base of foaming polystyrene inside the vehicle and applies steam to the substance so that the foaming polystyrene blocks the motion of an intruder, when the presence of the intruder inside the vehicle is detected.

Abstract: An on-board unit for a vehicle is disclosed. The unit includes a primary communication system, the primary communication system being adapted to communicate with a remote location, and being further adapted to detect a stolen condition or receive an indication of a stolen condition. The unit also includes a process for determining whether communication with a central location can be effected. A secondary communication system is provided, the secondary communication system transmitting a signal including an identification of the on-board unit when communication with the central location cannot be effected. This signal is received by a receiver, which is in direct or indirect communication with the central location, so that the central location can take the appropriate steps to recover the vehicle which includes the on-board unit that is emitting the signal.

Abstract: A remote motor vehicle signal indicator system comprising a transmitter coupled to a vehicle indication signal drive line. The transmitter wirelessly transmits a receiver activation signal corresponding to a vehicle indication signal of the vehicle indication signal drive line. Optionally, the transmitter may be configured to bypass transmission of a brake signal to a remote vehicle signal indicator in order to conserve power at the remote vehicle signal indicator. The vehicle indication signal is selected may comprise a turn signal, a brake signal, a reverse gear signal, and a hazard signal or any other signal displayable on a vehicle. The system also includes a remote vehicle signal indicator coupled to a surface outside of the vehicle and includes a signal indicator display.

Abstract: A clock radio includes a clock a user interface that is dynamically configurable from a remote computer. Once configured, the user interface allows a user to select radio programs that are accessible by the remote computer. When a user selects a radio program via the interface, a signal indicating the selected radio program is transmitted from the clock radio to the remote computer. The remote computer then accesses the selected radio program and transmits the selected radio program to speaker(s) for broadcast.

Abstract: A security system of a construction machine of the present invention has a construction machine, a base station and a communication device. The construction machine comprises a data sending and receiving portion for sending first information, a storage portion for storing received information, and a control portion for controlling an operation of the construction machine. The base station receives the first information from the data sending and receiving portion of the construction machine and sends second information to the construction machine and manages the construction machine. It is configured so that the communication device is connected to the base station through a communication network and can send third information to the construction machine through the base station.

Abstract: A security alarm device is replicated in a toy vehicle. The security device includes a remote control which also can control vehicle functions. The remote control may control alarm arm and disarm, alarm and vehicle sounds such as arm, disarm, alarm set off, engine revving, tire screeching, motor drive, and vehicle lights. The security alarm device includes an LED which indicates whether the alarm is armed or unarmed, and a motion sensor which sets the alarm off (e.g., emitting a siren sound) when the toy vehicle is moved in its armed state.

Abstract: A vehicle tracking unit may include a vehicle position determining device, a wireless communications device, and a controller. The controller may determine the vehicle position information including a vehicle location and an associated stationary period for each occurrence of the vehicle remaining stationary for greater than a predetermined period. For example, the predetermined time may be less than about three minutes which filters out stops in normal traffic, but which will keep track of stops where the driver likely leaves the vehicle. Accordingly, only the important information necessary to track the vehicle need be stored and/or transmitted thereby reducing the system costs.

Abstract: A vehicle surveillance system includes a vehicle-installed sensor apparatus for transmitting by radio, sensor information acquired by a sensor, a communication adapter for receiving by radio the sensor information from the vehicle-installed sensor apparatus and transmitting the received sensor information onto a public network, and a surveillance server for receiving the sensor information from the communication adapter. The vehicle surveillance system further includes at least one portable surveillance remote for relaying transmission of the sensor information from the vehicle-installed sensor apparatus to the communication adapter.

Abstract: A vehicle safety system used to enhance the safety of motorists by emitting warning signals from a remote unit. The vehicle safety system incorporates a local unit attached to an associated vehicle that detects the operating conditions of the associated vehicle and emits wireless transmissions of the operating conditions to the remote unit, which is removable and portable relative to the associated vehicle. Upon receiving the wireless transmissions, the remote unit produces warning signals based upon the wireless transmissions received.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a portable personal authentication apparatus which can perform personal authentication, being essential in a future society, anywhere and be used for all purposes and an electronic system to which access is permitted by the apparatus. A mobile device, such as a cellular telephone or a PDA, is used with a portable personal authentication apparatus as a portable communication terminal device 51 and at least one of biological features including a man's fingerprint, voiceprint, and irisprint is used as a medium for authenticating a person as, for example, the user himself/herself. That is to say, biometric authentication is performed. In addition, functions like an electronic purse a conventional IC card etc. had are included in the portable communication terminal device (portable personal authentication apparatus) and the portable communication terminal device is connected to ATM equipment etc.

Abstract: A remote control system includes a remote control transmitter that transmit a signal and a receiver than can receive the signal from the transmitter. A control device performs a function having a first and a second option. The control device responds to the signal received by the receiver and performs the first option if the distance between the remote control transmitter and the receiver is greater than a particular distance and performs a function based on the ambient noise level.

Abstract: An anti-theft device monitors an object or person approaching a vehicle from the surrounding area of the vehicle by using a surrounding area sensing sensor when an authorized vehicle user moves away from the vehicle which causes the anti-theft device to be activated. If the anti-theft device detects the object or person, the anti-theft device activates an alarm. The anti-theft device transmits images and surrounding area details of the vehicle to the information center. If the vehicle is illegally accessed, the occurrence of any illegal activity is detected by a break-in sensor that issues a break-in alarm, simultaneously with the transmission of vehicle information to the information center, indicating the current disposition of the vehicle. Then, the information center determines that the vehicle is being illegally operated and transmits the vehicle information accumulated at that moment to a manager terminal.

Abstract: Alarm apparatus for a motor vehicle includes sensor (101) for detecting an object distance (Do) rearward of the vehicle, means (103) for detecting a vehicle speed (V), means (104) for detecting a traveling direction sideward of the vehicle, a control means (102) for generating an alarm signal (E) on the basis of object distance (Do), vehicle speed (V) and traveling direction (P), alarm (105) driven in response to the alarm signal (E), means (102a) for measuring a time lapse (T) since detection of the traveling direction (P), and means (102b) for setting an alarm distance serving as a comparison reference for the object distance (Do). The alarm (105) is driven when vehicle speed (V) lies within a predetermined range with the time lapse (T) falling within a predetermined time (T1) and when object distance (Do) laterally rearward of the vehicle lies within the alarm distance.