Abstract: In a motor vehicle sharing system for managing motor vehicles parked in a parking area and renting the motor vehicles to users, the motor vehicle is provided with a detector for detecting the start and end of motor vehicle rental, and a usage data measuring section for starting and completing measurements for motor vehicle usage data. The detector contains a position detector for detecting the parking area. The motor vehicle is further provided with a membership list in which user information is recorded, a charge list, a rentability judging section for judging whether the motor vehicle is rentable, and a charging data generating section for making charging data by referring to the motor vehicle usage data measured by the usage data measuring section and the charge list Thus, it is possible to perform the rental and return operation without relying on a control center.

Abstract: A detection system and method of detecting the presence of a heat-emitting object near a stopped host vehicle are provided. The detection system includes a thermal detector mounted on the host vehicle for detecting thermal radiation in a coverage zone, such as a blind spot zone. A sensor detects if the host vehicle is stopped. A controller monitors temperature of the coverage zone while the vehicle is stopped and determines the presence of an object in the coverage zone based on a change in temperature.

Abstract: In order to refine a method, as well as a system for detecting at least one object, in particular for detecting its specific parameters such as the relative position of the object or the relative speed of the object, such that the objects to be detected may be classified with respect to their spatial dimensioning, in particular with respect to their lateral extension, the spatial, in particular the lateral, extension of the object is detected using at least three distance-resolving units, mounted in particular on a means of transportation.

Abstract: A device for detecting a running surface for a vehicle, comprising a plurality of sensors (c1 to c8) designed to be oriented towards the running surface to detect modifications thereof, data processing means for processing data derived from the sensors, wherein the sensors are relatively arranged so as to associate at least part of the points of aim on the ground (v1 to v8) in pairs (p1 to p4), the two points of aim on ground the ground being spaced apart by a first specific distance, and the transverse distances separating two adjacent pairs (p1 to p4) of points of aim on the ground increase towards a longitudinal axis along a direction substantially perpendicular to said axis.

Abstract: A method and system for collecting meteorological data. A plurality of vehicles travel on roads in a geographic region. Each of the vehicles includes sensor equipment that senses at least one meteorological condition. The sensor equipment may be used to support other vehicle systems, such as vehicle safety systems or a vehicle navigation system. Each of the vehicles includes a program run on a computing device in the vehicle that prepares messages containing data indicative of the one or more meteorological conditions sensed by the sensor equipment. The messages are sent wirelessly from the vehicle to a meteorological data collection service that collects the data and uses the data for weather modeling or forecasting.

Abstract: A railroad collision avoidance system and method are disclosed that utilize impulse radio technology to effectively warn a person when there is a locomotive in their vicinity. In one embodiment, the railroad collision avoidance system includes a transmitting impulse radio unit coupled to a locomotive and a receiving impulse radio unit coupled to a vehicle. The transmitting impulse radio unit operates to transmit an impulse radio signal towards the vehicle when the locomotive is a predetermined distance from a railroad crossing. Upon receiving the impulse radio signal, the receiving impulse radio unit makes sure the person operating the vehicle is informed about the potentially dangerous situation. Several embodiments of the railroad collision avoidance system and method are disclosed all of which operate to warn a person when there is a locomotive in their vicinity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to recording changes associated with the acceleration of a structure. An exemplary embodiment includes an accelerometer array having at least one silicon beam type accelerometer, a nonvolatile memory, a clock timer, a programmable control unit operatively coupled to the accelerometer array, at least one non-volatile memory, and clock timer. The accelerometer array, the at least one non-volatile memory, the clock timer and the programmable control unit can be formed on a common semiconductor substrate (e.g., integrated), with the accelerometer array disposed in a central region.

Abstract: A device for adjusting a view range of a vehicular monitoring device includes an overtaking pre-motion detector outputting an adjusting signal when an overtaking operation is predicted; and a controller in communication with the overtaking pre-motion detector and the vehicular monitoring device, controlling the vehicular monitoring device to move in response to the adjusting signal. The device may further output a warning signal to sound the horn or twinkle the vehicle lamp when the overtaking operation is predicted for safety consideration.

Abstract: Recognition result of an objective recognized as a preceding vehicle is analyzed to judge whether this objective is correctly detected as a vehicle or not. A relative acceleration is calculated based on a relative speed corresponding to the objective when analysis result shows properness of this objective as a vehicle. The relative acceleration is set to 0 when analysis result shows improperness of the objective. An inter-vehicle control amount is corrected based on the obtained relative acceleration. The distance between the preceding vehicle and the controlled vehicle is controlled based on the corrected inter-vehicle control amount.

Abstract: A vehicular “black box” provides recording means by which driver action can be reviewed after an accident or collision, as well as indicating immediate vehicle disposition status to the driver. Using cameras (which may be very small), the disposition of the vehicle in its lane is determined by detecting the highway lines painted on the road. The data is also recorded so that should an accident or collision occur, the events leading up to such an event are made available for later review and analysis.

Abstract: A back-up warning system for a vehicle of a type including a back-up bulb connector includes a proximity sensor for positioning adjacent a rear of the vehicle, a proximity sensor connector for connecting the proximity sensor to the back-up bulb socket, and a warning indicator for providing a warning indication based upon the proximity sensor. The proximity sensor connector may connect the proximity sensor to the back-up bulb socket so that the proximity sensor is powered and operable to detect proximity of an object adjacent the rear of the vehicle when the vehicle is backing up.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for outputting traffic information in a motor vehicle. In order to present the driver with traffic information in such a way that he can adapt his driving behaviour and/or his selection of a route for his journey to the respective current traffic situation in time, there is a provision that traffic messages are stored together with the respective position of the route section to which they relate. The positions of the traffic messages are then compared with the respective position of a motor vehicle in which the traffic information is to be output in order to detect the distances between the respective position of the traffic messages and the position of this motor vehicle. The traffic messages are then output sorted according to distances, starting with the smallest distance.

Abstract: A vehicle cruise control apparatus is provided for controlling a vehicle to run at a set speed desired by a driver. The apparatus stores a state in which the driver inputs a set speed (for example, the number of times the driver inputs the set speeds and a period at which the driver inputs the set speeds), and calculates a target acceleration/deceleration from the input state and a vehicle speed deviation (calculated by subtracting the actual vehicle speed from the set speed).

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 method and device for digital control of electrical consumers in a model railway comprising supplying consumers having contact to a track with energy by means of a square wave voltage which is applied to the track and controlling the consumers by modulation of the square wave voltage in accordance with a digital control information, generating a return signal in a consumer having been supplied with such control information, interrupting application of the square wave voltage from the track during a predetermined time interval, the consumer applying the return signal within the predetermined time interval to the track being now square wave voltage free and detecting the return signal transmitted via the track by means of a sensor connected to the track.

Abstract: A rear collision warning system (10) for a target vehicle (17) and an approaching vehicle (18) is provided. The rear collision warning system (10) includes a first transmitter (54) located on the approaching vehicle (18) and directed at the target vehicle (17). The first transmitter (54) generates a vehicle information signal. A first indicator (16) located on the target vehicle (17). A first receiver (50) electrically coupled to the first indicator (16) receives the vehicle information signal and transmits a warning signal to the approaching vehicle (18) when the vehicle information signal is above a predetermined magnitude. A method of performing the same is also provided.

Abstract: Vehicle security systems comprise at least one addressable transponder for communication with at least one base station. Each transponder and base station comprises a steerable directional antenna having an antenna azimuth sensor. Transponder and base station antenna azimuths assist in locating a vehicle carrying a transponder and allow near real-time estimation of vehicle heading. Base station networks facilitate location, tracking and/or interception of vehicles within a network geographic area. Use of multiple effective transmission ranges for transponders and/or base stations improves the accuracy of vehicle location.

Abstract: Provided is a driving support apparatus that allows a driver to know the reliability of provided information by performing the switching of contents of voice information in accordance with a reliability indicator value concerning an obstacle detection result. The driving support apparatus includes: an obstacle detecting unit for detecting an obstacle around a vehicle; and an obstacle information providing unit for outputting, by voice, positional information of the obstacle detected by the obstacle detecting unit, wherein the obstacle detecting unit includes a function of calculating a reliability indicator value concerning a detection result, and the obstacle information providing unit includes obstacle information providing and a judging unit that judges switching of contents of voice information to be provided in accordance with magnitude of the reliability indicator value outputted from the obstacle detecting unit.

Abstract: A vehicle wireless alarm system comprises a front car subsystem installed in a front car and a rear car subsystem installed in a rear car. The front car is in front of the rear car. The front car subsystem comprises a reverse car sensor and a brake car sensor; an alarm source; an oscillator; an encoder; an amplifier receiving signals; and a transmitter for emitting the receiving signals wirelessly as emitting signals. The rear car subsystem comprises a receiver receiving the transmitting signals; an amplifier; a decoder; an output device and outputting the receiving signals; and an alarm device receiving signals from the output device and emits alarm signals. By above system, a driver in the rear car can know that the front car now reverses or brakes.

Abstract: A railroad collision avoidance system and method are disclosed that utilize impulse radio technology to effectively warn a person when there is a locomotive in their vicinity. In one embodiment, the railroad collision avoidance system includes a transmitting impulse radio unit coupled to a locomotive and a receiving impulse radio unit coupled to a vehicle. The transmitting impulse radio unit operates to transmit an impulse radio signal towards the vehicle when the locomotive is a predetermined distance from a railroad crossing. Upon receiving the impulse radio signal, the receiving impulse radio unit makes sure the person operating the vehicle is informed about the potentially dangerous situation. Several embodiments of the railroad collision avoidance system and method are disclosed all of which operate to warn a person when there is a locomotive in their vicinity.

Abstract: A cap is fit to a sensor case having a sensor-mounting hollow portion integrally formed therewith into which an ultrasonic sensor is fit. A plate spring is fit onto an outside of the sensor case to engage the plate spring with the cap. This plate spring integrally holds together both the sensor case and the cap. Having been constructed as above, the invention provides an easy integral assembly of a sensor case and a cap by means of a single plate spring and exhibits the ability for mounting and fixing the detector to a bumper or the like of a vehicle.

Abstract: A school bus approaching notification system for alerting users of an approaching school bus so that children do not have to stand outside and wait for the school bus. The school bus approaching notification system includes a transmitter assembly being adapted to be mounted in a school bus; and includes a transmitter mounting bracket supporting the transmitter unit and being adapted to be securely fastened in the school bus; and further includes a receiver assembly including a first receiver unit being adapted to be located in a home and also including a second receiver unit being adapted to be located in a passenger vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring an area adjacent to a subject vehicle includes an image taking device for taking an image of an area at and around a place to which the subject vehicle is directed. A predicting device operates for predicting a region to which the subject vehicle will travel. The predicted region has a left-hand boundary and a right-hand boundary. A setting device operates for setting a detection area near at least one of the left-hand boundary and the right-hand boundary of the predicted region. The detection area extends along a direction of travel of the subject vehicle. A deciding device operates for deciding whether or not a three-dimensional object exists in the detection area in response to the image taken by the image taking device. The three-dimensional object is, for example, a cut-in vehicle with respect to the subject vehicle.

Abstract: A detector for detecting light, such as infrared light, reflected from discontinuous lane dividing lines or other lines on a highway surface from a moving motor vehicle to determine the position of the vehicle on the highway detects light reflected from the surface of the highway and includes circuitry to determine from the reflected light sensed not only the presence of a road line but a characteristic of the road line sensed to determine if the road line detected is consistent with previously detected road lines and therefore appears to be a valid road line. The alarm, when enabled, is activated unless a road line consistent with previously sensed road lines is sensed within successive fixed periods of time in which it is expected that a line should be sensed. By detecting the beginning and end of a signal, various characteristics of the sensed line can be determined, and such things as the type of line likely sensed or the speed of travel of the vehicle can also be determined.

Abstract: A device within an automobile comprises or includes a wireless communications controller which, upon detection of impact, attempts to establish a wireless communications link to each of any counterpart wireless communications controllers which are within vehicles also subject to a recent impact, and therefore presumably involved in the collision. Vehicle identification information and information collected regarding the collision, such as vehicle speed, location, direction of travel, impact direction and magnitude, point of impact, etc., are automatically exchanged between vehicles involved in the collision and may be later retrieved from either vehicle, preserving objective information for accident reconstruction by police and insurance companies.

Abstract: A visual singnalling device adaptable to a running vehicle (1), comprises a rear emitter (3) for emitting a laser beam (9) towards the rear of the vehicle (1). The rear emitter (3) comprises elements generating designs for projection, by the laser beam, of a singnaling design (11) at the rear of the vehicle. The invention applicable to equipment for motor vehicle, bus, boat.

Abstract: Images of objects existing behind a first vehicle are detected to obtain distance data on the objects in relation to the first vehicle for recognizing one of the objects as a second vehicle travelling behind the first vehicle based on the distance data. The type of the second vehicle travelling behind is determined in size based on the images. It is further determined whether the second vehicle is an emergency vehicle based on the images.

Abstract: A blind spot detection system includes a transmitter directing a circularly polarized signal into a blind spot adjacent a vehicle. A receiver also mounted on the vehicle receives a reflection of the circularly polarized signal which is oppositely circularly polarized. An indicator indicates to the driver of the vehicle when the reflected signal is detected, thereby indicating the presence of an object in the blind spot. An indicator is also directed toward the blind spot generating a warning when the presence of an object in the blind spot is detected and an indication of a turn or lane change by the vehicle is detected, such as turn signal switch activation.

Abstract: A vehicle object detection system is disclosed that audibly conveys to the vehicle operator the direction of the detected object relative to the vehicle through the vehicle's audio system. The system includes a sensor array, a processor, and a speaker arrangement. The sensor array detects an object remote from the vehicle and generates a signal when an object has been detected. The processor receives and processes the sensor array signal. Then, the processor transmits the processed signal to the speaker arrangement. The speaker arrangement audibly conveys the processed signal over multiple audio channels. The method of detecting an object remote from the vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes an integral heating unit. The sensor assembly includes a sensor housing which can be attached to an exterior surface of a vehicle. A transducer is seated in the sensor housing. The transducer is configured to receive interrogation signals from a controller and to transmit signals in response to the interrogation signals. A heating unit is positioned in the sensor housing. The heating unit includes a shell including a recess which is sized and configured to receive the transducer. A heating coil formed of a high resistance wire is embedded in the shell. The heating coil is configured to radiate heat to warm the transducer to melt built up ice and snow which can block signals emitted by the transducer.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for processing traffic information. Traffic related conditions at a plurality of vehicles are detected. A set of traffic data packets using the traffic related conditions detected at the plurality of vehicles is produced in which a time stamp and a location stamp are assigned to each of the set of traffic data packets. Data traffic packets are passed between vehicles in which packets within the set of traffic data packets having an expired time stamp are no longer passed between the vehicles.

Abstract: To provide a movable body detecting/notifying system that is capable of determining and reporting whether another movable body exists behind an obstruction or at a position that can be verified by the sense of sight. A movable body detecting/notifying system allows a detecting movable body to detect and report a detected movable body by using electromagnetic wave communication. The detected movable body transmits a large-wavelength electromagnetic wave easily diffractable by an obstruction as well as a small-wavelength electromagnetic wave not easily diffractable by an obstruction at the same time. The detecting movable body generates a notice for reception of only the large-wavelength electromagnetic wave without the small-wavelength electromagnetic wave or a notice for reception of both the large-wavelength and small-wavelength electromagnetic waves different from the notice for reception of only the large-wavelength electromagnetic wave.

Abstract: Warning apparatus for an automotive vehicle, operable to generate a warning signal when a distance between the vehicle and an object in front of the vehicle is shorter than a predetermined threshold value, the apparatus including a characteristic-value storage portion which stores at least one characteristic-value relationship between at least two of a plurality of brake operating characteristic values relating to a braking operation by an operator of the vehicle to brake the vehicle, and a threshold-value determining portion operable to determine the threshold value of the distance, on the basis of at least one of an estimated braking state of the vehicle estimated on the basis of the characteristic-value relationship stored in the characteristic-value storage portion, a running-state quantity indicative of a running state of the vehicle, and a moving-state quantity indicative of a moving state of the object.

Abstract: A road hazard warning system provides a warning to a motorist driving a vehicle of a stationary or moving hazard. A warning system includes a transmitter located near the road hazard that generates a radio frequency (RF) warning signal. A receiver is located in the vehicle and receives the RF warning signal. A receiver is located in the vehicle and receives the RF warning signal. The receiver is preferably integrated with an electronic device associated with the vehicle. The electronic device is at least one of a vehicle radio system, a tape player, a compact disc player, a television, an in-car computer, a video game, a telephone, and a global positioning system. The electronic device generates a warning output signal to a speaker or a display when the RF warning signal is detected by the receiver. A vehicle electronics interface is connected to the electronic device and provides a vehicle speed signal to the electronic device. The RF warning system contains data specifying a localized temporary speed limit.

Abstract: A transmitting antenna (2) which is mounted in the interior of a door mirror of a vehicle and radiates transmitted waves through the surface of said door mirror, and a receiving antenna (3) that receives reflective waves from an object existing near the vehicle through the surface of said door mirror are rotated by a drive portion equipped within the door mirror. Also, the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna are fixed to a support portion (15) that supports the surface of the door mirror; and the support portion is joined to the drive portion by a joint portion (14) and rotates vertically and horizontally with the joint portion (14) as a fulcrum, to thereby vertically and horizontally rotate the transmitting antenna (2) and the receiving antenna (3) with the joint portion as the fulcrum. Further, the support portion of the door mirror surface, the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna are molded integrally.

Abstract: A stand alone sensor module having built in intelligence that provides object detection for a both a vehicle and stationary applications. The system includes a processor connected to a sensor and a signal interface. The processor receives signals from the sensor and the signal interface and generates a status signal based on the signals received from the sensor and the signal interface. The processor drives the status signal to the signal interface.

Abstract: A pedestrian is sensed in a region of space external to a vehicle by generating a first magnetic flux at a first location on the vehicle so that the first magnetic flux extends into a region of space external of the vehicle, conducting the first magnetic flux through the region of space external to the vehicle to a second location on the vehicle, sensing the first magnetic flux at the second location, generating a signal responsive to the magnetic flux sensed at the second location, and discriminating a pedestrian when the pedestrian is located within the first magnetic flux, wherein the operation of discriminating is responsive to the signal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a danger alert system for a site, and in particular a moving site such as a vehicle. The danger alert system comprises a signal transmitter about a transmitting site for transmitting a signal. The invention further comprises a receiver alert system about a receiving site for receiving the signal emitted by the transmitter about the transmitting site. The receiver alert system then determines the likelihood of danger posed by the transmitting site based upon an analysis of the received signal. The receiver alert system is made up at least one signal receptor adapted for receiving the transmitted signal. The receiver alert system is made up of a velocity measurer, a site locator, and a danger assessor, all in communication with the signal receptors. The velocity measurer determines the relative velocity of the transmitting site from an analysis of the signal. The site locator determines a relative position of the transmitting site from an analysis of the signal.

Abstract: A fixed station and an on-board apparatus are constructed to carry out a short range communication. The on-board apparatus specifies an application from a command included in reception data received from the fixed station and starts a corresponding processing, when an acquired command is a menu selection command. A menu including commodities and charges are displayed. When a selected item is determined, the determined content is displayed. When an IC card unit receives an IC card for settling the charge, the charge is settled by rewriting the IC card by data exchange via wireless communication. A short range wireless unit is used to ensure individuality of the communication. This short range communication may also be used at a vehicle repair shop, at a curved corner on a travel path or the like.

Abstract: A system for sensing a potential collision of a first vehicle (11) with a second vehicle (72) that transmits a second position signal. The first vehicle has a pre-crash sensing system (10) includes a memory (14) that stores vehicle data and generates a vehicle data signal. A first global positioning system (18) generates a first position signal corresponding to a position of the first vehicle. A first sensor (20) generating sensor signals from the first vehicle. A receiver (22) receives a second position signal and a braking capability signal from the second vehicle. A countermeasure system (40) is also coupled within the first vehicle. A controller (12) is coupled to the memory (14), the global positioning receiver (18) the first sensor (20) and the counter measure system (40). The controller (12) determines a distance to the second vehicle in as a function of the second position signal, determines a first vehicle trajectory from the first sensor data signal and the position signal.

Abstract: An automobile distance warning and alarm system (ADWAS) in which the warning system is armed when the vehicle exceeds a threshold speed. The vehicle speed is used, along with road or weather conditions, to determine a safe vehicle separation time and corresponding distance. A range finder then determines the actual separation distance between the driver's vehicle and a forward or following vehicle. If the safe separation distance is not maintained for a selected dead time interval, the driver is alerted by an alarm, which may be both an audible and visual alarm. The driver of a following vehicle is also alerted by a rear indicator light.

Abstract: A system is provided for sensing the presence of a semi-tractor as the mechanical connection between a trailer and a fifth wheel of the semi-tractor is made, or for sensing the presence of a rail car as the mechanical connection between the trailer and a stanchion plate of the rail car is made. A sensor is provided in the floor of the trailer proximate to the kingpin. The sensor senses the presence of the fifth wheel or the rail car stanchion plate during the connection process. Control circuitry on the trailer processes and uses signals from the sensor to perform various functions.

Abstract: A method of aligning an ACC-sensor on a vehicle includes the following steps: (a) arranging a reflection surface in front of the vehicle for reflecting emitted ACC-sensor rays; (b) aligning the horizontal axis of the reflection surface parallel to the rear axle of the vehicle; (c) aligning the vertical axis of the reflection surface essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle which is defined by the alignment of the front and rear axle; and (d) adjusting the ACC-sensor such that a defined or maximal fraction of the emitted rays is reflected.

Abstract: System for data transfer between one or more objects moving along a path and one or more fixed communication stations located along said path, wherein each object is provided with a transmitter/receiver combination, the transmitter of which is coupled to an identity code generator and the receiver of which is coupled to a data processing unit, and wherein each communication station is provided with a transmitter/receiver combination, the transmitter of which is coupled to a message generator and the receiver of which is coupled to an identity code recognition unit, wherein the transmitter/receiver of each object is continually activated, at least in the vicinity of the communication station, such that successively, in an alternating series of first and second periods, the transmitter transmits an identity code, originating from the identity code generator, in a first period and the receiver is ready to receive any responses in a second period, wherein, furthermore, the receiver of each station is continually

Abstract: A multiple channel braking notification system includes an accelerator pedal and an accelerator pedal actuator for applying a variable force to the accelerator pedal. A forward detection apparatus is used to detect the relative distance and speed to a target vehicle. A controller monitors the relative distance and speed to notify the driver to slow down. Driver notification is accomplished by applying a predetermined amount of variable force to the accelerator pedal. The amount of force applied is proportional to the level of braking required.

Abstract: An electronic event recorder for attachment to a vehicle is provided which can broadcast encrypted signature and data, thereby leaving behind an electronic version of a “fingerprint” in the event of an accident or traffic violation. The fingerprint, captured by an external data acquisition system or another vehicle so equipped, provides a history of events related to the vehicle. The event recorder is preferably integrated on a smart card and housed in a tamper proof casing. In a first mode of operation, monitoring stations along the roadways periodically send an interrogation signal, such as when radar detects that the vehicle is speeding. Upon receiving the interrogation signal the smart card transmits the vehicle's signature information to the monitoring station where it is time and date stamped along with the speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A highway lane position detector including a photodetector for determining the existence of highway lines, wherein the detection circuitry maintains its detection ability over a wide range of ambient light conditions from bright sunlight to dim artificial light in ambient darkness, by providing a dynamic resistance element in series with the photodetector wherein the dynamic resistance element compensates for changes in the photodetector due to changes in ambient light conditions to maintain the photodetector in a detection condition (avoiding saturation) regardless of the ambient light condition. In the preferred embodiment of the detector, the dynamic resistance element is at least one reversed biased zener diode. In currently preferred circuitry of the invention, the detector detects the presence of intermittent lane dividing lines and provides an alarm when such lines are no longer detected.

Abstract: A movement detection and warning system is provided and includes a transmitter means for transmitting a signal in association with an event or an object. The signal is adapted for triggering a detector means. The detector means is tuned to only detect the signal transmitted by the transmitter means when the detector is located within a predetermined distance from the transmitter means. The detector means activates an alarm means in response to being triggered by the transmitted signal thereby providing an early and distinct warning to people in the vicinity of the detector in order to eliminate or reduce the chances of the person sustaining injury. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of warning a person of the proximity of an object or event. According to the method, the object or event is associated with a transmitter means for transmitting a signal.

Abstract: A system for sensing a potential collision of a first vehicle (11) with a second vehicle (72) that transmits a second position signal. The first vehicle has a pre-crash sensing system (10) includes a memory (14) that stores vehicle data and generates a vehicle data signal. A first global positioning system (18) generates a first position signal corresponding to a position of the first vehicle. A first sensor (20) generating sensor data signals from the first vehicle. A receiver (22) receives a second position signal and a road condition signal from the second vehicle. A countermeasure system (40) is also coupled within the first vehicle. A controller (12) is coupled to the memory (14), the global positioning receiver (18) the first sensor (20) and the counter measure system (40). The controller (12) determines a distance to the second vehicle in as a function of the second position signal. The controller determines a first vehicle trajectory from the sensor data signals and the position signal.

Abstract: A system and method for altering a driver of a motor vehicle of the approach of an emergency vehicle in an emergency state, comprising a transmitter in the emergency vehicle which produces and transmits a radio frequency signal having a unique audio encoded data signature modulated thereon when the emergency vehicle is in an emergency status, a receiver in motor vehicle which receives the radio frequency signal, demodulates and decodes the radio frequency signal and produces a voltage output when the data signature is present; and an alarm producing device which produces an alarm in response to the voltage output warning the driver of the motor vehicle of the approach of the emergency vehicle.