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: An improved traffic accident preventing system to alarm both a driver on vehicle and pedestrian each other using a radio communication unit when they are located close. This system also provides a traffic monitoring and control system using communication between vehicle, pedestrian with communication unit and radio unit equipped by roadside, in which a traffic management center can send information to a specific vehicle and pedestrian with communication unit, and also receive information from them.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) and method for selectively monitoring radar signals impinging on a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus (10) comprises a speed determination circuit (20) that determines vehicle speed and provides a speed signal representative thereof to a comparator (22) that compares the speed signal to a preselected speed and provides an on signal when the vehicle speed exceeds the preselected speed and an off signal when the vehicle speed is at or below the preselected speed. When the comparator (22) provides the on signal, a radar detecting circuit (14) is powered to detect incoming radar signals and provide a radar detected signal to an alarm (18) that provides an alert in response to the radar detected signal. When the comparator (22) provides the off signal, the radar detecting circuit (14) is not powered and does not detect incoming radar signals.

Abstract: In the Police Chase Eliminator (PCEL), a targeted vehicle being pursued through traffic may be apprehended by first identifying vehicles in the vicinity of the targeted vehicle, following the targeted vehicle until it is the only vehicle remaining of the originally identified vehicles, and then apprehending the targeted vehicle. This process may also be carried out by first identifying a select group of vehicles using vehicle descriptor limitations. The system for remotely controlling a targeted vehicle comprises a control unit which would normally be located in a police car and vehicle modules which are installed in motor vehicles. The control unit transmits activate commands to the vehicle modules which respond by either transmitting back a visual signal or an electronic signal. The control unit may also transmit control commands to the vehicle modules to control the operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of signaling traffic-relevant status information (5), in particular warning signals, to road users. In order to convey warning signals in a simple and reliable manner to road users when these are distracted by terminal equipment, it is provided that the terminal equipment, in particular mobile telephone, audio device, computer, is used for acoustic and/or optical and/or mechanical signaling, during which time the normal function of the terminal is suppressed.

Abstract: A vehicle periphery monitoring device includes a transmitting circuit 3 for generating a transmission wave, an antenna 4 installed on the periphery or in the interior of a door mirror of a subject vehicle for radiating the transmission wave generated from the transmitting circuit as a formed beam having a directivity which propagates over a region expanding over an adjacent lane area from side portions of the subject vehicle toward the rear portion thereof, a receiving circuit 6 for receiving a reflected wave from an object which is in the periphery of the subject vehicle through an antenna 5, an arithmetically operating circuit 2 for arithmetically operating a distance between the subject vehicle and the object on the basis of a period of time required since the transmission wave generated from the transmitting circuit is radiated from the antenna until the transmission wave is reflected by the object and received by the receiving circuit and arithmetically operating a relative velocity from Doppler frequenc

Abstract: An emergency flashing light mechanism includes one or more emergency flashing lights, a processor, a transmitter, and a receiver. The emergency light flashing mechanisms can exchange information with the vehicles, pedestrians and other components of a traffic complex via their respective transmitters and receivers. The emergency flashing light mechanisms can process such information and override control lights having red, yellow and green lights. The emergency flashing lights can selectively respond to emergency vehicles.

Abstract: An clear-cross crossing system for use by emergency vehicles that includes a traffic light attachable strobe light/receiver unit that is attachable to and existing traffic signal and a transmitter unit mounted to the dash board of an emergency vehicle which transmits an activation signal to the strobe light/receiver unit to activate the unit and to cause the unit to override the existing traffic signal to generate a green light signal in the direction of the oncoming emergency vehicle.

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: A safety warning system includes a safety warning transceiver which retransmits safety warning signals received by the safety warning transmitter in order to extend the range of safety warning transmitter systems. The safety warning transceiver also functions as a trainable garage door opener and interacts with the remote keyless entry system of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the safety warning transceiver can be installed and selectively removed from a docking station in the vehicle in order to prevent theft or install the safety warning transceiver into another vehicle.

Abstract: A distance control is performed to maintain a target distance between two traveling vehicles by controlling an acceleration/deceleration actuator based on a physical quantity representing an actual distance between the two traveling vehicles. A temporary distance control is performed to suppress a deceleration degree of a succeeding vehicle to a smaller value compared with a deceleration degree attainable during an ordinary distance control, when the two traveling vehicles are departing from each other under a condition where the actual distance between the two traveling vehicles is already shorter or will soon become shorter than a standard target distance.

Abstract: The specification relates to a method for alerting a personal, moving vehicle of an approaching emergency vehicle comprising trarnsmitting an emergency signal from an emergency vehicle, receiving the emergency signal in a personal vehicle, and alerting the driver of the personal vehicle that the emergency vehicle is approaching; and the underlying process for an Emergency Alert System comprising a transmitting means located in an emergency vehicle for transmitting an emergency signal indicating that the emergency vehicle is approaching, a receiving means located in a personal vehicle for receiving the emergency signal from the transmitting means, and an alert means triggered by the receiving means to alert the driver of the personal vehicle that the emergency vehicle is approaching.

Abstract: Adding a quantity of metallic shot or particles of other materials having a high dielectric constant to the thermoplastic paint in the mixing pot of ordinary roadway marker fixation equipment, which extrudes the paint and applies same to the roadway surface, enhances the MMW radiometric visibility of the marker without adverse effect to the affixation equipment. Vehicles containing MMW radiometers directed down toward the roadway surface moves along the roadway surface is able to automatically sense microwave/millimeter wave energy from a marker in the vehicles path. In one system, the sensed energy is used in conjunction with other apparatus to assist to guide the vehicle within a traffic lane. In another system, the sensed energy is decoded and displayed as pertinent information for the vehicle's driver.

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: This invention relates to reflectivity measuring apparatus. This invention provides reflectivity measuring apparatus for assessing the integrity of road markings including a light source, a light sensor and a processing means, the apparatus being mounted on a vehicle such that, in use, the light source illuminates a reflective surface on a road marking, and wherein the light sensor detects any reflected light and the data signal is received by the processing means, the processing means processes the data to provide information on the reflectivity of a said reflective surface. In another aspect of the invention there is provided a computer controlled process for determining the integrity of light reflective road markings, the computer being programmed to carry out the steps of getting data on the reflectance levels of road markings; calibrating the data by multiplying the data with a predetermined calibration factor; and determining whether the road marking meets a predetermined acceptable reflectance level.

Abstract: An emergency vehicle warning system including a plurality of directional receivers disposed within each of the driver's vehicles. The receivers are directed in opposing directions to span 360 degrees. Each of the receivers is capable of receiving a single radio frequency. A directional display and speaker are disposed interiorly of each of the driver's vehicle. The directional display and speaker are in communication with the directional receivers. An omni-directional receiver is disposed within each of the traffic lights in communication with an operating light system thereof. The omni-directional receiver is capable of receiving a same radio frequency as the four directional receivers. The directional receivers in each traffic light in communication with an operating system there is capable of receiving a second frequency when activated. A transmitter is disposed within the emergency vehicle.

Abstract: Provided is an inexpensive vehicular communication apparatus capable of transferring image data containing a record of an accident to a safe, external location, the apparatus being usable in an ordinary automotive vehicle. The apparatus includes an image sensing device, a data storage device for storing image data that has been captured by the image sensing device, a sensor for sensing impact, a portable-terminal holding device in which a portable terminal is capable of being placed, and an operation controller which, if impact has been sensed by the sensor, is for notifying a prescribed party via the portable terminal unless the portable terminal is removed from the portable-terminal holding device within a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for assisting drivers to negotiate intersections comprising a wireless unit, which is mounted in a vehicle, for performing a wireless transmission and reception of various signals, and displaying various symbols to aid the driver in passing through an intersection; a bi-directional base station for receiving vehicle position signals from the wireless unit, then re-transmitting the vehicle position signals; a traffic light unit provided at an intersection or crosswalk, the traffic light unit displaying lights and signals; and an information service management center for receiving signals from the traffic light unit to determine an illumination state of the same, and transmitting the signals from the traffic light unit to the base station via a wire connection.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for signalling local traffic disturbances wherein a decentralised communication between vehicles is performed by exchanging their respective vehicle data. Through repeated evaluation of these individual vehicle data, each reference vehicle may determine a group of vehicles having relevance for itself from within a maximum group of vehicles and compare the group behavior of the relevant group with its own behavior. The results of this comparison are indicated in the reference vehicle, whereby a homogeneous flow of traffic may be generated, and the occurrence of accidents is reduced.

Abstract: An automobile unsafe following distance warning system, located in an installed vehicle, for assessing whether a safe following distance is present between the installed vehicle and a front vehicle which is traveling immediately in front of the installed vehicle, comprising a sensor unit for determining the distance between the front vehicle and the installed vehicle, and for determining the speed of the installed vehicle. A threshold safe following distance is determined from the measured speed of the installed vehicle. An initial warning light is illuminated to notify the driver that the actual following distance is less than the threshold safe following distance. A severe warning light, a buzzer, and a vibration unit are activated to notify the driver that the actual following distance is much less than the threshold following distance and that a dangerous situation exists.

Abstract: Collision avoidance apparatus (28, 30) is mounted on a host vehicle (20) to detect the presence of an adjacent vehicle (22) within a monitored zone (24, 26). A sensor module (30) includes a plurality of discrete sensor systems for monitoring unique portions of the monitored zone (24, 26), each of which comprises an emitter (52) emitting a fixed frequency modulated beam (58) of light energy (54) with a predetermined burst length into its unique portion of the monitored zone (24, 26), and a receiver (68) having a field of view (62), substantially aligned with emitted beam (58) to produce a fixed optical overlap area (A), and for sensing light energy (66) and generating a received signal. A frequency generator (48) produces two or more predetermined different fixed frequencies for use by the emitter (52) to emit beams (58) at each frequency. A phase shifter (70) produces a phase shifted reference signal with a different predetermined phase delay relationship to each fixed frequency.

Abstract: A display device on a meter panel of an automobile, indicates the following distance from a vehicle to a preceding vehicle by displaying multiple blocks, and recognition of the following distance is made easy thus preventing erroneous recognition. The display includes three blocks and three sub-blocks between a vehicle symbol and a preceding vehicle symbol. The three blocks can be switched between a display state and a non-display state and the three sub-blocks are constantly in a display state. The blocks and sub-blocks are positioned so as to correspond to each other. When all three blocks are in a display state, this denotes that the following distance is ‘long’, when two of the blocks are in a display state, it denotes that the following distance is ‘medium’ and when only one block is in a display state, it denotes that the following distance is ‘short’.

Abstract: An on-vehicle DBF radar apparatus is mounted on a vehicle and is arranged to detect an object around the vehicle by scanning with radar beams synthesized by digital signal processing. The radar apparatus has a lane shape acquiring section for acquiring a shape of a lane on which the vehicle is driving. In the radar apparatus a scanning range of the radar beams is limited according to the shape of the lane acquired by the lane shape acquiring section. The radar apparatus has advantages of high detection rate and detection accuracy.

Abstract: An emergency vehicle detection system for alerting a driver of an approaching emergency vehicle includes a sound signal-producing unit mounted on an emergency vehicle, a sound signal detection unit mounted on a non-emergency vehicle, and a display unit remotely located on the non-emergency vehicle. The sound signal-producing unit has a sound generator for producing and transmitting a sound signal. A switch is used for controlling the operation of the sound generator in combination with a siren. The sound signal detection unit has at least one sound transducer for detecting sound signals and producing an electric current upon detection of a signal. A signal comparator is connected to the sound transducers for comparing the currents from the transducers to preprogrammed patterns. If there is matching pattern, a signal output encoder connected to the signal comparator constructs an encoded signal and transmits the encoded signal to a remotely located display unit through a transmitter.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for polling a cluster of devices, which are particularly suited for use in wireless parking systems, are disclosed. An application of the polling method and apparatus to parking enforcement is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle communication device is installed in a vehicle and used for an ETC system. The vehicle communication device can be switched between a normal mode and a radio wave emitting mode. The vehicle communication device in the normal mode transmits a response signal in response to receiving a pilot signal from a roadside radio device. The vehicle communication device in the emitting mode continuously emits a radio wave through the windshield of the vehicle independently of whether it receives the pilot signal from the roadside radio device, and a checking device receives the radio wave. The checking device determines whether the intensity of the received radio wave is greater than a predetermined threshold. The result of the determination is reported to a staff in a service or repair shop so that a shop staff can determine whether the vehicle communication device can be used for the ETC system based on the reported result.

Abstract: A parking status control system and method allow a parking space, or plurality of parking spaces, to be automatically monitored to detect unauthorized occupancy. The system and method may be applied to metered parking spaces or to other situations where controlled access to a parking space or area is desired. The presence or lack of a vehicle in a monitored parking space is determined using a vehicle presence detector, which communicates a signal indicative of such presence to a central system. A user or vehicle based authorization module is configured to transmit an authorization input to facilitate automated satisfaction of a space authorization device, e.g., payment of a parking meter. If there is occupancy, but no proper authorization input, the central system declares a violation and communicates the violation to another system or individual charged with taking corrective action.

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 retrofittable collision warning apparatus for vehicles is described. The collision warning apparatus comprises a base unit that is located within the vehicle cabin and a plurality of remote units located around the periphery of the vehicle. The remote units respond to inputs from the base unit, measure the distance between the vehicle and obstacles in the proximity, and utilize wireless transmission to communicate obstacle position information to the base unit. The base unit accepts operator commands, utilizes wireless communication to transmit control signals to the remote units and receive obstacle position information from the remote units, communicates obstacle position information to the operator through audio and visual signals, and controls operation of the collision warning apparatus. Base unit and remote units that comprise the collision warning apparatus employ power management to extend the lifetime of power sources and communicate through wireless means.

Abstract: An adaptive vehicle speed control system includes a vehicle speed sensor detecting a vehicle speed of a host vehicle which is subjected to adaptive vehicle speed control including preceding vehicle following control and vehicle speed control, and an inter-vehicle distance sensor detecting an inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and a preceding vehicle. A man-machine interface is provided for setting a set vehicle speed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, apparatus and article of manufacture for detecting the presence of one or more target vehicles and determining a distance and speed of the targeted vehicles relative to a targeting vehicle. When predetermined threshold conditions are satisfied, warning signals are output from a computer system to alert a driver of the one or more targeted vehicles. In addition, steps may be taken to determine whether the targeting vehicle and the one or more targeted vehicles will converge to create a congested condition. If so, the speed of the targeting vehicle maybe adjusted.

Abstract: A vehicle surroundings monitoring device capable of performing distance measurement as desired even in a short-distance range to provide unerring alarm information to a driver. The monitoring device for monitoring surroundings around a vehicle has a transmitting antenna provided in a door mirror assembly of the vehicle to radiate transmitted waves through a mirror surface of the door mirror, and a receiving antenna provided in the door mirror assembly to receive reflected waves from an object existing near the vehicle through the door mirror surface. The monitoring device also has a stray electric wave limiting member for reducing electric wave components straying from the transmitting antenna into the receiving antenna.

Abstract: In a method for detecting lane deviation of a vehicle, a difference between a center point of lane markers and a center point of the vehicle is first determined. Then a difference between a screen center x-coordinate and a vehicle center point x-coordinate is subtracted from the determined difference between the center point of lane markers and the center point of the vehicle. And it is determined that the vehicle is deviating from the lane if the result of the subtraction is less than a predetermined value.

Abstract: An alarm system for alerting drivers and passengers of a non-emergency vehicle to the approximate presence of an emergency vehicle which may be approaching the particular non-emergency vehicle. In one embodiment, an alarm, such as a blinking light or the like, is generated within the non-emergency vehicle or non-emergency vehicles. In another embodiment, a positioning system is also provided and displays the approximate position of the emergency vehicle, such that the driver or passengers of the non-emergency vehicle or vehicles may be apprised of the presence of and approximate location and direction of that emergency vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle follow-up control apparatus includes a distance sensor sensing an actual vehicle-to-vehicle distance from a controlled vehicle to a preceding vehicle, a vehicle speed sensor sensing an actual vehicle speed of the controlled vehicle, and a controller for calculating a desired vehicle speed to be achieved in the controlled vehicle. The desired vehicle speed is calculated in accordance with the actual vehicle-to-vehicle distance, the relative speed and a control gain which is adjusted in accordance with the relative speed.

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: In a vehicle safety running system, while a contact probability estimation section estimates that there is a probability that a subject vehicle comes into contact with an object and an automatic braking section performs automatic braking, when the driver voluntarily performs a steering operation to avoid the contact, an automatic braking cancellation gradient is calculated based on the contact probability detected with the contact probability estimation section and the steering operation amount detected with the steering operation amount detection section, whereby automatic braking is cancelled at a speed corresponding to the automatic braking cancellation gradient so calculated. When the contact is easily avoided through the steering operation, the automatic braking cancellation gradient is set large so as to cancel automatic braking quickly, while when the contact is difficult to be avoided, the automatic braking cancellation gradient is set small so as to cancel automatic braking moderately.

Abstract: A system for monitoring operation and location of a first moving vehicle relative to a second moving vehicle. A minimum separation distance between the first and second vehicles is estimated, based on the first vehicle velocity, and optionally on the second vehicle velocity, using location determination (LD) signals received from satellite-based transmitters from GPS, GLONASS and LEO satellites, or from ground-based signal sources such as LORAN signal towers, and using ranging signals from SONAR, RADAR or a similar system. The minimum separation distance is compared with the actual separation distance at selected times, and a vehicle driver is advised if the actual separation distance is too small, if the separation distance is decreasing too quickly, or if the second vehicle velocity is decreasing too quickly. The second vehicle may travel in the same traffic lane, in an adjacent lane, or on a road that intersects the road used by the first vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicular front monitoring apparatus which can reliably recognize a road configuration ahead of an own-vehicle through simpler computation. The apparatus comprises a distance measuring unit for radiating electromagnetic waves or the likes in plural directions, and detecting distances from an own-vehicle to a plurality of objects around the own-vehicle and lateral positions of the objects relative to a running direction of the own-vehicle, thereby measuring object positional data on coordinates defined by the running direction and a transverse direction of the own-vehicle; a road curvature estimating unit for estimating a curvature of a road ahead of the own-vehicle through Hough transform of the object positional data measured by the distance measuring unit; and a vehicle's own lane determining unit for determining whether other vehicles running ahead are in the same lane as the own-vehicle or not based on the curvature of the road estimated by the road curvature estimating unit.

Abstract: A relative lateral deviation calculating device calculates a relative lateral deviation between a vehicle and an on-coming vehicle, based on the state of the on-coming vehicle detected by an object detecting device and a future locus of movement for the vehicle estimated by a movement locus estimating device. When the relative lateral deviation is in a predetermined range, a contact-possibility determining device determines that there is a possibility that the vehicle will come into contact with the on-coming vehicle. Even when the relative lateral deviation is not in the predetermined range, if a steering-state detecting device has detected an involuntary steering operation by a driver, a contact avoiding device increases the steering reaction force of the steering wheel to inhibit the steering operation by the driver in a direction for the vehicle to approach the on-coming vehicle.

Abstract: Emergency vehicle signaling system wherein an emergency vehicle transmits an RF signal having a narrow cone calculated to be received in a second vehicle. The receiver for the second vehicle is equipped with an indicator in the form of a white light which blinks in order to alert the driver of the emergency vehicle that the RF signal which it is transmitting has been received by the second vehicle. Accordingly, occupants of the second or non-emergency vehicle are made aware of the presence of the emergency vehicle while the visual indicator confirms reception of the RF signal.

Abstract: An emergency vehicle alert system that includes transmitter units mountable within emergency vehicles and receiver units mountable within civilian vehicles. The transmitter units and the receiver units via a mechanism within each receiver unit that provides each civilian driver with an indicator of the distance between his/her civilian vehicle and the emergency vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed are a device and a method of transmitting SOS signals in a mobile telecommunication terminal. The method according to the invention includes the steps of converting each of a plurality of SOS phrases stored in the mobile telecommunication terminal with code signals of a corresponding format, and storing the converted codes, providing a user with a menu to select one of the SOS phrases upon entry into an SOS service mode, modulating the code signal of the corresponding format selected by the user from the menu into a frequency of the corresponding bandwidth, and transmitting the modulated signal.

Abstract: In apparatus and method for controlling a vehicular velocity for an automotive vehicle, when a controller carries out a preceding vehicle follow-up control to follow up a preceding vehicle which is traveling ahead of the vehicle and is decelerated and a vehicular velocity of the vehicle becomes reduced and has crossed a set lower limit value of the vehicular velocity in a vehicular velocity controllable range, the controller releases the preceding vehicle follow-up control but continues a braking operation through a vehicular brake system using a function generator (Pbrk*=f(t)MPa) to prevent a sudden G drop from occurring.

Abstract: A vehicle parking network comprises a transmitter-responder device (TRD) for each subscriber and a complementary box which can be coupled to the TRD and only to it, and permits it to communicate with a central computer. The complementary box is provided with identification marks that can be scanned from the outside and includes a microcontroller, memory means and timing means. Once the vehicle is parked, the TRD is used to obtain from the computer a parking authorization and an allowed parking time. Then a legitimate parking sign is displayed and the parking time is down counted until the allowed time has been completed or until the vehicle leaves the parking space. If communication with the computer cannot be established, the complementary box carries out an assumed parking procedure, stores its data in a buffer memory, and later transmits them to the computer for verification and registration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of signalling traffic-relevant status information (5), in particular warning signals, to road users. In order to convey warning signals in a simple and reliable manner to road users when these are distracted by terminal equipment, it is provided that the terminal equipment, in particular mobile telephone, audio device, computer, is used for acoustic and/or optical and/or mechanical signalling, during which time the normal function of the terminal is suppressed.

Abstract: A vehicle parking network comprises a transmitter-responder device (TRD) for each subscriber and a complementary box which can be coupled to the TRD and only to it, and permits it to communicate with a central computer. The complementary box is provided with identification marks that can be scanned from the outside and includes a microcontroller, memory means and timing means. Once the vehicle is parked, the TRD is used to obtain from the computer a parking authorization and an allowed parking time. Then a legitimate parking sign is displayed and the parking time is downcounted until the allowed time has been completed or until the vehicle leaves the parking space. If communication with the computer cannot be established, the complementary box carries out an assumed parking procedure, stores its data in a buffer memory, and later transmits them to the computer for verification and registration. The computer communicates the data of each parking to the Public Authority charged with collecting the parking fees.

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.