Abstract: A traffic information warning system for conveying first and second messages regarding a traffic situation from a traffic advisory site is disclosed. The system comprises a transmitter adapted for placement at the advisory site and a receiver. The transmitter includes an oscillator for transmitting a first carrier signal and a second carrier signal. The first carrier signal has a first discrete carrier frequency and the second carrier signal has a second discrete carrier frequency. The first and second discrete carrier signal frequencies are located at a frequency location. The first message of a traffic situation is reflective of the specific frequency locations of the first and second discrete frequencies. A modulator modulates the first carrier signal with a modulating signal reflective of the second message regarding the traffic situation. The second carrier signal comprises an unmodulated signal.

Abstract: In control apparatus and method for controlling an inter-vehicle distance to another vehicle traveling ahead of the vehicle, an inter-vehicle distance from the vehicle to another vehicle running on a traffic lane at the detected inter-vehicle distance from the vehicle is detected through an inter-vehicle distance detector; a follow-up running control for the vehicle is performed by a vehicular running controller such that the vehicle runs behind the other vehicle, maintaining a predetermined inter-vehicle distance to the other vehicle; and a vehicular velocity variation inhibit command is generated and outputted to the vehicular running controller to maintain a vehicular running state immediately before the inter-vehicle distance detector changes from a first state in which the inter-vehicle distance to the other vehicle is being detected into a second state in which the inter-vehicle distance becomes indetectable is continued for a duration of time until the vehicle passes the traffic lane by the inter-vehic

Abstract: A method and apparatus for warning drivers as to the presence of a concealed hazard. A first step involves providing a sign capable of changing from an inactive mode to a warning mode upon receiving a signal. A second step involves providing a transmitter compatible with the signs receiver. A third step involves positioning the sign at a location along a highway that is visible a sufficient distance from the concealed hazard to provide warning to drivers of approaching vehicles. Where the concealed hazard is a concealed school bus stopping location, it is preferred that the transmitter be positioned in a school bus so as to enable a driver of the school bus to remotely change the sign from the inactive mode to the warning mode as the school bus approaches the concealed stopping location.

Abstract: An emergency warning system for buses, trucks or other vehicles. The system warns a driver of a potentially dangerous condition such as the approach of a train at a railroad crossing or the approach or presence of an emergency vehicle such as an ambulance, fire truck or police unit. A dedicated radio or other frequency is transmitted directly to to the bus or vehicle and a warning light and audible warning sound is generated. Multiple dedicated frequencies may be utilized in the system.

Abstract: When a vehicle traveling ahead of another vehicle and a reflector on a road exist laterally adjacent each other, signals indicative of reception levels of waves reflected from the objects are added together for every beam to carry out the detection of the target. The preceding vehicle and the reflector are detected in an integrally merged form because the wave reflected from the reflector is strong. Therefore, in a region influenced by the wave reflected from the reflector, only the reflector is detected without addition of the signals indicative of reception levels of the reflected waves for every beam. In a region which is not influenced by the wave reflected from the reflector, the preceding vehicle is detected by adding the signals of the reflected waves together. Thus, the reflector and the preceding vehicle can be detected in a discriminating manner.

Abstract: An angularly adjustable side view mirror mounted upon a first vehicle is normally positioned to display to the driver reflections of the area at the side and rear of the vehicle. The mirror is temporarily angularly adjusted by a motor, out of its normal position into a temporary position which displays to the driver a following vehicle that is momentarily located in the first vehicle's side blind spot area. The motor angularly turns the mirror a predetermined amount from its pre-set normal position to its pre-determined temporary position and then back to its normal position in response to signals from a detector. The detector senses the presence of a following vehicle in the blind spot area and, consequently, activates the motor to move and hold the mirror in the temporary blind spot area viewing position while the vehicle is located therein.

Abstract: This application of a law in physics discloses relatively uncomplicated techniques for reducing the impact of auto collisions on our highways by providing aid to the motorist in slowing down his vehicle in time to avoid a hard collision, if such is to occur. The vehicle slows down from the blasts of high pressure air emitted from air valves in the auto's front end, producing a reaction of slowing down the vehicle. The blasts of air also aid in pushing the other vehicle out of the way so that the impact if any, would be less severe. The air valves in the auto's front end can be remotely swivable, servo driven, enabling the motorist to direct the air blasts in the direction of the menacing vehicle. The air blasts can be produced automatically from a simple calculation, providing the time in seconds for a collision to occur. If the time is less than a predetermined set value, then the air blasts are automatically turned on.

Abstract: In apparatus and method for controlling a vehicular velocity for an automotive vehicle, a vehicular velocity and an inter-vehicle distance from the vehicle to another vehicle which is running ahead of the vehicle are detected, a lateral acceleration imposed on a vehicle body of the vehicle which is generally developed when the vehicle is running on a curved road is detected, a target value of the vehicular velocity of the vehicle according to which a detected value of the inter-vehicle distance is made equal to value of a target inter-vehicle distance is calculated, a correction is made on the calculated value of the target vehicular velocity according to a detected value (magnitude) of the lateral acceleration (lateral G), the vehicular velocity of the vehicle is controlled in such a manner that the detected value of the vehicular velocity is made equal to the corrected target vehicular velocity.

Abstract: A sensor system for detecting impacts to a vehicle, allowing for actuation decisions of passive restraint devices. The sensor system includes one or more piezoelectric sensor assemblies (42), each including a coaxial piezoelectric cable (44) contained within a tube housing (54), which is mounted to a structural member of the vehicle. The sensor system may also include accelerometers (36, 38) that are also in communication with the restraints control module (40) and employed in combination with one or more piezoelectric sensor assemblies (42). Further, the sensor system may include diagnostics for monitoring one or more of the sensor assemblies (42) in order to detect a sensor failure, while not interfering with the impact signals from the sensor assemblies (42).

Abstract: An automated railroad crossing warning system includes a housing mounted at the intersection of a railroad track and a roadway with directional horns oriented in opposite directions to direct horn blasts along the roadway. A light is mounted on the housing for viewing by a railroad engineer. A control unit detects the presence of a train approaching the intersection and transmits a signal to the horns to activate the horns. A horn detector transmits a signal to the control unit upon activation of the horns at a predetermined decibel level. The control unit then activates the light such that the railroad engineer can visually determine that the horns at the intersection are being activated. The control unit includes an electronic circuit which causes the horns to produce blasts in a predetermined sequence which matches the conventional signal produced by a train engine upon approaching such a crossing.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for analyzing range and range rate data obtained by a vehicle obstacle detection system to determine whether the dynamic situation justifies alerting the vehicle operator of reducing the speed of the vehicle. Assumed values of vehicle and obstacle deceleration are used with known and assumed values of their velocities to calculate limiting warning distances that in turn are used to calculate an estimated warning distance. The estimated distance is compared with the range value as a basis of determining whether an alert is made.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle and method for controlling it includes an input unit to receive one or more travel orders, a route planning unit containing at least one position finding device and digital street map, a vehicle path generating a unit, an array of sensors including at least one range sensor for detecting objects and at least one range sensor for detecting the condition features of the route, a collision avoidance unit, a vehicle condition data recognition unit, a vehicle control unit and a unit for controlling the vehicle actuator system based on the signals generated by the vehicle control unit, wherein the array of sensors includes at least two essentially horizontally directed range sensors at the front of the vehicle, at least one range sensor at the rear area of the vehicle, at least one trackable range sensor on the roof of the vehicle and directed at the roadway, ultrasonic sensors and/or microwave radar sensors arranged on each side of the vehicle, and at least one camera located in each of the f

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a vehicle theft alarm using a handheld computing device. A handheld computing device is disclosed that includes an image capture device, a location determination system and a communication device. The handheld computing device can be used for capturing images and transmitting images to other locations via the communication device. The handheld computing device also includes a position determining system for determining position of the vehicle. The handheld computing device can be located within a vehicle and the alarm system activated such that, upon the occurrence of an alarm triggering event, the image capture device captures images of the driver's compartment of the vehicle and the location determination system determines the location of the vehicle. The captured images and the determined location are transmitted through the communication device to a designated remote location.

Abstract: One or more video cameras are mounted on the vehicle to make continuously a visual record of the scene in a region around the vehicle. Camera images during a time interval covering the current time and the recent past are stored on-board the vehicle, preferably, digitally recorded in a compressed format. In addition, data (e.g. one or more operating parameters such as speed, GPS data, engine, and/or brake operating parameters) from the vehicle's on-board embedded computers covering the present and recent past interval are also preferably digitally stored on-board the vehicle. An accident detector or detectors on-board the vehicle, for example a biaxial accelerometer, generate a trigger signal in response to an accident, such as the vehicle striking something or being struck by another vehicle. In response to an accident detector trigger signal, the data stored on-board the vehicle is automatically transmitted over a wireless link (e.g.

Abstract: A protection sensor for a lawn vehicle includes a substantially unidirectional antenna operatively coupled to a Doppler detection circuit. The Doppler detection circuit generates a radio frequency signal which is radiated by the antenna. When the radiated signal strikes an object, such as a person, animal or another moving lawn vehicle, within a predefined detection region of the sensor, the signal is reflected and received by the antenna. The Doppler detection circuit generates an output signal responsive to a difference in frequency between the radiated signal and the reflected signal, thereby indicating the presence of the moving object within the protection region of the sensor. The unidirectional antenna virtually eliminates false detections generated by the lawn vehicle, to which the sensor is mounted, or by the operator of the vehicle.

Abstract: A holder is provided for the reception and selective shielding of an electronic vehicle identifying device conventionally used in conjunction with automatic toll collection. The holder includes a shielding portion which is manually actuated by the vehicle operator when it is desired to permit communication between the signal of the vehicle identifying transponder and an externally located interrogator which ascertains the presence of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus based thereon are described for the automatic recognition of whether, in a traffic situation or in a traffic environment, vehicles are driving on the right or on the left. Said method is used in a motor vehicle as part of adaptive speed control. The prevailing direction of traffic flow is determined on the basis of other vehicles, which are traveling toward the cited vehicle. For this purpose, a frequency distribution is created as a function of a lateral, preferably directional distance y; a center of gravity S of this frequency is determined; and then it is determined on what side of the controlled vehicle this center of gravity S is located.

Abstract: A collision preventing apparatus of a vehicle for preventing a collision with a preceding vehicle running ahead of the vehicle has an image processor and a computer for calculating inter-vehicle distance, an inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle and the preceding vehicle, and a safe-inter vehicle distance between the vehicle and the preceding vehicle while observing a third vehicle running ahead of the preceding vehicle, judging a hazard of collision with the preceding vehicle based on the inter-vehicle distance and the safe inter-vehicle distance, and warning a driver of the hazard. Since the vehicle having the collision preventing apparatus runs calculating the inter-vehicle distance in conjunction with the third vehicle, a collision with the preceding vehicle can be prevented, even when a driver of the preceding vehicle applies an emergency brake to avoid a collision with the third vehicle running ahead of the preceding vehicle.

Abstract: A School bus alert system has a school bus outfitted with message emitter. The school bus alert system also includes a set of roadway signs having alarm units directly or indirectly responsive to the messages emitted by the school bus emitter. The roadway signs are provided along the roadway approaches to a given bus stop. Upon activation by the messages from the school bus, the alarm units go active and give off an obvious sensible warning that is reasonably interpretable by motorists or drivers that (i) they--the motorists or drivers--are approaching the given bus stop and (ii) there concurrently is a school bus stopped or servicing passengers at the bus stop.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting vehicular speed monitoring signals and for detecting nearby emergency vehicles includes a first sensor for sensing modulated light from an emergency vehicle warning light and generating an alarm signal in response; a second sensor for sensing an incident vehicular speed monitoring signal and generating a ranging signal in response; and an alarm coupled to the first and second sensors for issuing an alarm in response to generation of any of the ranging signal and the alarm signal.

Abstract: An improved safety restraint system for a motor vehicle including: safety restraint device such as a seat belt and air bag(s) for protecting an occupant during a crash, a processor for predicting the collision of an obstacle with the motor vehicle and for generating an output signal to activate various actuators, actuators for activating the restraint devices in dependence with an output of the sensors various sensors including a radar microwave or millimeter wave system for generating and propagating electromagnetic radiation waves and to receive reflected waves, the transmitted and received waves being of predetermined frequency, wavelength, spectrum, duration and power to provide a desired sensing range and response.

Abstract: A controller for airbags and seat belt pretensioners stores a digital flag for each restraint to enable or disable the corresponding deployment loop. A diagnostic tester is coupled by a communications link to the controller to selectively set the flags as desired. The controller stores a seed and a key and the tester is provided with an algorithm which can calculate the key from the seed. The tester requests the seed, which is supplied, and then calculates the key and sends the key to the controller along with a request to set the status of the deployment loops. If the transmitted key matches the stored key, the controller will comply with the request and set the flags accordingly.

Abstract: A system which accurately detects a position of a vehicle on a road regardless of weather is disclosed. Radio wave reflecting bodies are placed on a road, and transmitter-receiver which can transmit and receive radio waves of wavelength is longer than a millimeter are placed on a vehicle. Based on a ratio of reception strength of the transmitter-receiver in the right and left of the vehicle, a displacement of the vehicle relative to the radio wave reflecting body is detected. The radio wave reflecting bodies have apertures or notches in a predetermined interval so that the radio wave signals reflected thereby has periodicity, and can be distinguished from other objects on the road.

Abstract: A traffic light control apparatus for emergency vehicles for enabling control of a plurality of traffic signal lights disposed at a controlled intersection by an operator of an emergency vehicle and for disabling a conventional traffic signal light controller used for controlling the operation of the traffic signal lights.

Abstract: A system for monitoring operation and location of a moving first vehicle relative to a second 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 roadway deviation prevention system prevents a vehicle from deviating from the roadway. This roadway deviation prevention system has an on-vehicle transceiver which transmits a vehicle presence signal having a prescribed frequency, and data carriers, which are installed on a road, for emitting a warning signal resonating with the vehicle presence signal when the vehicle comes close to the data carriers. The on-vehicle transceiver has an annunciator which generates an alarm sound to inform the presence of the data carriers to the driver of the vehicle based on an induced voltage generated in the transceiver unit by the electromagnetic induction of the warning signal. The data carrier emits the warning signal based only on the energy generated when the resonance circuit receives the vehicle presence signal. Thus, this data carrier operates with no power source.

Abstract: A vehicle warning sign system for alerting motorists of the existence of a vehicle, such as a school bus, stopped ahead, the system including a transmitter attached to the vehicle for transmitting a wireless signal to a receiver mounted on a sign structure, the sign structure having at least one visual indicator coupled to the receiver for producing a visual signal, the sign structure having an energy source coupled to the visual indicator and the receiver, and the visual indicator being activated when the receiver receives the wireless signal.

Abstract: A vehicle identification system for identifying motor vehicles in a group of vehicles at distances in excess of 200 feet is disclosed. The system includes an interrogator for directionally broadcasting an interrogation signal toward a vehicle of interest and a set of vehicle identification tags attached to the vehicles for receiving interrogation signals and sending a response signal to the interrogator. The response signal consists of information from the memory in the vehicle identification tag which allows the interrogator to identify the ownership or registration of the vehicle. Preferably, the tags have at least two memory portions with one portion being more secure than the other. Information useful to law enforcement agencies may be stored in the more secure memory portion and information for public or commercial use, such as parking access codes and toll information may be stored in the less secure memory portion.

Abstract: Vehicles are prevented from colliding with each other at an intersection provided with no traffic light or having an obstructed view. A road-side apparatus is provided in the intersection and a on-board apparatus is provided on a vehicle. The on-board apparatus communicable with the road-side apparatus via a wireless packet communication. An empty wireless packet is periodically transmitted from the road-side apparatus in each of directions corresponding to roads extending from the intersection. The on-board apparatus returns a returning wireless packet to the road-side apparatus by providing a vehicle ID code to the empty wireless packet. A wireless packet including the vehicle ID code of one of the vehicle is transmitted to each of the directions corresponding to the roads when the one of the vehicle is determined to be provided with permission for entering the intersection.

Abstract: A locating system and method employs a plurality of radio frequency readers arrayed with respect to a region having a plurality of zones within which a plurality of radio frequency tags are to be located. Each reader identifies those tags present within its coverage area. The coverage areas of all the readers taken together substantially cover the region and at least part of the coverage area of each reader overlaps at least part of the coverage area of at least one other reader. A data processor receives the identification of the tags within the coverage area of each reader and applies a set of locating rules to determine therefrom in which zone within the region each identified tag is located.

Abstract: A vehicle warning system consisting of a transceiver that augments the audible warnings of standard or emergency vehicles by transmitting and receiving a signal (in conjunction with activation of the typical audible warnings; e.g., horns and/or sirens) which, when received, triggers a visual stimulus to alert drivers to the hazardous condition within the vicinity of their vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle obstruction avoidance system particularly for reversing a vehicle towards obstructions not visible in the wing mirrors. A radar head is mounted on the rear bumper, the head including a scanner and sensor. The total range of interest is only a few meters and provides very little time for processing echoes from all range cells in the range. The invention provides a system in which only one range cell is processed with each pulse transmission and the range cell is stepped on for the next pulse.

Abstract: A device in a motor vehicle, with which signals which are generated by a sensor and represent a physical magnitude are transmitted on signal lines. The device includes a voltage divider which is composed of the sensor and at least two impedances which are connected each at one end of the sensor. The signals generated by the sensor are guided, via signal lines connected at its terminals, to a differentiator, by which the usable signal is obtained, and interference signals coupled onto the signal lines are eliminated. Alternatively, the device can also be used for transmission on a signal line pair of any desired potential difference present at an impedance.

Abstract: A radar detecting circuit adapted to be on the vehicle detects a radar signal and selectively provides a radar detect signal in response to detecting the radar signal. The vehicle's speed is determined such as indicated by a tachometer signal or a global positioning system (GPS) receiver adapted to be on the vehicle and providing a GPS speed signal representative of the vehicle speed. An alarm responsive to both the radar detect signal and the GPS speed signal provides an alarm indication when a radar signal is detected and the vehicle speed is above a preset maximum, such as the speed limit. The operator indicates the present maximum speed via an input device such as a keypad or via voice recognition software.

Abstract: An emergency response security structure-opening assembly for use in unlocking a locked structure comprising: a radio frequency receiver formed to detect only uncoded radio frequency signals on a restricted emergency radio frequency; an actuator coupled to said receiver and formed for coupling to one of a security structure lock assembly and an unlocking mechanism for a security structure lock assembly at a position by-passing any authorized user input device; said receiver being responsive to detected signals to actuate said actuator and produce unlocking of said lock assembly.

Abstract: A scan-type radar apparatus for a vehicle which determines whether an object detected by the radar exists in the lane in which the radar equipped vehicle is moving with a high accuracy while restricting an increase of the manufacturing cost of the radar apparatus. A scan-type radar detects objects existing in a detectable range, the scan-type radar apparatus assuming a vehicle moving lane area corresponding to a vehicle moving lane in which the vehicle is moving based on an operating condition of the vehicle, the vehicle moving lane area being assumed within the detectable range. An actual direction of each of the objects is detected by the scan-type radar with respect to the radar equipped vehicle.

Abstract: An emergency vehicle alert device including a transmitter secured within an emergency vehicle. A receiver is secured within a non-emergency vehicle. The receiver cooperates with the transmitter for receiving a signal therefrom. The receiver couples with an existing emergency flasher fuse in a fuse box of the non-emergency vehicle for activation of emergency flashers upon receiving a signal from the transmitter.

Abstract: A device for determining the distance between vehicles according to this invention is used with a vehicle for determining the distance to a vehicle ahead of the device-equipped vehicle moving on a traffic lane defined by lines drawn on a road. The device comprises a pair of light receivers each having at least one light sensor array, a line detector for detecting images at points at which the quantity of light takes maximum values on the light sensor array of at least one of the light receivers as the lines and providing an output signal representing the positions of the lines, a measuring range detector responsive to the output signal of the line detector for detecting a range of the traffic lane on which the device-equipped vehicle is moving; and a distance detector for determining the distance to the vehicle ahead on the basis of positions where an image of the vehicle ahead is formed on the light sensor array within the range of the traffic lane detected by the measuring range detector.

Abstract: An intersection warning system includes a vehicle-side system provided in a vehicle, and a road-side system. The vehicle-side system includes a transmitting unit emitting a radar signal to a forward area of the vehicle, a receiving unit receiving a signal from the forward area of the vehicle, a reflected signal detecting unit determining whether the signal received by the receiving unit is a reflected signal of the radar signal emitted by the transmitting unit, and warning means for issuing a warning when the reflected signal detecting unit determines that the received signal is the reflected signal of the radar signal.

Abstract: A new Emergency Vehicle Warning System for warning vehicles of the approach of an emergency vehicle. The inventive device includes a receiver which provides both a visual message warning of an approaching emergency vehicle but also an additional flashing indicator light. The receiver also provides an audible warning signal which is selectively controlled by a button on the receiver. An alternate receiver is provided which includes the pictures of a plurality of different emergency vehicles and a flashing indicator associated with each vehicle. When the receiver receives a signal transmitted by an emergency vehicle, the flashing light of the corresponding emergency vehicle on the receiver is activated, thus indicating what type of emergency vehicle is approaching.

Abstract: A device for emitting signals from a vehicle indicating the type vehicle, its operating status and a safe following distance to be observed by a following vehicle. For this purpose a laser beam source is mounted preferably at a location on an upper portion of the vehicle which emits the signal. The laser beam generated by the source is directed downward toward the road surface, so that the point of impact is situated at a minimum safe following distance. The point of impact may be adjusted based on vehicle operating parameters, and more than one color or more than one laser source may be used to convey additional information.

Abstract: A new object sensing device for a vehicle for alerting a driver of a vehicle while backing up of an object or obstruction that is close to the vehicle. The inventive device includes a mounting frame which is mountable to a license plate of a vehicle. A transmitter for transmitting a signal is provided on the mounting frame. Also provided on the mounting frame is a receiver for receiving a signal transmitted from the transmitter and reflected off of an object towards the receiver. A control panel is operatively connected to the receiver. The control panel has a plurality of indicators for indicating to a user a reflect signal received by the receiver. The control panel is mountable in the interior of a vehicle.

Abstract: A security structure-opening assembly (12) for use in unlocking a locked structure (24) comprising: a radio frequency receiver (16) formed to detect radio frequency signals on a radio frequency; an actuator (20) coupled to the receiver (16) and formed for coupling to one of a security structure lock assembly (25) and an unlocking mechanism (22A) for a security structure lock assembly (25) at a position by-passing any authorized user input device (23); the receiver (16) being responsive to detected signals to actuate the actuator (20) and produce unlocking of the lock assembly (25). At progressively higher levels of security, the radio signal is analyzed by a private line detector circuit (30), a digital burst detector circuit (31) and a decoder circuit (32).

Abstract: An emergency vehicle detection system is provided including a first microphone mounted to a front end of a vehicle for receiving audio signals and a second microphone mounted to a rear end of the vehicle also for receiving audio signals. A pair of wires are provided having a first end connected to an associated one of the microphones. An indicator light is positioned on a dash of the vehicle for illuminating upon the actuation thereof. A high pass filter resides in communication with the wires for abating frequencies of the audio signals that reside below a predetermined amount. Finally, a level detector is connected between the high pass filter and the indicator light. In use, the level detector is adapted to actuate the indicator light upon the detection of an audio signal with a magnitude greater than a predetermined level.

Abstract: With the vehicle anti-collision system of the present invention, road vehicles in the vicinity of a railway crossing are alerted as a train approaches the crossing. A signalling device operating in conjunction with a GPS receiver located in the train emits a signal to a receiver located at the railway crossing to provide an indication of the rail vehicle's location with respect to the railway crossing. The signal is sent continuously at predetermined intervals to provide the railway crossing with sufficient data to estimate the velocity and time of arrival of the train or railway vehicle at the crossing. The railway crossing processes the information and transmits an alarm signal to approaching road vehicles as the rail vehicle approaches the crossing. The signal emitted by the crossing is received at the road vehicle which provides various levels of alarms depending on how close the rail vehicle is to the crossing.

Abstract: A method of reducing the travelling speed of a vehicle which has a multi-cylinder, piston-type internal-combustion engine, a variably controllable valve drive and a collision avoidance system includes the following steps: continuously determining, by the collision avoidance system, an actual distance between the vehicle and a vehicle ahead and comparing the actual distance with a speed-dependent minimum safe distance; and braking the vehicle by switching over at least one of the engine cylinders to a compressor operation when the actual distance falls below a minimum safe distance.

Abstract: An optical path degradation detecting device having a laser distance detector which uses a laser beam to detect the distance between two objects and which generates distance signals representative of the distance between the two objects. A first predetermined point signal is generated upon the distance signals being in a distance representative of a first predetermined distance or less, and a second predetermined point signal is generated upon the distance signals being in a distance representative of a second predetermined distance or less, wherein the second predetermined distance is less than the first predetermined distance. A fault signal is generated if the second predetermined point signal is generated within a predetermined time interval relative to the generation of the first predetermined point signal.

Abstract: In a vehicular drive assist system for warning a driver to pay attention to a preceding vehicle running ahead when a vehicle comes close to the preceding vehicle and the distance between these two vehicles becomes smaller than a safe inter-vehicle distance, this safe inter-vehicle distance is automatically established in two stages according to traffic conditions. One stage is where road is empty and another is where road is crowded. Since the safe inter-vehicle distance at the crowded condition is established to be a smaller value than the one at the empty condition, when road is crowded, due to the shortened safe inter-vehicle distance, warning is prevented from being issued so frequently.

Abstract: A vehicle exterior object detector apparatus includes a transmitter and receiver carried within a housing and mounted by a holder to a support on the vehicle. A heater element is carried in the holder in surrounding relationship with one end of the transmitter and receiver housing for melting ice and snow build up on the end of the housing for proper operation of the transmitter and receiver.

Abstract: An electronic encoder/transmitter encodes acoustic and visual signal pulses for transmission to other vehicles. A device transmits alarm signals instantaneously when the vehicle self collides, becomes blocked in the road, or when the vehicle is on a collision course with another vehicle. The device receives signals from sensors and enters a function to send an encoded radio signal via an antenna. A manual switch may also be used. Signals received by the decoder/receiver may be visualized by colored LEDs placed at a front panel. The transmitted signal is sent to all vehicles driving in the immediate area. The present invention includes acoustic and visible pulses to warn of risks and collisions which may happen in a short distance and not be visible between the vehicles. The present invention also includes an alarm placed on all four sides of the vehicle and connected to an automatic hydroelectric brake system for reducing the speed of the vehicle.