Abstract: A rear-viewing camera system for a vehicle is described that includes an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to identify a driving corridor in image data received from at least one camera. The driving corridor corresponds to a predicted path of motion of the vehicle travelling in reverse. When a moving object is detected in the image data, the electronic control unit predicts, based on the image data, whether the moving object will enter the driving corridor. If the moving object is predicted to enter the driving corridor, the electronic control unit calculates an estimated time when the object is predicted to enter the driving corridor.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for monitoring roadway traffic. A method includes transmitting wireless signals from at least one roadside equipment (RSE) device and receiving responses by the RSE device from a wireless device, the responses including a unique identifier corresponding to the wireless device. The method includes determining a signal strength of each of the responses by the RSE device and transmitting response data from the RSE device to a control system, the response data including the unique identifier, the signal strength of each of the responses, and times that the responses were received. The method includes detecting at least one vehicle by the control system using a vehicle detection device and associating the response data with the detected vehicle. The method includes determining traffic information associated with the wireless device based on the received response data and the associated detected vehicle.

Abstract: A system for the automatic identification of a vehicle according to the present invention comprises electronic identification means associated with a vehicle and electronic means for reading and/or writing the electronic identification means associated with the vehicle. The electronic identification means and the electronic reading and/or writing means comprising radio frequency transmission and receiving devices, preferably a HF and/or UHF radio frequency transmission device.

Abstract: A method for determining the length of the route travelled by a vehicle using a position measuring device that records positions of the vehicle and a digital road map, which is composed of road segments of known segment lengths. The method including recording positions of the vehicle on the route by means of the position measuring device, matching the recorded vehicle positions to a sequence of road segments, and determining the route length from the segment lengths of these road segments, wherein from the angle between at least two consecutive road segments and an assumed road width of the two road segments, a turn-off route of the vehicle from the one road segment into the other road segment is calculated. The calculated turn-off route is taken into consideration in the determination of the route length.

Abstract: There is provided a driving support apparatus. A recognition controller determines whether an object detected by processing a captured image by an object detection unit is a smoke-like object or not in a smoke-like object determination unit. When the detected object is determined to be the smoke-like object, the recognition controller checks a range distribution in a region of the smoke-like object, adds the result as attribute information of “density”, and transmits the resultant to a controller. The controller decides in a support operation level decision unit whether a pre-crash brake control can be executed or not and an intensity of an operation based on the attribute information of the smoke-like object. Thus, even if the smoke-like object is detected, an appropriate driving support process according to the condition can be executed.

Abstract: Embodiments of present invention provide a wireless traffic sensor system. The system includes a first and a second wireless traffic sensors being installed in ground along a vehicle passing path; and a battery charging unit in vicinity of the first and second wireless traffic sensors, wherein the battery charging unit converts solar power into a plurality of electrical pulses, the electrical pulses being transmitted to at least the first and second wireless traffic sensors; and wherein the first and second wireless traffic sensors convert the plurality of electrical pulses into DC power, the DC power being used in charging a rechargeable battery inside the first and second wireless traffic sensors respectively.

Abstract: A method for classifying a light object located ahead of a vehicle, the method including a determination of a brightness curve assigned to the light object via at least two images which depict the light object at different times and a combination of the brightness curve with a characteristic brightness curve, in order to classify the light object.

Abstract: An apparatus e firmly writes data to wireless IC tags and embeds the wireless IC tags having been written with data to the object to be embedded. The data writing apparatus includes a radio communication means for writing data to wireless IC tags through radio communication and a wireless IC tag charging member for embedding the wireless IC tags having been written with data to the object to be embedded with wireless IC tags being received in a mixing/kneading tank in the liquid, viscous or semisolid state. The radio communication means writes data to the wireless IC tags and the wireless IC tags having been written with data are embedded to the object to be embedded with wireless IC tags through the wireless IC tag charging member.

Abstract: A method and system produce a warning signal to warn a driver of a vehicle about a potential obstacle crossing behind the vehicle, for example as the vehicle is backing out of a parking space. The system and method use a sensor to detect, monitor and track the position and velocity of a potential obstacle relative to the subject vehicle, in a detection space behind and to the sides of the vehicle, preferably to predict the probability that the trajectory of the potential obstacle will intersect with the trajectory of the subject vehicle at a critical time.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to notifying a pedestrian of the intent of a self-driving vehicle. For example, the vehicle may include sensors which detect an object such as a pedestrian attempting or about to cross the roadway in front of the vehicle. The vehicle's computer may then determine the correct way to respond to the pedestrian. For example, the computer may determine that the vehicle should stop or slow down, yield, or stop if it is safe to do so. The vehicle may then provide a notification to the pedestrian of what the vehicle is going to or is currently doing. For example, the vehicle may include a physical signaling device, an electronic sign or lights, a speaker for providing audible notifications, etc.

Abstract: An Engineer's View (EV) wireless video system for powered and unpowered model railroad engines is disclosed. The invention uses commercially available wireless spy cameras, powered by a custom power supply circuit which is compatible with either DC or DCC track systems. The present invention is compatible with all commercial model railroad gauge diesel engines including HO and N Gauge or may be factory installed. The EV system demonstrates a remarkably stable and realistic image of a model railroad layout. Moreover, the present invention may also provide a stable source of power to the engine where stalling could occur at points of track defects.

Abstract: An adaptive sensing system is configured to acquire sensor data pertaining to objects in the vicinity of a land vehicle. The adaptive sensing system may be configured to identify objects that are at least partially obscured by other objects and, in response, the adaptive sensing system may be configured to modify the configuration of one or more sensors to obtain additional information pertaining to the obscured objects. The adaptive sensing system may comprise and/or be communicatively coupled to a collision detection module, which may use the sensor data acquired by the adaptive sensing system to detect potential collisions.

Abstract: This document describes systems and techniques that may be used to aggregate information about open parking spots from various different parking providers or organizations.

Abstract: A system and method to capture a plurality of images and store the captured images. The system has multiple camera systems capable of transmitting image data. At least one camera system is equipped with an apparatus for determining location coordinates such as GPS. A computer system monitors location coordinates, retrieves image data from the camera systems, and stores the image data into a file. A contiguous array of location coordinates is entered and the computer system locates camera systems within the contiguous array of location coordinates; retrieves image data from the located camera systems; and files the image data taken from each of the camera systems to obtain a file of image data. The system provides the ability to serially interleave frames or video captured from multiple sources.

Abstract: A vehicle system for determining that at least one mobile electronic device is generally stationary and is potentially forgotten is provided. The system includes a vehicle data bus and a control module. The vehicle data bus transmits a signal indicating at least one trigger event. The trigger event indicates a vehicle exit condition. The control module is in communication with the mobile electronic device and the vehicle bus. The control module is in communication with the mobile device through a data connection to receive information. The control module includes control logic for receiving the trigger signal from the vehicle data bus. The control module includes control logic for determining if the mobile electronic device has moved based on information received from the data connection. The control module includes control logic for determining if the mobile electronic device is generally stationary if the trigger signal is received.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer readable medium stores a computer program causing a computer to execute a process. The process includes determining traffic regulations which are applicable in a region of current surroundings of a vehicle. The process further includes determining if a driver of the vehicle violates at least one of the determined traffic regulations and determining a degree of severity of a violation. The process further includes determining a parameter illustrating a driving behavior of the driver of the vehicle based on the classified degree of severity of the violation. A message is then output including the determined parameter with at least one output device.

Abstract: A vehicle information transmission device prompts recognition of a certain object. The vehicle information transmission device prompts recognition of a position different from a position of the certain object.

Abstract: A system of communicating vehicle detection is provided. The system may include a probe having at least a probe controller and a magnetic sensor for detecting the Earth's magnetic fields, and a control system having a main controller, an output port and a two-wire interface for communicating with the probe. The probe controller may be configured to quantify detected magnetic fields into a sensor output value per iteration at a predefined frequency, and initiate an interrupt per iteration the sensor output value is determined to exceed a predefined sensor value. The main controller of the control system may be configured to communicate a supply signal to the probe over a first line of the two-wire interface, monitor a return signal from the probe over a second line of the two-wire interface for interrupts, and generate a call signal on the output port indicative of confirmed vehicle detection if the number of consecutive interrupts in the return signal exceed a predefined interrupt limit.

Abstract: A vehicular observation and detection apparatus and system incorporates a detection framework using video analysis to differentiate between motorized vehicles and bicycles for improved traffic flow and safety at intersections. The detection framework creates virtual zones overlaid on lanes of a roadway and analyzes input data representing objects in the virtual zones collected from one or more cameras positioned at or near the roadway.

Abstract: A method for interleaving time slots in a multi-antenna system for communication with RFID tags is disclosed. An example is shown for an eight antenna system. A first four antennas arranged side-by-side are sequentially energized to interrogate RFID transponders. A second set of four antennas arranged side-by-side, the first of which is adjacent to the last of the first set of antennas. A four-antenna sequence is performed for the first four antennas and a second four antenna sequence is performed for the second set of antennas. The first and second four antenna sequences are offset by only a marginal amount, sufficient to ensure that a transponder signal received four antennas away from an active antenna is not acknowledged because the receive window for the non-active antenna is delayed.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of the disclosed technology may include systems and methods for telematics monitoring. An example method is provided that includes receiving, at a mobile computing device, and from a Vehicle Identification Unit (VIU), identification (ID) data representing a first vehicle. The method further includes receiving, by the mobile computing device, sensor data from one or more sensors associated with the mobile computing device. Certain embodiments may further include receiving, at an Operational Measurement Unit (OMU), an operation indication associated with the first vehicle. The OMU may include an operational measurement component configured to advance an operational count in response to receiving the operation indication. Certain example embodiments may include transmitting telematics data by the mobile computing device. In certain embodiments, the telematics data may include least a portion of one or more of the ID data, the sensor data, and/or the operational count data.

Abstract: Each respective vehicle of a plurality of vehicles transports a vehicle navigation system. A position determining system determines a position and a velocity of the respective vehicle and an information acquisition system is operable to determine a displacement and velocity between the respective vehicle and a vehicle adjacent to the respective vehicle. An information communication system of a respective vehicle is operable to transmit first information (that vehicle's velocity and position) to other vehicles and to receive information from other vehicles regarding their velocities and positions. A vehicle routing system can determine a target routing and target velocity for moving the respective vehicle over a path including the roadway. Based on the received or determined information, the velocity of the respective vehicle can be controlled.

Abstract: A system and method for communication between an emitting motor vehicle (Ve) and at least one target, the emitting vehicle (Ve) including at least one light device, the method comprising the step of automatically modulating a light signal (S) emitted by the light device for a communication between the vehicle (Ve) and the target; and the light device being chosen from: a lighting device, a daytime running light (DRL), a position light.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel is detected by emitting a measuring beam, recording frequencies of a reflected measuring beam over time as a received signal, and detecting a change in the received signal as a wheel. The vehicle comprises an onboard unit that stores information that indicates the vehicle length at least indirectly. The information is read from the onboard unit by a radio communication and the speed of the vehicle is measured. The duration of the passage of the vehicle passing a detector unit is computed based on this information and the speed. A time window in the received signal is determined that shows an approximately constant change of the received signal over the aforementioned duration. A spurious signal component is determined in a segment of the received signal that immediately precedes the time window. The received signal in the time window is compensated by the spurious signal component.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a moving object impact detector is disclosed. A controller may receive input indicative of movement of an impact element from a first position to a second position. The controller may also receive an activation signal corresponding to the movement of the impact element. The controller may further receive input indicative of instructions to correlate the activation signal with the movement of the impact element. The controller may selectively set the activation signal as a reference signal for the detector, with the reference signal being indicative of an impact the moving object impact detector is set to detect.

Abstract: A vehicle powering wireless receiver for use with a first electromagnetic resonator coupled to a power supply. The wireless receiver includes a load configured to power the drive system of a vehicle using electrical power, and a second electromagnetic resonator adapted to be housed upon the vehicle and configured to be coupled to the load, at least one other electromagnetic resonator configured with the first electromagnetic resonator and the second electromagnetic resonator in an array of electromagnetic resonators to distribute power over an area, wherein the second electromagnetic resonator is configured to be wirelessly coupled to the array to provide resonant, non-radiative wireless power to the second electromagnetic resonator from the first electromagnetic resonator.

Abstract: In embodiments of vehicle detection, a first wireless device includes an interface to establish a wireless connection with a second wireless device. The first wireless device further includes a vehicle detection application that is configured to determine that the user is in a vehicle based on a connection status of the second wireless device with a vehicle kit device associated with the vehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle detection application initiates a driver mode responsive to determining that the user is a driver of the vehicle, and initiates a passenger mode responsive to determining that the user is a passenger in the vehicle.

Abstract: Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems are provided for authorizing an action using vehicle identification information (e.g., supplied by a vehicle) and user identification information (e.g., supplied by a mobile device associated with a user of the vehicle). Such an action may relate to, among other things, refueling the vehicle, parking the vehicle, using a fee-based road segment, and/or other vehicle-centric actions, for example. Moreover, in one embodiment, as part of the authorization, a payment transaction may be initiated by an authorization system configured to authorize the action.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and programs access map information including link information related to links that constitute a road, acquire a current location of a vehicle at unit time intervals, and acquire traffic information, which includes a distributed traffic congestion level of each link at predetermined time intervals. Each time the vehicle exits a link, the devices, methods, and programs sequentially store the exited link in an exited link train based on the map information. If the traffic information has been received, the devices, methods, and program store the distributed traffic congestion level included in the received traffic information as a traffic congestion level in association with a portion of the exited link train within a range from the current location at a received time point when the traffic information has been received to a location that is a predetermined distance behind the current location at the received time point.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to notifying a pedestrian of the intent of a self-driving vehicle. For example, the vehicle may include sensors which detect an object such as a pedestrian attempting or about to cross the roadway in front of the vehicle. The vehicle's computer may then determine the correct way to respond to the pedestrian. For example, the computer may determine that the vehicle should stop or slow down, yield, or stop if it is safe to do so. The vehicle may then provide a notification to the pedestrian of what the vehicle is going to or is currently doing. For example, the vehicle may include a physical signaling device, an electronic sign or lights, a speaker for providing audible notifications, etc.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to locating systems, and more particularly, to handheld locator systems for locating personnel or other objects in buildings or other environments. In one illustrative embodiment, a tag is attached to an object to be located (e.g. firefighter). The tag may be configured to emit a first signal and a second signal, where the first signal and the second signal having disparate propagation characteristics in the environment. In some cases, the first signal may be an acoustic signal and the second signal may be an RF signal, but this is not required in all embodiments. By using a first signal or set of signals, and then automatically switching to another signal or set of signal(s) when the first signal or set of signals are not received clearly, the tag/receiver system may help mitigate the failure modes/weaknesses of any single technology, and may provide advantages over use of any of the technologies used singly.

Abstract: A method for managing vehicle check in at an automotive service center comprising the steps of connecting a device to the diagnostic port of an unknown vehicle and, without user input to the device, automatically downloading vehicle identification data and odometer data from the vehicle, transferring the vehicle identification data and odometer data from the device to work station at the service center, wherein the work station include a database, programmatically populating the vehicle identification data and odometer data into the database, the work station retrieving information based on one or both of the vehicle identification data and the odometer; and displaying the retrieved data on one or both of a computer and a paper printout.

Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating local traffic flow are described. One embodiment of a method includes determining a driving habit of a user from historical data, determining a current location of a vehicle that the user is driving, and determining a current driving condition for the vehicle. Some embodiments include predicting a desired driving condition from the driving habit and the current location, comparing the desired driving condition with the current driving condition to determine a traffic congestion level, and sending a signal that indicates the traffic congestion level.

Abstract: A distributed remote sensing system including a group of gateways and a sensing device group associated with each gateway in the group of gateways wherein the sensing device group associated with one gateway is different than another sensing device group associated with a different gateway.

Abstract: A remote meterless parking monitoring system including a plurality of individual parking spaces, a plurality of vehicle detector/RFID units for monitoring the status of the individual parking spaces; at least one Gateway device responsive to the plurality of vehicle detector/RFID units; a Command and Control Server for employing numerous security provisions at least including encryption of data, Virtual Privacy Networks, firewalls and authenticated connections and responsive to data from said Cellular gateway via the internet; and the Command and Control Server uses the status of each space and the ID from the motorist's RFID tag to cross reference data according to a Policy database and identifying the motorist through a Motorist Database including information about the motorist's mailing address, vehicle payment account balance or other information.

Abstract: A mobile electronic apparatus includes a memory that stores a search range of an object and a processor that executes a process. The process includes acquiring a moving speed of the mobile electronic apparatus, determining the search range of the object on a basis of the moving speed, detecting the object existing within the search range, detecting whether a display unit of the mobile electronic apparatus is in an active state, and notifying that the object is detected when the display unit is detected to be in the active state and the object existing within the search range is detected.

Abstract: An example vehicle communication device includes a vehicle installed unit and a portable unit in communication with the vehicle installed unit. The portable unit communicates a message through the vehicle installed unit to a remote location, and the vehicle installed unit adds information to the message.

Abstract: A method of using a directional sensor for the purposes of detecting the presence of a vehicle or an object within a zone of interest on a roadway or in a parking space. The method comprises the following steps: transmitting a microwave transmit pulse of less than 5 feet; radiating the transmitted pulse by a directional antenna system; receiving received pulses by an adjustable receive window; integrating or combining signals from multiple received pulses; amplifying and filtering the integrated receive signal; digitizing the combined signal; comparing the digitized signal to at least one preset or dynamically computed threshold values to determine the presence or absence of an object in the field of view of the sensor; and providing at least one pulse generator with rise and fall times of less than 3 ns each and capable of generating pulses less than 10 ns in duration.

Abstract: Systems and methods for requesting modification of traffic flow control systems that combine satellite position navigation systems and dead reckoning technology with secure radio communications to accurately report a vehicle's real-time location and estimated arrival times at a series of signal lights within a traffic grid or at a distant signal light, while enabling signal controllers to accommodate priority requests from these vehicles, allowing for these vehicles to maintain a fixed schedule with minimal interruption to other grid traffic.

Abstract: A method of using a directional sensor for the purposes of detecting the presence of a vehicle or an object within a zone of interest on a roadway or in a parking space. The method comprises the following steps: transmitting a microwave transmit pulse of less than 5 feet; radiating the transmitted pulse by a directional antenna system; receiving received pulses by an adjustable receive window; integrating or combining signals from multiple received pulses; amplifying and filtering the integrated receive signal; digitizing the combined signal; comparing the digitized signal to at least one preset or dynamically computed threshold values to determine the presence or absence of an object in the field of view of the sensor; and providing at least one pulse generator with rise and fall times of less than 3 ns each and capable of generating pulses less than 10 ns in duration.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for automatically creating stopping rates of vehicles at signal-equipped intersections. A signal-equipped intersection to be subjected to specifying of stopping rates at signal-equipped intersections is selected from a signal-equipped-intersection information storage unit as a target intersection, a pass-through-intersection extraction that extracts a signal-equipped intersection that was passed-through just before reaching the target intersection as a pass-through intersection is conducted according to a prescribed rule, driving-history data of a probe car is classified for each of the routes that start from the pass-through intersection and pass through the target intersection, and the rate at which the probe car stopped at the target intersection is specified as a stopping rate, for each of the classified routes.

Abstract: An object detection device, including: an imaging unit that is mounted on a movable body; an object detection unit that calculates an image displacement of a partial image between two images captured by the imaging unit at different times, and performs detection processing to detect an object in an image based on at least the image displacement; and a control unit that changes a manner of performing the detection processing based on a position in the image in a lateral direction of the movable body.

Abstract: A traffic sensing system for sensing traffic at a roadway includes a first sensor having a first field of view, a second sensor having a second field of view, and a controller. The first and second fields of view at least partially overlap in a common field of view over a portion of the roadway, and the first sensor and the second sensor provide different sensing modalities. The controller is configured to select a sensor data stream for at least a portion of the common field of view from the first and/or second sensor as a function of operating conditions at the roadway.

Abstract: Provided is an object detection apparatus capable of accurately estimating the movement amount of the position, which moves within an oncoming vehicle, of a reflection point of an electromagnetic wave radiated from a radar apparatus, and using the movement amount for collision possibility determination. The object detection apparatus provided in a vehicle includes: a relative position detection section radiating the electromagnetic wave to an object in front of the vehicle, and receiving a reflection wave from the object, thereby detecting the relative position, to the vehicle, of an electromagnetic wave reflection point on the object reflecting the electromagnetic wave; and a movement amount estimation section capable of, based on the relative position to the vehicle of the electromagnetic wave reflection point, estimating, as continuous values, a movement amount of the electromagnetic wave reflection point on the object from a predetermined timing until the object approaches the vicinity of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle detector capable of detecting motorized vehicles, bicycles only or both types of vehicle in a loop near a controlled intersection. The vehicle detector includes a processor under control of machine readable code for controlling the operation of one or more oscillators coupled to one or more loops. Manually actuatable switches enable the entry of mode settings—i.e., motorized vehicle and bicycle detect or bicycle only detect—and clearance time parameters for ensuring that one or more bicycles can safely proceed through an intersection when given a green light. Selection of the Bicycle detect mode is denoted by the entry of a non-zero value in an initial timer using one or more of the switches.

Abstract: Provided are a loop type automobile sensing device formed integrally with a small loop coil, which has the automobile sensing sensitivity of a related art loop type automobile sensing device using a large loop coil, so as to greatly facilitate installing and maintaining of the loop type automobile sensing device and to expand the application scope of the loop type automobile sensing device, and a parking information system using the loop type automobile sensing device. In addition, the loop type automobile sensing device integrally formed with the loop coil is provided in plurality as automobile sensors to detect the presence and moving state of an automobile according to a signal from the automobile sensors, to control operations of a plurality of cameras, warning lamps, and display devices installed to a parking lot, and to notify parking information and automobile movement information.

Abstract: A notification apparatus for notifying a passenger in a vehicle of existence of a specific object disposed on a road includes: an information obtaining device that obtains positional information indicative of a position of each specific object and angle information indicative of a direction of each specific object; a candidate retrieving device that: sets an inclusive region including a driving schedule route; and retrieves one specific object in the inclusive region as a notification object candidate; a first eliminating device that eliminates the one specific object from the notification object candidate when the one specific object does not correspond to a driving direction; and a second eliminating device that eliminates the one specific object from the notification object candidate when the one specific object is not disposed on the driving schedule route.

Abstract: Approaches for monitoring traffic signal preemption at one or more intersections. According to one embodiment, a road map that includes a plurality of roads and intersections is displayed with a computer system. Preemption data periodically received by the computer system from at least one preemption controller at a respective intersection is used to update the road map. In response to the preemption data, the road map is updated to include a traffic signal icon at the respective intersection and a vehicle icon at a location on the map corresponding to a location of a vehicle transmitting a preemption request as indicated by the preemption data.

Abstract: A method includes transmitting a measurement command from a controller to an occupancy sensor with an address that corresponds to an occupancy sensor identifier. The measurement command causes the occupancy sensor to transmit an ultrasonic signal into a parking space, receive echo signals reflected back to the occupancy sensor, and determine, based on the echo signals, whether the associated parking space is occupied or empty. The method includes subsequently sending a status check to the occupancy sensor and receiving a response that includes the occupancy sensor's determination as to whether the associated parking space is occupied or empty. The method also includes calibrating the occupancy sensors from the controller.

Abstract: The invention includes using multiple wireless vehicular sensor nodes to wirelessly receive multiple, time-interleaved vehicular waveform reports from the nodes. Each vehicular waveform report approximates a raw vehicular sensor waveform observed by a magnetic sensor at the node based upon the presence of a vehicle. The vehicular waveform reports are products of this wirelessly receiving process. The invention includes apparatus supporting the above outlined process. The vehicular waveform reports may be time synchronized.