Abstract: A working vehicle includes a vehicle body, an obstacle detector to detect an obstacle in a vicinity of the vehicle body, at least one lamp to be lighted on a peripheral portion of the vehicle body, and an attachment bracket attached to the vehicle body. The attachment bracket includes an attachment body including a detector-attaching portion to which the obstacle detector is attached, and at least one lamp-attaching portion to which the at least one lamp is attached.

Abstract: A surgical robotic system automatically calibrates tubular and flexible surgical tools such as endoscopes. By compensating for unideal behavior of an endoscope, the surgical robotic system can accurately model motions of the endoscope and navigate the endoscope while performing a surgical procedure on a patient. During calibration, the surgical robotic system moves the endoscope to a target position and receives data describing an actual position and/or orientation of the endoscope. The surgical robotic system determines gain values based at least on the discrepancy between the target position and the actual position. The endoscope can include tubular components referred to as a sheath and leader. An instrument device manipulator of the surgical robotic system actuates pull wires coupled to the sheath and/or the leader, which causes the endoscope to articulate.

Abstract: A system for displaying vehicle driving information may include: first and second image acquisition devices configured to capture an image of a first side on which a driver seat is located and an image of a second side which is the opposite side of the first side, respectively; first and second display devices configured to display the captured images of the first and second image acquisition devices, respectively; first and second BSD devices and configured to sense side-rear vehicle information; and a control device configured to recognize the location and vehicle distance of the side-rear vehicle by analyzing the side-rear vehicle information detected by the first and second BSD devices, determine whether to issue a BSD warning, and control BSD warning icons of the ego vehicle and the side-rear vehicle to be displayed as an OSD of the images displayed on the first and second display devices.

Abstract: A grounded operations facilities management system is disclosed that can facilitate communications in grounded operations facilities. Specifically, a method is provided for managing and supervising trucks as they park in truck spots to await freight deposits. Check-in instances reflecting, among other things, the actual truck spot a fleet vehicle is parked in can be retrieved by a client from a server or database in operable communication with the client, and upon instantiation and execution of several processes, the check-in instance can be updated and retrieved/served as needed throughout the system. The system can be managed and controlled via a geofence, such that fleet vehicle operators can only check-in to particular truck spots when located within the geofence.

Abstract: A mobile robotic device is disclosed which includes a plurality of one-dimensional (1D) time-of-flight (ToF) sensors. Each 1D ToF sensor of the plurality of 1D ToF sensors may be mounted at a fixed position and orientation on the mobile robotic device. Each pair of 1D ToF sensors of the plurality of 1D ToF sensors may be fixed at respective positions and orientations relative to each other such that respective cones of coverage of the pair of 1D ToF sensors are non-overlapping.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for segmenting a data frame to be acquired into a number of incremental data of equal data length. A first incremental data of the data frame can be acquired from one or more sensors. The first incremental data of the data frame can be processed while a next incremental data of the data frame is being acquired from the one or more sensors. The acquiring and processing of incremental data of the data frame can continue until a last incremental data of the data frame is acquired and processed. Processed incremental data can be outputted as a processed data frame.

Abstract: The vehicle driving assist apparatus of the invention provides a display device with an attention display command when an attention condition that a time predicted for a vehicle to reach a target is larger than a lower limit threshold time and smaller than or equal to a display start threshold time is satisfied. The lower limit threshold time is larger than or equal to a display time required for one attention display operation to be completed. The display start threshold time is larger than the lower limit threshold time. When the attention display condition is not satisfied, the apparatus does not provide the display device with the attention display command.

Abstract: A parallel running vehicle detecting apparatus is provided, which includes a first distance sensor for detecting distance of an object in a first detection area on a rear lateral side of a vehicle, a second distance sensor for detecting distance of an object in a second detection area, a parallel running vehicle detector for detecting a parallel running vehicle based on detections of the first and second distance sensors, and a storage for storing a detection distance history of the second distance sensor. The parallel running vehicle detector is provided with multiple determination conditions for determining whether the object detected by the first distance sensor is the parallel running vehicle, and changes the parallel running vehicle determination condition based on the detection distance history stored in the storage.

Abstract: In a method and a device for determining the position of an object in relation to a vehicle, for use in a driver assistance system of the vehicle, a first ultrasound pulse is transmitted by an ultrasound sensor situated on the vehicle, the ultrasound pulse including multiple predefined transmission frequencies which result in a variation of the directional characteristic of the ultrasound sensor. The transmitted first ultrasound pulse is reflected on the object and is received again as a first echo pulse. A frequency spectrum of the first echo pulse is subsequently determined, and a first absolute value of a relative offset angle of the object is determined as a function of the frequency spectrum of the first echo pulse and the directional characteristics.

Abstract: A system and method for compensating ultrasonic sensors mounted on a vehicle for speed of sound variations. The ultrasonic sensor is operatively coupled to a power train control module having a pressure sensor that continuously monitors atmospheric pressure and a controller configured for computing a compensated speed of sound using the monitored atmospheric pressure. The ultrasonic sensor sends an ultrasonic wave and determines the time lag in receiving the reflected ultrasonic wave from an object. Subsequently, the ultrasonic sensor generates a signal corresponding to the relative distance between the vehicle and the object using the compensated speed of sound and the time lag.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a vehicle. An apparatus comprises a proximity detection system, a vehicle management system, and a notification system. The proximity detection system is associated with an aircraft and operably connected to a transducer. The proximity detection system is configured to determine a distance of a vehicle from a surface of the aircraft and a velocity of the vehicle relative to the aircraft. The vehicle management system operably connected to the proximity detection system. The vehicle management system is configured to determine a time the vehicle will be a threshold distance from the surface of the aircraft and an threshold amount of time to bring the vehicle to a predetermined velocity. The notification system is associated with the proximity detection system and configured to generate a notification signal in response to a determination that the time is less than the threshold amount of time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a converter (200) for signals between a safety device (300) and a universal safety control device (100) for a vehicle. At the converter (200) the safety control device (100) can be connected at a control device interface (200.1) and at least one type of safety devices (300.2) can be connected at at least one safety device interface (200.2) and wherein the converter (200) converts a signal of the safety control device (100) into a signal, which is suitable for the respectively connected type of safety device (300.2), to the respective safety device interface (200.2). It is proposed to embody the converter (200) such that it detects a condition at the safety device interface (200.2), in particular a diagnostics condition signal and converts it into a condition accordingly predefined at the control device interface (200.1), preferably in a manner which does not require an adaptation of the control device or of its software.

Abstract: A vehicle has wheels, sensors for generating an input data set, and a controller. The controller is in communication with the sensors, including a first sensor for detecting an obstacle on a road surface in a first manner, and adapted to monitor a boundary of the road surface to determine when the wheels are crossing the boundary. A second sensor detects the obstacle in a second manner, and additional sensors determine inertial data of the vehicle. The controller compares the input data set to calibrated thresholds, and determines an appropriate control response such as autonomous braking based on the results. A method optimizes a collision preparation response in the vehicle by measuring the inertial data, detecting the obstacle using a radar or LiDAR device, and monitoring the boundary using an electro-optical device. A supplemental braking force is automatically applied when the vehicle crosses the boundary while the obstacle is detected.

Abstract: A device, program and method for monitoring the environment of a vehicle capable of moving according to a path. The device, program and method comprises the steps of calculating a plurality of critical levels of driving depending on detection sensors, parameters related to the vehicle and an obstacle being in the environment of the vehicle, determining if an obstacle is on the path of the vehicle and depending on the calculated critical levels of driving and determination of an obstacle on the path of the vehicle, making a decision concerning the braking of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for detecting the surface character of objects in road traffic or of persons, especially pedestrians, vehicles, obstacles and the like, in which signals are emitted from a vehicle that are reflected by a person or an object, and in which the reflected signals are received and evaluated in the vehicle, wherein the emitted signals are transmit pulses whose echo pulses are received, and based on the signal characteristics of the echo pulses, the surface character is inferred, and from that, it is inferred whether a person or an object is positioned in front of the vehicle.

Abstract: A hostless automobile reverse radar warning system installed to an automobile includes a reverse signal light power module for supplying an electric power required by the system, a plurality of distance sensing modules installed to an external periphery of the automobile for performing a distance detection to detect external environment conditions of the automobile, producing a distance detection result, and generating a warning signal based on the distance detection result, and a warning module for receiving the warning signal and producing a sound to alert a driver based on the warning signal.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer utilizes a unique forward acoustic transmission line comprised of a composite structure partially consisting of a portion of a continuous smooth sheet of material, such as an automobile bumper, from which the acoustic beam is emitted. This makes it invisible to sight, thus allowing for an improved object detection system in which the sensors cannot be seen, so that they do not interfere with the smooth lines that were designed into the surface of the object or vehicle onto which they are mounted. This is a significant improvement for applications where the look and style of the surface of the platform is important, such as in automotive park assist systems.

Abstract: A vehicle presence notification apparatus generates a notice sound by emitting an ultrasonic wave in mid air based on an ultrasonic signal modulated according to an audible sound. During proceeding in mid air, the modulated ultrasonic wave is self-demodulating to become an audible sound. The audible sound posterior to the self-demodulation has a significant directionality like the ultrasonic wave. The notice sound is thus conveyed mainly to a pedestrian who is present in a dangerous area range where a danger needs to be taught. In addition, the vehicle presence notification apparatus includes a sensor-use ultrasonic transducer device having a transducers. The transducer device serves as a vehicle velocity sensor by transmitting an ultrasonic wave towards a road surface based on an ultrasonic wave signal or modulated ultrasonic wave, thereby enabling the vehicle presence notification apparatus to acquire vehicle velocity information by itself.

Abstract: A collision avoidance system for use with vehicles includes a sensor mounted on a moving vehicle, wherein the sensor is operative to measure the distance between an overhead obstacle ahead of the vehicle and the sensor itself; a processor connected to the sensor; means for determining a reference height which is the height above ground level at which the sensor is mounted on the vehicle, and wherein the reference height is entered into the processor; means for determining the height of the tallest portion of the vehicle above ground level, wherein the height of the tallest portion of the vehicle is also entered into the processor; and wherein the processor adds the reference height to the distance between the obstacle and the sensor to determine a measured height of the obstacle, and wherein the processor produces an alarm if the measured height of the obstacle is less than the height of the tallest portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicular collision avoidance system includes a sensor mounted on a vehicle, wherein the sensor is operative to measure the distance between an overhead obstacle ahead of the vehicle and the sensor; a processor connected to the sensor; means for determining a reference height which is the height above ground level at which the sensor is mounted on the vehicle, and wherein the reference height is entered into the processor; means for determining the height of the tallest portion of the vehicle above ground level, wherein the height of the tallest portion of the vehicle is also entered into the processor; and wherein the processor adds the reference height to the distance between the obstacle and the sensor to determine a measured height of the obstacle. The processor produces an alarm if the measured height of the obstacle is less than the height of the tallest portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: An obstacle detecting device includes a wall member and an ultrasonic sensor. The wall member has a base member having an inner surface, and the base member extends in parallel with an imaginary plane. The ultrasonic sensor is attached to the inner surface of the base member for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave via the base member. The ultrasonic sensor includes an ultrasonic transducer, and is in contact with the base member via a contact portion of the inner surface of the base member. The wall member includes a plurality of rigidity changing portions that are arranged on an other part of the inner surface other than the contact portion in an arrangement direction away from the contact portion.

Abstract: A human echolocation system emits toward a target a series of sound pulses beginning at a low frequency and progressing stepwise to a high frequency. Echoes of the pulses enable the user to estimate location, distance and dimensions of the target. Target location and distance are estimated based on a stretched echo delay, while target dimensions are estimated based on a musical pitch corresponding to the echo frequency.

Abstract: An underwater depth discrepancy system and method are provided. A comparator compares an actual underwater depth with a predetermined/prerecorded chart depth corresponding to a current location corresponding to the location of the actual underwater depth. A first signal is generated when the actual underwater depth is greater than the chart depth while a second signal is generated when the actual underwater depth is less than the chart depth. The current location and actual underwater depth are recorded whenever the first or second signal is generated. In addition, one or more alarms are generated when the second signal is generated.

Abstract: The present invention comprises systems and methods for preventing collisions between aircraft and ground vehicles. In one embodiment, a system includes a proximity detection unit and a transducer proximate to a selected structural portion of an aircraft, the proximity detection unit being operable to emit ranging signals through the transducer and to receive reflected signals through the transducer to determine the position of an object within a ranging area adjacent to the structural portion. The system further includes an alarm device coupled to the proximity detection unit that is responsive to a signal generated by the proximity detection unit. In another embodiment, a method includes determining a distance between the ground service vehicle and a selected structural portion of the aircraft when the vehicle is positioned in a ranging area about the aircraft. The method further includes generating a proximity alarm based upon the distance.

Abstract: A vehicle operation assist system includes as assist yaw rate calculator which calculates a necessary moving amount to avoid an obstacle based on a detection result of the obstacle by a radar device, and a vehicle movement controller controls lateral movement of the vehicle based on the calculated moving amount. When an avoiding operation detector determines initiation of an obstacle avoiding operation by the driver, the vehicle movement controller operates a braking device to control the lateral movement of the vehicle, so that the obstacle can be reliably avoided. When a restoring operation detector determines initiation of a restoring operation, the vehicle movement controller operates a power steering device to control the lateral movement of the vehicle, so that delay in the steering operation by the driver, and excessive restoring operation of the steering handle to compensate for the delay are suppressed, thus stabilizing vehicle behavior.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor for detecting an object includes: a substrate; a transmission device for transmitting an ultrasonic wave; a plurality of reception devices for receiving the ultrasonic wave; and a circuit for processing received ultrasonic waves, which are received by the reception devices after the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the transmission device is reflected by the object. The transmission device and the reception devices are integrated into the substrate. The dimensions of the sensor are minimized, and detection accuracy of the sensor is improved.

Abstract: A start assist system for motor vehicles, including a long-range locating system for determining the location of vehicles traveling ahead and a starting regulator for initiating and controlling a starting operation, wherein the locating system is combined with a near-range locating system for determining the location of objects directly ahead of the host vehicle and a decision unit is designed to suppress the starting operation in response to a signal from the near-range locating system.

Abstract: An acoustic collision detection system that enables an aircraft to detect an approaching target, recognize the potential for collision and change course to maintain a safe separation distance, with or without operator invention. The acoustic collision detection system consists of an array of acoustic probes and a digital signal processor which receives acoustic data from the approaching target. The digital signal processor is configured to receive acoustic data from the array of acoustic probes; filter out noise and its own acoustic signals; extract the acoustic signals emanating from the approaching target; calculate the intensity, the bearing and the bearing angle rate of change of the approaching target, and determine whether the aircraft and the approaching target are on a potential collision course.

Abstract: A method for measuring a distance of an object with a distance measuring unit, the method including: sending a first signal from the distance measuring unit toward the object; receiving a second signal from the object; and measuring the second signal via the distance measuring unit; wherein the distance measuring unit is enclosed within an electronic meter that is attachable to a fuel heating tank, the electronic meter used for tracking, verifying, and recording one or more variables.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor for detecting an object includes: a substrate; a transmission device for transmitting an ultrasonic wave; a plurality of reception devices for receiving the ultrasonic wave; and a circuit for processing received ultrasonic waves, which are received by the reception devices after the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the transmission device is reflected by the object. The transmission device and the reception devices are integrated into the substrate. The dimensions of the sensor are minimized, and detection accuracy of the sensor is improved.

Abstract: An obstacle detection system has multiple ultrasonic sonars. When a threshold value used for determining an existence of an obstacle is compared with a receiving signal having been amplified at a predetermined gain, the sonar having a receiving mode is provided with the gain which is higher than that of the sonar having a sending/receiving mode. Thus, the sensitivity of the sonar having the receiving mode can be improved so that a continuous sound field of the sonar is broadened. Accordingly, the distance of the border of the continuous sound field of the obstacle detection system from the vehicle can become substantially even.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor includes a sending element for sending an ultrasonic wave to an object to be detected, a receiving portion for receiving the ultrasonic wave reflected by the object, an oscillating portion that oscillates by the ultrasonic wave transmitted thereto, and a supporting portion for holding an end part of the oscillating portion. The receiving portion is exposed to a space where the object exists. The receiving portion and the oscillating portion are connected through the supporting portion such that the ultrasonic wave received by the receiving portion is transmitted to the oscillating portion through the supporting portion. The oscillating portion is separate from the receiving portion by the supporting portion.

Abstract: A method and a device for monitoring a space for the presence of a foreign body comprises at least one transmitter and a first and second receiving device. The signal of the second receiving device which is spaced further apart from the transmitter than the first receiving device is evaluated for its parasitic signal portions. If the distance between the first and the second receiving device is not too great, it can be assumed that parasitic signal portions detected in the second received signal are also contained in the first received signal. In this case, it is recommended to discontinue monitoring the space or to discard any result of this monitoring already obtained at least until no parasitic signal portions are detected in a repeated evaluation of the second received signal.

Abstract: An underwater vehicle including an axi-symmetric framing system rotatable about a centerline to define a shell of revolution having a uniformly-convex outer boundary. A narrow-beam sonar array is mounted on the axi-symmetric framing system, and includes a multitude of simultaneously-fireable and/or asynchronously-fireable transducers distributed substantially evenly over a 4?-steradian viewing angle. The present invention provides the necessary configuration for a vehicle wherein an internal algorithm can compare a “new” geometry to an “old” geometry collected earlier to construct a best fit of the new world map with the old world map and locate the vehicle within the context of the new world map. This then provides a completely independent mechanism for correction of the gradual drift in x and y that is not dependent on any form of external navigation aid.

Abstract: An obstacle sensor includes: a supersonic sensor for detecting an obstacle in a first range, the supersonic sensor including a substrate, a transmission device and a reception device disposed on the substrate; a detection element for detecting the obstacle in a second range; and a case. The reception device includes multiple reception elements. At least a part of the first range of the supersonic sensor is different from the second range of the detection element. The supersonic sensor and the detection element are disposed in the case.

Abstract: A method for filtering an object by a vehicular sensor system, including emitting a first signal, detecting a first echo, the first echo including at least a portion of the first signal reflected by the object, filtering a first time value of the first echo, emitting a second signal, detecting a second echo, the second echo including at least a portion of the second signal reflected by the object, and filtering a second time value of the second echo.

Abstract: The apparatus includes transmitter-receiver units (10, 20) for emitting acoustic signals in the form of beams (F1, F2) directed rearwardly of the stern and for receiving acoustic signals reflected by the fixed structure (B, C). The number of transmitter-receivers and the beam angles of the respective beams are determined so as to include substantially the entire area behind the stern in their field of view. Each transmitter-receiver includes a transducer for converting input electrical signals into output acoustic signals and for converting reflected acoustic signals into output electrical signals which are supplied to an electronic processor unit. On the basis of electrical input and output signals, the processor unit determines the instantaneous distance between the vessel and the fixed structure. A visual and/or acoustic signalling device is connected to the processor unit for emitting a visual and/or acoustic signal in real time indicating the instantaneous distance determined.

Abstract: The adaptive system and method for ultrasound sensing comprises re-evaluating over time the detection threshold for predetermined sensing positions along the scanning direction to cope for the static target and environment changes at the sensing positions. The method includes comparing the measured echo value at each sensing position to a reference echo value corresponding to the same sensing position, and to iteratively determine a new reference value whenever the echo value is greater than the reference echo value and that the difference between the measured echo value and the reference echo value is lower than a detection assurance factor. The use of the adaptive ultrasound sensing system and method allows locating the sensor at different location without requiring a new calibration thereof, since the sensor learns the clutter dynamically and the detection thresholds are being built accordingly without being dependent on the environment in which the sensor is located.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a universal replaceable back radar, wherein a head sleeve and a vehicle-reversing module thereof are separately designed and coated, an ultrasonic head is coupled to the connecting block of the vehicle-reversing module, an angle-adjust pad is also clamped to the connecting block of the vehicle-reversing module, and a big and a small hook platelets each with different heights are separately installed at both sides of one face of the angle-adjust pad and press against the internal face of a downward-tilt or an upward-tilt bumper. The universal replaceable back radar of the present invention can simplify the assemblage thereof and save the coating step thereof and its man-hour.

Abstract: A primary transceiver of a primary vehicle transmits a first transmission signal to a first transponder and a second transponder associated with a secondary vehicle. A first transponder antenna and a second transponder antenna are associated with secondary vehicular reference points. Upon receipt of the first transmission signal, the first transponder transmits a second transmission signal to a first beacon of the primary vehicle and the primary transceiver. A transmitter antenna and the first beacon antenna are associated with primary vehicle reference points. Upon receipt of the first transmission signal, the second transponder transmits a third transmission signal to the first beacon and the primary transceiver. A data processor or estimator determines propagation times associated with the first transmission signal, the second transmission signal, and the third transmission signal.

Abstract: A proximity warning system is disposed in a sound protecting earmuff-type headset or other means of providing acoustic ear protection. The ear protector prevents the user from hearing damage from high levels of ambient sound and would otherwise generally make the user unable to hear the sounds of approaching objects like vehicles and machinery. However, an audio transducer is provided in each ear shell of the headset and is connected to a ranging device, which in the illustrated embodiment is an infrared ranging device which generates an alarm signal upon the approach of an object within a predetermined critical alarm limit. A plurality of variable alarm signals can be provided to distinguish the direction, size and speed of the approaching object. In general, the ranging device may be optical, acoustic, thermal or electromagnetic.

Abstract: A plurality of ultrasonic sensors are installed at predetermined positions of an automotive vehicle. Each sensor has the capability of performing calculation for measuring a distance between an obstacle and the automotive vehicle and transmitting distance information representing a measured distance of the obstacle. A control unit receives the distance information and generates an alarm signal based on the distance information.

Abstract: A back-up detecting device with a distance reset capability has a controller with an intensity analysis program and a distance reset function. When an ultrasonic transceiver is installed underneath a vehicle chassis forward of the rear end, a distance correction called a distance pad is measured, calculated and stored in memory by the distance reset function. The distance pad is the distance between the ultrasonic detector and the rear end of the vehicle. When the distance reset capability is used to determine a distance pad for each ultrasonic transceiver, the back-up detecting device presents accurate distances to objects without regard to the structure of the vehicle body without having to alter system hardware or software. Thus the back-up detecting device is suitable for large vehicles of varied shapes and sizes.

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

Abstract: A detector set on a motor vehicle emits a beam of light forward and receives a beam reflected from an object and determines the distance to the object. Displacement in the direction of emission of the beam is detected and corrected by recognizing the received beam as having been reflected by an overhead beam reflector of a known height of a part of the road surface and by measuring the distance to the point where the reflection has taken place. The slope of the beam-reflecting road surface may be used to determine the displacement of the direction of beam emission. The speedometer of the motor vehicle may be checked to determine whether it is running at a constant speed such that only measurements taken while the vehicle is running smoothly can be used for the calculation.

Abstract: A drive alert system and method for a host vehicle having an adaptive cruise control system. The driver alert system determines if the adaptive cruise control system is on or off and adjusts the factors for determining braking capability and delay, when determining driver alert situations. The system and method also evaluates a vehicle situation relative to a phase plane, having axes of relative speed and relative acceleration of the host vehicle relative to a preceding vehicle, and compares the vehicle situation to a threshold for a particular region of the phase plane.

Abstract: When an electronic control unit (ECU) detects that an ignition key is turned to an accessory-on position, it is monitored whether or not an object exists in the vicinity of an exhaust tail pipe. In case where the object is detected in the vicinity of the exhaust tail pipe, a warning is raised inside and outside of a vehicle. At the same time, when it is detected that the ignition key is turned to an engine starting position, the ECU inhibits starting the engine of the vehicle for safty.

Abstract: A navigational system for surface vessels that provides warning of impending grounding occurrences. A data base of bottom contours and submerged obstructions is compared to various indicators of the surface vessel's position and motion to provide alerts and to display bottom hazards ahead of the vessel.

Abstract: A navigational system for submersible vessels that provides warning of impending grounding occurrences. A data base of bottom contours and submerged obstructions is compared to various indicators of the submersible vessel's position and motion to provide alerts and to display bottom hazards ahead of the vessel.

Abstract: A sonic blind spot monitoring system for alerting a driver when a vehicle is positioned in a blind spot. The sonic blind spot monitoring system includes a vehicle. A sonar device is coupled to the vehicle for emitting a sonar wave into an area adjacent to the vehicle corresponding to a blind spot for a driver of the vehicle. The sonar device includes a sonar receptor for receiving a reflection of the sonar wave for detecting an object in said blind spot. A display device is coupled to the vehicle. The display device is positioned within the vehicle whereby the display device is visible to the driver of the vehicle. The display device is operationally coupled to the sonar device for displaying a visual signal when the sonar device detects the object in the blind spot.