Abstract: A method for testing cameras includes positioning a camera such that an image of a target is displayed on a monitor within at least one default image parameter. The method further includes engaging a dimming condition of a light source from the camera, thereby generating a lighting condition signal. Subsequently the camera receives the lighting condition signal and displays it on the monitor. A group of observers then analyze the lighting condition signal. The method continues through engaging a second dimming condition of the light source from the first camera, thereby generating a second lighting condition signal, which is also displayed on the monitor. The group of observers then analyzes the second lighting condition signal.

Abstract: A tool for assessing the position of an indicator mark disposed on a seat of a vehicle. The tool includes an arm adapted to contact an anchorage and a plurality of lasers adapted to project a set of beams toward the seat. The set of beams define an area indicative of a desired location of the indicator mark.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a pre-crash sensing system (12) (“PCS system”) for a vehicle (18) for processing images within a substantially quick time. This system (12) includes one or more sensors (14) for detecting one or more objects (16) that are located external to the vehicle (18). These sensors (14) are coupled to a controller (22) for transmitting data associated with a detected object (16) to the controller (22). The controller (22) utilizes an algorithm to store this data and the object's identity. Also, the controller (22) utilizes the algorithm to classify the object into a predetermined category when the controller (22) determines that the object (16) requires classification.

Abstract: A fuel cut-off control system (12) for a vehicle (10) is provided. This system (12) includes one or more crash sensors (24) for detecting a fuel cut-off event and for generating a crash signal. These sensors (24) are coupled to a controller (26) and are utilized for transmitting the crash signal thereto. This controller (26) is coupled to a fuel supply system (14) and is intended to temporarily disable the fuel supply system (14) when the controller (26) receives the crash signal. The controller (26) is also coupled to an indicator mechanism (28) and is intended to transmit a cut-off notification signal to the indicator mechanism (28). This indicator mechanism (28) can then display a cut-off notification message to an occupant of the vehicle (10). Finally, the controller (26) also has a reset mechanism (30) coupled thereto. This reset mechanism (30) is intended to be manually operated by the occupant for the purpose of returning the fuel supply system (14) to an operational condition.

Abstract: An adaptive collision load path modification system (10) for a vehicle (12) includes multiple object detection sensors (14) that generate object detection signals. The system (10) may include a structural stiffness-adjusting device (46), which is coupled within a frame rail (58, 62) of the vehicle (12), and in addition or alternatively a tire deflation apparatus (48). A controller (18) is coupled to the object detection sensors (14) and through use of the structural stiffness-adjusting device (46) or the tire deflation apparatus (48) adjusts collision load paths of the vehicle (12) in response to the object detection signals. In so doing, the controller (18) may activate the structural stiffness-adjusting device (46) and deflate a tire (76) of the vehicle (12).

Abstract: A multi-chambered bumper airbag for deployment from the bumper of a vehicle in the event of a collision with another vehicle is provided. The airbag comprises a main inflatable portion that, when inflated, absorbs the energy from contact with a structural member of the struck vehicle. The airbag also has one or more secondary inflatable portions concentric with the main inflatable portion. Because the secondary inflatable portions have a lower gas pressure than the main inflatable portion, they are used to cushion the occupant of the struck vehicle should the occupants' head and neck be forced out of the window of the struck vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle control system includes a conventional electrical locking system in tandem with a system providing an encrypted code sent along a CAN (Control Area Network) link to unlock the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods of performing threat assessment of objects for a vehicle include detecting an object. Kinematics of the vehicle and of the object are determined. A brake threat number and a steering threat number are determined in response to the kinematics of the vehicle and the object. The threat posed by the object is determined in response to the brake threat number and the steering threat number.

Abstract: A vision system (10) for a vehicle (14) includes a light source (46) that generates an illumination beam (20). A receiver (92) generates an image signal in response to a reflected portion of the illumination beam (20). A transmission sensor (120) generates a transmission signal. A controller (50) is coupled to the light source (46), the receiver (92), and the transmission sensor (120) and enables activation of the light source (46) in response to the transmission signal.

Abstract: A system and method for brake pre-charging includes pre-filling brakes, based on proximity information from a forward-looking sensor, to reduce the initial delays associated with braking. By reducing the initial delay in converting driver brake pressure requests into actual brake torque to the wheels, the stopping distance required for braking is reduced.

Abstract: A night vision system for a vehicle includes a first light source for illuminating a region proximate the vehicle, the light source generating a first night vision pulse signal. The system further includes a light sensor receiving a second night vision pulse signal from an approaching vehicle, wherein the second night vision pulse blinds the first night vision pulse signal. A controller shifts pulses from the first night vision pulse signal in a different direction than pulses from the second night vision pulse signal until an anti-blinding of the first night vision pulse signal by the second night vision pulse signal is achieved.

Abstract: A pre-crash sensing system is coupled to a countermeasure system that has at least a first countermeasure and a second countermeasure. The pre-crash sensing system has a vision system (26) that generates an object size signal and an object distance signal. A controller (12) is coupled to the vision system (26) and deploys either the first countermeasure or first and second countermeasures in response to the object distance and object size.