Abstract: An autonomous emergency braking system includes an accelerator pedal operated by the driver coupled to a braking system and used to control the overall vehicle speed. When a forward detection apparatus detects an imminent contact, the braking system automatically applies braking force to the vehicle while the vehicle engine speed is reduced. The amount of brake force applied is a continuous function of relative speed, relative distance, collision probability and target classification. The braking force may be reduced when the driver or passenger are unbuckled or may be disabled if the driver applies full throttle.

Abstract: The antenna of a side-looking pre-crash sensor (12) is aimed, either electronically or mechanically, in correlation with the travel velocity of a host vehicle (10). As the forward travel velocity of the host increases, the antenna beam (16) remains aimed laterally, but in an increasingly forward direction.

Abstract: An enhanced autonomous emergency braking system includes an accelerator pedal operated by the driver and used to control the overall vehicle speed. When a forward detection apparatus detects an imminent contact, the braking system automatically applies braking force to the vehicle while the vehicle engine speed is reduced. The amount of brake force applied is a continuous function of relative speed, relative distance, collision probability and target classification. The braking force may be reduced when the driver or passenger are unbuckled or may be disabled if the driver depresses the accelerator pedal by a predetermined amount. In addition, the amount of brake force applied by the driver is amplified to further enhance braking performance.

Abstract: A force deflection device (1) is disclosed for adapting a lap strap to enhance the comfort of the wearer and optimize the introduction of forces for use by pregnant women and the overweight, comprising a force deflection strap (6) with a first end, which is to be attached to the lap strap, and a second end, which is to be passed through the gap between the seat cushion and the seat back and to be attached to the seat. This second end of the force deflection strap (6) has attached to it a fixing element (2), which is preferably plate-shaped, that cannot pass through said gap in a transverse position relative to the seat. The fixing element (2) can be attached to the rear side of the seat back by means of a hook and loop fastener (3). At its first end, the force deflection strap (6) preferably has a hook (4) and eyes (5) that can be hooked into the latter, allowing it to be looped around the lap strap.

Abstract: A method for operating a pre-crash sensing system 10 for a first vehicle (11) proximate a second vehicle (72). The second vehicle (72) generates a cruise control signal. The cruise control signal is detected at the first vehicle. In response to the cruise control signal a vehicle data signal from the first vehicle is generated. The first vehicle data signal may include various information from the first vehicle including sensor data, heading data, and vehicle classification data. The transponder of the first vehicle may also be activated in response to an urgent event. The data signal is formed in response to the urgent event and broadcast from the first vehicle to all nearby vehicles.

Abstract: A control system (10) for an automotive vehicle (50) has a remote object sensor (18) that generates an object signal in the presence of an object. A vehicle trajectory sensor (34) generates a signal indicative of the vehicle traveling on a curved road. A vehicle speed sensor (32) generates a speed signal corresponding to the longitudinal speed of the vehicle. A controller (12) is coupled to the object sensor (18), the vehicle trajectory sensor, and the vehicle speed sensor. When the remote object sensor (18) indicates the presence of an object with a minimum cross section in a pre-defined decision zone meeting pre-defined relative velocity criteria, and when the vehicle speed is above a first threshold and below a second threshold, and when said vehicle trajectory signal indicates the vehicle traveling on a curved road with a radius of curvature above a threshold value, a vehicle safety countermeasure system (40) is deployed.

Abstract: A system for sensing a potential collision of a first vehicle (11) with a second vehicle (72) that transmits a second position signal. The first vehicle has a pre-crash sensing system (10) includes a memory (14) that stores vehicle data and generates a vehicle data signal. A first global positioning system (18) generates a first position signal corresponding to a position of the first vehicle. A first sensor (20) generating sensor data signals from the first vehicle. A receiver (22) receives a second position signal and a road condition signal from the second vehicle. A countermeasure system (40) is also coupled within the first vehicle. A controller (12) is coupled to the memory (14), the global positioning receiver (18) the first sensor (20) and the counter measure system (40). The controller (12) determines a distance to the second vehicle in as a function of the second position signal. The controller determines a first vehicle trajectory from the sensor data signals and the position signal.

Abstract: A collision countermeasure system (10) for an automotive vehicle (12) is provided. The collision countermeasure system (10) includes an object detection system (14) having at least one transceiver (34). The object detection system (14) generates and wirelessly transmits an object detection signal via a first transceiver. A countermeasure controller (16) wirelessly receives said object detection signal via a second transceiver and performs a countermeasure in response to said object detection signal. A method for performing the same is also provided.

Abstract: A pre-crash sensing system is provided for sensing an impact of a target vehicle (46) with a host vehicle (12). The target vehicle (46) has side transponders that generate side identification signals. The host vehicle (12) has a remote object sensor (20) that generates an object distance signal in response to the target vehicle. A countermeasure system (42) resides in the host vehicle (12). A controller (14) in the host vehicle is coupled to the remote object sensor (20) and the countermeasure system (42). The controller (14) activates the countermeasure in response to the object distance signal and side identification signal.

Abstract: A method for operating a pre-crash sensing system for a vehicle having an object detecting system and an associated data storage. The method includes partitioning the vehicle operating environment into a plurality of zones wherein each zone represents a different area surrounding the vehicle. In response to detecting an object within any one of the zones, the method activates the zone, and modifies an state of the object detection system and the contents of,the data storage as a function. the active zone. In one embodiment, three zones are disclosed wherein each zone represents a spheroidal area surrounding the vehicle. When the furthest zone is active, all data within the data storage is given approximately equal processing priority. When the middle zone is active, the content of the data storage is modified to prioritize data regarding the detected object for processing.