Abstract: A proximity detector comprising, at least one transmitter unit to transmit radiation toward a zone of interest and at least one receiver unit to receive radiation originating from the transmitter and that is reflected back from an obstacle at the zone of interest. A light-transmitter associated with each transmitter unit and a receiver light-transmitter associated with each receiver unit, a control module for controlling, processing a signal received from the receiver unit, to produce a signal responsive to the proximity of the obstacle. The light-transmitters are light-guides made of a rigid and at least translucent material.

Abstract: A system for warning of the proximity of an obstacle within a zone of interest adjacent to a vehicle includes at least one primary sensor configured to produce a primary output indicative of a quantity of electromagnetic radiation incident on the primary sensor from the zone of interest. Also provided is a device for generating a compensation output indicating a quantity of background electromagnetic radiation incident on the primary sensor. A number of transmitters transmit an electromagnetic signal towards the zone of interest. A compensation module responds to the compensation output to vary a transmission power of the electromagnetic signal. A processing module associated with at least the primary sensor generates a warning signal in response to the primary output.