Abstract: An auto-drive control unit which can switch a vehicle provided with an auto-drive mode from the auto-drive mode to a manual drive mode at a desired point. Based on detection signals from various types of sensors, an auto-drive controller controls an actuator to perform auto-drive. A changeover switch is provided to switch between the auto-drive and manual drive. The current position of the vehicle is detected by a GPS, and the controller calculates the time to reach the desired point. According to a shifting time to complete the shift to the manual drive, timing for operating the changeover switch is determined, and a message is shown on a warning display to urge a driver to operate the switch. When it is judged that the changeover cannot be completed in time, the controller forcedly decelerate the vehicle.

Abstract: A device and method for registering the displacement of a vehicle using a video camera device located above the ground and including a pair of cameras spaced parallel to the ground and directed to record on their respective image planes areas of the ground which overlap at least partly whereby there are produced in the cameras pairs of stereo records. These pairs of stereo records are utilized in an image processing of the mutual locations of contrast fields within the contour of the vehicle for comparison. The contrast fields are located at different height levels above the ground so that evaluation of at least one of the fields may be used in the image processing as an indicator in tracking the displacement of the vehicle for successive positions of displacement to be registered.

Abstract: A method is suggested in detecting magnetic elements with a high magneto-mechanical coupling factor by means of magnetic signals. The elements are exposed to magnetic bias fields affecting the elements resonance frequencies, and the element properties affected by the bias fields are detected. The bias field is varied with regard to its magnitude within such intervals, that the presence of elements with known characteristics within the interval is determined, and with regard to its gradient so as to separate existing element positions. The bias field is given a homogenous nature with alternating field propagation directions, whereby elements located in the same plane are separated.

Abstract: An electrical contact position indicator assembly is operatively coupled to an electrical device, such as a recloser, for indicating the relative position of the contacts of the electrical device, i.e., opened or closed, at any given time during operation of the electrical device. The position indicator assembly includes a movable indicator having first indicia to indicate that the contacts are opened, and second indicia to indicate that the contacts are closed. Each of the first and second indicia of the indicator lies in more than one plane. Preferably, each of the first and second indicia of the indicator lies on a three-dimensional, curvilinear or spherical surface. In the preferred embodiment, the indicator includes a mechanical linkage to the contact opening and closing assembly.