Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing vehicle and animal collisions. One system includes an electronic processor configured to receive vehicle data. The electronic processor is also configured to determine a collision risk of the vehicle based on the vehicle data, the collision risk representing a probability of a collision between the vehicle and an animal. The electronic processor is also configured to adjust a collision parameter of the vehicle based on the collision risk. The electronic processor is also configured to identify when an animal is in a path of the vehicle based on the vehicle data. The electronic processor is also configured to, when an animal is identified in the path of the vehicle, automatically perform a vehicle operation based on the adjusted collision parameter.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing vehicle and animal collisions. One system includes an electronic processor configured to receive vehicle data. The electronic processor is also configured to determine a collision risk of the vehicle based on the vehicle data, the collision risk representing a probability of a collision between the vehicle and an animal. The electronic processor is also configured to adjust a collision parameter of the vehicle based on the collision risk. The electronic processor is also configured to identify when an animal is in a path of the vehicle based on the vehicle data. The electronic processor is also configured to, when an animal is identified in the path of the vehicle, automatically perform a vehicle operation based on the adjusted collision parameter.

Abstract: In a wireless transmission system, a transmitter sends a plurality of data packets to a receiver. The transmitter identifies channel quality indicators corresponding to properties of a communication channel between the transmitter and the receiver. During operation, the transmitter adjusts one or more parameters that affect the Quality of Service (QoS) of data transmission between the transmitter and receiver to enable data transmission at different quality levels over a range of channel quality levels. In one embodiment, the transmitter sends data packets corresponding to video from a camera to the receiver.

Abstract: A blind spot detection system. The system includes a camera mounted at the rear of a vehicle, a controller coupled to the camera, and an indicator coupled to the controller. The camera is configured to capture images in a field-of-view to the rear of the vehicle. The controller is configured to receive a signal from the camera indicative of the images, and controller determining when a second vehicle in the images enters a blind spot of the vehicle. The controller activates the indicator when the second vehicle enters the blind spot of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of automatically equalizing image data generated by a surround-view camera system of a vehicle. The method includes receiving a first, second, third, and fourth data set including image data corresponding to a front, left, right, and rear field of view of the vehicle, respectively. The method also includes identifying a darkest region in the first, second, and third data sets and adjusting a brightness of the image data included in the first, second, and third data sets based on the darkest region. The method further includes adjusting a brightness of the image data included in the fourth data set based on a comparison of the brightness of the image data included in the fourth data set and the adjusted brightness of the image data included in the second and third data sets.

Abstract: A blind spot detection system. The system includes a camera mounted at the rear of a vehicle, a controller coupled to the camera, and an indicator coupled to the controller. The camera is configured to capture images in a field-of-view to the rear of the vehicle. The controller is configured to receive a signal from the camera indicative of the images, and controller determineg when a second vehicle in the images enters a blind spot of the vehicle. The controller activates the indicator when the second vehicle enters the blind spot of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of automatically equalizing image data generated by a surround-view camera system of a vehicle. The method includes receiving a first, second, third, and fourth data set including image data corresponding to a front, left, right, and rear field of view of the vehicle, respectively. The method also includes identifying a darkest region in the first, second, and third data sets and adjusting a brightness of the image data included in the first, second, and third data sets based on the darkest region. The method further includes adjusting a brightness of the image data included in the fourth data set based on a comparison of the brightness of the image data included in the fourth data set and the adjusted brightness of the image data included in the second and third data sets.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement (40 and 50) and an associated method are provided for sensing at least one occupant characteristic of a vehicle occupant (14). At least one transmitter (e.g., 42A) transmits an energy signal (e.g., 44A) toward an occupant location within a vehicle (12). At least one detector (e.g., 60A) detects whether absorption of the energy signal (42A) by the occupant (14) occurs and provides a signal (e.g., 74A) indicative thereof. An occupant sense module (50) processes the signal (74A) to determine at least one occupant characteristic. Preferably, the sensor arrangement (40 and 50) is part of an occupant protection system (10).

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor system (40) has a transducer (44) that emits an ultrasonic signal (52), in response to an electrical excitation signal (50) from driver/receiver circuitry (46), and outputs an electrical response signal (56), in response to receipt of a reflected ultrasonic signal (54) from an occupant (54). The transducer (44) rings-down upon termination of the excitation signal (50). The transducer (44) has a natural resonant frequency that is subject to change. In an occupant sense mode, a receiver portion (68) of the driver/receiver circuitry (46) and a controller (30) process the response signal (56), resulting from transducer excitation at a predetermined frequency, to determining distance between the transducer (44) and the occupant (14).