Abstract: To increase convenience and safety in vehicles, sensor systems for environmental sensing which feature an intelligent scene interpretation are increasingly gaining importance. To determine the position of a motor vehicle with respect to the traffic lane, the data from a digital road map coupled with a navigation system is fused with the data delivered by a distance-resolving sensor. In this context, the signature and the distance-related variation of the received signal of the distance-resolving sensor are evaluated for determining the distance from the road edge. The advantage of the present invention ensues from the possibility for a vehicle to autonomously determine its instantaneous position with respect to the traffic lane, without falling back on a stationary traffic infrastructure (marking lines reflectors).

Abstract: An apparatus for recognizing road conditions, for use especially in a motor vehicle, includes an infrared transmitter-receiver system. Devices are provided which make it possible to separate signal fractions into different infrared wavelength ranges. This allows for the reliable evaluation of the conditions of the road section being monitored, using a simple and economical device. The infrared devices may be combined with a microwave device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle navigational system with a radar arrangement and an image sensor arrangement. It is proposed to derive target parameters separately from the receiving signals of the two arrangements and to convey them to data merging means to link the separately derived parameters. Linking can be carried out at different levels of digital signal processing.

Abstract: To increase convenience and safety in vehicles, sensor systems for environmental sensing which feature an intelligent scene interpretation are increasingly gaining importance. To determine the position of a motor vehicle with respect to the traffic lane, the data from a digital road map coupled with a navigation system is fused with the data delivered by a distance-resolving sensor. In this context, the signature and the distance-related variation of the received signal of the distance-resolving sensor are evaluated for determining the distance from the road edge. The advantage of the present invention ensues from the possibility for a vehicle to autonomously determine its instantaneous position with respect to the traffic lane, without falling back on a stationary traffic infrastructure (marking lines reflectors).

Abstract: A signal-processing method for a motor-vehicle radar arrangement is specified, which method provides more extensive information on the traffic situation in observation direction by evaluating echo signals deflected at the road surface.