Abstract: A method and apparatus for permitting a host automotive vehicle to avoid or mitigate the consequences of a collision between the host vehicle and a target automotive vehicle by using a combination of radar derived target information and transponder information. The host vehicle is equipped with a radar system operative detect the target vehicle and generate target data, and a computer which determines a likelihood of collision with target vehicle. If the likelihood of collision is above a certain level, the computer directs the radar system to transmit a directional interrogation system toward the target vehicle. The target vehicle is equipped with one or more transponders that receive the interrogation signal and respond by transmitting a response signal containing information indicating various dynamic and/or static characteristics of the target vehicle. The response signal is received by the host vehicle and is decoded to extract the target vehicle information.

Abstract: Vehicles normally equipped with safety airbags in the steering wheel and dashboard can be modified by deleting the airbags. A method for ensuring that the modifications are properly made, involves the use of an indicator light on the vehicle instrument panel and an electrical circuit that turns the indicator light off when the airbag deletion hardware is properly installed. The electric circuit includes light energizer circuits in the steering wheel and dashboard, and a shorting bar in each energizer circuit.

Abstract: Crash data from actual vehicle crashes is manipulated to produce new hybrid crash data which contains different acceleration peaks while retaining the overall characteristics of the original crash data. The new crash data is realistic and can be used to test or verify crash management components such as airbag deployment sensors and to demonstrate the robustness of components to different crashes without the expense of running another crash test.