Abstract: A collision avoidance system for preventing collision between vehicles capable of moving along the same general path, which system includes a vehicle having a device for emitting optical pulses and another vehicle having a detector which uses an optical scanner defining a substantially triangular scan field. The detector responds to the emitted optical pulses and determines the range between the vehicles and the closing speed between them. An alarm system responds to the closing speed determination to permit evasive action to be taken when the closing speed exceeds a selected value.

Abstract: A detection system for use in a movable large haulage vehicle operating in a controlled ground environment to prevent collision with other objects in the environment wherein such objects each have a source for omnidirectionally radiating an optical pulsed signal having a selected pulse repetition rate which identifies the object. The vehicle uses detectors mounted at selected locations on the vehicle, which detectors respond to pulsed signals from objects in close proximity to the vehicle. Appropriate circuitry is used to detect the presence of the objects, the ground direction of the objects relative to the vehicle, and the type of objects so detected.

Abstract: The present invention includes an anti-collision vehicular radar system which incorporates a microprocessor. The system provides a warning of a potential collision of the vehicle with other vehicles or objects in the path of the vehicle and automatic braking. More particularly, the present invention utilizes a pulsed radar system with overlapped antenna beams for off-axis object discrimination which determines the pattern of the change in relative velocity of the vehicle and the object which is detected by its radar to provide signals which are processed by a microprocessor and associated digital circuitry to determine whether the detected object is a potential obstruction which must be avoided by braking or maneuvering of the vehicle.