Abstract: A method of analyzing the surroundings of a vehicle, comprising the steps of: gathering data regarding objects in the vicinity of the vehicle; analyzing the data to determine regions of empty space around the vehicle; creating one or more signatures representing at least some of the regions of empty space; and storing the signatures for later retrieval.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention a driving aid system for mounting in a road vehicle is provided. The driving aid system comprises a detection system for detecting and storing profiles of characteristics of objects around the vehicle along a road on which the vehicle is being driven. A positioning system is for providing a current position of the vehicle. Profiles of characteristics of objects are stored in relation to the detected position of the vehicle. A processing arrangement compares currently detected profiles with earlier stored profiles and, if a match between a currently detected profile and an earlier stored profile is found, then the current position of the vehicle is determined relative to an object corresponding to the earlier stored profile, and the same or other earlier stored profiles is used to predict the future surroundings of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of analysing the surroundings of a vehicle, comprising the steps of: gathering data regarding objects in the vicinity of the vehicle; analysing the data to determine regions of empty space around the vehicle; creating one or more signatures representing at least some of the regions of empty space; and storing the signatures for later retrieval.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention a driving aid system for mounting in a road vehicle is provided. The driving aid system comprises a detection system for detecting and storing profiles of characteristics of objects around the vehicle along a road on which the vehicle is being driven. A positioning system is for providing a current position of the vehicle. Profiles of characteristics of objects are stored in relation to the detected position of the vehicle. A processing arrangement compares currently detected profiles with earlier stored profiles and, if a match between a currently detected profile and an earlier stored profile is found, then the current position of the vehicle is determined relative to an object corresponding to the earlier stored profile, and the same or other earlier stored profiles is used to predict the future surroundings of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention presents a sled device for testing the rollover threshold of a vehicle. The sled has a carriage that is mounted on a track. The carriage can slide upon the track from a first track location. The carriage is configured so that an actual vehicle may be placed on the carriage. When a vehicle is on the carriage, the vehicle is positioned with one side of the vehicle positioned toward the first tract location and the second side of the vehicle positioned toward the second track location. The carriage is propelled from the first tract location to the second track location by an accelerator. As the carriage nears the second track location, a decelerator slows and arrests the movement of the carriage, thereby simulating an impulse potentially sufficient to cause the vehicle to roll.

Abstract: A safety arrangement in a motor vehicle comprises a safety device (38) adapted to protect an occupant of the vehicle in the case of a roll-over accident, and a roll sensor arrangement to provide a signal (33) to trigger activation of the safety device. A sensor (30) senses an angular parameter such as angular speed about the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, or the actual angle of roll about the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. A further sensor (31) senses a velocity parameter relating to the vehicle speed, such as the total velocity of the vehicle, or the velocity of the vehicle in a predetermined direction. A processor (35) senses an angular speed in excess of a predetermined threshold, which activates a timing mechanism (36) which is associated with a processor (34) which compares angular velocity with a threshold, and provides a triggering signal if the threshold is exceeded. The threshold is a function of vehicle speed.