Abstract: The object detection system includes an object sensor and a controller. The controller is configured to compare a sensed range of an object with a range gate based on the azimuth angle of the object. The range gate for each azimuth angle is programmable and is selected to form a contiguous sensing region closely matching the shape of a desired detection zone. The object sensor is switchable between the plurality of sensing fields, wherein a range gate for each sensing field is programmable to form a contiguous sensing region. The object sensor may be a variety of range sensors including radar, ultrasonic, laser or infrared technologies. The range gate and parameters of the sensing field are each programmable through a controller. Further, the controller may automatically vary the range gate or sensing field based on vehicle parameters.

Abstract: An Impact sensor assembly provides a modular housing for vehicle impact sensors. The assembly comprises an impact sensor, an upper housing member, a lower housing member and a connector for establishing an electrical connection between the assembly and an appropriate vehicle system. The assembly may further include electronics for processing signals received from the sensor. The lower housing member receives and retains the sensor, and closeably interacts with the upper housing member to encase the sensor. The assembly defines structural features that ensures its proper installation into a vehicle. The preferred embodiment assures proper functioning of deformation impact sensors. A method of installing the assembly provides a process for rapid and proper installation of the assembly into a vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle impact sensing system for detecting impact events to a vehicle, and allowing deployment decisions of passive restraint devices based on information gathered and relayed regarding such impact events. The sensing system includes one or more sensor elements capable of directly detecting vehicle deformation occurring as a consequence of the impact event. The sensor elements generate an output that varies upon deformation of the element. The sensor elements are in communication with a restraints control module. Upon deformation of the sensor element, the control module receives impact signals from the sensor elements based upon the altered output, and discriminates between impact events that warrant deployment of a passive restraint, such as a side air bag, and those that do not. The control module utilizes information gathered from the sensor elements to make deployment decisions, such as which restraint to deploy and the appropriate degree of deployment.

Abstract: An object-presence alert is given to a driver by a vehicular side-object detection system in response to a remote sensor for sensing objects in a predetermined zone of interest along side a vehicle. The zone of interest includes a front region and a rear region, and the remote sensor provides sensor data to generate a set of localized detection points. When detection points are sensed in the zone of interest, then a plurality of respective sets of detection points are collected at successive sample times. For each of the sets of detection points, a tracking type of the object within the zone of interest is determined in comparison to a speed of the vehicle and the object is classified as either a moving vehicle or a stationary object in response to the tracking type and in response to locations of the detection points in the zone of interest.

Abstract: An object-presence alert is given to a driver by a vehicular side-object detection system in response to a remote sensor for sensing objects in a predetermined zone of interest along side a vehicle. The zone of interest includes a front region and a rear region, and the remote sensor provides sensor data to generate a set of localized detection points. When detection points are sensed in the zone of interest, then a plurality of respective sets of detection points are collected at successive sample times. For each of the sets of detection points, a tracking type of the object within the zone of interest is determined in comparison to a speed of the vehicle and the object is classified as either a moving vehicle or a stationary object in response to the tracking type and in response to locations of the detection points in the zone of interest.

Abstract: An object type of a 3-D object sensed by a remote sensor for detecting objects to a side of a transportation vehicle is classified according to whether the object is a stationary object or a moving vehicle. The transportation vehicle moves along a front-to-rear directional axis. The remote sensor is mounted at a predetermined reference point on the transportation vehicle. A set of detection points is identified substantially to the side of the transportation vehicle using the remote sensor. A closest one of the detection points to the remote sensor is identified. If the closest one of the detection points is at a substantially perpendicular direction from the remote sensor, then a size of the object is determined in response to an area defined by locations of the set of detection points. The size of the object is compared with a size threshold. If the size is greater than the size threshold then the object is classified as a stationary object.

Abstract: An object location of a 3-D object to a side of a transportation vehicle is classified wherein the transportation vehicle moves along a front-to-rear directional axis and has a remote sensor mounted at a predetermined reference point. A set of detection points is identified substantially to the side of the transportation vehicle using the remote sensor. A detection point is found having a closest range to the vehicle reference point. The object is classified as on-center if a position Ynear along the directional axis corresponding to the closest-range detection point is within a predetermined threshold distance from a position Yzero along the directional axis corresponding to the predetermined reference point. If not on-center, then the object is classified as spanning if a first position Y1 along the directional axis and a second position Y2 along the directional axis are on opposite sides of the position Yzero.

Abstract: A collision avoidance system for a vehicle of the type having a powered lift mechanism with a lift control used to move the mechanism between a predetermined safe position and an elevated position includes a first sensor to determine whether the mechanism is in the safe or the elevated position, and a second sensor used to determine whether an operator is using the lift control to power the mechanism beyond the safe position. If the mechanism is in the elevated position and the operator is not using the lift control to power the mechanism beyond the safe position, control electronics are operative to automatically transfer the mechanism from the elevated position back to the safe position without operator intervention. Means may be provided for alerting an operator of the vehicle when the mechanism is in the elevated position, for example, in the form of an intermittent, periodic audible and/or visual indicator which continues until the mechanism is brought back to the safe position.