Abstract: A proximity sensor system for a vehicle in reverse includes a zone detection module. The zone detection module switches a first remote sensor from a first mode corresponding to a near zone rearward of the vehicle to a second mode corresponding to a far zone rearward of the vehicle. The near zone includes an area of coverage wider and shorter in range than an area of coverage of the far zone. A response module responds to first objects in the near zone and selectively responds to second objects in the far zone when the second objects are in motion.

Abstract: A proximity sensor system for a vehicle in reverse includes a zone detection module. The zone detection module switches a first remote sensor from a first mode corresponding to a near zone rearward of the vehicle to a second mode corresponding to a far zone rearward of the vehicle. The near zone includes an area of coverage wider and shorter in range than an area of coverage of the far zone. A response module responds to first objects in the near zone and selectively responds to second objects in the far zone when the second objects are in motion.

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: A sensor system for detecting impacts to a vehicle, including diagnostics for monitoring the sensor system. The sensor system includes one or more piezoelectric sensor assemblies (42), each including a coaxial piezoelectric cable (44) contained within a tube housing (54), which is mounted to a structural member of the vehicle. The sensor system may also include accelerometers (36, 38) that are also in communication with the restraints control module (40) and employed in combination with one or more piezoelectric sensor assemblies (42). Further, the sensor system includes diagnostics for monitoring one or more of the sensor assemblies (42) in order to detect a sensor failure, while not interfering with the impact signals from the sensor assemblies (42).

Abstract: A sensor system for detecting impacts to a vehicle, allowing for actuation decisions of passive restraint devices. The sensor system includes one or more piezoelectric sensor assemblies (42), each including a coaxial piezoelectric cable (44) contained within a tube housing (54), which is mounted to a structural member of the vehicle. The sensor system may also include accelerometers (36, 38) that are also in communication with the restraints control module (40) and employed in combination with one or more piezoelectric sensor assemblies (42). Further, the sensor system may include diagnostics for monitoring one or more of the sensor assemblies (42) in order to detect a sensor failure, while not interfering with the impact signals from the sensor assemblies (42).