Abstract: A traffic-light-detection system that visually determines a light-state of a traffic-light proximate to an automated vehicle includes a camera, a controller, and optionally a radar. The camera and the radar are on a host-vehicle. The camera renders a series-of-images of a traffic-light proximate to a host-vehicle. The radar detects radar-returns from the traffic-light. The controller is configured to determine a motion-pattern of the traffic-light based on the series-of-images and/or the radar-returns, and select a preferred-image from the series-of-images based on the motion-pattern. The preferred-image shows a light-source of the traffic-light characterized as being most directed at the camera when the motion-pattern indicates that the traffic-light is moving. The controller is further configured to determine a light-state of the traffic-light based on the preferred-image.

Abstract: A traffic-light-detection system that visually determines a light-state of a traffic-light proximate to an automated vehicle includes a camera, a controller, and optionally a radar. The camera and the radar are on a host-vehicle. The camera renders a series-of-images of a traffic-light proximate to a host-vehicle. The radar detects radar-returns from the traffic-light. The controller is configured to determine a motion-pattern of the traffic-light based on the series-of-images and/or the radar-returns, and select a preferred-image from the series-of-images based on the motion-pattern. The preferred-image shows a light-source of the traffic-light characterized as being most directed at the camera when the motion-pattern indicates that the traffic-light is moving. The controller is further configured to determine a light-state of the traffic-light based on the preferred-image.

Abstract: A safe-stop-zone mapping system suitable for use on an automated-vehicle includes a digital-map and a controller. The digital-map indicates a travel-path suitable for travel by a host-vehicle. The digital-map also indicates a safe-stop-zone proximate to the travel-path. The controller is in communication with the digital-map. The controller is configured to navigate the host-vehicle into the safe-stop-zone when an emergency-situation occurs.

Abstract: A safe-stop-zone mapping system suitable for use on an automated-vehicle includes a digital-map and a controller. The digital-map indicates a travel-path suitable for travel by a host-vehicle. The digital-map also indicates a safe-stop-zone proximate to the travel-path. The controller is in communication with the digital-map. The controller is configured to navigate the host-vehicle into the safe-stop-zone when an emergency-situation occurs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a navigation system for assisting locating points of interest during vehicle navigation. The system includes a processor enabled by software to receive and store a user selection of preferred visitation points and a user selected time and to determine and indicate a subset of the preferred visitation points that are located within a predetermined location relative to the vehicle position at the user selected time or relative to a selected destination.