Abstract: An imaging system with brightness control includes an image capture subsystem and an image control block and is adapted for use in conjunction with an image processing application. The image capture subsystem receives an image and converts this image into digital image data. The digital signal is then stored in a video buffer for access by the image control block. The image control block provides brightness control of an image sensor in the image control subsystem to optimize the brightness of the desired area of interest in the image relative to the background. In one application, the imaging system is used in conjunction with a lane tracking system image processing application to detect roadway lane markings from a moving vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatic transverse vehicle guidance is provided for the automatic transverse guidance of a vehicle along a traffic lane. The apparatus can be activated in such a way using an activating actuation of an operating element that the actual transverse-position value present at the activation instant serves as a desired transverse-position value for subsequent automatic transverse guidance operation.