Abstract: A system and method for sensing precipitation conditions near a vehicle. The precipitation radar system is mounted on the vehicle and includes a transmitter, a receiver, and an electronic control unit. The method transmits radar signals from the transmitter; receives reflected radar signals at the receiver; determines response information from the reflected radar signals for a region of interest; and uses the response information to determine precipitation conditions for the region of interest. The region of interest is defined, at least in part, by a range and the response information includes phase data, amplitude data, or both phase and amplitude data based on the reflected radar signals. The method and system may then use the precipitation conditions to control other responsive vehicle actions, such as activating a windshield heater, a windshield defroster, a windshield wiper or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present application generally relates to improve accuracy and sensitivity in a vehicular radar system through improved radar beamforming by initially detection of potential objects using a field of view image and image processing techniques. Specifically, a system and method are taught for performing object segmentation and/or contouring on an image corresponding to a radar field of view. The detected objects from the image are combined with the raw radar data to generate a beamformed radar data.

Abstract: A disambiguating system for disambiguating between ambiguous detections is provided. The system includes a plurality of modules, wherein each module is configured to disambiguate between ambiguous detections by selecting, as a true detection, one candidate detection in a set of ambiguous detections and wherein each module is configured to apply a different selection technique. The system includes: one or more modules configured to select as the true detection, the candidate detection whose associated position is closer to a position indicated by other data and one or more modules configured to select as the true detection, the candidate detection with the highest probability of being true based on other sensor data.

Abstract: An ultra-short range radar (USRR) system of a vehicle includes an object detection module configured to, based on radar signals from USRR sensors of the vehicle: identify the presence of an object that is external to the vehicle; determine a location of the object; and determine at least one of a height, a length, and a width of the object. A remedial action module is configured to, based on the location of the object and the at least one dimension of the object, at least one of: selectively actuate an actuator of the vehicle; selectively generate an audible alert via at least one speaker of the vehicle; and selectively generate a visual alert via at least one light emitting device of the vehicle.

Abstract: A disambiguating system for disambiguating between ambiguous detections is provided. The system includes a plurality of modules, wherein each module is configured to disambiguate between ambiguous detections by selecting, as a true detection, one candidate detection in a set of ambiguous detections and wherein each module is configured to apply a different selection technique. The system includes: one or more modules configured to select as the true detection, the candidate detection whose associated position is closer to a position indicated by other data and one or more modules configured to select as the true detection, the candidate detection with the highest probability of being true based on other sensor data.

Abstract: A system and method for sensing precipitation conditions near a vehicle. The precipitation radar system is mounted on the vehicle and includes a transmitter, a receiver, and an electronic control unit. The method transmits radar signals from the transmitter; receives reflected radar signals at the receiver; determines response information from the reflected radar signals for a region of interest; and uses the response information to determine precipitation conditions for the region of interest. The region of interest is defined, at least in part, by a range and the response information includes phase data, amplitude data, or both phase and amplitude data based on the reflected radar signals. The method and system may then use the precipitation conditions to control other responsive vehicle actions, such as activating a windshield heater, a windshield defroster, a windshield wiper or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present application generally relates to improve accuracy and sensitivity in a vehicular radar system through improved radar beamforming by initially detection of potential objects using a field of view image and image processing techniques. Specifically, a system and method are taught for performing object segmentation and/or contouring on an image corresponding to a radar field of view. The detected objects from the image are combined with the raw radar data to generate a beamformed radar data.

Abstract: A vehicle safety system target includes a first platform disposed on a mobile chassis, a frame assembly, a first securing member, a second platform, and a mounting member. The frame assembly is at least partially disposed about the mobile chassis and includes a first frame member and a second frame member. The first frame member is disposed on the first platform. The second frame member is disposed on the first platform. The first securing member is configured to couple an object to the first platform. The second platform is spaced apart from the first platform. The mounting member is disposed on the second platform.

Abstract: Systems are provided for mounting a sensor to a vehicle. In one embodiment, a sensor mounting system includes a mounting assembly coupled to a body of the vehicle. The mounting assembly has a first mounting plate spaced apart from a second mounting plate by at least one isolation member. The second mounting plate is coupled to the body of the vehicle. The sensor mounting system also includes a turret housing coupled to the first mounting plate so as to be movable relative to the first mounting plate. The turret housing defines at least one receptacle for a first sensing device.

Abstract: An ultra-short range radar (USRR) system of a vehicle includes an object detection module configured to, based on radar signals from USRR sensors of the vehicle: identify the presence of an object that is external to the vehicle; determine a location of the object; and determine at least one of a height, a length, and a width of the object. A remedial action module is configured to, based on the location of the object and the at least one dimension of the object, at least one of: selectively actuate an actuator of the vehicle; selectively generate an audible alert via at least one speaker of the vehicle; and selectively generate a visual alert via at least one light emitting device of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle safety system target includes a first platform disposed on a mobile chassis, a frame assembly, a first securing member, a second platform, and a mounting member. The frame assembly is at least partially disposed about the mobile chassis and includes a first frame member and a second frame member. The first frame member is disposed on the first platform. The second frame member is disposed on the first platform. The first securing member is configured to couple an object to the first platform. The second platform is spaced apart from the first platform. The mounting member is disposed on the second platform.

Abstract: Systems are provided for mounting a sensor to a vehicle. In one embodiment, a sensor mounting system includes a mounting assembly coupled to a body of the vehicle. The mounting assembly has a first mounting plate spaced apart from a second mounting plate by at least one isolation member. The second mounting plate is coupled to the body of the vehicle. The sensor mounting system also includes a turret housing coupled to the first mounting plate so as to be movable relative to the first mounting plate. The turret housing defines at least one receptacle for a first sensing device.

Abstract: A range discriminating optical sensor for use in a vehicle safety system is provided. The range discriminating sensor is designed to create a small depth of field such that objects at a range outside of the depth of field are eliminated from the image. Generally, the optical sensor uses a large aperture to limit the depth of field. An electronic imaging element is used to detect the image projected by the lens. The electronic imaging element may have a small pixel size which further reduces the depth of field. A signal processor can be used to determine the distance from the image sensor with objects with the selected depth of field appearing in focus and those outside of the depth of field appearing out of focus.

Abstract: A system for adjusting a height of a first road vehicle with respect to the ground prior to impacting a second road vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a predictive crash sensor mounted to the first vehicle for sensing the second road vehicle, a control unit, and a height adjustment apparatus. The control unit is in communication with the predicative crash sensor for receiving a predictive crash signal and determining whether the first and the second road vehicles will collide. The height adjustment apparatus is mounted to the first road vehicle and in communication with the control unit. The height adjustment apparatus includes a shock absorber, a bladder, and a first valve. The shock absorber is mounted at a first end to a vehicle body of the first road vehicle and at a second end to a vehicle axle of the first road vehicle. The bladder is fixed at a first end to the first end of the shock absorber and at a second end to the second end of the shock absorber.

Abstract: A system for sensing the presence, position and type classification of an occupant in a passenger seat of a vehicle, as well as for sensing the presence of a rear-facing child seat therein, for use in controlling a related air bag activator control system to enable, disable or control inflation rate or amount of inflation of an air bag. The sensor system employs sensor fusion, a process of combining information provided by two or more sensors (24, 26), each of which “sees” the world in a unique sense. In a preferred embodiment, infrared sensor inputs (78) and ultrasonic sensor inputs (79) are combined in a microprocessor by a sensor fusion algorithm (80) to produce an occupancy state output signal (85) to the air bag controller.

Abstract: An automotive occupancy sensing system and method for use in conjunction with airbag deployment systems, by which occupant nature, location and motion parameters within the vehicle interior are determined by ultrasound (US) and/or infared sensors. (IS). Criteria for airbag disablement or airbag modified/partial deployment are used to determine whether appropriate disablement or modified/partial deployment control signals are transmitted to the vehicle airbag deployment system. More particularly the system establishes a Keep Out Zone (KOZ) within the vehicle interior relative to the dashboard or instrument panel and determines actual or imminent incursions by occupants into the KOZ to produce a Keep Out Zone Incursion (KOZI) signal, and determines crash-imminent signal (CIS) criteria derived from one or more sensors within the vehicle. Both the KOZI and the CIS may be used to increase the rate of US pinging as well as to determine airbag disablement/modified deployment criteria.

Abstract: The method for engaging a geosynthetic or erosion mat including a soil engaging layer to underlying ground includes the steps of feeding a length of twine out over the soil engaging layer of the mat, and pressing a loop of the twine into the ground at intermittent points therealong. If required, an enhancing step of compressing the ground over the pressed in twine may be incorporated into the method.

Abstract: The composition for clarifying a body of water comprises at least an anionic polyacrylamide, aluminum chloral hydrate or aluminum oxide and citric acid combined in amounts sufficient to produce a clarification of a body of water. If necessary, calcium carbonate or calcium sulfate may be included in the composition to neutralize pH in acidic environments for increased effectivity.

Abstract: A system for sensing the presence, position and type classification of an occupant in a passenger seat of a vehicle, as well as for sensing the presence of a rear-facing child seat therein, for use in controlling a related air bag activator control system to enable, disable or control inflation rate or amount of inflation of an air bag. The sensor system employs sensor fusion, a process of combining information provided by two or more sensors (24, 26), each of which "sees" the world in a unique sense. In a preferred embodiment, infrared sensor inputs (78) and ultrasonic sensor inputs (79) are combined in a microprocessor by a sensor fusion algorithm (80) to produce an occupancy state output signal (85) to the air bag controller.

Abstract: A system for sensing the presence, position and type classification of an occupant in a passenger seat of a vehicle, as well as for sensing the presence of a rear-facing child seat therein, for use in controlling a related air bag activator control system to enable, disable or control inflation rate or amount of inflation of an air bag. The sensor system employs sensor fusion, a process of combining information provided by two or more sensors (24, 26), each of which "sees" the world in a unique sense. In a preferred embodiment, infrared sensor inputs (78) and ultrasonic sensor inputs (79) are combined in a microprocessor by a sensor fusion algorithm (80) to produce an occupancy state output signal (85) to the air bag controller.