Abstract: A driver photographing apparatus that photographs images from reflections on the retinas of a driver in a vehicle having disturbance light using signal processing techniques. The apparatus comprises a light source for illuminating the driver with a first light beam along a first optical path, and a sensor that inputs a second light beam, along a second optical path, that includes reflections from the driver and disturbance light, to form an image of the driver. The light source and the sensor are disposed such that the first and second optical paths are along substantially the same axis. The apparatus further includes a processing circuit that eliminates the effect of the disturbance light on the image of the driver, and a detecting circuit that determines the action of the driver based on the driver's image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a danger avoidance system capable of avoiding the collision of a vehicle against obstacles and of reducing the effect of collision on a vehicle. A traveling condition deciding unit decides whether or not the vehicle is in a dangerous traveling condition on the basis of the respective outputs of a vehicle monitoring system and an ambient condition monitoring system. A danger recognition confirming unit decides whether or not the driver is aware of the dangerous traveling condition on the basis of the respective outputs of a driver monitoring system, the ambient condition monitoring system and the vehicle monitoring system. When the traveling condition deciding unit decides that the vehicle is in the dangerous traveling condition, measures to avoid danger or to reduce the effect of collision on the vehicle are taken only when the driver is not aware of the dangerous traveling condition.

Abstract: A receiving set is capable of recording the sound of the broadcast received, while enabling the listener to listen to the present broadcast, and of reproducing the recorded sound when requested by the listener. A digital memory device is provided for recording the detected audio signal in compressed form on the time axis. The memory device is accessed upon request by the listener and the signal read out of the memory is processed to produce a sound.