Abstract: A sonic blind spot monitoring system for alerting a driver when a vehicle is positioned in a blind spot. The sonic blind spot monitoring system includes a vehicle. A sonar device is coupled to the vehicle for emitting a sonar wave into an area adjacent to the vehicle corresponding to a blind spot for a driver of the vehicle. The sonar device includes a sonar receptor for receiving a reflection of the sonar wave for detecting an object in said blind spot. A display device is coupled to the vehicle. The display device is positioned within the vehicle whereby the display device is visible to the driver of the vehicle. The display device is operationally coupled to the sonar device for displaying a visual signal when the sonar device detects the object in the blind spot.

Abstract: A system and method of constructing a density map is disclosed. The density map is a cellular grid representing local terrain, wherein each cell contains a density vector representing the density of portion of the terrain corresponding to the cell. The density map can be used to classify and characterize the surrounding terrain, which is useful in making a determination of the traversability of the terrain to mobile vehicles.

Abstract: An imaging system (50) for providing vehicle safety features that employs face recognition software to identify and track a person. The system (50) employs infrared emitters (30) that emit an infrared signal along a predetermined field-of-view, and an infrared sensor (34), such as a CMOS sensor used as a video signal array, that receives reflected infrared illumination from objects in the field-of-view. A processor (52) including the face recognition software, is employed to detect human faces to identify and track the person. Once a face is detected, it can be compared to a data base to identify the person. Various applications for the imaging system (50) for providing vehicle safety features include identifying the driver or passenger for personalizing the vehicle's airbags, providing pre-crash collision avoidance, providing blind spot detection, providing vehicle crash recording, and providing a warning signal if the driver appears drowsy.

Abstract: A vehicle (1) is described, having at least one sensor (2) for detecting the vehicle environment (3) and having a motion-state actuator (50) for acting on the motion state of the vehicle (1), the motion-state actuator (50) being provided to act on the motion state of the vehicle (1) in the event of activation of the motion-state actuator (50), the information (10) detected by the sensor (2) being provided for activating the motion-state actuator (50) when it is intended for the vehicle (1) to turn off and traffic is obstructing such a turning-off action.

Abstract: Automotive collision avoidance systems operable in inclement weather and harsh environments such as motorways are presented. Anticollision systems of these inventions are configured with specialized source and detection subsystems to provide operation with energy beams having relatively long wavelengths. Optical beams characterized as middle infrared or ‘mid-IR’ are used for their ability to stand up against factors which tend to strongly attenuate optical beams of more common spectra such as near IR. In some versions, specialized quantum cascade lasers are arranged as optical beam sources. Quantum cascade lasers efficiently generate high energy beams of long wavelength; for example between 3 and 30 micrometers. These beams of long wavelength tend to better penetrate free-space contaminated with small particulate matter. In addition, these systems include specialized detection subsystems which operate with high detectivity in the mid-IR spectral region.

Abstract: A scanning device periodically changes the direction of the transmission of an electromagnetic wave from an electromagnetic wave generating device. A first driving device operates for repetitively driving the electromagnetic wave generating device a plurality of times per one period of the change of the direction by the scanning device, and thereby for repetitively transmitting a distance measurement electromagnetic wave. A second driving device operates for, before the first driving device drives the electromagnetic wave generating device, driving the electromagnetic wave generating device and thereby transmitting a judgment electromagnetic wave having an energy smaller than that of the distance measurement electromagnetic wave.

Abstract: An automotive drive assistance system (100, 200) includes a substrate (215, 221) having a radius of curvature (227, 229), wherein the radius of curvature corresponds to a field of view (226, 228). At least two radiation elements (219, 225) coupled to the substrate, where the at least two radiation elements are coupled to directionally transmit and receive electromagnetic radiation (140, 240) over the field of view. A lens (217, 223) is coupled to focus the electromagnetic radiation transmitted and received from the at least two radiation elements.

Abstract: The invention provides an object recognition apparatus that removes virtual images without detecting a roadside object. When a predetermined vehicle is currently running on a lane, a detection area, outside of the currently running lane, is designated to include a first area and an assumed ghost area therein. The first area is enclosed by a boundary of the detection area, a boundary of the assumed ghost area adjacent thereto, and a boundary on the currently running lane whose distance is traveled by the vehicle during one control cycle. The invention detects an object for the first time in the assumed ghost area, not in the first area. When the object travels with a distance and a speed of a target vehicle, it is determined to be a ghost to be deleted.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for confining a robot to a particular space. The system includes a portable barrier signal transmitter that produces a barrier signal primarily along an axis, and a mobile robot capable of avoiding the barrier signal upon detection of the barrier signal. In the preferred embodiment the barrier signal is emitted in an infrared frequency and the robot includes an omni-directional signal detector. Upon detection of the signal, the robot turns in a direction selected by a barrier avoidance algorithm until the barrier signal is no longer detected.

Abstract: A robot obstacle detection system including a robot housing which navigates with respect to a surface and a sensor subsystem having a defined relationship with respect to the housing and aimed at the surface for detecting the surface. The sensor subsystem includes an optical emitter which emits a directed beam having a defined field of emission and a photon detector having a defined field of view which intersects the field of emission of the emitter at a region. A circuit in communication with a detector redirects the robot when the surface does not occupy the region to avoid obstacles. A similar system is employed to detect walls.

Abstract: An object type of a 3-D object sensed by a remote sensor for detecting objects to a side of a transportation vehicle is classified according to whether the object is a stationary object or a moving vehicle. The transportation vehicle moves along a front-to-rear directional axis. The remote sensor is mounted at a predetermined reference point on the transportation vehicle. A set of detection points is identified substantially to the side of the transportation vehicle using the remote sensor. A closest one of the detection points to the remote sensor is identified. If the closest one of the detection points is at a substantially perpendicular direction from the remote sensor, then a size of the object is determined in response to an area defined by locations of the set of detection points. The size of the object is compared with a size threshold. If the size is greater than the size threshold then the object is classified as a stationary object.

Abstract: An object detecting device mounted on a vehicle transmits an electromagnetic wave to a detecting area established in a traveling direction of the vehicle. The object detecting device receives a wave resulting from the reflection of the electromagnetic wave from an object in the detecting area, thereby detecting the object. A reference reflector is disposed at a predetermined location in front of the object detecting device. A plurality of tires are stacked on top of one another behind the reference reflector to form an electromagnetic wave absorber. An object detecting axis of the object detecting device is adjusted by transmitting the electromagnetic wave so that the reference reflector assumes a reference position of the detecting area.

Abstract: An object location of a 3-D object to a side of a transportation vehicle is classified wherein the transportation vehicle moves along a front-to-rear directional axis and has a remote sensor mounted at a predetermined reference point. A set of detection points is identified substantially to the side of the transportation vehicle using the remote sensor. A detection point is found having a closest range to the vehicle reference point. The object is classified as on-center if a position Ynear along the directional axis corresponding to the closest-range detection point is within a predetermined threshold distance from a position Yzero along the directional axis corresponding to the predetermined reference point. If not on-center, then the object is classified as spanning if a first position Y1 along the directional axis and a second position Y2 along the directional axis are on opposite sides of the position Yzero.

Abstract: A method for detecting a target located above a road by using a camera and a radar system, wherein when it is determined that the target captured by the camera is the same target that has been captured by the radar, and when it is determined from an image captured by the camera that the target is at a height higher than road level, the method determines that the target is a stationary object located above the road. Further, when it is determined that the distance to the target captured by the camera or the radar is decreasing, and that the reception level from the target captured by the radar is also decreasing, the method determines that the target is a stationary object located above the road.

Abstract: A laser radar system is provided which is designed to emit a laser beam through a selected one of laser-emitting windows to scan a given area within a radar zone in a single scan cycle. If the object is detected as having been moved vertically, the radar system works to switch the selected laser-emitting window to another so as to acquire the target at a fixed position within the scanned area of the radar zone at all the time.

Abstract: There is provided a device for transmitting optical data installed in an automated guided vehicle and a plurality of manufacturing machines which are arranged on a manufacturing line so as to transmit data necessary for delivery of a transfer object by two-way communication within a transportation system. The transportation system has an interlocking mechanism for suspending an operation when a trouble occurs and transports the transfer object to the plurality of manufacturing machines by the automated guided vehicle. The device includes a non-volatile memory for recording and holding a communication log, and communication log recording means for writing a communication log in said non-volatile memory and outputting recorded contents of the communication log to an external device when there is an inquiry from the external device.

Abstract: The same ID is assigned to a pair of a plurality of transmitters 100 and RC cars 200. The transmitter 100 transmits a radio wave signal embodying command signal defining movement of a target RC car 200, and ID indicating the target RC car 200. The RC car 200 receives the radio wave signal, and is driven in accordance with the command signal embodied in the received radio wave signal when the ID in the received radio wave signal coincides with the receiver's ID.

Abstract: There is disclosed a vehicle equipped with two multibeam electronically scanned radar systems that function as side object detection systems. The transmit/receive modules of the radar are illustratively located on right and left side panels of the vehicle at the rear of its body. Each radar system generates eight equal-angle beams. The radar systems are programmed so that targets are detected only within a predefined range for each of its eight beam patterns corresponding to the adjacent highway lane. As an overtaking vehicle approaches in an adjacent lane, its approach is detected sequentially by the beams on that side of the vehicle. Each radar system generates eight signals, corresponding to the eight beams positions, which are coupled individually to eight LEDs configured in an array. Detection of an overtaking vehicle within a scanned beam causes illumination of a corresponding LED.

Abstract: A method for controlling an automatic guided vehicle system having an automatic guided vehicle and a central controller for controlling the automatic guided vehicle is capable of operating with improved operational efficiency. The control method includes the steps of: transmitting of an IMMEDIATE command by the central controller to the automatic guided vehicle; checking by the central controller as to whether the automatic guided vehicle, which is performing the IMMEDIATE command, can receive a NEXT command; transmitting of the NEXT command by the central controller to the automatic guided vehicle; continuous receiving, analyzing, and storing of the NEXT command by the automatic guided vehicle while the automatic guided vehicle receives and performs the IMMEDIATE command; and sequentially performing NEXT commands stored in the automatic guided vehicle after completion of the IMMEDIATE command.

Abstract: In a distance measuring device, reflected pulsed light beams with respect to one transmitted light beam are amplified by plural amplifiers (22a, 22b) of different gains. The retroreflection times of the reflected pulsed light beams are detected by retroreflection time detectors (30a, 30b) respectively connected to the amplifiers. Based on outputs of the retroreflection time detectors, distance calculator (40) judges the overlapping state of the reflected pulses and the power of reflection from first pulse widths of the reflected pulsed light beams, selects a distance calculating method in accordance with the state, and outputs distance measurement data of high reliability.

Abstract: A pedestrian is sensed in a region of space external to a vehicle by generating a first magnetic flux at a first location on the vehicle so that the first magnetic flux extends into a region of space external of the vehicle, conducting the first magnetic flux through the region of space external to the vehicle to a second location on the vehicle, sensing the first magnetic flux at the second location, generating a signal responsive to the magnetic flux sensed at the second location, and discriminating a pedestrian when the pedestrian is located within the first magnetic flux, wherein the operation of discriminating is responsive to the signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically setting the speed in a vehicle, with the distance and relative speed between the vehicle and an obstacle determined and used as the basis for the calculation of a braking torque and drive torque which are to be generated independently of the driver in order to approximate the vehicle actual speed to a calculated setpoint speed. The speed of the vehicle is adapted to the speed of the obstacle, in which respect a maximum permissible limiting speed must not be exceeded.

Abstract: An antenna base, a control circuit section, and a high-frequency circuit section are enclosed in an inner space defined by a housing and a radome. Inside this inner space, the control circuit section and the high-frequency circuit section are surrounded by the antenna base and the housing. A circuit GND common to the control circuit section and the high-frequency circuit section is electrically connected to the antenna base and the housing, and it is connected to a body GND through only capacitive impedance.

Abstract: In order to set target positions in the case where mobile bodies such as mobile robots transfer in accordance with a manner different from that of the prior art, a method for instructing such target positions of at least one or more of the mobile bodies contained movably in a predetermined environment comprises light beacons being produced by a light beam projecting device in a surface on which the mobile bodies are to be transferred, whereby the target positions towards which the mobile bodies are to be transferred being instructed.

Abstract: An adaptive cruise control system that provides a smooth following by limiting the headway to keep it lower than a predetermined maximum. The present invention accomplishes this objective through systematically limiting the headway. In particular, the present invention reduces a time related speed multiplier used in calculating the desired headway, to maintain a headway that is less than an effective maximum sensor range for the adaptive cruise control system.

Abstract: Device for motor vehicles designed to prevent traffic accidents or to reduce their injurious consequences. The extent of injuries in traffic accidents can be reduced significantly by employing the vehicle bumper (1) as a crumple (deformation) zone. A sensor (2) is used to record this distance from and speed relative to an obstacle in the direction of travel. When a collision is unavoidable, one end of the bumper (1) is projected outward by a propellant charge (13) so that, together with a strut (17, 22, 24), if forms a crumple zone ahead of the vehicle. The device can also be provided with a system to warn of dangerous traffic situations, and to brake the vehicle automatically or reduce its speed if the risk of a collision exists. In the case of trucks and buses, the bumper (1) may be deployed by means of a pneumatic cylinder (4) and valve (7), which are controlled by the vehicle's ordinary speedometer. The bumper remains depolyed above a certain threshold speed.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for controlling the distance of a vehicle to a vehicle traveling ahead, in which the distance and the relative velocity of the vehicle traveling ahead are measured and the distance, in a distance control mode, is controlled by accelerating or decelerating the vehicle to a preestablished setpoint distance, wherein the deceleration permitted by the distance control process is limited and, in situations in which the setpoint distance cannot be maintained at this limited deceleration, the transition is made from the distance control process to a process limiting the distance to a minimum distance which is smaller than the setpoint distance, and the vehicle, after reaching the minimum distance, is further decelerated, so that the distance once again increases to the setpoint distance.

Abstract: It shall be made possible, in a simple manner and with low costs, to achieve a determination of the distance between a reference object and at least one target object located in the surveillance area and/or the speed of at least one target object located in the surveillance area, with high accuracy.

Abstract: There is therefore provided, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a robotic system for systematically moving about an area to be covered. The system includes at least one boundary marker (48) located along the outer edge of the area to be covered, a robot (40) with a navigation system (41) and a sensor unit (43). The navigation system (41) navigates the robot (40) in generally straight, parallel lines from an initial location and turns the robot (40) when the robot (40) encounters one of the boundary markers (48), thereby to systematically move about the area to be covered. The sensor unit (43) senses proximity to one of the at least one boundary marker (48).

Abstract: A system is provided for detecting blockage of an automotive side object detection system (“SODS”). The system includes a blockage detection processor, which is operative to determine whether an RF leakage signal level sensed between transmit and receive antennas of the system substantially match one or more of a plurality of pattern recognition information curves. If it is determined that the leakage signal level substantially matches one or more of a plurality of pattern recognition information curves, a blocked condition of the SODS is declared, as may be caused by mud, salt, ice, etc. The blockage detection processor is further operative to determine whether the leakage signal exceeds a predetermined blockage threshold level. If the leakage exceeds the predetermined blockage threshold level, a blocked condition of the SODS is also declared.

Abstract: A method and device prevents damage to a vehicle approaching an obstacle, such as, for example, a loading ramp, while traveling in reverse. When a vehicle, particularly a vehicle train consisting of a towing vehicle and a trailer or semi-trailer, approaches an obstacle in reverse travel, there exists the possibility that the vehicle may impact the obstacle as a result of an erroneous estimation or inappropriate driving maneuver, potentially resulting in damage to the vehicle and/or to the obstacle. This problem occurs with relative frequency, particularly when approaching a loading ramp. In accordance with the invention, the driver of the vehicle is assisted during reverse travel such that damage due to excessive impact is automatically avoided, independently of the driver's actions. A distance sensor is installed on the vehicle, near the tail, which transmits a signal representative of the distance from an obstacle to an electronic control device.

Abstract: The guidance assembly includes a diode device (30, 130, 230) for emitting a vertical line of laser light (32). The assembly is characterized by an alignment mechanism for maintaining the vertical line of laser light (32) in parallel alignment with gravity to compensate for misalignment of the upright axis of the carriage (12) from vertical to maintain the vertical line of laser light (32) aligned with gravity as the carriage (12) moves over an uneven plot. In the first and second embodiments of FIGS. 2 through 5, the alignment mechanism includes a rotary motor (38 and 138), for rotating the diode device (30, 130) for rotating the vertical line (32) relative to the upright axis of the carriage (12). The third embodiment of FIGS.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to improve the transportation efficiency of an automatic transport system for transporting an article. In order to attain the above object, the automatic transport system of the present invention comprises a front detecting device which detects an obstruction in a non-contact state in an area through which an automatic transport vehicle passes and a projection surface of said automatic transport vehicle, and when said front detecting device detects the obstruction in said area, the running speed of said automatic transport vehicle is reduced or said automatic transport vehicle is stopped.

Abstract: A detector for detecting light, such as infrared light, reflected from discontinuous lane dividing lines or other lines on a highway surface from a moving motor vehicle to determine the position of the vehicle on the highway detects light reflected from the surface of the highway and includes circuitry to determine from the reflected light sensed not only the presence of a road line but a characteristic of the road line sensed to determine if the road line detected is consistent with previously detected road lines and therefore appears to be a valid road line. The alarm, when enabled, is activated unless a road line consistent with previously sensed road lines is sensed within successive fixed periods of time in which it is expected that a line should be sensed. By detecting the beginning and end of a signal, various characteristics of the sensed line can be determined, and such things as the type of line likely sensed or the speed of travel of the vehicle can also be determined.

Abstract: A vehicle back-up safety system comprising a sensing system for detecting the presence of an obstruction within a prescribed area behind the vehicle while a user is driving in reverse. In response to a signal from the sensing system signifying the presence of a an obstruction, a control means activates a fluid distribution system which draws brake fluid from the master brake cylinder and into the vehicle's brake line system, thereby activating the vehicle's brakes.

Abstract: An object recognition system including a radar, an image sensor and a controller is provided. The radar determines the position of an object, and the image sensor captures an image of the object. The controller sets a processing area within the image captured by the image sensor based on the position of the object determined by the radar and a predetermined size for the object to be recognized. The controller extracts horizontal and vertical edges from the processing area, and preferably judges whether each of the extracted edges belongs to the object based on characteristics of the object to be recognized. The controller then recognizes the outline of the object based on the edges judged to belong to the object. The object can be recognized by determining upper, lower, left and right ends of the object. On the other hand, the controller recognizes lane lines defining the lane in which the vehicle mounting the system of the invention is running.

Abstract: An object detection system, in particular for a motor vehicle, is described where the object detection system is a combination of at least three object detectors, each having a different detection zone and/or a different detection range.

Abstract: A collision avoidance judging section is provided which, based on a relative connection between own vehicle and preceding vehicle, carries out a judgment as to whether or not a possible collision is avoidable by operating at least one of a steering wheel and a brake pedal, and a collision avoidance estimating section is provided which, based on the relative connection, carries out an estimation as to whether or not, after expiration of a predetermined time from the time of detection of the relative connection, a possible collision is avoidable by operating at least one of the steering wheel and brake pedal. When the collision avoidance estimating section estimates that the possible collision is unavoidable, a lower braking force is produced, and when the collision avoidance judging section judges that the possible collision is unavoidable, a higher braking force is produced.

Abstract: A vehicle-mountable apparatus, for detecting the reflective characteristics of a surface, includes means for directing pulsed radiation at a predetermined wavelength and at a predetermined pulse frequency towards the surface; means for sensing radiation reflected from the surface; means, associated with the sensing means, for providing a predetermined output indication to a vehicle controller in response to sensed radiation of at least a predetermined intensity; and means for mounting at least the directing means and the sensing means onto a vehicle.

Abstract: A method for determining the position of a vehicle, preferably of a portal stacking truck in relation to a container crane, in which a sensor serves for determining the position of the stacking truck, and evaluating devices are coupled to a detection device, and in which the posts of a container crane are detected as positioning aids in terms of angle and distance by means of a scanner mounted on the stacking truck and transmitted to an evaluating computer, which compares the signals with signals provided in its program and determines the exact position of the stacking truck in relation to the posts of the container, and drives the stacking truck from this position into an exactly predetermined position in relation to the posts of the container.

Abstract: In order to occur a collision warning to prevent the collision in accurate by detecting the preceding vehicle or target, a vehicle lane position estimation device comprising a means for measuring a distance between said host vehicle and said preceding vehicle or a oncoming vehicle, a direction angle from said host vehicle, an angular velocity and a velocity of said host vehicle, a means for calculating lateral and longitudinal distance between said host vehicle and said preceding vehicle or said oncoming vehicle, a means for capturing a front stationary object, a means for obtaining movement of the preceding vehicle or position of the oncoming vehicle, and a means to estimate a lane position of said front stationary object from a relationship of the stationary object being captured and the preceding vehicle being obtained and a positional relationship with the oncoming vehicle.

Abstract: A radar device operates for emitting a detection wave ahead of a vehicle, and detecting objects in response to echoes of the emitted detection wave. A reflector detecting device operates for detecting reflectors among the objects detected by the radar device. The detected reflectors are located along a road. A reflector-row extracting device operates for, in cases where there are a plurality of rows of the reflectors detected by the reflector detecting device in one side of the vehicle, extracting one from among the reflector rows. A road-shape recognizing device operates for recognizing a shape of the road on the basis of the reflector row extracted by the reflector-row extracting device.

Abstract: The vehicle deceleration control apparatus controls deceleration given to a vehicle according to a distance from a vehicle ahead, which is directly measured or estimated based on an accelerator operating condition, so that the smaller the distance from a vehicle ahead, the greater is an assist deceleration. The vehicle deceleration control apparatus is capable of giving an appropriate deceleration according to traffic conditions.

Abstract: A transmission wave is applied to a predetermined angular range in a width-wise direction of a vehicle. Object-unit data pieces containing at least data pieces representing distances to objects in correspondence with vehicle-width-wise direction angles are generated on the basis of a reflected wave. A determination is made as to whether each object is moving or stationary on the basis of a speed of the vehicle and a relative speed of the object. From the object-unit data pieces, ones are extracted which are effective for road shape recognition on the basis of a result of determining whether each object is moving or stationary. Ones of the extracted object-unit data pieces which represent monotonically increasing distances as viewed along one of clockwise and counterclockwise angle directions are grouped to generate data representing a road-side-object group. A road edge is recognized on the basis of the data representing the road-side-object group.

Abstract: The guidance assembly includes a diode device (30, 130, 230) for emitting a vertical line of laser light (32). The assembly is characterized by an alignment mechanism for maintaining the vertical line of laser light (32) in parallel alignment with gravity to compensate for misalignment of the upright axis of the carriage (12) from vertical to maintain the vertical line of laser light (32) aligned with gravity as the carriage (12) moves over an uneven plot. In the first and second embodiments of FIGS. 2 through 5, the alignment mechanism includes a rotary motor (38 and 138), for rotating the diode device (30, 130) for rotating the vertical line (32) relative to the upright axis of the carriage (12). The third embodiment of FIGS.

Abstract: A running control apparatus and method control the state of running of a vehicle based on a relative positional relationship between the vehicle and a preceeding vehicle. In a case where a brake is actuated if the deceleration deviation obtained by subtracting an actual deceleration from a target deceleration is at least a third threshold &Dgr;&agr;s3, the brake is actuated provided that an object body detected by a laser radar device is a preceeding vehicle and that the same-lane probability that the preceeding vehicle is running in the same lane as the vehicle is at least a set probability. Thus, the brake is actuated when there is a high probability that braking is needed. Therefore, erroneous operation of the brake can be reduced.

Abstract: A device for representing on a display device a control situation determined by a motor vehicle distance control device, the distance control device being connected to a sensor which detects the coordinates and the relative speed of the obstacles located ahead of the motor vehicle and relays them to the distance control device, which determines the expected lane of the motor vehicle, the distance control device determining from these data a control object with reference to which the distance of the motor vehicle is controlled. Referring lso a device referring the multiplicity of the data required for distance control in a motor vehicle can be checked in a simple way for their correctness, the distance control device (3) is connected to a display control device (14) which converts the data detected by the sensor (9) and calculated by the distance control device (10) into an approximately true-to-scale plan view of the control situation ahead of the vehicle (1), which is displayed on the display device (15).

Abstract: A motor vehicular collision warning system including a scanned beam sensor, a signal processor, and a vehicle interface system that initiates warnings to the driver or adaptively controls the vehicle. Scene data is used to predict the path of the roadway in front of a subject vehicle. Reflections from manmade and natural scene objects are extracted from the scene data to define a linear feature edge. Once the feature edge is determined, the predicted path of the subject vehicle can be determined using information regarding the vehicle trajectory and the feature edge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the steering angle of a steered wheel of a vehicle and a system to carry out this method. A control unit (9) controls an adjustment drive (5, 7) to alter the steering angle of the steered wheel, upon an alteration to a position of a steering member (13). The extent of the alteration to the steering angle is dependent on whether an obstacle for the vehicle is detected or not by means of a distance meter (17) coupled with the control unit (9). If an obstacle is detected at high speeds, then steering angle alterations are possible which would not be permitted by the control unit at normal driving operation. Thereby, in emergency situations the driver is to be given the possibility of being able to drive past the obstacle by a steering response characteristic which is more intense.

Abstract: A servo-amplifier has a RS232C-communication I/F circuit, a RS422 (RS485) communication I/F circuit, and a CPU 11. The CPU 11 of this servo-amplifier fetches data received by the RS232C-communication I/F circuit into a local station, converts the received data to communication data for RS422 (RS485) and transmits the converted data from the RS422 (RS485) communication I/F circuit to other stations, converts the data received by the RS422 (RS485) communication I/F circuit to communication data for RS232C and transmits the converted data from the RS232C-communication I/F circuit to other stations.