Abstract: In automatic vehicular velocity controlling apparatus and method for automotive vehicle having a function to maintain an inter-vehicle distance from the vehicle to a preceding vehicle which is running ahead of the vehicle at a target inter-vehicle distance, a response characteristic of an inter-vehicle related feedback control system is determined in accordance with a relative velocity of the vehicle to the preceding vehicle is corrected in accordance with the inter-vehicle distance, is corrected in accordance with a modification of a set inter-vehicle time duration by a vehicular occupant, and in accordance with an external disturbance value correspond to a road surface gradient of a slope during a vehicular run on the slope, in order to improve the response characteristic for the vehicular occupant not to give an un-match feeling to a driving sense.

Abstract: An autonomous moving apparatus moving to a destination while detecting and avoiding an obstacle includes a radar device for scanning a horizontal plane in its travelling direction to thereby detect a position of an obstacle and an obstacle sensor for detecting an obstacle in a space different from the scanning plane of the radar device. The apparatus moves to the destination under such control as to avoid the obstacle based on detection information from the radar device and the obstacle sensor from a detection output provided by a specific-configuration detecting element for detecting a present specific configuration from scanning information by the radar device. By providing such a specific-configuration detecting element that detects a specific configuration based on the scan information by the radar device that can accurately know about position information, it is possible to guess an obstacle having an upper structure, thus providing efficient avoidance.

Abstract: A device and process for measuring distances and/or speeds between a motor vehicle and several objects, like mobile targets and fixed targets, has an FMCW radar system, where the motor vehicle transmits a signal, whose transmitting frequency is modulated with at least two frequency ramps. A device detects the receiving signals from the objects and determines the respective straight lines and the intersecting points of these straight lines in a speed-distance diagram. A sorting device sorts out the intersecting points from fixed targets and the related straight lines. A device outputs the distances and/or the speeds, which correspond to the other intersecting points.

Abstract: A casing is provided for a reflection measurement device emitting a scanning beam and receiving an echo beam caused by reflection of the scanning beam at an object, and detecting a distance to the object in response to the received echo beam. The casing has a window for conducting a beam, and a protective member being transparent to the beam and covering the window from an inside. A predetermined range through which the beam passes is provided in the window. An interval between a lower edge of the beam pass range and a lower edge of the window is greater than an interval between opposing edges of the beam pass range and the window which differ from the lower edges thereof.

Abstract: A range-finder, capable of finding a range by image realization, having two distantly arranged imaging devices. The first pattern having a predetermined size and the first positional information is extracted by the pattern extracting section from the first image of a target which has been made by the first imaging device. In the second image of the same target, which has been made by the second imaging device, the second pattern having the second positional information, which is most correlated with the first pattern in a plurality of upward and downward horizontal or vertical lines corresponding to the first positional information, is detected by the correlation processing section. Parallax is found from the first and the second positional information by the parallax calculating section. A distance to the target is found from this parallax by using the principle of triangulation.

Abstract: A road surface detection apparatus capable of detecting an upward/downward displacement in radar axis when detecting a road surface by projecting a radar beam. The apparatus projects a radar beam signal onto the road surface on which the radar-equipped vehicle is traveling, and receives a signal containing a reflected signal of the radar beam signal. Then, the apparatus compares the level of the road surface reflected signal contained in the received signal with a predetermined reference level and, if the result of the comparison lies outside a predefined range, then the apparatus determines that the axis defining the projection direction of the radar beam signal is displaced.

Abstract: The method of controlling travel speed of a vehicle includes controlling vehicle travel speed according to a set vehicle speed given by a driver of the controlled vehicle in a speed control mode; detecting at least one object present in front of the controlled vehicle and measuring distance to and relative speed of the at least one object when present in front of the controlled vehicle; determining whether or not a preceding vehicle is among the at least one object present in front of the controlled vehicle; controlling the vehicle travel speed according to a set distance to the preceding vehicle in a distance control mode when the preceding vehicle is present in front of the controlled vehicle; establishing whether or not a stationary object is among the at least one object present in front of the controlled vehicle; when a stationary object is found to be present, calculating a predicted travel path of the controlled vehicle and determining if the stationary object is located in the predicted travel path; w

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle, such as a robotic cleaning device, includes wheels which support the vehicle and allow the vehicle to traverse a surface. Downward looking wheel sensors sense the presence of a surface in front of the wheels. Another sensor is provided at or near a leading edge of the vehicle for sensing the presence beneath the leading edge of the vehicle. The vehicle is arranged so that movement of the vehicle is possible if the leading edge sensor senses that there is no surface beneath the leading edge of the vehicle, provided that the wheel sensors indicate that there is a surface adjacent to the wheel. When the leading edge sensor senses that there is no surface beneath the leading edge of the vehicle, the vehicle performs an edge following routine.

Abstract: In a method for automatically setting the speed in a vehicle, the distance and relative speed between the vehicle and an obstacle are 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.

Abstract: A vehicle stability control apparatus including a vehicle running stability control device for controlling an automotive vehicle for stable running of the vehicle, and a braking device for applying a brake to the vehicle, wherein a hazard detecting device or detecting a hazardous condition of the vehicle such as a collision of the vehicle with an obstacle and a deviation of the vehicle from the nominal running path, and an automatic brake application device is operable to activate the braking device, when the hazardous condition is detected at least during an operation of the vehicle running stability control device.

Abstract: A system for preventing lane deviation of a vehicle and a control method thereof are provided, in which control is performed to prevent the vehicle from inadvertently deviating from a lane. The system comprises a detector including a lane marker detector for detector lane markers that define a lane in the road, and a lane marker ECU for determining a transverse position of the vehicle using signals of the lane marker detector; a controller for determining if the vehicle is deviating from the lane by receiving information transmitted by the detector, determining steering control angle and steering control time according to a vehicle speed and a heading angle at the instant the vehicle is deviating from the lane, and outputting control signals following lane deviation prevention such that an automatic drive mode is realized until the vehicle reaches a center of the lane; and a steering driver controlled by the control signals output from the controller.

Abstract: The radius of the curvature of the lane on which a subject vehicle is traveling, is calculated in accordance with the turning condition of the subject vehicle and the velocity of the subject vehicle is obtained on the basis of the steering angle, and the yaw rate. An instantaneous probability of the same lane that the recognized object target exists on the same lane is calculated. In this operation, the instantaneous probability is compensated. That is, the road shape is recognized with delineator or the like. The instantaneous probability of the same lane is compensated on the basis of the recognized road shape. The probability of the same lane is calculated after a predetermined filtering process with the compensated instantaneous probability of the same lane. The preceding vehicle is selected on the basis of the probability of the same lane.

Abstract: A collision countermeasure system (10) for an automotive vehicle (12) is provided. The collision countermeasure system (10) includes an object detection system (14) having at least one transceiver (34). The object detection system (14) generates and wirelessly transmits an object detection signal via a first transceiver. A countermeasure controller (16) wirelessly receives said object detection signal via a second transceiver and performs a countermeasure in response to said object detection signal. A method for performing the same is also provided.

Abstract: A control apparatus and method for an autonomous traveling vehicle having a teaching mode in which a vehicle position and a vehicle azimuth in respective points on a running path are memorized and a play-back mode in which the vehicle is operated autonomously based on the vehicle position and vehicle azimuth memorized in the teaching mode comprises a virtual traction point establishing means for establishing a virtual traction point located away from a vehicle position by a specified distance in a direction of a vehicle azimuth, a current vehicle position determining means for determining a current vehicle position corresponding to the vehicle position in a play-back mode, a target azimuth calculating means for calculating a target azimuth based on a positional relationship between the current vehicle position and the virtual traction point, a vehicle steering means for steering the vehicle in a direction of the target azimuth in the play-back mode and a vehicle speed control means for controlling a vehicle s

Abstract: An optical detection device for vehicles such as a laser radar is provided. The device consists of frontal and lateral object detection optical systems to monitor a font and a lateral zone around the vehicle, respectively. The frontal and lateral object detection optical systems share several component parts and a signal processing circuit installed in a device body, thereby resulting in a simplified structure of the device and allowing the size of the device to be decreased.

Abstract: In an automatic vehicular velocity control apparatus for an automotive vehicle, a relative velocity detector is provided to detect a relative velocity of a preceding vehicle to the vehicle, an inter-vehicle distance command value calculator is provided to calculate an inter-vehicle distance command value, a control response characteristic determinator is provided to determine a control response characteristic of the inter-vehicle distance control system according to a deviation from the inter-vehicle distance command value to a detected value of the inter-vehicle distance and a detected value of the relative velocity, a vehicular velocity command value calculator is provided to calculate a vehicular velocity command value on the basis of the determined control response characteristic of the inter-vehicle distance control system, and a vehicular velocity control section is provided to control at least one of a driving force of the vehicle, a braking force of the vehicle, and a gear ratio of a transmission in s

Abstract: A method for determining an initiation threshold value for an automatic braking process, in which an automatic braking process is used and a brake pressure is produced which is greater than the brake pressure which corresponds to the operation of the brake pedal by the driver. Short distances between vehicles increase the risk of accidents. If a driver operates the brakes when there is a short distance between the vehicle and the preceding vehicle, in the vast majority of cases, the driver of the following vehicle is often required to perform an emergency braking due to the short distance between the vehicles. To improve the safety of vehicles, an emergency braking is performed, as quickly as possible, when the distance between vehicles is short. This emergency braking, within what is physically possible, ensures rapid deceleration of the vehicle and thus helps to avoid rear-impact accidents.

Abstract: A collision warning system includes pairs of optical sensors integral to a moving vehicle. Each of the optical sensors of the pairs of said sensors is enabled for the detection of visible light magnitudes and infrared light magnitudes in the external vicinity of the vehicle, and for creating corresponding electrical signals. Temporal changes in the magnitudes of the electrical signals and a probability of a collision with an object external to the vehicle, are determined and a warning signal is generated when collision is possible. Warning information is presented to alert a vehicle operator as to the possible collision. A reference sensor and an object sensor, are enabled for generating the related electrical signals. The reference and object sensors are positioned in such proximity as to determine when a collision object has entered a sensing field of view.

Abstract: An object in front of a vehicle is detected. At least one of a steering angle of the vehicle and a yaw rate thereof is detected. First curvature data are generated on the basis of at least one of the detected steering angle and the detected yaw rate. The first curvature data represent a course along which the vehicle will travel. A determination is made as to whether or not the detected object is a stationary object. In cases where the detected object is a stationary object, second curvature data are generated on the basis of the stationary object. The second curvature data represent a course along which the vehicle will travel. The first curvature data and the second curvature data are averaged. Third curvature data are generated in response to a result of the averaging. The third curvature data represent a course along which the vehicle will travel.

Abstract: In accordance with a vehicle running condition along a lane and an actual steering angle, a control unit determine a target steering angle to follow the lane, and controls an actual steering torque with an actuator to a target steering torque to achieve the target steering angle. The control unit limits the target steering torque by setting a target torque limit determined in accordance with a sensed longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for controlling the speed and spacing of a motor vehicle taking into account the spacing from any preceding vehicles, such that in the event that a relevant preceding vehicle is detected, a spacing control system is superimposed onto the speed control system, and such that the spacing control system automatically decelerates the controlled vehicle if the spacing from a preceding vehicle falls below a set reference spacing, such that the fact that the decrease in spacing below the reference spacing was brought about by the driver of the controlled vehicle is recognized on the basis of at least one further indicator; and/or such that the fact that the motor vehicle is traveling in the outermost left lane of the lanes provided for one direction of travel is recognized on the basis of at least one further indicator; and that in this case, automatic deceleration is attenuated or omitted.

Abstract: An adaptive cruise control system for a host vehicle is comprised of a radar device for detecting a distance between the host vehicle and a preceding vehicle, a vehicle speed sensor for detecting a vehicle speed of the host vehicle and a controller for executing a host vehicle speed control based on the distance and the host vehicle speed. The controller cancels the host vehicle speed control when the radar device loses sight of the preceding vehicle.

Abstract: In an object detecting system, a first discriminating unit discriminates an object which has a reflected wave having a reception level calculated by a reception level calculating unit, equal to or larger than a first reference level. A second discriminating unit discriminates an object, the distance to which, calculated by a distance calculated unit, is equal to the distance to the object discriminated by the first discriminating unit, and which has a reflected wave whose reception level calculated by the reception level calculating unit is equal to or smaller than a second reference level. A virtual image determining unit determines the object discriminated by the second discriminating unit as a virtual image of the actual existing object discriminated by the first discriminating unit. A virtual image deleting unit deletes the virtual image from the result of the recognition provided by an object recognizing unit, whereby only the actual existing object including no virtual image can be detected correctly.

Abstract: A device for determining a distance between the back of a motor vehicle and an object located behind the motor vehicle, including a sensor arrangement for detecting a distance between at least one location on the back of the motor vehicle and a location at the side of the object facing the vehicle, and an evaluation unit for determining distance values on the basis of the detected sensor signals, the evaluation unit including an arrangement for ascertaining a periodic nature of the determined distance values.

Abstract: An auto-cruise apparatus capable to switch the modes between the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control and the constant vehicle speed mode is provided. The inventive auto-cruise apparatus comprises a vehicle-to-vehicle distance controller for controlling a travel of a subject vehicle such that a vehicle-to-vehicle distance between the subject vehicle and a preceding vehicle becomes equal to a set vehicle-to-vehicle distance and input means capable of being operated by a driver with regard to a vehicle-to-vehicle distance control performed by said vehicle-to-vehicle distance controller.

Abstract: A laser radar device for transmitting laser pulses, collecting the reflected data from surrounding objects, producing the three-dimensional time-dependent object representations and using these dynamic three-dimensional representations in avoiding collisions or minimizing damage resulting from collisions.

Abstract: In an electric vehicles sharing system, a number of (electric) vehicles are stored in ports and are used by drivers to achieve assigned objects. Herein, multiple vehicles run together in column in an automatic follow-up manner in such a way that following vehicles which are normally unmanned automatically follow up with a manned preceding vehicle. Each vehicle is equipped with ultrasonic sensors, which are arranged in a front portion and a rear portion respectively. Normally, each vehicle detects a travel direction thereof (i.e., a forward or backward direction) to activate only a sensor which matches with the travel direction. Thus, ultrasonic waves radiated from the ultrasonic sensors do not mutually interfere with each other among the vehicles.

Abstract: An object sensing system is capable of masking certain detected objects such that the system does not provide an alarm. Initially, a projected path of the vehicle is determined by using a current steering angle of the vehicle. Next, a desired warning distance is determined based upon the current steering angle. Then, a current distance to a sensed object, as derived from an object sensor, is determined. Finally, an alarm is provided only if the sensed object is within the desired warning distance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a license plate having reverse alarm device, more particularly to a license plate frame comprising a reverse alarm device with reverse alarm radar and a vehicle reverse monitoring camera mechanism to improve the safety when the user reverses a motor vehicle.

Abstract: To correct delayed transmission of instructions associated with increased communication load on a communications line, so as to safely and reliably control a working robot, a system for controlling an operation unit performing a plurality of operations is configured to include a working robot and a controlling personal computer transmitting in operation a command via a wireless LAN and a wired LAN to control an operation. The controlling personal computer detects the load of a communication between the working robot and the controlling personal computer and limits a predetermined one of the plurality of operations depending on the detection result.

Abstract: An energy absorption, rotation and redirection system for use with a vehicle traveling astride a barrier, the vehicle including a front end with a bumper and first and second sides. The system includes a plurality of air bag actuating units mounted at specified locations along the front end and first and second sides of the vehicle. Preferably three air bag units are located at spaced intervals along the front bumper of the vehicle, with individual and additional air bags being located on the sides of the vehicle. An activator mechanism is associated with one or more of the actuating units for selectively instructing the inflation of an exterior air bag associated with the given bag actuating unit. The activator mechanism includes a reflective target strip applied along the barrier, as well as laser emitter/receptor units associated with each of the air bag actuating units.

Abstract: Adding a quantity of metallic shot or particles of other materials having a high dielectric constant to the thermoplastic paint in the mixing pot of ordinary roadway marker fixation equipment, which extrudes the paint and applies same to the roadway surface, enhances the MMW radiometric visibility of the marker without adverse effect to the affixation equipment. Vehicles containing MMW radiometers directed down toward the roadway surface moves along the roadway surface is able to automatically sense microwave/millimeter wave energy from a marker in the vehicles path. In one system, the sensed energy is used in conjunction with other apparatus to assist to guide the vehicle within a traffic lane. In another system, the sensed energy is decoded and displayed as pertinent information for the vehicle's driver.

Abstract: A method is presented for improved interaction between driver demand, cruise control system and traction control system in an internal combustion vehicle. Desired engine output torque is adjusted based on the above inputs and vehicle operating conditions. This method improves drive feel and customer satisfaction with vehicle performance.

Abstract: A cruise controller (2) with a set speed and/or acceleration limit reduction facility is provided. If the controlled vehicle becomes slowed due to the presence of a slower moving vehicle in front of it, the set speed and/or acceleration limit is reduced in order to prevent rapid acceleration from occurring if the target vehicle suddenly moves out of the way.

Abstract: A driving system region which is a region where a light projector, a light receiver, and a signal processing circuit are installed together is disposed on one side of an optical system region comprising a light-projecting region and a light-receiving region, so that wires such as their mutual signal lines are kept from passing through the optical system region, whereby an omnidirectional distance detecting apparatus capable of complete 360-degree omnidirectional distance detection can be obtained. The influence of electric noise caused by the driving system of rotary mechanism and the like upon light-receiving signals and the like is suppressed, whereby the accuracy in distance detection can be improved.

Abstract: An air bag system for an automobile including an external detection system, an internal detection system, a wireless system, a computer processing unit (CPU), at least one external air bag inflation device, and at least one internal air bag inflation device. The air bag system controls inflation size and absorption quantity of an air bag by means that the CPU receives information from the external detection system, the internal detection system, and the wireless system for a calculation based on the information inputted in the CPU and transmits control signal to the relevant parts of the air bag inflation device to enable the external air bag and the internal air bag to effectively inflate for protecting automobile body and object against damage and passengers against personal injury from a collision.

Abstract: A photo detecting device includes an output line leading to a processing circuit, and an array of pixels including respective photo detecting zones for changing incident light into corresponding electric signals through photoelectric conversion. Each of the pixels includes a first switch for selectively connecting and disconnecting a related photo detecting zone to and from the output line, and a second switch for selectively connecting and disconnecting the related photo detecting zone to and from a ground line. The second switch disconnects the related photo detecting zone from the ground line when the first switch connects the related photo detecting zone to the output line. The second switch connects the related photo detecting zone to the ground line when the first switch disconnects the related photo detecting zone from the output line.

Abstract: A brake control apparatus comprising a brake fluid pressure sensor for detecting the brake fluid pressure of the wheel cylinder for a braking system. That is, the brake fluid pressure sensor detects the condition of braking. The brake fluid pressure is controlled. The brake fluid pressure is increased based on a predetermined pressure increase gradient in the initial stage of the automatic braking, and is decreased based on a predetermined pressure decrease gradient in the latter stage of the automatic braking.

Abstract: The aerial work platform including a pothole and/or obstacle avoidance system according to the present invention includes a non-contact distance measuring device mounted to an end of the aerial work platform chassis. The non-contact distance measuring device measures a distance to the ground along a predetermined angle, and generates a first signal based on the measured distance. In response to the output of the non-contact distance measuring device, a motor controller and/or brake controller of the aerial work platform control operation of a motor and/or brakes, respectively, to assist an operator of the aerial work platform in avoiding potholes and/or obstacles.

Abstract: An on-vehicle DBF radar apparatus is mounted on a vehicle and is arranged to detect an object around the vehicle by scanning with radar beams synthesized by digital signal processing. The radar apparatus has a lane shape acquiring section for acquiring a shape of a lane on which the vehicle is driving. In the radar apparatus a scanning range of the radar beams is limited according to the shape of the lane acquired by the lane shape acquiring section. The radar apparatus has advantages of high detection rate and detection accuracy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a very practical monitor for monitoring the periphery of a vehicle characterized in that: the dimension of the monitor in the vertical direction is small, so that the monitor can be incorporated into a small vehicle without putting any restrictions; and the performance and characteristic are excellent. The present invention discloses a specific mechanism to realize the monitor for monitoring the periphery of a vehicle. The present invention provides a monitor for monitoring the periphery of a vehicle comprising: a radiating means for radiating waves of light, having an optical system means for removing astigmatic difference of a light source; and an optical path changing means including a reflection mirror for reflecting a luminous flux radiated from the radiating means in a direction of the radiated light diffusing means. It is possible to change the optical path while astigmatic difference of the light source is being corrected.

Abstract: An apparatus for kinesthetic signaling to a driver of a motor vehicle is described. The apparatus signaling the driver if, in the context of a system for controlling vehicle speed, a deliberate shutdown or one occasioned by a malfunction is imminent or exists; or if, in the context of a system for controlling vehicle speed, a preset maximum deceleration value is not sufficient to prevent a collision between the motor vehicle and a preceding vehicle or an obstacle. The apparatus includes a device that modulates a braking setpoint, or a variable derived from it, in such a way that the motor vehicle experiences a temporally fluctuating deceleration that is perceptible by the driver.

Abstract: In a method and a control arrangement for minimizing the consequences of an accident for motor vehicles, an evaluating unit continuously evaluates environmental data supplied by environmental sensors and vehicle data supplied by a vehicle electronics unit in the light of characteristic features stored in a memory. As a result of this evaluation, it can be ascertained whether an unavoidable accident situation is present with respect to a detected obstacle in which case the evaluating unit performs a controlled braking of the individual wheels of the vehicle by way of a braking control and/or an automatic steering process. This process takes places in such a manner that an optimum speed reduction is achieved as well as a favorable angle of impact. An optimal angle of impact depends on vehicle-specific features and on the particular accident situation.

Abstract: A detecting apparatus of vehicle speed including detecting means for emitting an electromagnetic wave or an ultrasonic wave to a road surface and detecting traveling speed of a vehicle from the Doppler effect produced in a reflected wave thereof, a transmitting circuit for sending information about the traveling speed detected by the detecting means by radio, a power generation mechanism for generating power by vibration produced in the vehicle, and a charging circuit for charging a charging type battery by an output voltage of the power generation mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed a vehicle speed control system using wireless communications, the system including a driving state detecting unit for detecting a driving state and outputting corresponding signals; a transmitter/receiver for outputting low-strength signals; an electronic control unit for receiving the signals of the transmitter/receiver and establishing an ISA mode if necessary, determining if a present driving state corresponds to a first driving state, determining if the driver has performed deceleration operations and performing control into the first driving state if needed; an engine control unit for outputting signals for control of the throttle valve opening; a throttle valve electronic control unit for outputting electrical signals to a throttle valve to control the same; and a display for displaying a present mode and a vehicle state.

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: An automated guided apparatus capable of accurately determining its position within a walled environment such as a mine or building. A mobile unit incorporating an inertial measurement unit and a gray scale vision system processor/camera and/or a laser pointer is able to initialize its location and then update its location within the environment. The apparatus is especially adapted for producing tunnel plan views (“TOPES”) and also for guiding equipment through such environments.

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: A method for determining an initiation threshold value for an automatic braking process, in which an automatic braking process is used and a brake pressure is produced which is greater than the brake pressure which corresponds to the operation of the brake pedal by the driver. Short distances between vehicles increase the risk of accidents. If a driver operates the brakes when there is a short distance between the vehicle and the preceding vehicle, in the vast majority of cases, the driver of the following vehicle is often required to perform an emergency braking due to the short distance between the vehicles. To improve the safety of vehicles, an emergency braking is performed, as quickly as possible, when the distance between vehicles is short. This emergency braking, within what is physically possible, ensures rapid deceleration of the vehicle and thus helps to avoid rear-impact accidents.

Abstract: A process and device are disclosed for preventing a vehicle from colliding with an obstacle during parking. The object of the invention is therefore to ensure that a collision can be reliably avoided without any additional intervention of the drive. In a device with at least one sensor for generating signals which represent the distance between the vehicle and an obstacle, the signals are processed in an evaluation unit. When at least one distance-representing signal falls below a limit value, a warning signal is generated. This warning signal drives a control valve which generates a pressure difference between the working chamber and the vacuum chamber in a brake booster when the warning signal is generated. This pressure difference causes the braking pressure to rise in the wheel brake cylinder and therefore slows the vehicle down to a standstill.