Abstract: The invention relates to the prevention of injuries and material damage caused by doors (2) of stopped and/or parked motor vehicles (1) by means of at least one camera (4) which monitors the exterior (3) of, especially the space next to and/or above, the vehicle (1). According to the invention, a mode of operation monitoring the inner (7) and/or outer (8) door handle is activated and the exterior (3) of the motor vehicle (1) is monitored by means of the camera (4) if an evaluation unit (6) detects that a fixed or variable speed-related, acceleration-related, and/or distance-related threshold value (SW) is not met, e.g.

Abstract: A parking assist apparatus for a vehicle includes a recognizing apparatus for recognizing a target position for parking the vehicle, a calculating apparatus for calculating a course for parking the vehicle from a current vehicle position to the target position recognized by the recognizing apparatus during the vehicle being moving and an informing apparatus for informing a user of the vehicle that the vehicle can be parked at the recognized target position when the course of the vehicle has been correctly calculated by the calculating apparatus.

Abstract: When a vehicle travels along a curve of a road, a target vehicle acceleration/deceleration that is used for accelerating/decelerating the vehicle to a target vehicle speed, which is set for the curve, is calculated. Based on a comparison between a present vehicle speed of the vehicle and the target vehicle speed, the vehicle is controlled such that an acceleration/deceleration of the vehicle coincides with the target vehicle acceleration/deceleration.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a brake control system for a vehicle, according to which a comfortable feeling for a vehicle deceleration is obtained. An index of evaluating a vehicle distance change is calculated based on a relative vehicle speed, wherein the index has a characteristic feature according to which the index value is increased as the relative vehicle speed becomes higher and a vehicle distance becomes shorter. A brake assisting operation is carried out such that the index is controlled at a target value.

Abstract: A portable communication device detects a current speed of travel of the portable communication device independent of any vehicle temporarily transporting the portable communication device. A speed based setting controller of the portable communication device compares the current speed to at least one threshold value set at the portable communication device. Responsive to the current speed exceeding the threshold value, the speed based setting controller automatically assigns a separate speed based setting to a current setting for each feature assigned to the threshold value, wherein each current setting for each feature designates the operability of that feature within the portable communication device, such that the current setting for each feature adjusts with a speed of travel as detected by the portable communication device.

Abstract: To provide a device associated with at least one means of transport, in particular at least one motor vehicle, for the detection, in particular intuitive detection, of the operating and/or system states of at least one assistance/support system for the lateral guidance of the means of transport, in which the acceptance of the assistance/support system is increased, for example in such a way that the response of the system may be readily assessed at any time by the driver of the means of transport, at least one display element is provided for displaying the particular operating and/or system state.

Abstract: A method for a detecting position of a lane marker relating to the present invention obtains an integral brightness by taking an image of a road surface (4) by a camera (2) loaded on a vehicle (3), converting the image taken by the camera (2) into an overlooked image and by integrating a brightness of a coordinate of a direction X which is in a direction perpendicular to a road width direction Y of the road surface (4) shown in the overlooked image which is converted. Thereafter, the method carries out a detection of a lane marker position provided on the road surface (4) by obtaining a position of the road surface (4) corresponding to the coordinate of the road width direction Y indicating a high integral brightness from a distribution of the detected integral brightness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for sensing information about the position and/or movements of the body of a living being or a part of the body inside the body, in particular for use in a motor vehicle. The method includes the steps: Send (18) an electromagnetic signal (15) that includes, according to the invention, frequencies in the radar range, to a predetermined area of the body of a living being, Receive (20) an electromagnetic signal (22) reflected from the area of the body, Evaluate (30) the captured receive signal (22) with regard for the difference in delay time and/or frequency relative to the transmit signal (15) to determine the information. With the method according to the present invention, the breathing and heart rate and the position of the body of a driver of a motor vehicle can be monitored in contactless fashion during the drive.

Abstract: A vehicle has a display device which widens the field of view (visible area) reflected by a side mirror or a back mirror mounted on the vehicle. To enable a driver driving the vehicle to confirm safety even when it is difficult for the driver to visually recognize some of objects surrounding the vehicle, a liquid crystal display device or an EL display device is provided in the side mirror (door mirror), the back mirror (room mirror) or in an interior portion of the vehicle. A camera is mounted on the vehicle and an image from the camera is displayed on the display device. Further, information read from a sensor (distance measuring sensor) having the function of measuring the distance to another vehicle, and a sensor (impact sensor) having the function of sensing an externally applied impact force larger than a predetermined value is displayed on the display device.

Abstract: A vision-based object detection decision-making system (10) for a vehicle (12) includes multiple vision sensing systems (14) that have vision receivers (20) and that generate an object detection signal. A controller (16) includes a plurality of sensing system aid modules (18) that correspond to each of the vision sensing systems (14). The controller (16) operates the sensing system aid modules (18) in response to a vehicle parameter and generates a safety system signal in response to the object detection signal. The sensing system aid modules (18) have associated operating modes and operate the vision sensing systems (14) in the operating modes in response to the vehicle parameter.

Abstract: An object detection sensor wherein a detection electrode (electrode connected with a detection circuit via a conductor) is not exposed from a surface and an input signal is scarcely reduced when a contact area is small, which is capable of reliably detecting a contact thereof with an object in a manner substantially the same as that in the case of a large contact area even when the contact area is small is provided.

Abstract: A method of operating a display system in a vehicle (03) for finding a suitable parking place (06) with at least one camera (01) with which an observation area in the vicinity of the vehicle (03) can be recorded, with an image processing unit in which the image data coming from a camera (03) can be processed and a display screen (02) in the interior of the vehicle on which the image data coming from the image processing unit can be displayed as an image (07). A parking place symbol (08, 18, 20) is superimposed by the image processing unit on the current image (07) on the display screen (02), symbolizing true to scale an area in the current image (07) which the vehicle (03) can reach in parking, starting from its current position, taking into account the properties of the vehicle, in particular the size of the vehicle and the maximum steering angle.

Abstract: An obstacle detection device includes: a hyperboloidal mirror contained near a tip of a pole mounted at the corner of a vehicle; an image pickup unit for picking up an image shown in the hyperboloidal mirror; a signal processing circuit that performs an image signal processing for allowing easy viewability of the image picked up by the image pickup unit; and a display unit that is mounted in the vehicle compartment of the vehicle and displays the image signal processed by the signal processing circuit.

Abstract: A warning system for a vehicle is provided. The warning system has a sensor for detecting an obstruction near the vehicle, a control apparatus to produce a signal in response to the detected obstruction, and an alert device configured to direct a driver's attention to the obstruction.

Abstract: A parking assist device (1) includes a camera (3) for capturing an image of an exterior of a vehicle, and a monitor (4) for displaying the captured image, and sets a target parking position by moving a target parking frame (11) displayed on a screen of the monitor (4). A default position of the target parking frame (11) is determined based on a target parking position (P2) which is a relative position with respect to a parking preparation position (P1). The target parking position (P2) is estimated based on a running state of the vehicle until the vehicle reaches the parking preparation position (P1).

Abstract: An automobile collision warning system includes a sensor system configured to generate a sensor signal corresponding to at least a first sensed object in the vicinity of the automobile. A processor is coupled to the sensor system, wherein the processor is configured to determine if a potential collision risk exists based on the sensor signal and to generate a corresponding collision warning signal. A turn signal inhibition apparatus coupled to the processor configured to inhibit movement of a turn signal stalk in response to the collision warning signal, to thereby warn an automobile operator of the potential collision.

Abstract: During a period until a subject vehicle stops to go back for being parked, detection distance data items and advance distance data items are obtained by using an ultrasonic sensor and a speed sensor. These data items are stored with both the data items mutually associated. The detection distance data item indicates a distance to a parked vehicle adjacent to the subject vehicle and the advance distance data item indicates a distance in which the subject vehicle advances. When computing a size of the parked vehicle from the advance distance data items, the size of the parked vehicle is determined to be shorter than an aggregated distance corresponding to the advance distance data items. This enables the determined size of the parked vehicle to approximate an actual size of the parked vehicle.

Abstract: According to a parking assist device and a method for assisting parking of the invention, when a parking assist is canceled after a start of the parking assist, and the parking assist is restarted, a target parking position (P2B) is reset at a reset position (P1B). In the invention, at this time, the target parking position (P2B) is determined based on a target parking position (P2A) which is set at a parking preparation position (P1A), and the determined target parking position (P2B) is displayed on a screen of a monitor (4) as a default display position of a target parking frame (11) at a reset time.

Abstract: A method for operating a parking assistance system and a parking assistance system for a vehicle, is characterized by the following steps: a) determination of the length and/or width of a parking space when passing the parking space; b) determination of at least one feasible parking process for the vehicle for entering into or exiting the parking space; c) instructing the driver as to which direction the vehicle shall be moved and how far the steering wheel must be turned, and d) automatic braking and/or acceleration of the vehicle during the parking process into or out of a parking space, wherein steps c) and d) can be effected in any order, one after the other and/or at the same time.

Abstract: A vehicular “black box” provides recording means by which driver action can be reviewed after an accident or collision, as well as indicating immediate vehicle disposition status to the driver. Using cameras (which may be very small), the disposition of the vehicle in its lane is determined by detecting the highway lines painted on the road. The data is also recorded so that should an accident or collision occur, the events leading up to such an event are made available for later review and analysis.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is provided with: an image taking device (19) for taking an image in a forward direction of a movable body and outputting an image signal corresponding to the taken image; a movement vector detecting device (18, 24) for detecting a movement vector for each area of the image taken by the image taking device, on the basis of the image signal while the movable body is moving; and a distance calculating device (18, 25) for setting a standard line at a predetermined image position crossing a road edge with respect to the image taken by the image taking device, and calculating the distance to the road edge on the basis of a distribution of the movement vector on the standard line.

Abstract: A travel controlling apparatus of an unmanned vehicle provided with a GPS receiver (13) receiving a GPS signal so as to position a position of a vehicle, an autonomous navigation computing device (14) positioning a position and an azimuth of the vehicle on the basis of a traveling direction and distance of the vehicle, a position measuring portion (11) calculating a present position and azimuth, and a travel controlling portion (17) controlling the vehicle travel. The travel controlling apparatus is provided with a roadside zone distance measuring device (15) for measuring a distance from the vehicle to a roadside zone (5) provided in a side of the traveling path (4), and the present position and azimuth is determined on the basis of the roadside zone distance measured by the roadside zone distance measuring device (15).

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring an area adjacent to a subject vehicle includes an image taking device for taking an image of an area at and around a place to which the subject vehicle is directed. A predicting device operates for predicting a region to which the subject vehicle will travel. The predicted region has a left-hand boundary and a right-hand boundary. A setting device operates for setting a detection area near at least one of the left-hand boundary and the right-hand boundary of the predicted region. The detection area extends along a direction of travel of the subject vehicle. A deciding device operates for deciding whether or not a three-dimensional object exists in the detection area in response to the image taken by the image taking device. The three-dimensional object is, for example, a cut-in vehicle with respect to the subject vehicle.

Abstract: A back-up warning system for a vehicle having a back-up lighting circuit includes a license plate holder including a housing, and a proximity sensor and external audible indicator carried by the housing. The back-up warning system also includes an internal indicator for providing an internal indication of proximity to an object based upon the proximity sensor. The back-up warning system may be connected to the back-up lighting circuit so that the proximity sensor is powered and operable to detect proximity of the object adjacent the license plate holder when a reverse transmission position is selected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrawideband radar. It also relates to a modulator, in particular for switching microwaves over a very short duration.

Abstract: A computer-based assisted parking system and method for parking a vehicle into a parking space includes at least one sensor arranged to sense a position of the vehicle to be parked in a predetermined area adjacent the vehicle; a sensing system for at least two-dimensional reconstruction of feedback received from the one sensor; a path planning system for determining whether positions of other vehicles adjacent the parking space provide sufficient clearance for the vehicle to be parked and providing a planned path indicating how the vehicle to be parked will be maneuvered; a control system for controlling maneuvering of the vehicle to be parked based on the planned path determined by the path planning system, and the control system controls vehicle steering, direction, speed, and application of brakes, so that the vehicle to be parked is maneuvered into the parking space. Alternatively, directions may be given as the vehicle is parked under the control of the driver.

Abstract: A radar sensor platform for clearance measurement in a vehicle has at least four radar sensors, an input being entered if necessary using an input device indicating that a width measurement of a parking space is desired and the four radar sensors then enlarging their horizontal beam angle and the means for acoustic and/or visual output emitting a signal as a function of the measurement of the parking space width. This signal is, for example, the parking space width or a warning. The horizontal beam angle for the parking space measurement is at least 170°. The side clearances of the vehicle in the parking space may also be displayed. Furthermore, centered parking is possible using the acoustic and visual aids. The radar sensor platform is advantageously installed either in the front and/or rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for the longitudinal control of a vehicle, in which information of a navigation system is detected and in which, as a function of the information of the navigation system, a desired value of at least one parameter for the longitudinal control is defined, during a longitudinal control operation, on the basis of a defined desired distance from a preceding vehicle by means of information of the navigation system. The probability is determined with which the preceding vehicle and/or the own vehicle is cornering when the preceding vehicle is no longer detected. A longitudinal acceleration takes place in a time-delayed manner when the probability is greater than a defined threshold.

Abstract: An improved vehicle radar system and control aids the vehicle driver during both parking and back-up maneuvers. The radar system is equipped with both long range and short range radar detection antennas, an RF switch for selecting the active antenna, and a range bin having a depth that is adjustable “on the fly”. The back-up aid function is provided by activating the RF switch to select the long range antenna and setting the range bin to a relatively large depth to cover the long range in a short time. The parking aid function is provided by activating the RF switch to select the short range antenna, and setting the range bin to a relatively short depth to achieve high close range accuracy.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting an operational condition of a rail track from a railcar includes an antenna positioned on the railcar that directs radar signals toward the rail track and collects radar signals returned from the rail track. A radar transceiver is connected to the antenna and supplying the radar signals to the antenna. The radar transceiver receives radar returned signals from an interaction of the radar signal with the rail track. A controller is connected to the radar transceiver for controlling transmission of the radar signals from the radar transceiver and receipt of the radar returned signals. A signal processing unit is connected to the controller and a sensor unit that supplies input data to the signal processing unit. The signal processing unit processes at least the input data and the radar returned signal to produce processor output data and to determine the operational condition of the rail track.

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 present invention is a monocular computer vision technique. The technique is used to aid road vehicle driving for safety. An camera (e.g., camera or TV camera or camcorder) is installed in a vehicle facing to the road in front of the vehicle to capture a sequence of road/scene images for analyzing the driving situation. The situation includes the distance to a front obstacle or vehicle, the speed of the vehicle, and the left/right location of the vehicle in a road lane.

Abstract: A back-up warning system for a vehicle having a back-up lighting circuit includes a license plate holder including a housing, and a proximity sensor and external audible indicator carried by the housing. The back-up warning system also includes an internal indicator for providing an internal indication of proximity to an object based upon the proximity sensor. The back-up warning system may be connected to the back-up lighting circuit so that the proximity sensor is powered and operable to detect proximity of the object adjacent the license plate holder when a reverse transmission position is selected.

Abstract: An improved traffic accident preventing system to alarm both a driver on vehicle and pedestrian each other using a radio communication unit when they are located close. This system also provides a traffic monitoring and control system using communication between vehicle, pedestrian with communication unit and radio unit equipped by roadside, in which a traffic management center can send information to a specific vehicle and pedestrian with communication unit, and also receive information from them.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the detection of objects that lie within the path of a motor vehicle includes ultrasonic sensors (20) fitted to either a front or rear surface (14, 18) of the motor vehicle (10). The ultrasonic sensors (20) are adapted to both emit ultrasonic energy and to detect ultrasonic energy. A detection field (32) is divided into a plurality of sub-fields (42-50) and each is illuminated using a different amount of sensing energy in order to detect objects therein.

Abstract: A vehicle guidance system for assisting a driving lane change includes an object detection unit for detecting objects in a laterally adjacent rearward side space area of the vehicle. An analysis unit receives signals from the object detection unit and determines whether an object is situated in a dead angle section (blind spot) of the monitored rearward side space, or whether any such object in a section of the monitored rearward side space which is rearward beyond a dead angle section is moving forward at a higher speed than the system vehicle. If so, and if, in addition, it detects at the same time a lane change request pertaining to the corresponding side area, it activates a warning indicating unit for emitting a warning signal. According to the invention, a position detection device is provided which determines path data of the obstacle vehicle and the road geometry data, as well as the position of the system vehicle on the road.

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: Systems and methods are described for passive pavement-mounted acoustical alert of the occupants of a vehicle. A method of notifying a vehicle occupant includes providing a driving medium upon which a vehicle is to be driven; and texturing a portion of the driving medium such that the textured portion interacts with the vehicle to produce audible signals, the textured portion pattern such that a linguistic message is encoded into the audible signals. The systems and methods provide advantages because information can be conveyed to the occupants of the vehicle based on the location of the vehicle relative to the textured surface.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is provided with: an image taking device (19a, 19b) for taking an image on a side of a movable body and outputting an image signal corresponding to the taken image; a movement vector detecting device (18, 24) for detecting a movement vector for each area of the image taken by the image taking device, on the basis of the image signal while the movable body is moving; and a distance calculating device (18, 25) for judging a spatial changing rate of a magnitude of the detected movement vector and calculating the distance to a road edge on the basis of the spatial changing rate.

Abstract: To assure that the safety device is triggered at the right time in the event of a lateral collision of the vehicle with a curb, a first comparing device (1) compares a rotation rate (.omega.x) measured relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, or a variable derived from this rotation rate, with a rotation rate threshold value. A second comparing device (2) compares an acceleration (ay), measured in the direction of the transverse axis of the vehicle, with a lateral acceleration threshold value. If both threshold comparing device (1, 2) simultaneously signal that their threshold values are being exceeded, a trigger signal (as1) for the safety device is output.

Abstract: A truck turning safety gate for controlling vehicle traffic adjacent to a turning truck. The inventive device includes a pair of actuators securable to a rear of a truck. A pair of signal arms extend from the actuators and are normally oriented in a vertical position. A control panel is positioned in electrical communication with the actuators for permitting manual control of the signal arms, whereby one of the signal arms can be lowered to prevent traffic from approaching along a side of the truck to enable the truck to make a wide turn.

Abstract: A warning system estimates the possibility of the off-course travel of a vehicle while traveling through a curve before the vehicle enters the curve and gives the driver a warning properly.

Abstract: An electronic curb feeler system uses two pairs of optical sensor units to detect an object located near the front end of a vehicle during parking. One pair of optical sensor units detects an object directly in front of a left portion of the front end of the vehicle while another pair of optical sensors detects an object directly in front of a right portion of the front end of the vehicle. By supplying the operator of the vehicle with the location of the object as well as the exact distance the object is from the front end of the vehicle the operator can avoid hitting the object while parking very close to the object.

Abstract: A system which provides an alarm indicative of a presence of an obstacle in a vicinity of a vehicle. The system operates by electromagnetic detection, and generates an oscillating radiofrequency signal. A transmitter transmits the generated oscillated radiofrequency signal to create, all around the transmitter, an electromagnetic radiofrequency near field. A receiver receives the electromagnetic radiofrequency near field. A detector is connected to the receiver and detects a perturbation resulting in a reduction of an oscillation amplitude of the electromagnetic radiofrequency near field, and an indicator indicates the detected perturbation of the received electromagnetic radiofrequency near field. Based on this operation, an obstacle in a vicinity of the vehicle can be detected.

Abstract: The displacement sensor of this invention comprises a tube combined with a sonic transmitter and receiver. The tube acts as a waveguide for the sonic waves and a processor determines whether the tube has changed in length or has been constricted which, in either case, changes the pattern of sonic waves traveling from the transmitter to the receiver. In some applications, the transmitter and receiver are at different ends of the tube. In these cases, the attenuation in sound energy reaching the receiver, caused by the tube being squeezed at at least one point, is measured and the amount of cross action area reduction is determined. In other applications, the transmitter and receiver are at the same end of the tube and, in some of these cases, the transmitter and receiver are the same transducer.

Abstract: A driving control system for a vehicle includes a map information output device for outputting a map, a vehicle position detecting device for detecting a vehicle position of a subject vehicle on the map, a vehicle speed detecting device for detecting a vehicle speed, a passable area determining device for determining a passable area on the map on the basis of the detected vehicle speed, and a passability/impassability judging device for deciding that the vehicle may pass through a portion of road when a road which is in front of the vehicle position in a traveling direction is included in the passable area on the map. The road which is in front of the vehicle position in the traveling direction is compared with the determined passable area, and when the road is included in the passable area, it is decided that the vehicle may pass through the portion of road.

Abstract: An image tracking device comprising: an image taking means for taking an image in front of a vehicle and outputting an image signal; a memory for memorizing the image signal from the image taking means; and a tracking means for tracking a plurality of vehicles by discerning the plurality of vehicles in a monitoring region which is set with respect to the image signal memorized in the memory.

Abstract: An improved vehicle obstacle detector and alarm system (10) consisting of an obstacle detector assembly (12) and an electronic control unit (40). The assembly (12) includes an impact probe (14) that is attached through a flexible rod (16) to the front end (18A) of a housing (18). The housing includes at its rear end (18B) an acoustic transducer cavity (18D) into which is inserted a piezoelectric acoustic transducer (26) that is attached to the first end (20A) of a coaxial cable (20). The second end of the cable (20) is attached to an female connector (22) that interfaces with a male connector (41) on the electronics control unit (40). When the impact probe (14) encounters an obstacle, a series of mechanical oscillations are produced that are mechanically transmitted through the flexible rod (16), the housing (18) and ultimately to the piezoelectric acoustic transducer (26).

Abstract: A tractor-trailer vehicle includes one, and typically a plurality, of signal switches mounted at spaced intervals along a top wall of the trailer structure, wherein engagement of the signal switches relative to an abutment effects audible and visual alarm within a cab of the associated transport vehicle structure.

Abstract: A motor vehicle sensing and warning circuit is described that includes a series of N Schmitt triggers with MOS P-channel and N-channel enhancement devices included in a single monolithic structure to perform waveform generation, sensing, comparison and control functions. The Schmitt triggers are configured to deliver as an astable oscillator in circuit with a sensing antenna through a balance circuit as well as deliver as an audio oscillator to drive a piezo element to alert the driver of the presence of an invading object that should be avoided. Shaping and conditioning of the reference waveform are generated by the free running oscillator, as is a comparison function in association with a series of strobing diodes resulting in a strobed output summing function between a Schmitt sensing trigger and a Schmitt reference trigger associated with the free running oscillator.