Abstract: A control method for a road toll system using vehicle-based on-board units, recording vehicles, control vehicles, cellular mobile communication networks, and switching servers, comprising: registering a recording vehicle identifier and a mobile communication network cell identifier in the switching server; selecting a cell identifier in a control vehicle and transmitting the same with a control vehicle identifier to the switching server; associating the control vehicle identifier with the recording vehicle identifier for which a cell identifier that is identical to the selected cell identifier is registered; detecting a traffic or toll violation by means of the recording vehicle and transmitting a violation data record to the switching server, determining the assigned control vehicle identifier; transmitting the violation data record to the control vehicle identified by the determined identifier; and processing the violation data record in the control vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle has an apparatus (2) for charging an electrical energy store (3) from a stationary power supply system. An existing controller (6) of the vehicle is configured to calculate and indicate an amount of electrical energy drawn from the stationary power supply system by using a time information item provided in the vehicle controller (6). Alternatively, a battery management system (1) is configured to calculate and indicate the amount of electrical energy drawn from the stationary power supply system by using the time information item provided in the existing vehicle controller (6).

Abstract: Methods and systems for creating an approach map for a traffic signal preemption controller. A road map is displayed, and in response to user input for instantiating a first segment of an approach map, a first instance of a graphical object overlaying one of the plurality of roads is displayed. The one road represents an approach road to an intersection having the preemption controller. First segment location data that describes a first geographical area bounded by the first segment are determined from size and placement of the first instance of the graphical object on the road map and from location data associated with the one road. The first segment location data are stored in association with the approach map for the preemption controller. The preemption controller, once configured with the first segment location data, initiates traffic signal preemption in response to a preemption request transmitted from within the first geographical area described by the first segment location data.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system of changing a vehicle color and a method of changing a vehicle color according to a risk of an accident. According to the present invention, a driver of a vehicle and a surrounding pedestrian and drivers of other vehicles can easily recognize a risk situation and take measurement according to the recognized risk situation, such that it is possible to safely drive the vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for collision warning in a host vehicle including: detecting a collision risk between the host vehicle and an other user of the road with a detection means based on input from at least one sensor which detects at least one parameter related to the other user of the road with respect to the host vehicle; identifying possible options to avoid a collision between the host vehicle and the other user of the road based on input from the detection means, wherein possible options for the host vehicle to avoid a collision are identified as well as possible options for the other user of the road to avoid a collision are identified; calculating among the identified possible options at least one preferred avoidance action in order to avoid a collision between the host vehicle and the other user of the road; and if the at least one preferred avoidance action involves at least one possible option identified for the other user of the road, then generating a warning signal from the host vehicle in a direc

Abstract: An emergency vehicle includes a siren signal generator emitting an electronic siren signal. A siren loudspeaker is coupled to the siren signal generator and emits an audible siren sound in response to receiving the electronic siren signal. The loudspeaker has two inputs. An impedance detector is coupled to the two inputs of the loudspeaker and measures impedance across the two inputs of the loudspeaker. The impedance detector outputs a loudspeaker presence signal if the measured impedance is within a predetermined range. A siren signal detector is coupled to the siren signal generator and emits a siren signal presence signal in response to verifying that the electronic siren signal has a set of predetermined siren signal characteristics. Logic circuitry emits an enable signal in response to receiving both the loudspeaker presence signal and the siren signal presence signal. A radio frequency transmitter transmits a radio frequency notification signal in response to receiving the enable signal.

Abstract: A radio beacon for a wireless road toll system including a transceiver, which is arranged for packet-type radio communication with onboard units of passing vehicles; at least one camera for recording an image of a passing object; and a control device connecting to the transceiver and the camera. The control device is configured to measure, in conjunction with the transceiver, the number of data packets received per unit time from a specific onboard unit and to actuate the camera to record an image of the object carrying this onboard unit, in the case of a number exceeding a threshold value.

Abstract: A system for locating an object, comprising one or more of a first GPS receiver and a first long and short range transceiver onboard a subject object at a first location; one or more of a second GPS receiver and a second long and short range transceiver onboard a secondary object at a second location; a control center for transmitting a location query message requesting first location information; the first long range transceiver transmitting the first location information to the control center, or the first short range transceiver transmitting the first location information and a subject object identification to the second short range transceiver, that transmits the first location information and the subject object identification to the control center, or the second long range transceiver transmitting the second location information to the control center when the subject object and the secondary object are within a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A system for intelligent dissemination of messages via long-range communications to select delegate vehicles, and short-range communications from the delegate vehicles. The system includes a processor and a memory storing a delegation and dissemination algorithm that, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to define a dissemination area and define multiple delegation zones within the dissemination area. The algorithm also causes the processor to identify at least one delegate vehicle, of a network of vehicles, for each delegation zone and seed a message into the network of vehicles by transmitting the message to each delegate vehicle via long-range communications so that the delegate vehicles can transmit the message throughout the network of vehicles via short-range communications.

Abstract: A collision warning apparatus includes sensors, output devices, memory locations, a GPS device, and a processor. The processor may receive information from the sensors. The processor may also process the information to identify a detected object as a present potential collision object. The processor may compare present GPS coordinates of the vehicle with stored vehicle GPS coordinates saved in memory, to determine whether or not the present GPS coordinates correspond to stored vehicle GPS coordinates associated with a previously identified potential collision object. If the present GPS coordinates correspond to stored vehicle GPS coordinates associated with a previously identified potential collision object, the processor is operable to suppress a potential collision warning.

Abstract: A method for the communication of a vehicle with at least one further vehicle and/or for the communication of a vehicle with an infrastructure device (C2X communication), wherein the communication serves to transmit at least one information item for application in a driver assistance system and/or a safety system of the vehicle. In order to ensure good safety and reliability of the driver assistance system or safety system in the case of low market penetration of C2X communication, the at least one information item is transmitted via a first communication channel and/or via a second communication channel in dependence on its nature, wherein the first communication channel has a longer latency period than the second communication channel. The invention also describes a corresponding communication device, a corresponding driver assistance system or a corresponding safety system, a corresponding vehicle, a program element and a computer-readable medium.

Abstract: A gateway control apparatus for vehicles includes a receiver configured to receive vehicle state information from vehicle ECUs and a vehicle-to-vehicle distance from an intelligent cruise control unit. The gateway control apparatus also includes a first memory to store the vehicle state information, a calculation unit to calculate a relative velocity and a relative acceleration from the vehicle state information, and to calculate a collision index. A determination unit determines if the collision index exceeds a predetermined value. A vehicle information management unit determines an accident occurrence time point when the collision index exceeds the predetermined value, and allows the first memory to store pre-accident and post-accident vehicle state information. The gateway control apparatus stores the pre-accident and post-accident vehicle state information even in the case of a fender bender or minor collision to use the stored information for post-accident judgment.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for alerting a driver that a potential hazard is in the vicinity of the driver's vehicle. In general, activation signals transmitted from a vehicle are received at a potential hazard, and hazard signals are, in response, transmitted from the potential hazard to the vehicle. The hazard signals provide an indication of the potential hazard to the driver so that he may be aware of the potential hazard and react accordingly. The indication may be provided to the driver visually, such as on a display of the vehicle, and/or audibly, such as in the form of an audible alert issued by a speaker. The hazard signals may also include one or more characteristics of the potential hazard to provide more information about the potential hazard to the driver, such as the type of potential hazard and/or the degree of danger associated with the potential hazard.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods involve a handheld illuminated module to communicate safety information from a spotter to a driver during a vehicle maneuver. In an illustrative example, the spotter operates the module at a position from which to monitor a region in the vehicle's path. The spotter communicates to the driver that the path is clear by depressing a switch on the module. When depressed, the module switch indicates a “safe” mode that (1) illuminates the module, for example, with a green color, and (2) communicates to a vehicle safety module (VSM) on-board the vehicle. In response to the message, the VSM may transition from a warning mode to a safe mode and emit corresponding visual and/or audio signals to the driver. If the spotter releases the switch, the module illumination changes, and the VSM reverts to warning mode in which it prompts the driver to stop the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes at least one communication device to communicate various states of a condition of a driver, at least one sensor for detecting at least one characteristic of at least one of the driver and the vehicle, wherein the at least one sensor generates a sensor signal representing the at least one characteristic of the at least one of the driver and the vehicle; and a processor in communication with the at least one sensor and the at least one communication device, wherein the processor receives the sensor signal, analyzes the sensor signal based upon an instruction set to determine the condition of the driver, and controls the at least one communication device based upon the at least one characteristic of the at least one of the driver and the vehicle to communicate the various states of the condition of the driver to other vehicles.

Abstract: A driver assistance system includes a speed detector, a preceding vehicle detector having at least one video camera and at least one distance sensor for detecting the distance from a preceding vehicle, a device for determining the speed of the preceding vehicle, and an electronic control unit equipped to trigger an autonomous deceleration of the vehicle with the presence of predetermined brake trigger driving data and to terminate the autonomous deceleration with the presence of predetermined brake abortion driving data. The control unit effects: redundant detection of preceding vehicle driving data, and non-redundant detection of preceding vehicle driving data if a redundant detection is not possible. The non-redundantly detected preceding vehicle driving data is compared to preceding vehicle driving data redundantly detected within a predetermined time, and the non-redundantly detected data is used to control the autonomous deceleration if it corresponds to the redundantly detected data.

Abstract: Vehicle speed identification information for identifying vehicle speed of a vehicle on a road is obtained for a plurality of vehicles. Based on a distribution of the vehicle speed identification information, the vehicle speed identification information is classified into groups corresponding to motions of the vehicle. An occurrence probability of a motion of the vehicle is obtained based on the classification.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein comprise a system and method for improving visibility of a roadway using an improved visibility system. The method comprising receiving data from a plurality of fog detectors located proximate a roadway and determining, based on the data from the plurality of fog detectors, that fog is present about the roadway. The method further comprising obtaining, after the determining that fog is present about the roadway, a plurality of images of the roadway by activating a plurality of cameras located proximate the roadway. The method further comprising creating a composite image by combining two or more of the plurality of images, wherein the composite image depicts the roadway unobstructed by fog and transmitting the composite image to a display device located in a vehicle traveling along the roadway.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a protocol to maintain a persistent warning message in a region of interest. The protocol begins its operation when a hazardous condition is detected by a vehicle. The detecting vehicle uses a multi-hop geocast broadcasting process to transmit a warning message to other vehicles in the region of interest. When the vehicles in the region of interest receive the warning message, they are prevented from re-broadcasting the message for a first predetermined period of time. After the first predetermined period of time has expired, a contentious timing process is used to determine which of those vehicles will re-broadcast the message to other vehicles entering the region of interest. This process of re-broadcasting continues until a second predetermined period of time expires at which time the message is not re-broadcast.

Abstract: A traffic control system for converting an intersection into a roundabout during periods of heavy traffic includes a mechanism for monitoring traffic flow through the intersection and about the roundabout. The system also includes a concave opening in and around the intersection and a concrete disc disposed in the cavity, a hydraulic lift is constructed and arranged to elevate the concrete disc above the level of the road and lights provided to alert motor vehicles to enter a roundabout defined by the elevated disc. The system also includes traffic lights for alerting a motor vehicle operator to drive onto the disc or around the disc to use the intersection and/or roundabout.

Abstract: Disclosed are an information display apparatus and a method thereof capable of allowing a user to conveniently and safely drive by displaying a sender's information corresponding to a call signal, on a windshield of a vehicle, through a display unit such as a Head-Up Display (HUD) or a projector, if the vehicle is in a running state when the call signal is received. The information display apparatus comprises a communication unit configured to receive a call signal, and a controller configured to detect a vehicle speed when the call signal is received, and configured to display a sender's information corresponding to the call signal, on a display unit, based on the vehicle speed.

Abstract: A device and system to alert traffic and pedestrians of an approaching emergency vehicle or an emergency condition, comprised of a solar-charged battery that powers acoustic and optical detectors of approaching sirens and flashing lights or of appropriate transmitters, circuitry to validate the source as an emergency vehicle or authorized transmitter, and local strobe lights and noise emitters to alert vehicles and pedestrians.

Abstract: Techniques for generating driving information based on one or more driver inputs are provided. The techniques include receiving information about one or more triggering factors from at least one of one or more internal entities and one or more external entities, using the information to generate a message about the one or more triggering factors, and sending the message to one or more additional drivers.

Abstract: In a method for warning a driver of a vehicle, the position of the vehicle on the roadway is determined. For the determined position of the vehicle, data relating to a curved roadway course in the area ahead of the vehicle are obtained and data relating to a self-motion of the vehicle are obtained using a driving dynamics sensor. The curved roadway in the area ahead of the vehicle is divided into at least two zones of criticality as a function of the data relating to the curved roadway course and the data relating to the self-motion, wherein each zone of criticality is assigned an assessment which assesses the driving behavior of the vehicle within the respective zone of criticality, and the assessments are outputted to the vehicle driver.

Abstract: In a mobile control node system and method for a vehicle (630), the mobile control node (624) can interact, via a bi-directional radio link (642), with a transceiver processor unit (628) in the vehicle. The transceiver processor unit (628) is connected to a vehicle control system (120) and allows the mobile control node (624) to function as an input and output node on a vehicle control network (632), allowing remote control of the vehicle and providing functions such as remote or passive keyless entry. Additionally, the system provides a vehicle location function wherein the range and bearing between the mobile control node (624) and the vehicle (630) can be determined and displayed on the mobile control node (624).

Abstract: A wireless head for a traffic preemption system. Implementations may include one or more optical receivers adapted to identify an optical signal transmitted by an optical transmitter included in a vehicle preemption unit mounted to a vehicle and one or more head radio transceivers adapted to identify a radio signal transmitted by a vehicle radio transceiver included in the vehicle preemption unit. A head radio frequency (RF) modem may also be included adapted to transmit one or more radio signals to an intersection RF modem. The head may be mounted to a traffic support fixture. The one or more optical receivers, one or more head radio transceivers, and the head RF modem may all be operably coupled together within the wireless head. The intersection preemption unit may be adapted to change a traffic light in favor of the vehicle to which the vehicle preemption unit is mounted.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted communication device includes a non-directional antenna provided at a vehicle and having a directional characteristic in all directions uniformly in a horizontal plane, at least one of directional antennas provided at the vehicle and having a directional characteristic in a specific direction, an antenna switching portion switching so as to be connected to one of the non-directional antenna and the directional antenna on the basis of information to be sent in a case where the information is sent from the vehicle and switching so as to be connected to one of the non-directional antenna and the directional antenna on the basis of information to be received in a case where the information transmitted through the air is received.

Abstract: Information for a vehicle driver is transmitted to the vehicle by vehicle-to-vehicle or vehicle-to-infrastructure communication and is individually conditioned in the vehicle in line with the respective needs of the driver. The conditioned information is then presented visually and/or audibly.

Abstract: A warning system for pedestrian and vehicular traffic that can warn pedestrians and drivers of an emergency vehicle that is approaching a road intersection. The current warning system is multimodal and uses different modes and colors to indicate the type of approaching emergency vehicle. Flashing devices are mounted to fixtures associated with currently available traffic light configurations.

Abstract: A communication apparatus is installed in a vehicle. A time information obtaining unit obtains a current time. A state information obtaining unit repeatedly obtains state information representing a state of an own vehicle at the current time. An own vehicle information generating unit estimates predicted arrival positions at specific times between the current time and a specified time, and repeatedly generates own vehicle information including the current position and the predicted arrival positions. An information transmitting unit transmits the own vehicle information. An information storage unit stores the own vehicle information into a first storage section as past own vehicle information. The information transmitting unit obtains an information coincidence degree representing the degree of the coincidence between current own vehicle information and the past own vehicle information, and transmits the current own vehicle information if the information coincidence degree is less than a specified threshold.

Abstract: A mobile device is associated with navigational information of a client vehicle and provides the navigational information of the client vehicle to an emergency vehicle notification service. The mobile also receives an emergency vehicle message from the emergency vehicle notification service, where the emergency vehicle message includes navigational information of an emergency responder vehicle. The mobile device determines updated navigational information of the client vehicle, and identifies a projected intersection between a path of the emergency responder vehicle and a path of the client vehicle based on the emergency vehicle message and the updated navigational information of the client vehicle. The mobile device generates an alert signal to a user of the mobile device based on the identification of the projected intersection.

Abstract: A vehicle to vehicle warning system comprises a transmitter associated with a primary vehicle alerting one or more secondary vehicles of its proximity through a receiver. The transmitter may emit a radio frequency signal which activates radio frequency receivers in surrounding vehicles. When in appropriate proximity, the signal is configured to initiate a warning at the secondary vehicle, such as light from a light-emitting device or sound from a sound-generating device. In another form, the primary vehicle includes a passive transmitter and the secondary vehicle includes a multi-frequency resonance tag/circuit having distinct frequencies for detection and discrimination. The passive transmitter creates electromagnetic waves which are generated as it passes by the secondary vehicle housing the multi-frequency resonance tag, setting off the secondary vehicle alarm system.

Abstract: A manner of creating an electronic device directory containing the identity of electronic devices that registered in an area associated with a plurality of events, which events are similar in certain respects. The directory is useful, for example, investigating criminal cases. When such an event occurs, an application server is notified and generates one or more device registration capture requests to determine which electronic devices are registered in the area and at approximately the same time at which the event occurs. The device registration capture associated with this event is compared with other device registration captures associated with other, similar events to create the electronic device directory. The electronic device directory entries are preferable filtered to select the devices most likely to be associated with the actual events in question.

Abstract: A method for receiving at least one of advisory information and vehicle control information in a vehicle-mounted system, comprising: receiving at least one of advisory information and vehicle control information from a transmitting unit using a receiving unit; determining whether the at least one of the advisory information and the vehicle control information is directed to the receiving unit; and if the at least one of the advisory information and the vehicle control information is directed to the receiving unit, outputting the at least one of the advisory information and the vehicle control information.

Abstract: A traffic preemption system and related methods. Implementations may include a vehicle preemption unit mounted to a vehicle including an optical transmitter adapted to identify to an intersection preemption unit coupled with an intersection system controller the presence of the vehicle. The vehicle preemption unit may include a vehicle radio transceiver and the optical transmitter and the vehicle radio transceiver may be coupled with a vehicle controller. The intersection preemption unit may include an optical receiver and an intersection radio transceiver. The optical receiver and the intersection radio transceiver may each be coupled with an intersection controller. The intersection preemption unit may be adapted to change a traffic light in favor of the vehicle to which the vehicle preemption unit is mounted in response to an optical signal, a radio signal, or a combination of optical and radio signals from the vehicle preemption unit.

Abstract: A road shape recognition device includes: distance and height detecting means for detecting distance data having a distance and height in real space regarding a road surface where a vehicle is traveling at multiple mutually different points; approximation line calculating means for dividing the plurality of distance data into near and far groups as viewed from the vehicle to calculate an approximation line of the distance data for each group each time the distance data of the boundary portion between the two groups is transferred from one of the groups to the other; statistics calculating means for calculating statistics from the corresponding approximation line for each group where the distance data is transferred; and road shape model generating means for selecting one out of combinations of the approximation lines to generate a road shape model using the selected combination.

Abstract: A system and method for warning of emergency vehicles includes a computing device that receives location data from a transmitter associated with a first vehicle based on a warning system of the first vehicle being activated. The computing device transmits vehicle notification data to a second vehicle based on the location data.

Abstract: A method for issuing warnings in vehicles about hazardous situations as a function of their location. A position of the first vehicle is transmitted as first information and actuated warning signal of the first vehicle are transmitted as second information to surrounding vehicles. The information is received by the surrounding vehicles and the first information is compared and evaluated with information relating to a position of the surrounding vehicles. In the event of a hazardous situation for the surrounding vehicles, corresponding measures for minimizing the hazardous situations are initiated in the surrounding vehicles.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of motor vehicle audio systems. Specifically, this invention uses a voice synthesizer to play a horn tone “Jeep, Jeep” imitating the “Beep, Beep” voice, cadence, and rhythm of the Road Runner®. This is specific to the Jeep® brand and enables the user to either use the existing factory horn, or a separate loudspeaker to play the new horn tone as desired. The main elements of the system are a voice synthesizer, a loudspeaker, and an engagement device mounted on or near the steering wheel, which will operate the voice synthesizer and can be used to project the promotional message, “Jeep, Jeep” via the vehicle horn.

Abstract: A horn system for a vehicle is provided including a piezoelectric device, a loudspeaker, and a controller. The piezoelectric device is located in a horn pad of a steering wheel. The piezoelectric device produces a variable voltage due to varying pressure exerted on the horn pad. The piezoelectric device produces a first voltage signal and a second voltage signal. The first voltage signal is less than the second voltage signal. The loudspeaker is for emitting an audio signal. The controller is in communication with the piezoelectric device and the loudspeaker, and has a memory for storing at least a first audio file and a second audio file.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for reducing the number of packets in a vehicle-to-vehicle multi-hop broadcast communication. The method determines a position data comprising a position, a velocity and a direction of a receiving vehicle (1, 2, 3, 4), receives a position data comprising position, velocity and direction from sending vehicles (1, 2, 3, 4), and calculates a relative position between the receiving vehicle (1, 2, 3, 4) and the sending vehicle (1, 2, 3, 4). Next, a density of vehicles is calculated from the calculated relative positions. The position data of the receiving vehicle (1, 2, 3, 4) is periodically sent, and the time for periodically sending the position data of the receiving vehicle (1, 2, 3, 4) is set in accordance with the calculated density of vehicles.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus, system, and method to communicate emergency messages utilizing road markers. The road marker may include: a light emitter to emit different light colors; a transmitter; and a receiver to receive an emergency message from an emergency vehicle, a road marker gateway, or another road marker. Further, the road marker may include a processor to: to command the light emitter to emit a light color based upon the emergency message received by the receiver; and command the transmitter to transmit the received emergency message to at least one other road marker.

Abstract: A vehicle information communication method is provided in which at least one of host vehicle probe data and surrounding vehicle probe data is collected in a host vehicle. After collection, the data is transmitted to a carrier vehicle. The carrier vehicle then disassociates identifying information from the data before sending the data to an external communication device.

Abstract: A warning and/or information transmission or exchange system is provided for vehicles. In accordance with one aspect of the system, a first vehicle may alert its proximity to one or more secondary vehicles. These secondary vehicles will then be able to yield in a timely fashion to the primary vehicle. In other embodiments, secondary vehicles may alert their proximity to one or more primary vehicles. In other embodiments, other information may be exchanged or transmitted between the vehicles, such as a secondary vehicle transmitting insurance, medical, passenger contact, vehicle VIN or other information to a primary vehicle.

Abstract: A driver-initiated warning device is described for communicating descriptive vehicle-to-vehicle warning messages. The device can be deployed within an automobile and can include an interface that receives input from a driver or passenger of a vehicle. The device also includes a vehicle-to-vehicle communications component that generates anonymous messages upon having received the input and broadcasts the anonymous messages to other vehicles within range. The anonymous messages have embedded electronic data regarding an event observed by the driver or passenger, such as location information of a road hazard. Based on receiving the messages, the device can make decisions as to whether to alert the driver of any upcoming dangers or other events. The location information contained in the messages can be used to filter the messages based on relevance. The messages can also be relayed to other vehicles in order to optimize information diffusion between moving automobiles.

Abstract: The emergency vehicle alarm system and method allows a user to select an emergency vehicle alert as a telematics service in a mobile vehicle. Once the user selects the alert service, a telematics operations center determines a service fee, bills the user, and debits the user's account accordingly. The emergency vehicle alert telematics service warns a civilian vehicle of an approaching emergency vehicle. The system includes a transmitter located in the emergency vehicle that transmits a signal adapted for reception by a receiving module of a telematics system located in the civilian vehicle. When the emergency vehicle signal is received by the receiving module in the civilian vehicle, an audio and/or visual alert is generated to alert the occupants of the civilian vehicle that an emergency vehicle is nearby. The civilian vehicle's telematics system may also display relative positioning of the emergency vehicle and the civilian vehicle.

Abstract: A method for driver assistance by generating lane information for supporting or for replacing lane information of a video-based lane information device includes: generating the lateral lane information based on the video-based lane information device of the vehicle; ascertaining at least one reliability parameter of the lateral lane information received from the lane information device; receiving navigation system-based lateral lane information from at least one other vehicle via a vehicle-to-vehicle communication device; and supporting or replacing the lateral lane information received from the lane information device based on the received navigation system-based lateral lane information as a function of the ascertained reliability parameter.

Abstract: A vehicle presence alert apparatus for alerting a target object to a presence of the vehicle via an alert sound with a frequency in an audible range is disclosed. The vehicle presence alert apparatus includes: a sound emitter configured to (i) cause a carrier wave with a frequency in an ultrasonic range to carry the alert sound, and (ii) emit the carrier wave carrying the alert sound as a radiation wave toward the target object; a sound receiver configured to receive a reflected wave, the reflected wave being generated due to reflection of the radiation wave by the target object; and relative velocity calculation means for calculating a relative velocity of the target object with respect to the vehicle based on a frequency of the radiation wave and a frequency of the reflected wave.

Abstract: A stowage magazine is provided for securing a can of ammunition rounds. The magazine includes a frame having lateral sides that define a space for the can; a hinge mechanism connecting to the lateral sides; and a door connecting to the mechanism. The door provides and restricts access to the space in respective open and closed positions. The door is openable along an axial direction to provide an operational surface. The mechanism avoids lateral obstruction beyond the door's surface.

Abstract: Presented is a communication system in a motor vehicle which is designed to participate in a chain-like ad-hoc radio network comprising a number of traveling motor vehicles. The system includes a control unit, a transmission/reception unit in communication with the control unit, and an orientation unit configured to determine an orientation of the motor vehicle relative to a reference direction, the orientation unit being in communication with the control unit. The control unit is configured to determine the orientation of the motor vehicle with respect to an orientation of at least one other motor vehicle which is received by the transmission/reception unit.