Abstract: A surroundings monitoring system includes: a detection device that is disposed in a work vehicle and configured to be able to detect an object around the work vehicle; an acquisition unit that acquires a command signal indicating an operation checking mode for inspecting the detection device; a determining unit that determines a quality of an operating state of the detection device based on a detection result of the detection device after the command signal is acquired; and a display device that displays identification information of the detection device of which the operating state is determined to be not good by the determining unit.

Abstract: Arrangements described herein can display a set speed deviation for a vehicle using spatiotemporal patterns. A set speed and an actual speed for a vehicle can be acquired. A deviation between the set speed and the actual speed of the vehicle can be determined. Responsive to determining the deviation between the predetermined set speed and the actual speed, a spatiotemporal pattern can be displayed within the vehicle. The spatiotemporal pattern can indicate to a user the deviation between the set speed and the actual speed via the spatiotemporal pattern. In one or more arrangements, the spatiotemporal pattern can be a repeating wave pattern.

Abstract: A system, a method, and a computer program for utilizing a WiFi beacon for low-latency communication with smart computing devices. Embodiments of the invention use beacon-stuffed network announcement broadcast signals to promptly convey urgent safety information to pedestrians and other vulnerable road users and to warn them of approaching vehicles. This information can then be used to generate visual or audible alerts that are presented on a smart computing device of the vulnerable road user. Similarly, beacon-stuffed network announcement broadcast signals transmitted by pedestrians' smart computing devices can be used to warn vehicle operators of pedestrians in their path.

Abstract: A method and system for using data associated with a first vehicle and a given road segment defined for a road network and using data associated with a second vehicle and the given road segment to determine a multi-vehicle probability value that indicates a probability that the first vehicle and the second vehicle will arrive at a common position of the given road segment simultaneously. The multi-vehicle probability value can be compared to a threshold probability value to determine whether the first vehicle and/or the second vehicle should take a responsive measure to avoid those vehicles arriving at the common position of the given road segment simultaneously. The data associated the first vehicle and the data associated with the second vehicle can each include a respective electronic horizon for that vehicle, and time parameters and probability values associated with those vehicles being on the given road segment.

Abstract: Bicycle safety exclusion zone systems capable of being attached to a bicycle, comprised of one or more projector-sensor devices and a processing unit. Each projector-sensor device is capable of detecting vehicles in proximity of the bicycle and of projecting at least a portion of a visual safety exclusion zone upon ground surrounding the bicycle. The processing unit is in communication with the one or more projector-sensor devices. When one of the projector-sensor devices detects a vehicle in proximity to the bicycle, the processing unit generates an alert detectable by a user of the bicycle, and the one or more projector-sensor devices change the visual appearance of the visual safety exclusion zone. In some embodiments, the change in the visual appearance of the safety exclusion zone comprises a change of color.

Abstract: A method for setting up a movement model of a road user includes reading in a current movement vector of the road user, averaging movement vectors read in over of period of time to obtain a characteristic movement value of the road user for the period of time, and ascertaining a movement model using the movement value.

Abstract: A method for providing a driver assistance service includes the steps of determining a first measured value for a first measured variable using a first measuring device, which is situated onboard a first motor vehicle, of transmitting the first measured value to a second motor vehicle and of providing the driver assistance service in the second motor vehicle based on the transmitted first measured value.

Abstract: A navigation system for use on an automated vehicle includes a global-positioning-system-receiver (GPS-receiver), a vehicle-to-vehicle-transceiver (V2V-transceiver), an object-detector, and a controller. The GPS-receiver indicates a receiver-coordinate of a host-vehicle. The receiver-coordinate is characterized by a receiver-error. The V2V-transceiver receives a GPS-coordinate from each of a plurality of other-vehicles proximate to the host-vehicle. The object-detector determines a distance and a direction relative to the host-vehicle to each of the plurality of other-vehicles. The controller is in communication with the GPS-receiver, the V2V-transceiver, and the object-detector.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a parking path generation device, a system including the same, and a method of automatically parking a vehicle. The parking path generation device includes: a parking space search unit to search for a parking space in a forward direction or in a reverse direction, a control unit to control a search direction of the parking space search unit, and to determine whether the parking space search unit fails to find the parking space in the search direction, and a path generation unit to generate a parking path in the search direction when the parking space search unit successfully finds the parking space.

Abstract: This disclosure describes an automated mobile vehicle that includes one or more distance determining elements configured to detect the presence of objects and to cause the automated mobile vehicle to alter its path to avoid the object. For example, a distance determining element may be incorporated into one or more of the motors of the automated mobile vehicle and configured to determine a distance to an object. Based on the determined distance, a path of the automated mobile vehicle may be altered.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including medium-encoded computer program products, for generating and visualizing 3D scenes include, in one aspect, a method including: obtaining metadata for 2D images that are related to a location of interest; searching for discrete image correspondences between pairs of the 2D images; grouping the 2D images into different time periods, including inferring one or more time periods for a portion of the 2D images that do not have date metadata; receiving a selection of at least one of the different time periods; finding camera intrinsic and extrinsic parameters for each image grouped into the selected time period; reconstructing a 3D scene of the location during the selected time period from the 2D images grouped into the selected time period using the camera intrinsic and extrinsic parameters; and providing the 3D scene for use in displaying the location of interest from different 3D perspectives.

Abstract: Disclosed aspects relate to transportation vehicle traffic management. A traffic controller detects a first traffic state parameter value for a first lane. In response to detecting the first traffic state parameter value, the traffic controller establishes a first broadcast of a first movement value (e.g., speed, acceleration, direction). The first movement value may indicate a first movement pattern for a first set of vehicles in the first lane. In response to establishing the first broadcast of the first movement value, the traffic controller detects a second traffic state parameter value for the first lane. In response to detecting the second traffic state parameter value the traffic controller modifies the first broadcast of the first movement value. The modified first movement value may indicate a second movement pattern for the first set of vehicles in the first lane.

Abstract: A collision avoidance system is provided with: a rear detection device arranged in a host vehicle and capable of detecting an object directly behind the host vehicle, an object to the rear-right of the host vehicle, and an object to the rear-left of the host vehicle in a non-contact manner. A computation processing unit outputs, on the basis of a detection result from the rear detection device, the presence/absence of the possibility of a collision between the host vehicle and: a first following vehicle approaching the host vehicle from directly behind, a second following vehicle approaching the host vehicle from the rear-right, and a third following vehicle approaching the host vehicle from the rear-left. A warning device generates warnings when there is the possibility of a collision with the first, second or third following vehicles.

Abstract: A method and system for warning an occupant of a vehicle of a traffic condition includes sensing an impending traffic condition, providing a first indication of the impending traffic condition, and monitoring the operating conditions of the vehicle after the first indication for changes in the operating conditions of the vehicle.

Abstract: An action probability factor is developed based at least in part on a plurality of probability arrays predicting one or more probabilities of a deviation from at least one of a planned vehicle direction, position, speed, and acceleration. Levels of autonomous control are transitioned based at least in part on the action probability factor.

Abstract: A target detection system and a method of performing radar target detection are described. The system includes a radar system to obtain radar echoes from a target with multiple point reflectors. The system also includes a processor to obtain a cluster of multi-dimensional point spread function from the radar echoes, each multi-dimensional point spread function being associated with a reflection from one of the multiple point reflectors, and also to perform object detection based on three or more dimensions of each of the multi-dimensional point spread functions of the cluster.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for avoiding collisions between vehicles, comprising receiving data that represent a first travel path of a vehicle, the first travel path being a most probable path of the first vehicle, receiving data that represent at least one second travel path of at least one further vehicle, the second travel path being a most probable path of one of the further vehicles, determining whether the first travel path collides with the second travel path and, upon determination of a travel path collision, initiating generation of a signal to warn a driver of at least one of the vehicles of a possible collision with another vehicle. Additionally disclosed is a similar method for avoiding collisions between vehicles, which is executed by a device in a first vehicle. In this method, additionally, a current position of the first vehicle can be detected, and the travel path of the first vehicle is determined on the basis of the detected current position.

Abstract: System and techniques for a visual vehicle parking occupancy sensor are described herein. A color image, including a parking space, is received from a camera. A cascaded search for vehicle features in a hue-saturation-value (HSV) converted version of the color image is performed to produce search results. A search for macro vehicle features in the color image is also performed to produce an indication of found macro vehicle features when the search results are of a first type. An occupancy indicator is provided based on the search results when the search results are of a second type and based on the indication otherwise.

Abstract: An alert ECU acquires intersection information representing a situation of an intersection (target intersection) where a host vehicle will enter. The alert ECU excludes the leftward and rightward orientations from assistance-target orientations when the target intersection is grade separated, when a traffic light is installed at the target intersection, when a median strip is installed in the target intersection along the host vehicle traveling direction, or when a stop sign is not installed at the target intersection. As a result, an alert to a driver for a target vehicle is inhibited when the target vehicle is approaching the host vehicle from an orientation in which it is estimated that the target vehicle cannot collide with the host vehicle and when the target vehicle is approaching the host vehicle from an orientation in which it is estimated that the target vehicle will not collide with the host vehicle for regulatory reasons.

Abstract: The current invention pertains to a system and a method for detection and monitoring of traffic patterns and securely processing events of violations of Slow-Down-Move-Over (SDMO) traffic regulations on at least one designated traffic surface utilizing at least one mobile platform, equipped with at least one traffic monitoring and recording system for observation, monitoring, recording, storing and processing data pertinent to potential violations of a set of SDMO regulations, prepositioned in proximity of at least one traffic scene including the at least one traffic surface.

Abstract: A method and system for collaborative spectrum sensing in a cognitive radio network is provided. The method may include: receiving through a cognitive radio network a plurality of sensing results of availability of a channel, where the plurality of sensing results are generated by a corresponding number of vehicles within the cognitive radio network, respectively, where broadcasting of the plurality of sensing results is controlled based on positions of vehicles within the cognitive radio network; and determining whether the channel is available based on the plurality of sensing results. By using the method, the efficiency of collaborative spectrum sensing can be improved.

Abstract: An ego-vehicle for displaying a behavior of a target object in a spatio-temporal manner may include one or more processors. One or more memory modules are communicatively coupled to the one or more processors. A display is communicatively coupled to the one or more processors. One or more sensors are communicatively coupled to the one or more processors. Machine readable instructions are stored in the one or more memory modules and cause the one or more processors to display on the display an object indicator associated with a position of a target object relative to the ego-vehicle, wherein the object indicator depicts a spatio-temporal patterning indicating the behavior of the target object.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automotive lamp and a method for controlling the same, and more particularly, to an automotive lamp capable of informing an ambient vehicle approaching from behind of a vehicle state by irradiating light forming a road pattern indicating the vehicle state to at least an area behind the vehicle, and a method for controlling the same. The automotive lamp includes a detection unit which detects a vehicle state; and lamp units, controlled by a control unit, which irradiates light forming a road pattern indicating the vehicle state to at least an area behind a vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for filtering received messages of a dedicated short range communications (DSRC) system are provided. A receiver module receives messages from at least one of a remote vehicle and an infrastructure system. A processing module determines at least one of a central processing unit (CPU) usage and a messages received frequency (MRF) of the DSRC system, determines a received signal strength (RSS) of a received message, determines whether the RSS of the received message is greater than a RSS threshold, and processes the received message in response to the RSS of the received message being greater than the RSS threshold. An RF filter control module adjusts an RSS threshold in response to at least one of the CPU usage being greater than a threshold CPU usage, the MRF being greater than a maximum threshold MRF, and the MRF being less than a minimum threshold MRF.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for providing spatially-defined and/or distance-defined light-based communications within a vehicle/roadway environment. In some embodiments, the techniques can be used to vary the data content of a given transmitted light-based communications signal based on factors such as position, distance, and/or proximity of the transmitting source and the receiver. In some embodiments, the techniques can be used to vary the processing or other handling of a received light-based communications signal based on one or more of such factors. In some instances, the disclosed techniques can be utilized to tailor light-based vehicle-to-X (V2X) communications for dissemination between and among vehicles and infrastructure in a vehicle/roadway environment. To that end, a node may host a transmitter (e.g., laser, LED, or other solid-state light source) configured to emit such light-based communication signals and/or a receiver (e.g.

Abstract: A safe-stop-zone mapping system suitable for use on an automated-vehicle includes a digital-map and a controller. The digital-map indicates a travel-path suitable for travel by a host-vehicle. The digital-map also indicates a safe-stop-zone proximate to the travel-path. The controller is in communication with the digital-map. The controller is configured to navigate the host-vehicle into the safe-stop-zone when an emergency-situation occurs.

Abstract: Described is a technology by which ambient data related to a vehicle is sensed and processed, for use in determining a state change related to external traffic awareness. Based upon the state change, an allowed level of interactivity with a user interface may be changed, and/or a notification may be output. Images and/or depth data may be sensed as part of determining whether a user who is interacting with a device in a stopped vehicle is to be made aware of the changed condition with respect to other vehicles, pedestrians and/or the like.

Abstract: A spout is operably connected to a transferring material for transferring the agricultural material to the receiving vehicle. An imaging device faces towards the storage portion of the receiving vehicle and collects image data. A container module is adapted to determine a container position of the storage portion, or its container perimeter. A spout module is adapted to identify a spout of the transferring vehicle in the collected image data, or to determine a spout position. An alignment module is adapted to determine the relative position of the spout and the container position based on the collected image data and to generate command data or user interface data to facilitate placement of the spout and storage container in relative cooperative alignment for transferring of material from the transferring vehicle to the receiving vehicle.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a navigation system provides predictive natural guidance utilizing a mobile landmark based on location data. The location data may be a schedule. A controller receives data of a schedule of a mobile landmark. The location data could be collected in real time or estimated. The mobile landmark may be a vehicle or a celestial body. The controller correlates a route from an origin location to a destination location and the location of the mobile landmark. The controller generates a message based on the correlation. The message is output during presentation of the route and references the mobile landmark.

Abstract: A steering-control system for an automated vehicle includes an object-detector and a controller. The object-detector is suitable for use on a host-vehicle. The object-detector is used to detect an other-vehicle approaching the host-vehicle, and to detect a stationary-object that defines a roadway traveled by the host-vehicle. The controller is in communication with the object-detector and adapted to operate the host-vehicle. The controller is configured to steer the host-vehicle towards a centered-position of a travel-lane of the roadway when a projected-path of the other-vehicle approaches the host-vehicle to a minimum-distance between the other-vehicle and the host-vehicle greater than a distance-threshold. The controller is also configured to steer the host-vehicle towards a biased-position of the travel-lane to increase the minimum-distance when the projected-path approaches the host-vehicle to less than the distance-threshold if the host-vehicle remains in the centered-position.

Abstract: A system for planning and executing a response to an incident includes a planning and execution data source and a processing system. The processing system is in operable communication with the planning and execution database. The processing system is configured to generate pre-planned responses to be executed by associated response assets, store data representative of the pre-planned responses in the planning and execution database, selectively retrieve a pre-planned response from the planning and execution database, communicate with the response assets associated with the retrieved pre-planned response, provide real-time tracking of the retrieved pre-planned response being executed by the associated response assets, and selectively generate recommendations for modifying the retrieved pre-planned response.

Abstract: A stroke sensor system includes a tubular vehicle-body-side member, a tubular vehicle-wheel-side member, and a displacement obtainer. The tubular vehicle-body-side member is disposed at a vehicle body side. The tubular vehicle-wheel-side member is coupled to the vehicle-body-side member on a vehicle wheel side and movable in an axial direction of the vehicle-body-side member relative to the vehicle-body-side member. At least one of the members is a conductor. Another one of the members includes a coil. The displacement obtainer includes a capacitor electrically coupled to the coil and constituting an LC oscillation circuit that outputs an oscillation waveform when the members move relative to each other.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a message processing method, an in-vehicle terminal, and a base station. The method executed by a first in-vehicle terminal includes: first, generating a safety message, where the safety message includes message content and a message type; then, determining, according to the message content and the message type, a priority value corresponding to the safety message; finally, sending, according to the priority value corresponding to the safety message, the safety message by using a vehicle direct communication physical VDC PHY layer or separately by using a cellular physical cellular PHY layer and a VDC PHY layer, so that a base station and/or a second in-vehicle terminal receive/receives the safety message, and the first in-vehicle terminal can send, under a preset delay requirement, the safety message to another in-vehicle terminal in a distance range that needs to be covered by the safety message.

Abstract: Systems and methods to let users connect authentically with new people anywhere nearby in homes, offices, classrooms, dorms, bars, etc., where the users can be who they really are, and also say what they want without fear, using periodic anonymized posting of expiring content from an otherwise attributed user profile. Users put out a broadcast message and get back personal communications. A one-to-many message from a user results in a one-to-one private communication, which feature may be referred to as “social to personal”.

Abstract: A method and system for using data associated with a first vehicle and a given road segment defined for a road network and using data associated with a second vehicle and the given road segment to determine a multi-vehicle probability value that indicates a probability that the first vehicle and the second vehicle will arrive at a common position of the given road segment simultaneously. The multi-vehicle probability value can be compared to a threshold probability value to determine whether the first vehicle and/or the second vehicle should take a responsive measure to avoid those vehicles arriving at the common position of the given road segment simultaneously. The data associated the first vehicle and the data associated with the second vehicle can each include a respective electronic horizon for that vehicle, and time parameters and probability values associated with those vehicles being on the given road segment.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a subject vehicle to alert a driver of a secondary vehicle that the secondary vehicle has encroached a safety zone of the subject vehicle or another secondary vehicle. Sensors are configured to identify the location of the secondary vehicle. A controller is in receipt of inputs from the sensors and is configured to determine whether the secondary vehicle has encroached the safety zone of the subject vehicle or another secondary vehicle. A warning system is configured to warn the driver of the secondary vehicle that the secondary vehicle has encroached the safety zone of the subject vehicle or another secondary vehicle. The controller activates the warning system when the controller determines that the secondary vehicle has encroached the safety zone of the subject vehicle or another secondary vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and/or methods may involve reporting a road hazard. Road hazard data may be collected for an object on a road, which may include automatically generated data from a device associated with the object causing a hazard. The road hazard data may be provided to a service, an application, a device, a client, and so on. For example, the road hazard data may be merged with a map and provided to a map services client, a navigation client, and so on. An alert may be generated based on the road hazard data to warn of the hazard caused by the object. The alert may include a visual and/or audio representation of the hazard data. The alert may be used to automatically and/or manually avoid the hazard.

Abstract: In an object recognition device, a reliability setting unit sets object presence reliability indicating the reliability of whether or not an object is present with respect to the surrounding area of a host vehicle. Then, a grouping unit groups the reflection points based on the object presence reliability in the area between the reflection points. For this reason, for example, even though two objects are adjacent to each other, in a case where the object presence reliability in the area between the reflection points of one object and the reflection points of the other object is low, the reflection points of the two objects can be separately grouped without being grouped into a single group. As a result, since it is possible to avoid mistakenly recognizing a plurality of objects in a single object, recognition accuracy of the object can be improved.

Abstract: Operating a host vehicle is described as including receiving remote vehicle information indicating a geospatial state and a kinematic state for a remote vehicle, identifying host vehicle information indicating a geospatial state and a kinematic state for the host vehicle, determining a converging time to a converging location within a vehicle transportation network based on the remote vehicle information and the host vehicle information, identifying a first threshold at which a fixed deceleration of the host vehicle to the converging location is achieved using a reaction delay of an operator of the host vehicle, wherein the first threshold is a step-wise function based on the kinematic state of the host vehicle, and modifying operation of the host vehicle responsive to the converging time reaching the first threshold. A method, vehicle, and apparatus are described.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a steering wheel and a controller. The controller is configured to, in response to receiving location and speed data from other vehicles indicating an expected collision absent a trajectory change, automatically control the steering wheel to direct the vehicle along a collision avoidance path. The collision avoidance path is based on map data identifying a marking type for a traveling lane such that the path crosses the lane when the marking type is broken and does not cross the lane when the marking type is solid.

Abstract: In some implementations, there is provided a method. The method may include receiving data characterizing a plurality of digital video frames; detecting a plurality of features in each of the plurality of digital video frames; determining, from the detected features, a local scale change and a translational motion of one or more groups of features between at least a pair of the plurality of digital video frames; and calculating a likelihood of collision. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus may be configured to implement automatic semantic classification of a detected object(s) disposed in a region of an environment external to an autonomous vehicle. The automatic semantic classification may include analyzing over a time period, patterns in a predicted behavior of the detected object(s) to infer a semantic classification of the detected object(s). Analysis may include processing of sensor data from the autonomous vehicle to generate heat maps indicative of a location of the detected object(s) in the region during the time period. Probabilistic statistical analysis may be applied to the sensor data to determine a confidence level in the inferred semantic classification. The inferred semantic classification may be applied to the detected object(s) when the confidence level exceeds a predetermined threshold value (e.g., greater than 50%).

Abstract: An obstacle alert device notifies a driver of the presence of an obstacle approaching a vehicle without making it difficult to see a state of the periphery of the vehicle.

Abstract: In a method or corresponding device for operating a vehicle equipped with a first and a second camera configured to capture a surrounding region around the vehicle, the cameras respectively capture an individual image of a first field of view and a second field of view. The fields of view overlap in an overlapping region. An object correction is performed as a function of image data of the individual images, in which object correction a distance of objects imaged in the second individual image is respectively determined from a predetermined reference point. An angle of the respective object is respectively determined in relation to a predetermined reference axis. Whether the respective object is situated in the overlapping region is determined on the basis of the determined angle and distance of the respective object. Should this be the case, the respective object is removed from the second individual image.

Abstract: A computer (100) recognizes an event pattern (ABC) for objects (14, 24, 34, 44) that belong to an event domain (150). The computer activates a pattern query (110) that corresponds to the event pattern (ABC) and that has a least one state (S4) with an distinctive transition probability to a final state. The probability is derived from object observations in the event domain (150). The computer continuously receives event representations (*A14, *A24, *A44, *D44, . . . ) that are related to the objects (14, 24, 34, 44) and allocates the event representations to a first processing resource (101) to initiate instances (1.14, 1.24, 1.34, 1.44) of the query (110). It monitors the instances and, upon receiving event representations that cause the instances to reach the state (S4) with the distinct transition probability, it shifts the instances to a second processing resource (102).

Abstract: A vehicle collision avoidance assist apparatus is capable of alerting the driver of a host vehicle that is to enter an intersection to the probability of collision or the like at right timing in order to prevent a crossing accident using information acquired from remote vehicles through inter-vehicle communication. The attention of the driver of the host vehicle to the front side including the intersection is increased when a large number of remote vehicles exist around the intersection which the host vehicle is to enter, compared with a case in which the number of remote vehicles around the intersection is small. The vehicle collision avoidance assist apparatus makes the alert, such as a warning, later than reference alert timing (normal alert timing) in consideration of the above situation to suppress excessive alert.

Abstract: An object detection device can acquire information of an object in the vicinity of a host-vehicle for appropriate traveling assistance. An object detection device 1 includes a vehicle state detection section 2, an environmental situation acquisition section 3, a road information acquisition section 4, a detection control section 6, and a detection section 7. A host-vehicle state prediction section 61 acquires a target state of a host-vehicle 81. The detection section 7 detects an object. A parameter setting section 63 switches the detection characteristic of the object in the detection section 7 in accordance with the target state.

Abstract: A host vehicle receives a remote vehicle message via a wireless electronic communication link. The remote vehicle message includes remote vehicle information indicating remote vehicle geospatial state information and remote vehicle kinematic state information that includes at least a remote heading angle for a remote vehicle. Host vehicle information is identified that includes host vehicle geospatial state information and host vehicle kinematic state information that includes at least a host heading angle for the host vehicle. Projected vehicle transportation network information representing a portion of the vehicle transportation network is generated based on the remote and host vehicle information, the portion including a curved path having a substantially constant radius.

Abstract: The disclosed computer-implemented method for protecting against unauthorized network intrusions may include (1) identifying a signal received by one or more antennas of a network from a transceiver of a device attempting to access the network, (2) detecting one or more signal strengths of the signal received by the antennas of the network in connection with the attempt to access the network, (3) determining, based at least in part on the signal strengths of the signal, that the attempt to access the network is potentially malicious, and then in response to determining that the attempt to access the network is potentially malicious, (4) initiating at least one security measure to address the potentially malicious attempt to access the network. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: In determining whether to provide an alert associated with a mobile element to a mobile communication device, speeds and directions of travel of the mobile element and the mobile communication device are determined. A relative location of the mobile communication device is calculated with respect to the mobile element. Based on the relative location of the mobile communication device with respect to the mobile element, a determination is made whether the alert should be provided.