Abstract: An estimated travelling curve La (radius Rea) of a system vehicle is obtained based on a first group of sampling data (X1, Y1) through (X5, Y5). Alarm area WA1a is set as a region surrounded by a pair of circular arcs parallel shifted from curve La by .+-.1 m and a pair of straight lines (Y=Y1 and Y=Y5). Similarly, an estimated travelling curve Lb (radius Reb) is obtained based on a second group of sampling data (X3, Y3) through (X5, Y5). Alarm area WA1b is set as a region surrounded by a pair of circular arcs parallel shifted from curve Lb by .+-.1 m and straight lines (Y=Y1 and Y=Y5). At the entrance and exit of a curved road, values of radii Rea and Reb are differentiated. Hence, the collision judgement is performed by using different alarm areas WA1a and WA1b.

Abstract: A vehicle environment monitoring system is capable of monitoring the nearly entire region around a vehicle on which the system is installed, and is protected from staining or damaging. The system includes an optical radar apparatus comprising a light transmitter for generating and irradiating a beam of light; a scanner with a reflective mirror rotatably disposed on a support shaft in an inclined manner for scanning the light beam in the surroundings of the vehicle; and a light receiver for receiving the light beam reflected from an object. The apparatus is disposed on the ceiling inside or outside the subject vehicle, or on a bumper at a front or rear corner of the vehicle.

Abstract: A two-stage traffic alert system, and a method for its use, to visually alert pedestrians and operators of surface vehicles to the approach of emergency vehicles toward roadway intersections. A wireless signal transmitter mounted to an emergency vehicle automatically transmits a signal of a predetermined frequency while the emergency vehicle is en route to an emergency destination. The signal is received by at least one ground-based signal receiver and strobe light assembly mounted centrally within the pavement of approaching intersections. The transmitted signal first actuates an upper strobe light system within the ground-based assembly, alerting the public to the approach of the emergency vehicle toward the intersection. The initiation of the upper strobe light comprises the first stage of the traffic alert system. The second stage of the traffic alert system is initiated either by a time delay command based on the time of receipt of the first signal or a change in signal frequency from the transmitter.

Abstract: A system and method of communicating via digital radio between a train and a device positioned at the wayside of a railway system, wherein the device detects defects at the wayside and information related to the defects is transmitted from the wayside to the train for display in the locomotive cab. A communications unit having a microprocessor control circuit and a transceiver is electrically coupled, preferably by serial connection, to the defect detector along the wayside. The transceiver of the communications unit is in radio communication with an existing transceiver in the head-of-train (HOT) unit located in the locomotive cab at the head-end of the train. The head-of-train unit has a microprocessor control circuit that drives a display which is preferably alphanumeric, for the purpose of displaying messages related to the defects detected by the defect detector at the wayside, and subsequently transmitted between the transceiver of the communications unit and the transceiver of the HOT unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new and useful system and method of ultrasonic detection for use on in the monitoring of the danger zone of a vehicle. The system comprises at least one sensor, an analog and digital integrated circuit, a power driver and a microprocessor. The microprocessor is programmed to control the sensors, to receive a plurality of signals from the sensors, establish and store an initial reference image, monitor a second plurality of signals received from a continuous scan of the sensors, establish a data set for the second plurality of signals, compare the data set with the initial reference image and return an alarm output if a variation is detected.

Abstract: A control device for conveyor systems in an industrial area has a drive motor in each overhead conveyor, a drive control, and an associated sensor consisting of a transmitter aimed at the leading overhead conveyor and a receiver for the signal reflected by this overhead conveyor. The transmitter is configured to transmit a detection signal not only straight ahead, but also diagonally leftward and rightward ahead. The reflector is designed with a three dimensional reflecting surface contour, so that even with diagonal aiming toward the following overhead conveyor, the signal emitted from its transmitter is reflected at its receiver.

Abstract: A system and method for alerting a driver of a motor vehicle of the approach of an emergency vehicle in an emergency state, comprising a transmitter in the emergency vehicle which produces and transmits a radio frequency signal having a unique audio encoded data signature modulated thereon when the emergency vehicle is in an emergency status, a receiver in motor vehicle which receives the radio frequency signal, demodulates and decodes the radio frequency signal and produces a voltage output when the data signature is present; and an alarm producing device which produces an alarm in response to the voltage output warning the driver of the motor vehicle of the approach of the emergency vehicle.

Abstract: As provided here, an obstacle warning system for a vehicle is capable of issuing an alarm accurately according to the curved state of a road. When the road is curved, the system sets the correction time counter on the basis of the following conditions: whether or not the curvature radius of the curved road is small; whether or not a guardrail is detected immediately ahead of the vehicle; whether or not an erroneously-recognized object, such as a set of guardrail reflectors exhibiting large relative acceleration is immediately ahead of the vehicle; and whether or not the number of obstacles recognized reaches a value indicating that the vehicle is approaching a curved section of the road. When a stationary object enters the field of view indicating that there is a possibility of a collision, the obstacle warning system corrects the warning distance in response to the value of the correction time counter, thus making it possible to avoid a false alarm during cornering.

Abstract: In a method for avoiding a collision of a motor vehicle and an obstacle, in which the output signal of a ranging device with several scanning beams emitted in a fan shape toward the front, is received by a receiver and analyzed by an analysis unit connected thereto, the transmitting frequency for scanning beams on the inside of the curve is selected to be higher than for scanning beams on the outside of the curve.

Abstract: A deceleration magnitude detecting and signaling device for alerting a driver of a following vehicle of the occurrence and magnitude of deceleration of a lead vehicle. A deceleration sensor unit, in circuit between a series of lamp assemblies and a power supply, causes said lamp assemblies to incrementally illuminate in response to increases in deceleration. A signaling unit, affixed to the rear of the lead vehicle, comprises a plurality of light panels which are illuminated by the lamp assemblies in response to increases in deceleration. An infra-red receiver mounted in the following vehicle is capable, upon receiving a signal from an infra-red transmitter mounted upon the lead vehicle, of signaling an engine management override system which is mounted in the following vehicle to automatically decelerate said following vehicle in response to sudden deceleration of the lead vehicle.

Abstract: A collision preventing system for a vehicle has a brake system. The system includes first preview sensor detecting an obstacle in front of the vehicle in a first distal detection zone to produce a first signal indicative of presence of the obstacle and distance between the obstacle and the front end of the vehicle, and a second preview sensor detecting the obstacle in front of the vehicle in a second proximal detection zone to produce a second signal indicative of at least presence of the obstacle. The system further includes third vehicle speed sensor detecting vehicular traveling speed and generating a vehicle speed indicative signal. A control unit is connected to the first and second preview sensor for receiving the first and second signals.

Abstract: A improved siren detector for detecting siren sounds which precess at known warble rates, such as yelp, wail, and high-low, within a selected frequency band. A transducer detects the siren sounds and produces a corresponding electrical output signal. This electrical output signal is filtered to reject signals outside of the selected siren frequency band. The signal is processed to determine the amplitude of the electrical signal, and hence the sound level of the siren sound at the transducer input. This signal is also processed by an amplitude limiter and frequency discriminator to determine the instantaneous frequency of the siren sound. This discriminator is followed by a non-linear filter to remove the FM clicks characteristic of siren sounds having a low signal to noise ratio. Selection filters are used to analyze the precession rates, maximum frequency, minimum frequency, and shape of the precession characteristic to classify the siren as to its type, such as yelp, wail, and high-low.

Abstract: With the vehicle anti-collision system of the present invention, road vehicles in the vicinity of a railway crossing are alerted as a train approaches the crossing. A signalling device operating in conjunction with a GPS receiver located in the train emits a signal to a receiver located at the railway crossing to provide an indication of the rail vehicle's location with respect to the railway crossing. The signal is sent continuously at predetermined intervals to provide the railway crossing with sufficient data to estimate the velocity and time of arrival of the train or railway vehicle at the crossing. The railway crossing processes the information and transmits an alarm signal to approaching road vehicles as the rail vehicle approaches the crossing. The signal emitted by the crossing is received at the road vehicle which provides various levels of alarms depending on how close the rail vehicle is to the crossing.

Abstract: In a vehicle collision preventing system, a possibility of collision of a subject vehicle against an object ahead of the subject vehicle is determined at least based on values measured by a distance measuring unit for measuring longitudinal and lateral distances between the subject vehicle and the object and a value detected by a subject-vehicle speed detecting device, an actuator is operated in accordance with the result of such determination to avoid the collision. A lateral relative distance of the subject vehicle and the object is calculated by a lateral relative distance calculating device based on the values measured in the distance measuring unit. Any of a judge level in the judgment of the collision possibility in a judging device or operation levels of actuators is changed in accordance with the result of the determination in a collision avoidance level determining device based on the lateral relative distance.

Abstract: The invention provides a process and apparatus for the detection of obstacles by means of ultrasound waves having an enhanced ability to distinguish between echoes caused by obstacles and those caused by interference signals. Ultrasound pulses are emitted by an ultrasound transmitter unit, and are received by an associated ultrasound receiver unit. (A plurality of such transmitters and receives may also be used.) Ultrasound echoes detected by the receiver units are used to form echograms in which detected echoes are projected. The echogram thus measured is used to generate an analysis echogram, based on information contained in the measured echograms. In particular, the most recent analysis echogram is modified depending on the size and location of echoes contained in the measured echogram. Signals contained in the analysis echogram are then compared with predetermined threshold values to distinguish between echoes reflected from obstacles and echoes due to interference.

Abstract: An off-lane alarm apparatus is disclosed in which upon the increase of the height of a pickup sensor mounted on a car, the increased portion is provided for an image processing device. The image processing device then determines a necessary outside area of a predetermined lane width with other input or switched data to mask an image portion corresponding to the necessary outside area for the car's off-lane detection.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for measuring an actual distance between vehicles and comparing the measured distance with a reference distance. The reference distance (SL) is obtained on the basis of: a personal space (VR.multidot.TIMEK) being an uneasy distance peculiar to a driver and obtained in accordance with the own vehicle speed; a free running distance (VRR.multidot.TIMEN) corresponding to a response time of a driver's braking operation and a relative speed between two vehicles; a braking distance (VRR.sup.2 /(2.multidot.GR)) corresponding to a depressing strength of a braking pedal in the driver's braking operation and the relative speed; and an acceleration change distance (.alpha.G.multidot.GA) corresponding to a relative acceleration between the two vehicles, using the following equation:SL=VR.multidot.TIMEK-VRR.multidot.TIMEN+VRR.sup.2 /(2.multidot.GR)-.alpha.G.multidot.

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: Apparatus provides a signal to an operator of a following vehicle when it is necessary to take appropriate action to avoid coming within a predetermined distance of a lead vehicle proceeding in the same direction. From initial predicted forward velocities and distances of the lead and following vehicles, the signal apparatus (1) derives subsequent predicted velocities and positions of the lead and following vehicles and a subsequent predicted distance D(t) between the lead vehicle and the following vehicle after a projected short time interval while assuming a predetermined braking action of the following vehicle (2), derives and compares the subsequent predicted distance D(t) between the lead vehicle and the following vehicle with a least distance D.sub.LEAST, and (3) sets the least distance D.sub.LEAST equal to the subsequent predicted distance D(t) between the lead vehicle and the following vehicle if the latter is smaller.

Abstract: A transportation safety apparatus and method for the detection of obstacles which lie off the line-of-sight or beyond the field of view of a moving vehicle entails shooting a laser beam through the air from a moving vehicle, capturing the beam and passing it to a fiberoptic relay which transmits a laser pulse to a distant site, and receiving a reflection thereof if the site is clear of obstacles. The pulses are received within about 10-20 microseconds per kilometer of relay length from the time of launching, permitting monitoring of the probe-site in real-time.

Abstract: A vehicle responsive alert system includes a receiver for receiving a recognizable signal from a preselected vehicle; a control member, positioned at a location and operatively associated with the receiver for enabling the receiver upon the indication of a preselected event; and a response member operatively associated with the receiver for issuing a response when the receiver receives the signal, whereby the receiver is enabled upon the indication of the event and activates the response member upon receiving the signal.

Abstract: A platoon running control system which is able to recognize the position of a vehicle within a platoon and to appropriately respond to a change, for example, when another vehicle leaving the platoon. If the vehicle is not in a platoon running mode, a communication control ECU assigns an ID=1 to the vehicle, and a vehicle control ECU operates the vehicle in an auto-drive mode based on a signal such as from a magnetic sensor or a CCD camera. During platoon-running mode, a light receiver receives data including ID information from a preceding vehicle, and the controlled vehicle is assigned an ID according to a rule in which the ID of the vehicle=ID of the preceding vehicle+1. Then, the vehicle starts platoon running using data from the preceding vehicle. When the system received information that the preceding vehicle will leave the platoon, platoon-leaving data is transmitted to the vehicle, which then transmits such data to the following vehicle.

Abstract: A method of defining a sensing system for detecting the presence of an object in a volume of space under surveillance by determining the optimal placement of a plurality of energy beams which are projected into the volume which comprises the steps of (A) placing the object at a preselected position within the space; (B) directing a plurality of sample beams of energy, which have a predetermined orientation, from a source onto the object; (C) detecting the reflections of the sample beam energy from points on the object by energy detectors; (D) recording the preselected position of the object, the predetermined orientation of sample beams, and the detection status of the energy detectors; (E) changing the equatorial and azimuthal angles of each of the beams and repeating steps (B), (C) and (D); (F) moving the source of the sample beams relative to the object; (G) repeating steps (B) through (F) to produce spatial maps of the locations at which the object is positioned when each of the energy detectors detect re

Abstract: A distance control apparatus for a vehicle detects a vehicle speed and a distance to a preceding vehicle through a vehicle speed sensor and a distance measuring device. The distance control apparatus calculates two deceleration distances by a driver model calculating device and a vehicle model calculating device. The driver model calculating device calculates the deceleration distance on the basis of the vehicle speed and the distance to a preceding vehicle and with reference to a driver's control characteristics. The vehicle calculating device calculates the deceleration distance on the basis of the vehicle speed and with reference to physical characteristics of the vehicle.

Abstract: A thermal emitted radiation detecting device is configured to detect objects in visual blind spots of a vehicle. A low cost differential detector is used which is sensitive to temperature change. Optics train two different fields of view on the detector and switch between the two fields of view to provide a blind spot field of view and a reference field of view. The presence of a vehicle in the blind spot field of view results in a temperature difference between the two fields of view. The resulting detector output signal is compared to predetermined threshold levels and then used to provide an indication, either visual or audible. Several embodiments of optics and switching fields of view are provided.

Abstract: An electric power steering system of this invention can inform the driver of potential danger by providing control by way of safety precaution before a vehicle enters a dangerous situation. The occurrence of dangerous situations is determined based on a signal from an obstacle sensor. If a steering wheel is turned in a dangerous situation, a warning control is performed on a motor. The motor outputs a torque for t1 seconds, for example, which counters against turning of the steering wheel. Then, the motor enters a "non-assist" state wherein no current is applied thereto for t2 seconds. If an intermittent counter torque is applied by the motor, it is hard to turn the steering wheel and the steering wheel is caused to vibrate, thereby preventing the vehicle from being steered to collide with an obstacle and, warning the driver of the danger with vibration caused in the steering wheel.

Abstract: An off-lane alarm apparatus quantizes an image signal provided from a line camera mounted on a car roof is into a corresponding binary image by an image processing device to detect a lane on a road surface, so that an alarm is generated when an off-lane state of the car from the lane is detected. After mounting a line camera on a car, markers preset at predetermined positions outside of the car are shot and preliminarily stored as binary image signals and the positional information is used as car side positional information for alarm determinations.

Abstract: A system and method for collision warning utilize a sensor to determine an inter-vehicle distance and/or closing rate relative to a forward vehicle. A predicted vehicle road load is determined using a predetermined number of previous road load values which is then utilized to determine whether the vehicle has sufficient deceleration capability so as to avoid a collision without operator intervention. The vehicle road load accounts for various forces both internal and external to the vehicle which resist forward motion including those due to gravity and aerodynamic drag, and those provided by an engine retarder or downshifting of an automatic transmission. The present invention thus avoids spurious collision indications.

Abstract: A remote warning system is provided for signalling to occupants of a garbage dumpster the approach of a garbage truck. A first warning device is carried by the garbage truck. The first warning device has a transmitter for transmitting a first signal indicative of the approach of the garbage truck. A second warning device attached to the garbage dumpster includes a receiver for receiving the first signal and for providing an output in response to receipt of the first signal. An alarm in the second warning device is coupled to the receiver for warning occupants of the garbage dumpster, in response to the output of the receiver, of the approach of the garbage truck.

Abstract: Normally, speed control is carried out by police using radar and camera. The speed of a car can also be recorded in a tachograph. According to the invention car speed is controlled and/or limited using driver-specific smart-cards and millimeter wave communications. When a car (13) enters the sector of a new transmitter (11), its card reader receives a signal telling the reader to consider the time information (t.sub.1) received from the transmitter as a starting time. When the car exits this first sector and penetrates the perimeter of a second transmitter (12), the reader receives over the air a second time information (t.sub.2) and other information (v.sub.1, d.sub.1) from which the speed is calculated and recorded within the card reader. The police can check the recorded information by inserting a special card into the reader.

Abstract: An automotive rear detection system which assists a driver by informing whether an obstacle is present when the vehicle is in a reverse motion. The alarm is activated by transmitting an audible noise to warn the driver. The signals are monitored by detectors which uses frequency modulation current wave mode to recognize whether objects are present within approximately eight feet regardless if it is in motion or not. The detectors send a signal to a control box mounted inside the vehicle which activates the alarm.

Abstract: A system for minimizing automobile collision damage using radiant energy detectors and externally deployed air bags for aiding in damage reduction of automobile collisions. This system includes radiant energy detectors, such as radars, with transmitters and receivers, a computer, and energy absorbing inflation devices, air bags. Optionally, the system may be adapted to provide warnings and control vehicle functions, such as braking and disengaging the drive train. A dashboard link allows the computer to determine speed, steering and other conditions of the automobile, while the radiant energy detectors provide the computer with information of the object (e.g., another vehicle, pedestrian, or inanimate item) of imminent collision. The computer, using the information provided will determine at what time a ensuing collision will occur, and establish a minimal allowable time window to deploy the inflation device.

Abstract: An apparatus for, and method of, providing an emergency signal over preselected frequencies of various radio bands such that the operators of nearby motor vehicles, or other emergency vehicles, or the like, may respond accordingly. The preselected frequencies may be selected to correspond to radio station frequencies, police frequencies, emergency frequencies, etc. which are active at a corresponding location. However, because the frequencies may be preselected, sensitive radio frequencies, for example those used by fire fighting units, police units and other emergency systems, may be excluded from the selection. Consistent therewith, the selected frequencies may be provided by a user, a scanner, or any other means for selecting appropriate frequencies. The power applied to the emergency signal may be adjusted such that only vehicles within a predefined range relative to the transmitting unit are affected.

Abstract: A collision alarm system for an automotive vehicle is provided which includes an object identifying circuit, a stationary object alarm circuit, a moving object alarm circuit, and an alarm inhibiting circuit. The object identifying circuit determines whether an object falling within a given detection zone is a stationary object or a moving object. The stationary object alarm circuit issues an alarm when a distance between the object identified as a stationary object and a system vehicle equipped with this system falls within a given stationary object warning distance. The moving object alarm circuit issues an alarm when a distance between the object identified as a moving object and the system vehicle falls within a given moving object warning distance.

Abstract: A warning system comprises a receiver adapted to receive and recognize a coded signal, and upon reception and recognition thereof to generate a warning signal; and a transmitter selectively actuable to transmit a coded signal receivable and recognizable by the receiver and including a monitor for monitoring the presence of an extraneous signal originating from another transmitter, the transmitter delaying transmission of the coded signal upon detection of the extraneous signal.

Abstract: To hide, and protect a transducer (2), such as an ultrasonic, infrared transducer or the like, located on an outer surface part (1) of a vehicle, for example within a recess in a bumper, from vandalism or other damage, the transducer is located on the outer surface part (1) to be flush with the outer surface thereof, and a cover (4) is located on said outer surface part. The outer surface part (1), as is customary has a predetermined surface shape or contour, and the outer surface cover (4) matches and engages that predetermined outer surface part of contour. Preferably, the transducer is an ultrasonic transducer terminating in a membrane (3) which is located flush with the outer surface of the outer surface part (1), and acoustically coupled, for example by an adhesive (5), with the outer cover (4) to reduce damping of signals from the transducer, and of echo signals from an object received by the transducer, and passing through the outer cover.

Abstract: A combined motion detector/transmitter device for a traffic information warning system is disclosed. The device includes first and second oscillators for transmitting first and second carrier signals, respectively. The first carrier signal has a first carrier signal frequency and the second carrier signal has a second carrier signal frequency. The carrier signals are used to transmit a message regarding a traffic situation based upon either the magnitude of the frequency difference between the first and second carrier signal frequencies or the specific frequency locations of the carrier signals. The first and second oscillators also set up first and second disturbance fields, respectively. A first reflected signal receiver is associated with the first oscillator and receives a first reflected signal when a target is within the first disturbance field.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement determines a distance of a motor vehicle from an obstacle in a near range by a displacement sensor instead of an ultrasonic measurement. The distance is determined, above a predetermined limiting value, in accordance with the known ultrasonic transit time measurement. In this range, by comparing the signals of the displacement sensor with the ultrasonic measurement a calibration can be carried out and a correction factor for the displacement sensor can be formed. The correction factor is taken into account during the measurement in the near range, as is the contour of the vehicle.

Abstract: A warning system for a vehicle has a warning device for issuing a warning when the vehicle approaches an object. A warning timing parameter section detects a driving operation by the driver of the vehicle, and calculates a reaction time from the time a warning is issued by the warning device to the time the driver starts the driving operation in response to the warning. A warning control section controls the timing at which the warning should be issued by the warning device, based on the calculated reaction time.

Abstract: An accident alarm system continuously assesses the potential for a collision between a host vehicle and an object, based solely on input signals representative of the host vehicle velocity and the distance to the object measured at intervals at time t, by first assessing the status of the host vehicle to determine whether it is moving with constant velocity, stationary, accelerating, or decelerating, and then carrying out different signal processing routines to determine, as necessary, whether the object is moving with constant velocity, stationary, accelerating, or decelerating, the magnitude of the host vehicle and object accelerations, and the direction of movement of the object. Warning signals are generated based on these determinations, which assume that the vehicle and object will continue to possess the same acceleration or deceleration until a collision occurs.

Abstract: A traffic information warning system for conveying traffic information from a traffic advisory site to a vehicle is disclosed. The traffic warning site comprises an emergency vehicle, a roadside hazard, or the like. The system comprises a transmitter adapted for placement at the advisory site and a receiver adapted for placement at the vehicle. The transmitter includes a first oscillator for transmitting a first carrier signal having a first carrier frequency and a second oscillator for transmitting a second carrier signal having a second carrier frequency. The first carrier frequency and the second carrier frequency are spaced apart by a predetermined frequency difference. The transmitter also includes a modulator for modulating both carrier signals with an identical modulating signal reflective of a traffic situation.

Abstract: A vehicle bind spot detector, comprising ultrasound transmitters and receivers deployed on both sides of a vehicle, for continuously, simultaneously, monitoring for dangerous road situations due to vehicles present in dead area open space in angles .beta.1 and .beta.2, on left and right sides of the vehicle, which areas are outside of a driver's field of view, hence in the vehicle blind spots. The vehicle blind spot detector includes capability of individualizing the ultrasound signals used in the detection of vehicles in the blind spots, thus preventing interference between blind spot detectors installed in adjacent vehicles.

Abstract: A vehicle monitoring apparatus includes a rear video camera mounted on a rear portion of a vehicle, a right video camera mounted on a right sideview mirror, a left video camera mounted on a left-sideview mirror, a mirror-effect circuit connected across two poles of a pair of horizontal deflection coils of a horizontal deflection add oscillation circuit of a television receiver electrically connected to the video cameras for inverting an image or picture orientation to be the same as an orientation of the real subject positioned at a rear side of the vehicle, whereby upon a backing, a rightward turning or a leftward turning of the vehicle a corresponding video camera will be initiated to transmit a "picture" of the subject positioned at the rear side of the vehicle to display a picture on a television placed in the vehicle having a same orientation of the picture as that of the true subject for preventing an accidental collision due to falsely backing or turning of the vehicle for driving safety.

Abstract: An electronic obstacle detection system for guiding and warning a motorist of obstacles in the detection area while backing-up. The main components of the system include a pair of sensor clusters to be affixed to the rear of the vehicle, a pair of exterior visual indicators, and an audio-visual indicator located in the vehicle. Each of the sensor clusters are encased in a housing having angled, stepped portions configured to provide complete area coverage of transmitted and received signals.

Abstract: A warning system for alerting a person to an emergency situation which includes a transmitter responsive to a visual or acoustic alerting system for transmitting an alarm signal on an RF carrier and a control signal on a sideband of the carrier. A tuneable receiver for receiving commercial broadcasts in a normal operating mode transfers to an emergency mode upon detection of the control signal and converts the alarm signal to an acoustic signal. In one embodiment, the visual or acoustic alerting system is a siren and light system of an emergency vehicle. In this embodiment, a transceiver is preferably included for dedicated communications among emergency vehicles. The range of both the transmitter and transceiver complement and are substantially the same as the effective range of the visual or acoustic alerting system.

Abstract: A vehicle lane guide and alerting device securable to a vehicle for monitoring a position of the vehicle on a lane of a roadway delimited by light-reflective lane markers wherein the markers have a different reflectivity than the roadway itself, the vehicle lane guide and alerting device including a photo sensor mechanism coupled to a front end of the vehicle for capturing light that is reflected from the roadway; a differentiator mechanism coupled to the photo sensor mechanism for discriminating a sharp change in the reflected light above a given level when the vehicle crosses the lane markers on the roadway; a buffer mechanism coupled to the differentiator mechanism for registering the change in the reflected light; and an alarm mechanism coupled to the buffer mechanism for providing an alarm indication once the change in the reflected light is registered to thereby indicate that the vehicle is moving out of the lane.

Abstract: In a ranging sensor system for a vehicle for calculating a physical data between a subject vehicle and an object on the basis of the time between the transmission of a signal toward the object and the reception of a signal reflected from the object, a first obtained detection data is set as an offset value in an offset value setting circuit. The offset value is subtracted from the detection data in a subtractor, and an output from the subtractor is filtered in a filter circuit. The offset value is added to an output from the filter circuit in an adder to provide a physical data after the filtering. Thus, it is possible to eliminate an error included in detection data, while insuring a responsiveness and a stability.

Abstract: A method and system for discriminating a target which presents a hazard to a motor vehicle moving in a first lane of traffic from a target moving in a second adjacent lane of traffic which does not present a hazard to the vehicle. The method includes the steps of utilizing an antenna mounted flush to a side of the vehicle to produce a radar beam having a beamwidth greater than 5-10 degrees to illuminate the target. At least a portion of the radar beam is produced along a first axis which is perpendicular to the direction of motion of the vehicle. The reflected signal is received from the illuminated target and a velocity of the illuminated target is estimated with a Kalman filter relative to the velocity of the vehicle in the direction of a second axis which is parallel to the direction of motion of the vehicle based on the reflected signal.

Abstract: A road surface condition detector for detecting a dry/wet condition of a road surface includes an ultrasonic wave receiver 2 for picking up the ultrasonic noise generated by a road wheel tire 1, which increases conspicuously when the R is wet. The output of the ultrasonic wave receiver 2 is amplified by a amplifier 21, and the absolute level thereof is detected by an absolute level detector 22, and the absolute level is smoothed by a received-wave intensity detector 20. The smoothed signal is compared with a reference voltage Vt to determine the road surface condition. Preferably, the reference voltage Vt is varied in accordance with the vehicle speed. When the automotive vehicle is provided with ultrasonic wave transmitter/receiver units 3a and 3b, the ultrasonic noise component is extracted from the received signal by an ultrasonic noise intensity detector circuit 40, and the extracted component is compared with a reference voltage level to determine the road surface condition.

Abstract: A vehicle obstacle monitoring system for alerting a driver to the presence of an obstacle within a predetermined distance from the vehicle. The system includes a signal generator which radiates a signal around the vehicle and a plurality of signal receivers encircling the exterior of the vehicle. A display monitor located in the interior of the vehicle displays a zone image around the car and alerts the driver to the presence of an obstacle within the zone.