Abstract: This document describes systems and techniques that may be used to aggregate information about open parking spots from various different parking providers or organizations.

Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes a camera including an image sensor, a control including a microcontroller, and a serial data interface. The camera has a field of view exterior of a vehicle. A video output is configured for transmitting a stream of video captured by the image sensor. The microcontroller is operatively connected to the image sensor. The serial data interface permits the microcontroller to communicate with at least one electronic device in the vehicle. A resistor having a selected impedance is connected in series with a switch. The resistor and the switch connect a video plus electrical conduit and a video minus electrical conduit. The switch is openable by the microcontroller to deactivate the video output into a high impedance state and is closable to activate the video output. The microcontroller is configured to comply with selected messages received through the serial data interface by opening the switch.

Abstract: A vehicular observation and detection apparatus and system incorporates a detection framework using video analysis to differentiate between motorized vehicles and bicycles for improved traffic flow and safety at intersections. The detection framework creates virtual zones overlaid on lanes of a roadway and analyzes input data representing objects in the virtual zones collected from one or more cameras positioned at or near the roadway.

Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes a camera having a lens and a CMOS photosensor array having a plurality of photosensor elements. The camera is disposed at an interior portion of a vehicle equipped with the vehicular vision system. The camera one of (i) views exterior of the equipped vehicle through the windshield of the equipped vehicle and forward of the equipped vehicle and (ii) views from the windshield of the equipped vehicle into the interior cabin of the equipped vehicle. A control includes an image processor that processes image data captured by the photosensor array. The image processor processes captured image data to detect an object viewed by the camera. The photosensor array is operable at a plurality of exposure periods and at least one exposure period of the plurality of exposure periods is dynamically variable.

Abstract: A driver monitoring apparatus includes a detection section, a warning section and a changing operation section. The detection section detects at least one of a face direction and an eye direction of the driver, and generates a detection information regarding the at least one of the face direction and the eye direction detected. The warning section determines whether the driver has an inattentive drive by comparing the detection information to a reference information, and generates a warning when it is determined that the driver has the inattentive drive. The changing operation section receives an operation for changing the reference information, and changes a current reference information set before receiving the operation to a new reference information according to the operation received.

Abstract: A driver assistance detection system and method for determining levels of functionality of an interactive device in a vehicle are provided. The driver assistance detection system comprises a vision-based detection device, a processing device, and an interactive device. The vision-based detection device is configured to visually detect objects, recognize whether the object is an object of interest, and then obtain data regarding a status of the object. The processing device is configured to receive data from the vision-based detection device, run a set of instructions and switch the interactive device between a first mode and a second mode. The interactive device is configured to have at least two modes, wherein the second mode has reduced functionality relative to the first mode.

Abstract: An intelligent video/audio observation and identification database system may define a security zone or group of zones. The system may identify vehicles and individuals entering or exiting the zone through image recognition of the vehicle or individual as compared to prerecorded information stored in a database. The system may alert security personnel as to warrants or other information discovered pertaining to the recognized vehicle or individual resulting from a database search. The system may compare images of a suspect vehicle, such as an undercarriage image, to standard vehicle images stored in the database and alert security personnel as to potential vehicle overloading or foreign objects detected, such as potential bombs. The system may track individuals or vehicles within a zone or between zones. The system may further learn the standard times and locations of vehicles or individuals tracked by the system and alert security personnel upon deviation from standard activity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for requesting modification of traffic flow control systems that combine satellite position navigation systems and dead reckoning technology with secure radio communications to accurately report a vehicle's real-time location and estimated arrival times at a series of signal lights within a traffic grid or at a distant signal light, while enabling signal controllers to accommodate priority requests from these vehicles, allowing for these vehicles to maintain a fixed schedule with minimal interruption to other grid traffic.

Abstract: A method of using a directional sensor for the purposes of detecting the presence of a vehicle or an object within a zone of interest on a roadway or in a parking space. The method comprises the following steps: transmitting a microwave transmit pulse of less than 5 feet; radiating the transmitted pulse by a directional antenna system; receiving received pulses by an adjustable receive window; integrating or combining signals from multiple received pulses; amplifying and filtering the integrated receive signal; digitizing the combined signal; comparing the digitized signal to at least one preset or dynamically computed threshold values to determine the presence or absence of an object in the field of view of the sensor; and providing at least one pulse generator with rise and fall times of less than 3 ns each and capable of generating pulses less than 10 ns in duration.

Abstract: A traffic sensing system for sensing traffic at a roadway includes a first sensor having a first field of view, a second sensor having a second field of view, and a controller. The first and second fields of view at least partially overlap in a common field of view over a portion of the roadway, and the first sensor and the second sensor provide different sensing modalities. The controller is configured to select a sensor data stream for at least a portion of the common field of view from the first and/or second sensor as a function of operating conditions at the roadway.

Abstract: A vehicular observation and detection apparatus and system incorporates a detection framework using video analysis to differentiate between motorized vehicles and bicycles for improved traffic flow and safety at intersections. The detection framework creates virtual zones overlaid on lanes of a roadway and analyzes input data representing objects in the virtual zones collected from one or more cameras positioned at or near the roadway.

Abstract: A notification apparatus for notifying a passenger in a vehicle of existence of a specific object disposed on a road includes: an information obtaining device that obtains positional information indicative of a position of each specific object and angle information indicative of a direction of each specific object; a candidate retrieving device that: sets an inclusive region including a driving schedule route; and retrieves one specific object in the inclusive region as a notification object candidate; a first eliminating device that eliminates the one specific object from the notification object candidate when the one specific object does not correspond to a driving direction; and a second eliminating device that eliminates the one specific object from the notification object candidate when the one specific object is not disposed on the driving schedule route.

Abstract: A normal image quality coding unit generates normal-quality compressed moving image data by compressing moving image data generated by capturing an image around a vehicle with a normal image quality. A high image quality coding unit generates high-quality compressed moving image data by compressing the moving image data with an image quality higher than the normal image quality. The normal-quality compressed moving image data is recorded in a normal image quality data storage unit. A trigger detection unit detects an abnormal condition which possibly happens to the vehicle currently travelling. A high image quality data storage unit records therein the high-quality compressed moving image data based on a timing by which the abnormal condition is detected by the trigger detection unit.

Abstract: A combination includes a vehicle and an apparatus disposed in the vehicle for generating and displaying a predefined light pattern. The apparatus includes an actuator, a light source productive of collimated light disposed in operable communication with the actuator, and an optical beam shaper disposed in optical communication with the light source. The optical beam shaper is operable to transform collimated light from the light source into non-collimated light productive of a predefined light pattern on a projection surface.

Abstract: A method for detecting a vehicle comprising: providing a multi-channel scannerless full-waveform lidar system operating in pulsed Time-Of-Flight operation oriented towards a surface of the roadway to cover the detection zone; providing at least one initialization parameter; emitting pulses at an emission frequency; receiving reflections of the pulses from the detection zone; and acquiring and digitalizing a series of individual complete traces at each channel of system; identifying at least one detection in at least one of the traces; obtaining a height and an intensity for the detection; determining a nature of the detection to be one of an environmental particle detection, a candidate object detection and a roadway surface detection; if the nature of the detection is the candidate object detection, detecting a presence of a vehicle in the detection zone.

Abstract: Devices and methods for detecting traffic objects. Radiated energy is captured at a detection device, wherein the radiated energy is radiated from traffic objects. Data associated with the radiated energy is generated. The data associated with the radiated energy is transmitted using a communication device.

Abstract: A parking assistance system for a vehicle includes multiple on-board cameras (11, 12, 13, 14) each configured to capture an image of a surrounding area of the vehicle, overhead image generating means (21) for joining the captured multiple images and generating an overhead image viewed from above the vehicle, and display means (22) for displaying the generated overhead image and a steering wheel turning frame corresponding to a steering wheel turning position at which steering wheel turning is performed on the way of reverse movement of the vehicle to a predetermined target parking position.

Abstract: The computer vision-based valve control system and method includes a camera mounted on a pneumatic control valve in such a way that the camera periodically observes positioning of the valve stem. An image processor is applied to the output of the camera to determine percentage opening of the valve. The valve opening percentage of the image processor is fed to a PID controller that uses the valve opening percentage in its process control calculations.

Abstract: An on-board unit (OBU) with a driving-assistance function to be installed on a vehicle includes at least one wireless communication unit and a processing unit. The processing unit receives information of at least one first traffic signal and at least one second traffic signal respectively from their RSUs through the at least one wireless communication unit. The first traffic signal is installed at a first intersection, the at least one second traffic signal is installed at a second intersection, and the vehicle is closer to the first intersection than to the second intersection. The processing unit generates a suggested speed range, within which the vehicle may travel to allow the same to pass through the first intersection and the second intersection without stopping, according to the information of at least one first traffic signal and the at least one second traffic and vehicle position information of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method of acquiring information from an image of a vehicle in real time wherein at least one imaging device with advanced light metering capabilities is placed aboard a vehicle, a computer processor means is provided to control the imaging device and the advanced light metering capabilities, the advanced light metering capabilities are used to capture an image of at least a portion of the vehicle, and image recognition algorithms are used to identify the current state or position of the corresponding portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: A parking pilot method and a device thereof are disclosed. Image detectors capture surrounding images of a vehicle. A speed detector detects speed of the vehicle. A distance detector obtains distance between the vehicle and a barrier. A processor obtains relative coordinates of the vehicle and parking lot and the angle and width of the parking lot with the images, speed and distances. Thereby, the processor creates a preset parking pilot frame and works out a relative position of the preset parking pilot frame and the parking lot. Then, the processor designates the preset parking pilot frame and the parking lot on a display. According to the information on the display, the driver moves the vehicle to an initial position and makes the preset parking pilot frame coincide with the parking lot. Then, the processor instructs the driver to manually park the vehicle, or automatically parks the vehicle.

Abstract: A system having a controller is provided. The controller receives a signal indicative of an actual position and an actual orientation of a machine on a worksite, from a position detection module. The controller determines a first view of the machine on the worksite. The first view shows the actual position of the machine and a target position of the machine. The controller determines a second view of the machine on the worksite. The second view has a first and a second indicator. The first indicator is indicative of the actual position and the actual orientation of the machine. The second indicator is indicative of the target position and a target orientation of the machine. The controller displays any one of the first view and the second view based, at least in part, on the actual position of the machine relative to the target position on a display unit.

Abstract: Possible locations of a person of interest are ranked based on LPR instances captured around physical locations and license plate numbers associated with the person of interest. An LPR instance includes an indication of a vehicle license plate number, a physical location, and a time when the LPR instance was captured by a LPR system. A possible location of the person of interest may be a location of an LPR instance that matches the license plate number or an address location associated with the person of interest. The ranking may be based on the number of LPR visits to each location, the number of license plate number matches at each location, or an attribute of a cluster of LPR instances. In some examples, an electronic message is rapidly communicated to an entity if a target license plate number is found at a highly ranked location.

Abstract: A method for monitoring of traffic patterns and securely processing events of violations of traffic regulations on at least one designated surface incorporating steps of positioning at least one mobile traffic monitoring and recording module arranged to monitor traffic on at least one designated surface, to detect events of potential violations of traffic regulations, to store information pertinent to the monitored traffic and detected events of potential violations of traffic regulations, and to transmit, using a secure wireless method, at least a portion of the stored information for further processing.

Abstract: An upstream vehicle detection system captures images of a vehicle as it travels through a high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane or high occupancy vehicle tolling (HOT) station and generates an hypothesis as to whether the vehicle is complying with HOV or HOT rules based on image analysis. A database of historical information about various vehicles' compliance with HOV or HOT rules is consulted to determine whether the vehicle has previously been identified as a potential violator and pulled over by law enforcement as a result. If the vehicle was previously pulled over by law enforcement and determined to be complying with HOV or HOT rules (a false positive), then the violation hypothesis may be weighted in favor of not pulling the vehicle over.

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 motor vehicle has an imaging device for generating an image of a radiation pattern on the terrain surrounding the motor vehicle. A detecting device is provided for the multiple sequential detection of images of the radiation patterns that are influenced by the terrain. A processor device is also provided. The processing device is designed such that an obstacle in the terrain is detected based on the difference between directly or indirectly sequentially detected images of the radiation pattern.

Abstract: An object location confirmation system for use in an area is provided. The area includes a first zone and a second zone. The object location confirmation system includes a first retrieving device, a second retrieving device, and a data processing apparatus. The first retrieving device is disposed on a path of the area to retrieve a first datum of an object. The second retrieving device is disposed in a boundary region of the second zone. The data processing apparatus is configured to receive the first datum and identify the first datum so as to generate a piece of identification information related to the object. The data processing apparatus determines and records that the object is located in the first zone when the data processing apparatus receives the identification information related to the object and has not received a second datum of the object retrieved from the second retrieving device.

Abstract: A system includes a camera, a weigh-in-motion scale, and a processor. The camera is configured to capture one or more images of a vehicle as the vehicle goes over the weigh-in-motion scale. The weigh-in-motion scale is configured to generate one or more weight measurements of the vehicle as the vehicle goes over the weigh-in-motion scale. The processor is operatively coupled to the camera and the weigh-in-motion scale. The processor is configured to determine an acceleration of at least a portion of the vehicle based at least in part on the one or more images of the vehicle. The processor is also configured to adjust at least one of the one or more weight measurements based on the acceleration.

Abstract: The present invention is a process monitoring method, comprising the steps of capturing sensory data from one or more sensors; storing the sensory data from the one or more sensors in a data storage device; processing the sensory data from the sensors to detect primitive events in the sensory data; correlating two or more primitive events to determine one or more correlated events; and performing one or more actions based on the correlation performed in the correlating step, including sending alerts to recipients in a company's hierarchy. The process monitoring method can be used with a variety of sensors, including temperature, pressure, revolutions per minute, electrical meters, altitude meters, and speedometers, and can accept input from a variety of legacy systems, including financial systems, inventory systems, personnel systems, currency systems, and law enforcement databases. The invention can be used to optimize business processes and ensure safety and security procedures are followed.

Abstract: A system and a method for detecting availability of a parking space in a parking facility are provided. A first method has the steps of providing a lighting system having at least one visible-light source for illumination of at least part of the parking space. Providing an available space time-of-flight trace. Providing an availability threshold value. Illuminating the at least part of the parking space using the at least one visible-light source. Emitting a status visible-light signal from the visible-light source in the predetermined direction toward the predetermined target in the parking space. Capturing a status reflection trace at the visible-light source. Determining a time-of-flight difference value by comparing the status reflection trace to the available space time-of-flight trace. Comparing the time-of-flight difference value with the availability threshold value and determining a status of the parking space to be one of available and not available.

Abstract: A speed limit assistant (SLA) system includes a camera based SLA, a map based SLA, and a fusion unit. The camera based SLA is configured to determine a first set of probabilities for an input image, wherein the probabilities indicate how likely the image includes a discrete set of speed limit signs. The map based SLA is configured to determine a second set of probabilities for an input coordinate, wherein the probabilities indicate how likely the coordinate is to correspond to one of a discrete set of speed limits. The fusion unit is configured to perform a Bayesian fusion on the first and second set of probabilities to determine a final speed limit from the discrete set of speed limits.

Abstract: A computerized vehicle control system and device for limiting the functionality of a mobile asset (e.g., vehicle) capable of performing a plurality of mobile asset functions. The device includes an asset monitor, a mobile wireless transceiver, and a mobile asset processor. The asset monitor is in communication with a first mobile asset for collecting monitored data associated with the first mobile asset. The mobile wireless transceiver is adapted to interface with a management computer. The mobile asset processor is adapted to receive the monitored data from the asset monitor; determine that a first mobile asset function of the plurality of mobile asset functions should be limited; and limit operation of the first mobile asset function. The mobile asset control device can be adapted to override the functionality of the mobile asset, based on the navigation, relative location of the mobile asset, or business rules.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements for employing roadside acoustics sensing in ascertaining traffic density states. Traffic monitoring input is received from a road segment, the traffic monitoring input including traffic audio input. The traffic monitoring input is processed and the processed traffic monitoring input is classified with a predetermined traffic density state. The classified traffic monitoring input is combined with other classified traffic monitoring input.

Abstract: A method is provided for assessing the attentiveness of the driver of motor vehicle traveling in a lane including, but not limited to detecting the position of the motor vehicle on the lane transverse to the direction of travel, determining the extent of fluctuations of the position, and assessing the attentiveness as insufficient if within an observation period at least one first significant period is detected in which the extent of fluctuations of the position falls below a first low limiting value and a second significant period is detected in which the extent of the fluctuations exceeds a second high limiting value.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved large-area parking-monitoring system. It comprises first and second parking-monitoring devices. The first parking-monitoring device transmits its parking occupancy data to the second parking-monitoring device via WiFi signals. The second parking-monitoring device transmits the collected parking occupancy data to a base station via cellular signals. This parking-monitoring system has a reduced cellular usage.

Abstract: A vehicular eye-controlled device having an illumination light source essentially includes a first body and a second body which are independent and separate. The first body has an electronic component disposed therein and required for operation and a photographic unit exposed therefrom for capturing an image of a driver. The second body is disposed in the vicinity of the first body and includes an illumination unit for providing illumination required for eye-controlled operation. The illumination unit and the photographic unit are separated by a distance of at least 5 cm.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a large-area parking-monitoring system. It comprises a plurality of smart-phone-like parking-monitoring devices. Each device monitors multiple parking spaces. The acquired parking occupancy data are transmitted to a parking-management server using cellular communication. The present invention takes advantage of the existing city-wide cellular network and therefore, can monitor parking city-wide at low cost.

Abstract: An automated vehicle speed measurement and enforcement method and system. Traffic can be continuously monitored utilizing an image capturing unit and a controller. The speed of one or more vehicles within an effective field of view of the image capturing unit can be estimated. A burst of radiation from an associated remote sensing device can be triggered when a vehicle is detected having a speed greater than a predetermined value. An accurate speed of the vehicle can then be determined. Additionally, a transverse velocity component associated with the vehicle can be computed by the image capturing unit in order to thereafter apply the transverse velocity component to a reading generated by the remote sensing device to correct a cosine error with respect to the remote sensing device.

Abstract: A system and method for providing visual information to a driver of a first vehicle, including: at least one camera or sensor which is not on the first vehicle but which captures image data that includes a view of a road within a vicinity of the first vehicle; a decision unit which receives the image data from the camera or sensor and which identifies information in the image data which a driver of the first vehicle needs to be informed of; and a display unit on the first vehicle which displays information transmitted to the first vehicle in a view that displays information determined to be missing in the vehicle's current line of sight, so that the otherwise missing information can be observed by a driver of the first vehicle.

Abstract: A method and a system for identifying a vehicle in a parking area includes receiving video data from a video camera observing a parking area from a first field of view over duration of time and receiving image data from a still camera observing a second field of view overlapping the first field of view. The method includes tracking a location of a vehicle across a sequence of frames. The tracking includes determining a time instant at which each frame was captured. The method includes comparing a select frame captured by the video camera with an image captured by the still camera. Based on the comparing, the method includes matching the vehicle in the image with the vehicle in the frame. The method includes determining a license plate number of the vehicle by locating a license plate on the vehicle in the image.

Abstract: A system for determining motion of a tagged article may include a tag detection sub-system, a traffic pattern determination sub-system, and a monitoring sub-system. The tag detection sub-system is configured to output tag data regarding movement of the tagged article with respect to a tag detector proximate an exit portal of a location. The traffic pattern determination sub-system is configured to output traffic data regarding movement of an individual with respect to the exit portal of the location. The monitoring sub-system may include a correlation module configured to compare the tag data with the traffic data to accurately determine one or both of motion or path of the tagged article.

Abstract: A method or a system for displaying a traffic camera view of a road on a display within a vehicle. The method or the system may include monitoring a movement of the vehicle, determining an existence of a traffic event based on the movement of the vehicle, receiving a traffic camera view on the road, and displaying the traffic camera view if the traffic event is detected.

Abstract: An object detection system of a vehicle includes a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor that receives a reflected object detection signal at a second time based on an object detection signal transmitted at a first time. An image sensor generates an image signal including an image of a detected object. The image sensor is distinct from and adjacent to the TOF sensor. A TOF control module generates distance data based on the first time and the second time and determines whether at least a portion of a detected object is within a predetermined distance of the vehicle. An image control module generates image data based on the image signal. A detection control module correlates the distance data with the image data to generate a warning indicator when at least a portion of the detected object is within the predetermined distance of the vehicle.

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

Abstract: A system and method for automatically changing the operation of a mobile device in response to a presence of information is described. In some examples, the system determines an information capture device is proximate to text, automatically changes operation of the capture device to a certain mode, captures the text, and performs an action associated with the captured text.

Abstract: A rear-view camera system for a vehicle. The rear-view camera system includes a first camera positioned on a rear side of the vehicle. The first camera produces a first data set that includes image data corresponding to a first field of view. A second camera is positioned on the rear side of the vehicle spaced a horizontal distance from the first camera. The second camera produces a second data set that includes image data corresponding to a second field of view. The first field of view and the second field of view cover a space adjacent the rear side of the vehicle. An electronic control unit receives the first data set and the second data set and processes the first data set and the second data set to determine the presence of an object in the space adjacent the rear side of the vehicle. The electronic control unit is configured to stitch the first data set and the second data set to produce a panoramic image that corresponds to the space adjacent the rear side of the vehicle.

Abstract: An autonomous system for automated monitoring of traffic patterns on a designated surface including at least one mobile monitoring and recording module. The at least one mobile monitoring and recording module includes at least one support and stabilization section and an erector section, at least one autonomous source of energy, at least one energy storage device, and at least one control and information storage unit. The at least one support and stabilization section incorporates a transportation subsection arranged to provide mobility when coupled to a source of a mechanical force and at least one stabilizing subsection arranged to stabilize the at least one mobile monitoring and recording module in a stationary traffic monitoring position. The erector section includes an erector arranged to erect at least one speed measuring device, at least one traffic imaging device, and at least one illumination device at respective predetermined heights above the designated surface.

Abstract: A method and a system for calibrating a camera in a surveillance system. The method and system use a mathematical rotation between a first coordinate system and a second coordinate system in order to calibrate a camera with a map of an area. In some embodiments, the calibration can be used to control the camera and/or to display a view cone on the map.

Abstract: A method for data communication between a vehicle and fuel pump includes storing vehicle operating data on an onboard recorder in the vehicle, and transmitting the vehicle operating data from the onboard recorder to the fuel pump. The vehicle operating data includes vehicle identification information.