Abstract: A vehicle periphery monitoring apparatus includes an image capturing device, a display device and an image processing device. The image capturing device is configured and arranged to capture a first original image of a region rearward of a vehicle and a second original image of a region laterally rearward of the vehicle. The display device includes a first display area and a second display area disposed on a lateral side of the first display area. The image processing device is configured to display a first displayed image from the first original image in the first display area and to display a second displayed image from the second original image in the second display area to form a combined image on the display device with the second displayed image being horizontally compressed from the second original image to at least a greater degree than the first displayed image.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for tracking vehicles in a parking facility using optics. The process receives a series of two-dimensional images of a vehicle in a parking facility from a camera. The process generates an object representing the vehicle based on the series of two-dimensional images. The object includes a set of parameters defining an outer edge frame for the vehicle. The process determines a location of the vehicle in the parking garage based on the outer edge frame and positional pixel data for the parking facility.

Abstract: An analysis unit for a driver assistance system for a vehicle includes an input for receiving image information which is captured by a camera, a calculating device for using image information to calculate a variable which describes an angle of inclination of the vehicle, a determining device for using the variable to determine an output signal, wherein the output signal relates to a vertical orientation of electromagnetic radiation which is to be emitted by a transmitter unit, and an output for outputting the output signal. A driver assistance system, a computer program product and a method for operating a driver assistance system, are also provided.

Abstract: An image processing system is provided, which includes: a front monitoring device that obtains an image of a view ahead of a vehicle; a vehicle position detecting device that detects the position and orientation of the vehicle; a map database that stores road maps; a traffic indicator position estimating portion that estimates the position of a traffic indicator (23) based on the shape of a road ahead of the vehicle that has been extracted from the map database, according to the position of the vehicle that has been detected by the vehicle position detecting device; an image processing region setting portion that sets an image processing region within the image obtained by the front monitoring device based on the position of the traffic indicator that has been estimated by the traffic indicator position estimating portion; and a traffic indicator detecting portion that detects the traffic indicator from the image processing region.

Abstract: The present invention is a safety and business productivity system having the following components. One or more cameras capture video data having attribute data, the attribute data representing importance of the cameras. One or more video analytics devices process the video data from one or more of the cameras and detect primitive video events in the video data. A correlation engine correlates two or more primitive video events from the video analytics devices weighted by the attribute data of the cameras used to capture the video data. An alerting engine generates one or more alerts and performs one or more actions based on the correlation performed by the correlation engine.

Abstract: Method of detecting vehicles on at least one stretch of a carriageway implementing at least two types of detection chosen from: a video detection comprising a step of acquiring and processing the video images of at least one zone, termed the video monitoring zone, of the stretch of carriageway; an acoustic detection comprising a step of acquiring and processing the sound originating from at least one zone, termed the acoustic monitoring zone, of the stretch of carriageway; a radar detection comprising a step of emitting a microwave electromagnetic radiation towards at least one zone, termed the radar monitoring zone, of the stretch of carriageway and a step of acquiring and processing the microwave electromagnetic radiation reflected, and comprising at least one step of processing the results of the optical and/or sound and/or radar detections so as to deliver an item of information regarding the presence or absence of at least one vehicle.

Abstract: A method of measuring the speed of a vehicle wherein the speed and the distance of the vehicle from a radar system and/or the measuring angle of the vehicle relative to the radar axis is determined by means of a radar measurement so as to characterize or determine the vehicle lane of the vehicle by means of the distance and/or the measuring angle. Knowledge of the vehicle lane makes it possible to unequivocally identify the detected vehicle in a group of vehicles unequivocally.

Abstract: An on-vehicle image processing apparatus includes: an image taking apparatus for taking an image of a forward view of a vehicle; an edge detection section for generating a detection image data based on the image data; and a feature point detection section for detecting at least one feature point based on the detection image data. The feature point detection section categorizes the at least one feature point into a lane division line feature point, a branch feature point, and a dead end and obstacle feature point. The detection image data includes a lane division line detection scanning region set in a near region from the vehicle, a branch detection scanning region set in a middle region from the vehicle, and a dead end and obstacle detection scanning region set in a far region from the vehicle. The amount of scanning process can be reduced.

Abstract: A headlamp controller includes: a headlamp unit configured to illuminate a front area of a vehicle with a light distribution pattern; an image capturing camera configured to capture an image of the front area; and a light distribution controller including: a road shape detecting unit configured to detect a road shape based on the captured image; a reference optical flow generating unit configured to generate a reference optical flow for a target object belonging to one of attributes based on the road shape; a bright point optical flow measuring unit configured to measure an optical flow of a bright point defined as a target in the captured image; and an attribute determining unit configured to compare the reference optical flow with the optical flow of the bright point and determine which one of the attributes the optical flow of the bright point belongs.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a first measured data packet M1 of a first vehicle 1 at a first measuring time point tM1 and a first image data packet B1 are generated, and measured data packets MX of additional vehicles X are generated at additional measuring time points tMX, to which measured data packets duplicates of the first image data packet B1 are linked to the extent that the additional measuring time points tMX occur within a predetermined time interval ? after the first measuring time point tM1.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for controlling an electrical device are provided. At least one image of at least one moving entity is processed, for determining if the at least one moving entity is at least one of entering and exiting a monitored area, and for determining if the at least one moving entity comprises at least one triggering shape. If the at least one moving entity is determined to be at least one of entering and exiting the monitored area, and the at least one moving entity comprises the at least one triggering shape, then control of the electrical device is triggered and a counter for counting triggering shapes present in the monitored area is triggered.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting traffic violation data sets at least one possible traffic violation item in the electronic device, selects a corresponding traffic violation item when a traffic violation occurs, and activates a CCD camera of an electronic device to capture an image of the traffic violation. The system and method further uses an assisted global position system (A-GPS) to obtain location information and time information of the traffic violation, verifies access of a user of the electronic device, and transmits the image, the location information, the time information and the digital certificate to a traffic management server to process the traffic violation.

Abstract: A variety of sensors, such as mechanical triggers, light sensors and motion sensors, magnetic sensors, and radio frequency identification tags, are strategically placed throughout a motor vehicle to detect service and maintenance activities relating to the vehicle during the lifetime of the vehicle. A sensed activity then activates a suitable recording device, such as a video recorder, to record the activity. The completion of the activity likewise is sensed and causes deactivation of the recording device. The recorded activity is typically retained in a non-erasable, indexed storage device from which it can be easily retrieved. The sensors may also be used for tamper detection and vehicle motion detection.

Abstract: A lane keeping assist system (LKAS) is equipped with a compensator capable of solving the problem in which video data, which is measured by a video sensor, the processing speed of which is lower than the data processing speed of the LKAS, is repeatedly used, thereby improving the kinematic characteristics of a vehicle and lane-keeping control performance.

Abstract: A method is provided for attracting the attention of a motor vehicle driver to a potential hazardous spot in an image, which is illustrated in a real form on a display of the motor vehicle or in a virtual form in a region of the motor vehicle. At least one laser scanner provided in the vehicle scans the surroundings in front of the vehicle and determines the shape of an object and the distance of the object from the vehicle. At least one infrared camera, in particular a thermal imaging camera, is provided on the vehicle. It records the surroundings in front of the vehicle and makes available the real or virtual image of the surroundings for display to the driver. The object is compared with at least a first reference object within the scope of a first pattern recognition process. If there is significant correspondence between the object and the reference object, that area on the real or virtual image displayed to the driver in which the object is to be found is determined.

Abstract: A view in front of a vehicle (1) is captured, and the captured imaged is displayed on a display section. At a predetermined stop position (S1), a target parking position (S4) of the vehicle (1) is set based on the captured image. Then, a reverse guidance route (C2) is calculated. The reverse guidance route (C2) is a route located forward of the vehicle (1), in front of the stop position (S1), and lies from a reverse start position (S2), at which the vehicle (1) starts to reverse for parking, up to the target parking position (S4). Based on the captured image, the reverse start position (S2) is set within a predetermined setting area by an instruction of an occupant of the vehicle (1). A forward travel guidance route (C1) from the stop position (S1) to the reverse start position (S2) is calculated, and conditions of movement of the vehicle (1) are detected.

Abstract: The blind spot alert apparatus provides a pair of identical sensors for fit to opposite rear quadrants of a vehicle. Each sensor senses a presence or lack thereof of an obstacle proximal to either rear quadrant of the vehicle. Sensors signal the driver via instrument panel chime and buzzer and also via the “WARNING” and “OK” indicia in each side of the instrument panel. Signaling occurs only with a turn signal initiation. Blind spot related accidents are thereby avoided.

Abstract: A vehicle periphery monitoring apparatus includes an image capturing device, a display device, a blind spot determining section, and a processing section. The image capturing device is arranged to capture an image of a region rearward of a host vehicle and an image of a region laterally rearward of the host vehicle. The processing section is configured to switch a displayed image on the display device from a first display image to a second display image upon determination of a following vehicle created blind spot region by the blind spot determining section. The first display image includes the image of the region rearward of the host vehicle, and the second display image includes at least a portion of the image of the region laterally rearward of the host vehicle that encompasses the following vehicle created blind spot region which is absent from the first display image.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards an automated system for tracking a vehicle, associating that vehicle with a vehicle washing selection, and tracking the vehicle until it enters the vehicle washing station for subsequent presentation of the vehicle washing selection to the control computer of the vehicle washing system for subsequent washing.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a technique for logging an item encountered by a mobile device comprises automatically detecting an item in an uncontrolled environment, extracting an identity associated with the item, logging an encounter, wherein the encounter includes the identity, and deleting the encounter after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, wherein the encounter is not marked as relevant.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for implementing an electronic tollway barrier system. Exemplary systems and methods use positive vehicle identification at progressive monitoring locations to determine whether a vehicle has illegally entered a controlled lane across the electronic barrier, ensure that toll locations are not circumvented, and automatically issue citations to violators of the electronic barrier.

Abstract: A method for detecting moving objects in a blind spot of vehicle is provided, comprising: taking a sequence of images of said blind spot region, partitioning each of said images of said sequence into blocks, identifying moving blocks which have moved between consecutive images of said sequence, determining a direction and a distance of said movement of said moving blocks; grouping adjacent moving blocks, for which directions within a predetermined direction interval and distances within a predetermined distance interval have been determined, and determining said moving objects based on said step of grouping. A corresponding blind spot detection device is provided as well.

Abstract: A driving support method and apparatus for displaying, on a medial side of a pillar of the vehicle, an image of an area which is hidden as a blind spot in a rear-view mirror mounted on or in a vehicle, when looking in the mirror from the driver's position and which is created by the pillar. The apparatus detects a head position of a driver, detects the angle of the rear-view mirror, calculates the area which is hidden as the blind spot on the basis of the detected driver's head position and the detected angle of the rear-view mirror, and projects an image of the area corresponding to the blind spot onto the pillar, the projected image being formed from image data which is obtained from a blind spot camera mounted on the vehicle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for vehicle speed acquisition and citation. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, multiple different imaging systems can be placed individually at different locations along a route of travel, such as a highway, byway or waterway. Images of different vehicles can be captured at each of the locations and different ones of the different vehicles can be image-recognized. A time of travel between pairs of the locations can be determined for selected ones of the different vehicles in order to compute a rate of travel for the selected ones of the different vehicles. A citation signal is generated when a speed of a vehicle exceeds a predetermined speed limit such that the vehicle owner may be automatically cited for speeding.

Abstract: A system for detecting and recording real-time law violations having an array of wide and narrow angled cameras providing a plurality of images of a substantially 360° field of view around a law enforcement unit, a recording unit for recording said images, an analyzing unit for detecting a law violation, a permanent storage unit for permanently storing a plurality of images of a law violation event and a reporting unit for issuing citations.

Abstract: Zone selection logic in an area monitoring device increases the number of unique monitoring zone selections that can be selected using a limited number of discrete zone selection inputs, without compromising the safety critical operation of zone selection. The device monitors the logical state of each input in a set of individual inputs and recognizes each unique logical combination of zone selection inputs as a different zone selection. For example, each of two or more configured monitoring zones is associated with a different combinatorial zone selection pattern of asserted zone selection input signals. Correspondingly, a control circuit within the area monitoring device is configured to monitor the discrete zone selection inputs and activate a given one of the configured monitoring zones based on recognizing the associated combinatorial zone selection pattern of asserted zone selection signals.

Abstract: A traffic signal head having a signal lamp or signal ball with an embedded video monitoring system can be provided to perform vehicle detection to inform an intelligent traffic control system. Video monitoring of traffic lanes facing the signal head can be analyzed by such a system to emulate inductive loop signals that are input signals to traffic control systems.

Abstract: A vehicle side image recognition method and apparatus inputs images containing recognized vehicles captured by a camera apparatus; sorts images with the recognized vehicles located at left and right sides of the camera apparatus from the input images; performs vehicle side image recognition processing on the sorted images to acquire side image information of each of the recognized vehicles; and outputs the acquired side image information of each of the recognized vehicles. An assisted driving system may use the vehicle side image information to analyze the relative movement of an object vehicle and other vehicles more comprehensively, thus greatly improving the traveling security of a vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicular imaging system includes a forward facing photosensor array and a control responsive to the photosensor array. The control processes an image data set indicative of captured images, and the control processes a reduced image data set of the image data set to determine whether an object of interest is within a target zone of the captured image. The reduced image data set is representative of a portion of the captured images as captured by a particular grouping of the photosensor elements. The control adjusts the reduced image data set so as to be representative of a portion of the captured images as captured by a different particular grouping of the photosensor elements, and adjusts the reduced image data set in response to a determination of a change in a focus of expansion of the captured images.

Abstract: The present invention is a video surveillance, storage, and alerting system having the following components. One or more surveillance cameras capture video data having attribute data, the attribute data representing importance of the surveillance cameras. One or more video analytics devices process the video data from one or more of the surveillance cameras and detect primitive video events in the video data. A network management module monitors network status of the surveillance cameras, and the video analytics devices, and generates network events reflective of the network status of all subsystems. A correlation engine correlates two or more primitive video events from the video analytics devices weighted by the attribute data of the surveillance cameras used to capture the video data, and network events from the network management module weighted by attribute data of device corresponding to the network event.

Abstract: A display device of the present invention is mounted on an automotive vehicle. An obstacle located in front of the vehicle is detected by a camera, and its features including speed, distance, size, etc. are analyzed by electronic circuits. An image showing the features of the front object is outputted from a liquid crystal panel. The outputted image is reflected on the windshield, displaying a virtual image to a driver. The virtual image is displayed in a form of a spot encircling the front obstacle seen through the windshield. The ways of displaying the encircling spot are variously changed according to a degree of collision danger that is determined according to a period in which the vehicle reaches the obstacle. For example, if the degree of collision danger is high, the spot is shown in red-orange color and/or with a high brightness. Thus, the driver easily recognizes the front obstacle in a high degree of collision danger.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for vehicle traffic flow data acquisition and reporting for onboard vehicle navigation. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for vehicle traffic flow data acquisition and reporting for onboard vehicle navigation can include acquiring imagery of multiple vehicles traveling on a roadway between two locations and individually identifying the different vehicles in the imagery. An elapsed time of travel can be determined for the individually identified vehicles between the two locations and a rate of travel can be computed for each of the individually identified different vehicles based upon the elapsed time of travel. Thereafter, the rate of travel for at least one of the individually identified different vehicles can be broadcast to a subscriber for at least one of the two locations.

Abstract: A vehicular blind spot detection system (700) for alerting a driver of a motor vehicle to an object in the vehicle's blind spot, the system includes a first imaging device (707) used typically used to control vehicle lighting and that works to detect objects substantially forward of the vehicle and a second imaging device (709) typically used with a rear camera display (RCD) for detecting objects substantially rearward of the vehicle. A control unit (711) is coupled to the first imaging device (707) and second imaging device (709) that includes a graphic processing unit (713) for processing images captured by the first imaging device (707) and second imaging device (709) for detecting an optical flow of objects within the images so as to discriminate between vehicles and other objects entering the driver's blind spot.

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: The present invention provides a remote antenna system employing digital imaging means by which the operator can view both the antenna pointing data and the coverage landscape from the antenna radome perspective. The present invention also provides a method for antenna positioning data acquisition and positioning control employing remotely acquired image data.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus suitable for recording a traffic signal violation at an intersection controlled by a traffic light is described. The image recording apparatus includes a first camera focused on the intersection, and a second camera focused on a first lane of a street leading to the intersection. A first control circuit is coupled to the first camera causes the first camera to capture a first image at substantially an instant of time that the traffic light indicates a change of traffic control status. The apparatus also includes a detection circuit to detect when a portion of a vehicle crosses a trigger location in the first lane after the change in traffic control status. A second control circuit coupled to the second camera causes the second camera to capture a close-up image of the vehicle in the event that the detection circuit detects the portion of the vehicle at the trigger location after a change in traffic control status.

Abstract: An automatic signaling system for a vehicle having a turn signal light, includes a sensor configured for sensing at least a portion of a lane, and a processor coupled to the sensor, wherein the processor is configured to activate the turn signal light of the vehicle based at least on a signal received from the sensor. A method for activating a turn signal light of a vehicle includes sensing at least a portion of a lane in which the vehicle is traveling, and automatically activating a turn signal light of the vehicle based at least on the sensed portion of the lane.

Abstract: A system to detect the transit of vehicles having license plates includes at least one video camera to detect license plates capable of framing the plates of said vehicles and, preferably, at least one video camera to detect vehicles capable of framing a zone of transit of said vehicles having license plates. A series of processing operations is capable, starting from the video signals generated by the video camera to detect license plates, of detecting the presence of a vehicle in transit and, starting from the video signals generated by the video camera to detect vehicles, of detecting the position and three-dimensional shape of vehicles in transit in said zone. A supervisor module aggregates the results of these processing operations to generate records of information each identifying the modality of transit in said zone of a vehicle identified by a given license plate that has been recognized.

Abstract: An object sensing system includes a radar system including at least one aperture through which a radar signal is transmitted and at least one aperture through which reflected radar signals are received. The sensing system also includes a stereo vision system including a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor and the second sensor are separated by an offset. The stereo vision system is mounted to the radar system to form a single assembly. The radar system is positioned in the offset between the first sensor and the second sensor.

Abstract: A machine includes a frame having ground engaging elements for propelling a machine, and a body mounted to the frame. The body includes a plurality of body components, one of which is contoured for mounting a camera that includes a continuous face and a pocket each formed in an outer surface thereof. The method of assembling a machine includes molding a unitary body component for machine body, the body component having an outer surface with a continuous face and a pocket. The method further includes mounting a camera within the pocket and establishing an electrical link between the camera and an electrical system of the machine via a port disposed in the pocket which extends through the outer surface.

Abstract: A parking assist apparatus outputs display of a synthesized image of the periphery of a vehicle as a bird's-eye view image, and superimposes, on the synthesized image, turning guide lines based on the current steering angle of the vehicle and straight driving guide lines, along which the vehicle drives in a straight line after turning in accordance with the turning guide lines.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed for identifying a driver within a vehicle using short range wireless communication in order to ticket or alert the driver in response to a traffic infraction by the driver. In exemplary embodiments, a short range wireless communication device registers drivers of vehicles at a certain location. The registration captures a unique identifier for each driver at the location from the driver's wireless communication device. When a vehicle commits a traffic infraction, the unique identifier is used to reference a database to determine the identity and address of the driver. The driver may then be sent a notification of the infraction as well as payment options. This notification may be sent directly to the wireless communication device of the driver. In embodiments of the present invention, a smart vehicle acts as a proxy to capture the unique identifier from the driver's wireless communication device and communicates with the short range wireless communication device.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a volume of space surrounding an aircraft having a plurality of extremity portions includes a plurality of sensors. Each sensor is disposed at a respective corresponding one of the aircraft extremity portions. Each sensor is configured to generate an image of a monitored area covering a predetermined distance from the extremity portion at which the sensor is disposed. A processing device is configured to determine, from an image generated by a first sensor of the plurality, a characteristic of an object within the monitored area covering the predetermined distance from the extremity portion at which the first sensor is disposed. The processing device is further configured to generate a signal in response to determining the object characteristic.

Abstract: A system in a moving surveillance vehicle operates in background mode to capture images of license plates of neighboring moving vehicles, which may occupy lanes other than the lane in which the surveillance vehicle is moving. The images are used to determine the license plate numbers of the moving vehicles, which are then checked against a database to determine whether there are any potential law enforcement-related problems that require the attention of the operator. If so, the system alerts the operator using an audible tone, visual prompt, vibration, or in some other suitable manner. The entire process, including generation of the alert can occur autonomously of the operator.

Abstract: The invention relates to the detection of wheel axles of a vehicle on a roadway by means of a sensor, which operates according to the light-section procedure and emits at least one fan of light from a first location along the roadway to project a line of light onto the roadway and a vehicle possibly located thereon, and records this line of light from a second location along the same side of the roadway and detects a wheel axle as soon as the recorded line of light exhibits, in its course emanating from the said side of the roadway, a shift-free change in direction differing from its course when the roadway is empty.

Abstract: A vehicle headlamp includes: a light-emitting module; a control circuit section for controlling a lighting of the light-emitting module; and a reflector including a reflecting face configured to reflect and collect light emitted from the light-emitting module. The control circuit section includes an opposing portion that is opposed to the reflecting face. The opposing portion is disposed at a position away from an optical path of light to be collected by the reflector.

Abstract: The invention relates to the determination of direction, speed and/or distance of vehicles on a roadway by means of a sensor, which operates according to the light-section procedure and is directed onto the roadway, for recording the surface contour of a vehicle, and an evaluation unit, which is connected to the sensor and determines the direction, speed and/or distance of the vehicles therefrom.

Abstract: A parking guidance device storing the information of length and width of a car is disclosed, which comprises: a central controller, a distance detector electrically connecting to said central controller for detecting the distances from obstacles, an image detector electrically connecting to said central controller for detecting the shape of a parking space, a two-axis rotating detector electrically connecting to said central controller for detecting the direction of said car, a human-machine operation interface electrically connecting to said central controller for inputting signals, and a car controller area network bus interface electrically connecting to said central controller for controlling wheel, engine and braking system, wherein said central controller integrates the information of distances and shape of said parking space, compares the same to the information of length and width of said car to gain a parking track, and makes the moving track of said car correspond with said parking track by controll

Abstract: An augmented reality system identifies and controls a vehicle located within an environment. A tracking system obtains viewpoint information corresponding to a real-time view of the environment. A processing system receives information from one or more sensors. Information includes sensor location information and status information about the vehicle. Processing system generates graphics using said sensor location information and said viewpoint information. Graphics include visual representations of said status information and controls. A display displays the generated graphics such that the graphics are superimposed on the real-time view. The graphics appear attached to the vehicle. An interaction device activates a displayed control.

Abstract: An image-taking control section determines, based on information outputted from a location information obtaining section, whether a vehicle has entered a car park. When the vehicle has entered the car park, an image storage section stores, at predetermined time intervals, images of a view in a traveling direction of the vehicle, which images are taken by a vehicle-mounted camera. Image taking is terminated when the vehicle is parked at a parking space and a parking brake is applied. Thereafter, the taken images are transmitted via a transmission section to a mobile terminal held by a user. The user is allowed to easily recognize the parking position of his/her vehicle by viewing the images with the mobile terminal.