Abstract: A vehicle detection system for detecting the presence of at least part of a vehicle in image data, the system comprising: an interface configured to receive image data; an identifier module configured to identify a plurality of linear regions in an image represented by the image data; a comparator configured to compare at least one of the number, cumulative size, and density of the linear regions with a respective threshold value; and an output configured to issue a signal indicating the detection of a vehicle based on the results of the comparison.

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: A target position setting device includes a distance meter, an imager, first and second calculating portions, a determination portion, and a setting portion. The distance meter measures a distance to an object around a vehicle. The imager takes an image of an environment around the vehicle. The first calculating portion calculates a first candidate of a target position of the vehicle according to a measuring result of the distance meter. The second calculating portion calculates a second candidate of the target position of the vehicle according to an imaging result of the imager. The determination portion determines whether a relationship between the first candidate and the second candidate meets a given condition. The setting portion sets the target position according to the second candidate of the target position when the determination portion determines that the relationship between the first candidate and the second candidate meets the given condition.

Abstract: A display system and a program for displaying a portion of a range that is obstructed due to the body of a vehicle when viewed from a driver seat is provided. The portion of the range is seamlessly linked to a scene viewed through a windshield. The display system includes an imaging means acquiring an image of an outside of a vehicle including the obstructed portion of the range, a first display means disposed on an instrument panel of the vehicle, and a control means that processes an image acquired by the imaging means. The image displayed on the first display means is seamlessly linked to a scene viewed through the windshield and the processed image is displayed on the first display means.

Abstract: An autonomous system for automated monitoring of traffic patterns on at least one 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, at least one erector section, at least one autonomous source of electric energy, at least one electric 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.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for determining parking availability are described. A sensor system is configured to monitor a plurality of parking spaces. The sensor system includes at least one sensor element that generates a sensor data output signal. A parking availability determiner receives the sensor data output signal and generates parking availability information. The parking availability determiner is configured to determine from the received sensor data output signal at least one parking space of the plurality of parking spaces that is occupied, and to include an indication in the parking availability information that the determined at least one parking space is occupied. If one or more further parking space are included in the plurality of parking spaces other than the determined at least one parking space, an indication is included in the parking availability information that the further parking spaces are available for parking.

Abstract: A distributed individual vehicle information capture method for capturing individual vehicle data at traffic intersections and transmitting the data to a central station for storage and processing is provided. The method includes capturing individual vehicle information at a plurality of intersections (122) and transmitting the individual vehicle information from the intersections to a central station (124). Consequently, the individual vehicle information is available to be stored and processed by a device at the central station (126). Traffic intersection equipment for capturing individual vehicle data at traffic intersections and transmitting the data to a central station for storage and processing is also disclosed. The equipment includes a traffic detection device (159) for capturing individual vehicle data at an intersection (158) and a network connection to a central station (174).

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for lane change detection and handling of lane keeping torque during an un-signaled lane change. Disclosed herein is an exemplary embodiment for a method including calculating a distance between a center of a vehicle and a center of a lane, determining a discontinuity in the calculation of the distance between the center of the vehicle and the center of a lane and disabling torque corrections to compensate for the discontinuity until the vehicle is near the center (position based) of the new lane and a certain time has elapsed (time based) from the detection of the discontinuity. Hysterisis or smoothly changing torque controls are offered to work with the Time and Position based lane change handling method.

Abstract: A system configured for parking management in a parking facility, the system comprising a plurality of parking spaces, and a plurality of sensor units corresponding to the plurality of parking spaces, each of the plurality of sensor units being configured to detect a parking status of a corresponding one of the plurality of parking spaces and transmit a first message including the parking status of the corresponding one parking space in a wireless communication network.

Abstract: A method (400) and a system (125) for monitoring traffic. A warning zone (130) can be defined based, at least in part, on a present location of a mobile traffic monitoring system (125). With the mobile traffic monitoring system, the warning zone can be optically monitored for movement of an object (175). Responsive to identifying the movement of the object in the warning zone, an alert (135) can be generated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a collision avoidance system based on the detection of obstacles (e.g., other vehicles and obstructive objects) in the blind spots of a vehicle.

Abstract: A user carried electronic device and method therefore is provided for directing the user to a parked vehicle using several modes of operation. The device includes a display, a memory, an interface for receiving information downloads from the vehicle and a controller coupled thereto for managing operation of the device. The controller stores the downloaded information in the memory and presents RETURN-TO-VEHICLE information on the display in response to a user request. The downloaded information desirably includes photographic information concerning the parked vehicle's environment obtained by vehicle camera(s) or otherwise. Vehicle location information and vehicle location accuracy information may be included. The device desirably includes location tracking elements that, when operating, provide graphical directions back to the vehicle based on vehicle location information in the download.

Abstract: A method and a device for distinguishing between reflectors arranged on the roadside and vehicle lights and for identifying said reflectors and vehicle lights for use in an automatic light control system in a vehicle with a camera sensor oriented towards the surroundings of the vehicle. The method includes recording a sequence of images of the surroundings of the vehicle. Light spots are found and subjected to temporal tracking within the sequence of images. Afterwards, for each light spot, a decision is made whether the light source of the light spot is a vehicle light or a reflector. A statistical map for the entire camera image is determined from the position of the light spots found with the statistical map comprising regions that are predominantly occupied by reflectors and regions that are predominantly occupied by vehicles driving ahead or by oncoming vehicles.

Abstract: The vehicle detecting apparatus includes an image sensor mounted on a host vehicle so as to be able to take an image ahead of the host vehicle, a light source area extracting function of extracting, from image data outputted from the image sensor, an area having luminance higher than a predetermined value as a light source area, a vehicle detecting function of detecting existence of at least one of an oncoming vehicle and a preceding vehicle by recognizing which of a headlight of the oncoming vehicle, a taillight of the preceding vehicle, and a roadside reflector causes the light source area in the image data. The vehicle detecting function is configured to lower a probability that the vehicle detecting function recognizes that the light source area is caused by the roadside reflector when the headlight of the host vehicle is in a low-beam position.

Abstract: A proximity sensor system for a vehicle in reverse includes a zone detection module. The zone detection module switches a first remote sensor from a first mode corresponding to a near zone rearward of the vehicle to a second mode corresponding to a far zone rearward of the vehicle. The near zone includes an area of coverage wider and shorter in range than an area of coverage of the far zone. A response module responds to first objects in the near zone and selectively responds to second objects in the far zone when the second objects are in motion.

Abstract: A camera system comprises a CCD imaging device, an infrared illumination source, and a power modulator for amplitude modulating the infrared illumination, e.g., with a 7-kHz tone. A beam splitter is set in front of the CCD imaging device, and a photo-diode array is attached to the beam splitter to detect modulated infrared light returning from the same field of vision as the CCD imaging device Various tone filters, and triggers connected to the tone filters, will cause the CCD imaging device to take a digital picture when the returning modulated infrared light exceeds some threshold and comes from right areas of a picture frame. Such digital pictures will most probably include an image of a vehicle license plate that can be processed, and the results used to extract the registration data from a database.

Abstract: A method (400, 500) of identifying a route traveled. The method can include, while traveling away from an initial location (115), detecting a unique identifier for each of a plurality of wireless communication devices (125) along the route. The method also can include presenting an indicator (210) that indicates a relative distance from at least one of the wireless communication devices while traveling toward the initial location. Detecting the unique identifier for each of the plurality of wireless communication devices can include detecting a media access control (MAC) identifier or an Internet protocol (IP) address for at least one of the communication devices.

Abstract: Parking support systems and methods for use with a vehicle obtain image data from an imaging device provided on the vehicle. The systems and methods output an image on a display on the basis of the image data, generate a predicted course line on the basis of a steering angle of the vehicle on the image, and generate a vehicle width guide line indicating a vehicle width on the image. The systems and methods determine whether the vehicle is in an enter-starting state in which the vehicle is about to enter a parking target area and, when it is determined that the vehicle is in the enter-starting state, extend the vehicle width guide line in a rearward direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A passenger vehicle safety system is provided which comprises a violation system, a warning system or an inside system. The violation system collects evidence of traffic violation occurring in a vicinity of a passenger vehicle. The warning system provides a warning to individuals outside and in the vicinity of the passenger vehicle. The intra-vehicle system collects images of persons inside, or in the vicinity of, the passenger vehicle, so as to allow the passenger vehicle's driver or one or more individuals located at a remote location, some distance from the passenger, to monitor activity in and around the passenger vehicle. Information captured by the inside system can be viewed in real time, as the information is being collected, or some time later, or both.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an attitude correction apparatus for an Inertial Navigation System (INS) using a camera-type solar sensor. The present invention relates to a system for correcting errors occurring in an inertial navigation system, in which inertial sensors, such as gyroscopes and accelerometers are combined with each other to calculate the attitude, velocity and position of an airplane, and to an apparatus for utilizing a sun-line of sight vector, generated by a camera-type solar sensor, that uses images of the moving sun, and the output value of the inertial navigation system, thus correcting the attitude of an airplane and the errors of sensors. The attitude correction apparatus of the present invention includes a camera-type solar sensor for detecting the sun, a signal processing unit for receiving and synchronizing information, and a data collection processing unit for performing post-processing on information, thus correcting an error.

Abstract: Systems and methods for computer assisted cueing and selective reviewing of driving data in order to save time in the data review process are provided. The method allows identifying essential portions of the data, selecting the essential portions, reviewing the selected data and retrieving additional data leading to the event if necessary. At least one event capture device continuously captures data into a buffer. The data are sent to an event detector communicatively coupled to the event capture device only when the event detector requests them. After receiving the data, the event detector selects and indexes a pre-event portion, during-event portion and post-event portion, combines the portions of captured data into a single driving event record and sends the driving event record to the evaluation server. From the server, the driving event record is sent to the analysis station for review and analysis.

Abstract: A system and method for providing real-time traffic information using a wireless vehicle-to-vehicle communications network. A vehicle includes a plurality of sensors that detect other vehicles around the vehicle. The wireless communications system on the vehicle uses the sensor signals to calculate a traffic condition index that identifies traffic information around the vehicle. The vehicle broadcasts the traffic condition index to other vehicles and/or road side infrastructure units that can present the information to the vehicle driver, such as in a navigation system, and/or rebroadcast the traffic information to other vehicles. The traffic condition index can be calculated using the speed of the surrounding vehicles, posted speed limits, the distance between the surrounding vehicles and the traffic density of the surrounding vehicles.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems and methods for detecting a speed limit violation based on the movement of a cell phone in a moving vehicle. The system and method determine whether a speeding violation has occurred based periodic cell phone location data, the time between a cell phone's presence at one location and the next, and the speed limit of the section of a section of road that the cell phone could be located on. Embodiments of systems and methods of the invention detect whether a moving vehicle may be part of a public transit system, in which case the corresponding cell phones are removed from consideration. The system and method also include generating a speeding ticket for a car determined to have violated a corresponding speed limit, keeping a record of a speeding violation, and sending a request to settle the ticket if it is not paid on time.

Abstract: A method in computerized system mounted on a vehicle including a cabin and an engine. The system including a visible (VIS) camera sensitive to visible light, the VIS camera mounted inside the cabin, wherein the VIS camera acquires consecutively in real time multiple image frames including VIS images of an object within a field of view of the VIS camera and in the environment of the vehicle. The system also including a FIR camera mounted on the vehicle in front of the engine, wherein the FIR camera acquires consecutively in real time multiple FIR image frames including FIR images of the object within a field of view of the FIR camera and in the environment of the vehicle. The FIR images and VIS images are processed simultaneously, thereby producing a detected object when the object is present in the environment.

Abstract: An HOV enforcement system comprises roadside imaging units connected over a network to a central processing center. The roadside imaging units include Ethernet cameras with integrated vehicle detectors, night-time lighting, and image servers. The central processing center includes a central server with license plate reading and vehicle matching software, storage and databases, and review staff to issue bills and citations.

Abstract: A device for the detection of tailgating between vehicles on a roadway. The device may emit ultrasonic signals on to a roadway and receive said reflected signals. The device has a processor adapted to use the received signals to determine the presence or absence of a vehicle. The processor also determines whether a vehicle is tailgating another vehicle by detecting if the time spacing between two sequential vehicles traveling in the same direction in the same lane is two second or less. The processor alerts a remote receiver when tailgating is detected. The device may also include a camera to take pictures of any vehicle determined to be tailgating. The device is preferably compact and easily portable.

Abstract: An obstacle detection apparatus more accurately detects a moving obstacle present around a motor vehicle. With this system, desired feature quantities of an obstacle present in a coverage of a first sensor are calculated and then stored into a storage device, and when the obstacle moves from the coverage of the first sensor to a coverage of a second sensor, a relative distance to the obstacle is calculated from the above-stored feature quantities of the obstacle and from the desired feature quantities of the obstacle, obtained by analyzing the recognition results of the second sensor that have been processed by a processor which processes the recognition results.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method to operate a host vehicle having a rearview camera vision sensor, and an electronic controller with memory. The method comprises the steps of determining whether the host vehicle is in reverse gear, activating a rearview camera vision sensor on said host vehicle to detect objects, determining host vehicle motion and path of travel, simultaneously determining an inter-frame difference metric and a histogram difference metric of the field of view of said rearview camera, determining a dynamic scene change, determining a collision threat assessment based upon said dynamic scene change, and activating warnings and collision avoidance moves.

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: Security system and method for monitoring vehicular compartments includes at least one optical image receiving unit arranged to receive optical images of a compartment of the vehicle, e.g., from at least a portion of the face of a person located at a driver's station in a passenger compartment of the vehicle, and produce image signals therefrom and a processor including an electronic facial-recognition system coupled to the optical image receiving unit(s) responsive to the image signals and controllably coupled to the enabling system, and an electronic storage device coupled to the facial-recognition system to store a set of image signals. The facial-recognition system enables ignition of the vehicle system only if signals representative of select characteristics of a scanned face of the person derived from the image signals produced by the optical image receiving unit(s) match a member of a set of signals stored in the electronic storage device.

Abstract: When there is a preceding vehicle in a traveling direction of a subject vehicle, an ECU computes a driver condition coefficient that represents degree of change in the size of an image of the preceding vehicle as viewed from the driver is computed. The driving condition of the driver is detected from this driver condition coefficient and used to provide an alarm indicative of the driving condition and to control vehicle travel condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating a position and an orientation of a mobile robot. The apparatus includes: a ceiling image grabber for obtaining a ceiling image of an area where the mobile device travels; a mark detector for detecting a retro-reflective artificial mark from the ceiling image, the retro-reflective artificial mark including a first mark and a second mark, each including a non-reflective portion and an infrared reflective portion; and a position & orientation estimator for estimating a position and an orientation of the mobile device using a position of the artificial mark or encoder information according to whether detection of the artificial mark is successful.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that includes cameras encased in vandalism and weather resistant housings, which attach to the outside or inside of a tunnel. The cameras provide for overhead, side, front, and rear views of a vehicle as the vehicle approaches and enters the tunnel and as the vehicle exits and leaves the tunnel. In order to provide the views, the camera devices are strategically located at the entrance of the tunnel, at the exit of the tunnel, and within the tunnel. The cameras are attached directly to the structure of the tunnel or are attached to a frame that can be installed inside the tunnel or attached to the tunnel.

Abstract: A system for measuring a magnetic signature of a vehicle, including: at least a first set of sensors (Cxi) that are stationary and arranged along at least a first direction; at least a second set of sensors (Cyj) that are stationary and arranged along at least a second direction that intersects the first direction; a common sensor (Cxy0) arranged at a location where the first set of sensors and the second set of sensors intersect, said common sensor belonging to the first and the second sets of sensors, wherein the first set of sensors and the second set of sensors are arranged so that the vehicle passes above at least part of the sensors of the first and second set of sensors; and a calculation device for calculating a relation between a time signature So(t) of the vehicle passing above the common sensor and a spatial profile So(x) resulting from measurements made by the first set of sensors.

Abstract: An image processing device for a vehicle includes a radar for transmitting a radio wave outside of the vehicle and detecting an object in a first area outside of the vehicle by using a reflected wave of the transmitted radio wave; a camera for acquiring an image in a second area including the first area; and an image processing unit for processing the acquired image to detect, in the acquired image, the object detected by the radar. Visibility outside of the vehicle is detected based on result of detection of the radar and result of detection of the camera.

Abstract: In a vehicle-to-vehicle communication system, when moving image information is transmitted between vehicles, a delay time acquisition unit determines a delay time that occurs when the moving image information is transmitted from a first vehicle to a second vehicle, and an applicability determination unit determines whether the moving image information transmitted with such a delay time is applicable to an application program running on an in-vehicle apparatus installed in the second vehicle. This makes it possible to transmit only moving image information which is usable by the in-vehicle apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method for automated estimation of average stopped delay at signalized intersections using digitized still image analysis of actual traffic flow is disclosed. The system and method includes digitizing images of an intersection and creating a line of pixels that acts as a virtual sensor in a traffic lane of interest. Background intensities of the pixel line on the traffic lane without vehicles are compared to pixel intensities on images with traffic. Once vehicles are identified, the present method and system provides for three alternative embodiments of methods for determining the stopped delay for an entire image or for a particular vehicle. Once the stopped delay for all relevant images or for all relevant vehicles is determined, the average stopped delay per vehicle is estimated.

Abstract: An obstacle detection and tracking system identifies objects in the path of a vehicle equipped with the system and issues a visual, audible, and/or control system warning. The system includes a depth imaging system that acquires depth data from objects in the field of view of a detection zone encompassing at least a portion of the road to be driven upon. It is assumed most of the acquired data represents road plane information. Statistical analysis of the depth image data identifies in (X,Y,Z) space at least one plane of the road being driven, after which identification threshold normal heights above and below the road plane are defined. Imaged objects within the detection zone that are higher or lower than a threshold normal are deemed of potential concern and will generate a warning to the vehicle operator or vehicle.

Abstract: An auto-parking device installed on a vehicle comprises a vehicle status sensing unit for detecting a state of a vehicle, an image acquisition unit for capturing vehicle outside image, a range sensing unit for measuring the space, a processing unit for receiving states of the vehicle from the vehicle status sensing unit, receiving environmental states from the image acquisition unit and range sensing unit, calculating a parking path based on parallel parking or back-in parking and then controlling the vehicle steering, throttle and brake via a driving control unit to automatically park the car into the space as per the planned parking path.

Abstract: An automated security attendant for a mechanical gate includes an interface that queries a visitor as to the name and destination of the visitor, and then automatically proceeds with authentication of the visitor. The system includes cameras and recording equipment for capturing the visitor's face and license plates, and records this information along with a time and date stamp of the event. The visitor can be authenticated in accordance with a pre-stored list of names or license plates, or can be authenticated in real time through contact with authorized personnel. The system can further initiate two way conversation with between the visitor and the authorized personnel, and provide the authorized personnel with the image of the visitor's face and/or license plate. The system can also monitor the gate for damage and alert authorities where the security of the gate has been compromised.

Abstract: A distributed individual vehicle information capture method for capturing individual vehicle data at traffic intersections and transmitting the data to a central station for storage and processing is provided. The method includes capturing individual vehicle information at a plurality of intersections (122) and transmitting the individual vehicle information from the intersections to a central station (124). Consequently, the individual vehicle information is available to be stored and processed by a device at the central station (126). Traffic intersection equipment for capturing individual vehicle data at traffic intersections and transmitting the data to a central station for storage and processing is also disclosed. The equipment includes a traffic detection device (159) for capturing individual vehicle data at an intersection (158) and a network connection to a central station (174).

Abstract: A removable video safety system for a moving vehicle comprising: a display device and a video device, both adapted to be removably mounted on the moving vehicle, and an audio device in proximity to the display device. The video device and audio device are in communication with the display device. Computer instructions and data storage in the display device instruct a processor to receive a video stream from the video device, display the video stream on the display device, prevent operation of the audio device while the display device is not displaying the video stream, and permit operation of the audio device while the display device is displaying the video stream.

Abstract: A method for producing a time sequence of images of motor vehicle surroundings from a virtual elevated central perspective on a display wherein several cameras are used to record time sequences of subimage data records from a plurality of real perspectives differently offset and tilted with respect to the virtual perspective. Then, parameterized transformations are applied for obtaining sequences of transformed subimage data records and overall image data for an overall image from the virtual perspective is assembled. Finally, the sequence of the overall image data is displayed as an overall image. To compensate for positional and/or orientation deviations in the recording cameras a selection unit is proposed to recurrently apply a selection criterion for selecting a subimage data record from the sequence and to take this as a basis for redetermining the parameters of the transformations by an optimization method under a quality criterion for the overall image.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for use with stations for road tolls, comprising a first optical apparatus for recording images of the roadway and a second apparatus for wireless communication with a vehicle apparatus. The height above the roadway and the angle in a lateral and a vertical direction in relation to the roadway are known for the first apparatus, and the second apparatus can determine coordinates for the vehicle apparatuses in at least two directions through its communication with the vehicle apparatuses. The system comprises means for being able to detect one or more number plates from an image taken using the optical apparatus, and means for calculating the positions of the detected number plates in three directions, and means for being able to determine any associations between number plates and vehicle apparatuses by comparison between the said positions of the number plates and the said positions of the vehicle apparatuses.

Abstract: A vehicle detection apparatus detects oncoming vehicles, and the illumination angle of the headlight is changed downwardly when oncoming vehicles are detected. When detecting the oncoming vehicles, the vehicle detection apparatus detects brightness or area for the every light source in an acquired image repeatedly, and detects as a variable light source any light source of which brightness or area changes within a reference time beyond a predetermined variation reference value. Then, when a variable light source is detected, it is determined that vehicles exist in the acquired image.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for managing a parking lot. In one disclosed embodiment, the method includes receiving parking lot data. The embodiment of the disclosed method also includes transforming the parking lot data into parking lot information, the parking lot information including information about a moving parking lot object. Further, the embodiment of the disclosed method includes transmitting a map of the parking lot to a mobile interaction device, and transmitting the parking lot information to the mobile interaction device.

Abstract: A driving support apparatus includes: an image sensing device that photographs side region of a vehicle and rearward region of a vehicle while altering an angle of view; a display unit that displays video images photographed by the image sensing device so as to be visible to a driver of the vehicle; a display determination device that determines a running state of the vehicle, and determines whether or not an alteration of the display angle of view is required; and an angle of view adjustment device that switches the angle of view of the image sensing device, in accordance with a display method decided by the display determination device, between either one of a wide angle that enables the side region and the rearward region to be photographed, and a narrow angle that only allows the rearward region to be photographed.

Abstract: A traffic informational system provides information to traffic moving along a road and may include a plurality of traffic information devices mountable to the road, each having an integral power producing source, at least a first set of illumination sources, and a wireless communications subsystem. The traffic informational system may further include at least a first external control device comprising at least one antenna and a transmitter communication wirelessly with the traffic information devices and/or with one another. The traffic information device may communicate with one another, and may include sensor for sensing ambient conditions. The system employs various approaches to reducing power consumption and improving communications, and is suitable for a wide range of applications, including use in remote environments.

Abstract: Systems and methods for vehicle mounted infrared wavelength information displays for traffic camera viewers are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for the driver of an automotive vehicle to avoid distraction from the task of driving, but yet to preserve and later recover legal evidence of events, objects, or conditions that may be encountered during the driving of the vehicle, by utilizing a perimeter optical viewing system in conjunction with a central digital recording system to (monitor and) record and subsequently retrieve images of those events, objects, or conditions.